USA > Ohio > A history of the Eleventh regiment, (Ohio volunteer infantry,) containing the military record of each officer and enlisted man of the command -a list of deaths-an account of the veterans-incidents of the field and camp-names of the three months' volunteers, etc., etc > Part 8
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Augustus H. Coleman was born in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, October 29, 1829. He was the son of Dr. Asa Coleman. an early settler and promi- nent citizen of the county. Young Coleman received his elementary education in the schools of Troy, principally under the tutorship of George D. Burgess, Esq., and Professors E. P. Cole and R. R. McMurdy. He was remarkably quiet and orderly in his deportment; accomplished thoroughly whatever he undertook, and was never tardy or out of order, nor iniperfect in his recitations.
In June, 1847, he entered the Military Academy at West Point as a cadet, where he pursued his studies four years. At the close of his course, the country being in a state of profound peace, he returned to his native county and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Upon the breaking out ci the rebellion he enlisted as a private soldier, and recruited a company ; Co. D Eleventh) of over one hundred men within forty-eight hours, with wbom he proceeded to Columbus on Monday, April 26, 1861. He was unanimously chosen Captain of the company, and upon the organization of the Eleventh Regiment was elected Major of the same.
Our remarks in reference to the reorganization of the Regiment in the case of Col. Frizell, apply with equal force to Major Coleman-he was one of the men not correctly appreciated until the time came when men were wanted. He was re-elected Major, and promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel January 9, 1962, vice Frizell, resigned. Col. Coleman assumed command upon the arrest of de Villiers, and to him is mainly due the fine discipline and great proficiency in drill that showed so favorably for our Regimen: when brought in contrast with other like organizations. Always cool. self-possessed, and thoroughly understanding every minute of battallion
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THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
movements, he was a most efficient drill-master. We have frequently heard the remark made that he could maneuver a regiment in less space thar! most officers required for company drill. Although his military education was acquired at West Point, he had none of that prejudice against volun- teers so prevalent among graduates of that institution, but considered our " citizen soldiers " the best in the world. He was sometimes thought rigid in discipline. but all his measures finally proved for the benefit of the men, and were duly appreciated. When on duty he was strict and firm, but always just ; at the proper times no one participated with a more hearty zest than he in the amusements and recreations of the men.
He was always very vigilant, and when danger was near, sleepless and untiring in his efforts to guard against surprise. During the time that an attack was expected at Raleigh, after the defeat of our troops at Princeton,. he slept put little at night. Having made such preparation as circumstances permitted to resist attack or sustain a siege, he spent the nights in visiting the guards, remaining nearest the most exposed point.
Being detained in Washington on business for the Regiment, he knew nothing about the movement of the Brigade to Bull Run on the 27th of August. 1862, until his return to camp. With all possible haste he joined the Regiment, finding the men in considerable confusion. His arrival was. hailed with a hearty cheer from the men, who were more rejoiced at his presenee than they would have been if reinforced by a thousand strangers. At South Mountain he displayed the bravery and ability of a successful commander, and his prospects for advancement to a high position brightened every day. But his career was destined to an early close.
In front of his men, gallantly leading them against the enemies of his- country, in the first charge on the bridge across Antietam Creek, he fell pierced by a ball from a traitor's gun. He was shot through the arm and side, the ball lodging in his body. Although in great pain, he was in possession of his mental faculties during the few hours he lived, his last words expressing solicitude for his men.
The associations of the writer with Col. Coleman were very intimate, and always pleasant. Occupying for some time the same quarters, and in all matters unofficial sharing equally, we learned to entertain for him a most brotherly affection.
Ogden Street, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel from Captain of Company C, to date from September 17, 1862. At the officers' meeting before referred to, Capt. Street was recommended for the promotion which he subsequently received. He commanded the Regiment on several important expeditions, and after the resignation of Col. Lane he retained the command until mus- tered out of service. (See Company C).
Lyman J. Jackson, promoted by the Governor of Ohio from a Captain in the Thirty-first Ohio to Major of the Eleventh, January 9, 1862. Resigned and relieved from duty November 4, 1862.
Asa Higgins, appointed Major from Captain of Company G, October 1, 1862. Major Higgins served in all the important operations of the Regi- ment, and was one of the most popular officers in the command. Jovial and good-natured, yet justly strict when necessary, he possessed the confi- dence, good-will and esteem of the men in no ordinary degree. He was mustered out with the Regiment. (See Company G.)
J. F. Gabriel was commissioned Surgeon of the Eleventh Regiment -, 1861; reappointed and commissioned to the same position July 7, 1861. Dr. Gabriel proceeded with the Regiment as far as Pocotaligo, and from there was sent to take charge of the Post Hospital at Gallipolis, and was
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FIELD AND STAFF,
retained in that position until the Regiment went into winter quarters at Point Pleasant. From this time until the following September he remained with the Regiment, and was untiring in his labors in behalf of the sick and wounded. The wounded men from the Princeton fight were placed under bis care, and it is not too much to say that in less skillful hands a majority of the men would have died, as many of them were terribly wounded, they had been left on the field for some time, and then carried a long distance in rough army wagons. The Doctor was equally successful at other trying times, and had a most enviable reputation as a Surgeon. Failing health finally. compelled him to resign, and he was relieved from duty September 21, 1862.
J. MeCurdy was promoted from Assistant Surgeon of the Twenty-third Ohio Regiment to' Surgeon of the Eleventh. October 15. 1862. Appointed Medical Director in June, 1864, and was performing the duties of that position when the regiment was mustered out.
Henry Z. Gill was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the Eleventh Regiment May 2, 1861, and was on duty at Columbus, Ohio, until about the 12th of May, when he joined the Regiment at Camp Dennison. After Dr. Gabriel was sent to Gallipolis, Dr. Gill acted as Surgeon of the Regiment throughout the first campaign. While at Tyler Shoals on our way to Gauley some one stole the Doctor's haversack, which contained his pistol and case of instruments. In a day or two his services were needed in the case of a man who had been stabbed by a comrade; his instruments were gone, but he took out a pocket needle-case that he had carried for years, sewed up the wound and the man recovered. The Doctor's first important operation in the army was the amputation of the arm (only one inch and a half from the shoulder point) of Patrick Calahan, of Company C, who had been wounded by the accidental discharge of a musket. Calaban recovered rapidly, and remained with the Begiment until the next Spring. Many other impor- tant operations were performed by Dr. Gill with eminent success. He resigned and was relieved from duty July 29, 1862. On the 18th of Angust following he was commissioned Surgeon of tl e Ninety-fifth Ohio Regiment, and in that capacity went through "Sherman's march to the sea." Was mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, Ky .. August 5th, 1865, with the rank of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, Surgeon United States Volunteers. (See "Incident" department of this work for other matters connected with Dr. Gill's service).
S. Hudson was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, and assigned to the Eleventh Regiment July 9, 1862. Resigned and relieved from duty Sep- tember 26, 1862.
A. C. MeNutt was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the Eleventh Regiment July 11, 1862. Resigned February 8, 1863.
N. H. Sidwell was commissioned December 1, 1862, as Assistant Surgeon, and assigned to the Eleventh Regiment. Was mustered out with the Regiment.
George W. DuBois, upon the recommendation of General Cox, was elected Chapiain by the officers of the Eleventh Regiment, July 10. 1861, and being commissioned by Governor Dennison he soon reported for duty. His eminent piety, gentlemanly deportment, and the deep interest he man- ifested in the temporal and spiritual welfare of the men, secured for him the respect and esteem of all. He planted " seed," which, nourished and fostered by his worthy successor-Chaplain Lyle- brought forth "fruit" abundantly. Physically unfit for service, he was compelled to resign, and was relieved from duty January 31, 1862.
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THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
W. W. Lyle was elected by the officers and commissioned Chaplain of the Eleventh Regiment, to date from January 31, 1862. Mr. Lyle joined the Regiment at Point Pleasant, and entered upon the discharge of his duties with that energy that characterized all his future efforts in behalf of the men. He held the idea that the Chaplain's position was not strictly an ornamental one, but that if faithful to his trust much labor was required at his hands. He attached himself to, and operated with, the medical depart- ment, and many a poor sufferer in the hospital and on the battle-field has cause to entertain feelings of lasting gratitude for Chaplain Lyle. Such was the esteem with which he was regarded that whenever the "church call" was sounded in our Regiment, men. could be seen coming from all the adjacent camps to hear him. Was mustered out with the Regiment.
J. H. Horton, Adjutant. Promoted from Second Lieutenant of Company F, July 19, 1851, at Pocotaligo, W. Va. Served with the Regiment until June 12, 1862, when he resigned. Soon after accepted the proffered Adjutancy of the Ninety fourth Regiment; was captured by Morgan's men in their raid around Buell's army after the battle of Perryville, and was honorably discharged February 15, 1863, by reason of disease contracted in the army.
John E. Alexander, appointed Adjutant from First Lieutenant of Com- pany B, June 12, 1862, at Raleigh, W. Va. Was severely wounded August 27, 1862, at Bull Run, Va., from the effect of which he died October 20, 1862. He was a young man before whom the most flattering prospects were opening. Educated and accomplished, brave, honorable and upright, but modest and unassuming, he was universally respected. He fell in the morning of life, when all in the future seemed bright and fair. (See Company B).
Robert C. Morris, promoted to Adjutant from Second Lieutenant June 16, 1864. Promoted to Captain September 9, 1863. Was mustered out with Regiment. (See Company II).
Milton H. Wilson, promoted to Adjutant fron Sergeant Major September 9, 1863. Was mustered out with Regiment. (See Company B).
John D. Shannon, appointed Quarter-master soon after the Regiment arrived at Canıp Dennison, from First Lieutenant of Company B. Re-ap- pointed to the same position July 7, 1861. Relieved and re-assigned to Company B at his own request, August 6, 1861. Resigned August 26, 1861. (See Company B).
John W. McAbee was commissioned First Lieutenant by the Governor of Ohio November 19, 1861, detailed as Quarter-master and assigned to the Eleventh Regiment. Joined the command at Point Pleasant and entered on duty December 18, 1861, relieving Lieutenant E. H. Price, who had been acting as R. Q. M. rice Shannon relieved. Combined with affable manners and an accommodating disposition, Lieutenant McAbee possessed good business qualifications, and discharged the difficult duties of his posi- tion conscientiously and satisfactorially to all concerned. Was appointed draughtsman in the Engineer Corps at Chattanooga, and attached to Gen. Turchin's Staff. Mustered out with the Regiment.
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Non-Commissioned Staff.
Thomas M. Mitchell was appointed Sergeant-Major, from private in Company F, July 20, 1861. Received a furlough in December, 1861, and while at his home was taken sick, and being unable to return to duty upon the expiration of his leave, was unjustly displaced by order of Colonel de Villiers. A favorable opportunity being presented while the Regiment was at Raleigh, Adjutant Horton requested that Mitchell be reinstated to the position of Sergeant-Major, which was accordingly done May 23, 1862. He was always prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, gentle- manly in deportment, and was esteemed and respected by his comrades. He died at Summerville, W. V., from wounds received by the accidental discharge of a rifle, January 9, 1863.
M. H. Wilson appointed Sergeant-Major January 11, 1863. Promoted to Adjutant September 9, 1863.
D. C. Stubbs appointed Sergeant-Major from Sergeant in Company I vice Wilson promoted. (See Company I).
O. Crissinger, appointed Quarter-master Sergeant January 11, 1863. Had acted as clerk in R. Q. M. department for some time. Mustered out with Regiment. (See Company C).
John Hardin, appointed Hospital Steward September 1, 1862. Mustered out with Regiment. (See Company K).
Henry M. Hart, appointed Drum-Major July 20, 1861. Relieved and appointed Bugler September 30, 1862. Discharged on account of physical disability, January 25, 1864.
Charles H. Carothers, appointed Drum-Major September 30, 1862. Was acting as Bugler at the time of Col. Coleman's Death, and bore that officer from the field, remaining with him until he died. (See Company K.)
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COMPANY "A."
Two military organizations were in existence in the City of Dayton at the breaking out of the rebellion, viz: "The Washington Gun Squad," and "The Dayton Light Guard." Although organized on a "peace footing,' and more for the purpose of recreation and amusement than anything else (as were hundreds of other similar companies throughout the North), when the President's "call to arms" appeared, the members of the Guard and the Gun Squad immediately began preparations for the new duties devolving upon our citizen soldiery.
The "Light Guard" was rapidly filled to the maximum with new recruits, and being assigned to the First Ohio Regiment, took part in the first Bull Run battle.
From a "Squad" the " Washington's" were soon a full company, and was the first artillery company offered to the State. Being unable to prop- erly fit out artillery organizations at that time, Governor Dennison was obliged to revoke the order issued accepting this company. A position on the "flank" of one of the first regiments sent to the field was offered and accepted, and on the 18th of April the company arrived at Columbus, being the third reported at Camp Jackson. Assigned to the Eleventh Regiment (which, for reasons stated in the beginning of this work, was for a time kept in the back ground), "Company A" retained its position on the right until July 21, 1863, when, owing to the many changes occurring among the offi- cers of the Regiment, the position of the companies was changed to corres- pond with the relative rank of their commanding officers.
Calvin J. Childs, commissioned Captain, for the three month's service, to date from April 15th, 1861. Re-appointed to the same position, - - , 1861. Resigned at Winfield, Va., May 4th, 1862.
George W. Hatfield. elected First Lieutenant at the original organization of the Company in Dayton. Upon the re-organization was re-elected to the same position. Appointed Provost Marshal of the Post at Point Pleasant, in December, 1861, and was one of the officers sent to Ohio on recruiting service, January 4th, 1862, remaining till June, 1862. Rejoined the Regi- ment at Raleigh, Va., and on the 9th of January, 1862, having been com- missioned Captain, was assigned to the command of Company H, but in a short time was transferred to A, which he commanded till he resigned, June 7th, 1863, at Carthage, Tenn.
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COMPANY RECORDS.
Thomas L. Stewart, elected Second Lieutenant at the organization of the company, and was mustered out upon expiration of three month's service. Subsequently re-entered the service. (See Company I.)
John W. LaRue enlisted April 18, 1861 ; promoted to First Sergeant same day, and on the 20th of June elected and commissioned Second Lieu- tenant. Continued ill-health compelled him to leave the service, his resigna- tion taking effect September 2, 1861, at Gauley Bridge, Va.
Wm. K. Young, enlisted April 18, 1861; promoted to First Sergeant June 20, 1861; Second Lieutenant June 19, 1862; First Lieutenant October 1, 1862, and assigned to Cutupany D. Resigned and relieved from duty May 22, 1863.
John C. Kiefaber, enlisted April 18, 1861; promoted to Sergeant June 20, 1861; Second Lieutenant October 1. 1862; First Lieutenant June 7, 1863, and assigned to Company D. Was detailed acting Regimental Quarter-master March 11, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment.
At the battle of Chickamauga, he commanded the thirty-five skirinishers from Company D, out of which number eighteen were killed and wounded.
David K. Curtis enlisted April 18, 1861, promoted to Sergeant June 20, 1861; Second Lieutenant September 1, 1861: First Lieutenant and assigned to Company H, May 11, 1862. Promoted to Captain September 9, 1863, and was killed at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863.
Captain Curtis was a brave, worthy, efficient and favorite officer, and his death was deeply felt by all. A few days before the battle, in conversation with a friend, he seemed to entertain the belief that his career was near its close, and expressed a desire that if such was to be his fate, it would not be deferred until near the expiration of his term, as the bereavement of his friends at home would then naturally be more severe. His body was sent to Dayton, and now rests in the beautiful cemetery near that city.
John C. Reed enlisted April 18, 1861 ; promoted to Sergeant June 20, 1861; reduced to the ranks December 26, 1862; promoted to First Sergeant March 1, 1864, and was mustered out with the regiment.
James R. Hogue enlisted April 18, 1861; promoted to Sergeant June 20, 1861; reduced to the ranks August 31, 1862; restored to Sergeant Decem- ber 26, 1862, and was mustered out with the regiment.
Joseph P. Staley enlisted April 18, 1861; promoted to Corporal June 20, 1861; Sergeant September 10, 1861; Second Lieutenant and transferred to Company H, January 9, 1862. Resigned June 27, 1862, by reason of phys- ical disability. Subsequently re-entered the service as Captain. (See Company I.)
Charles R. Allen enlisted April 18, 1861, and was killed in action at Rich Creek, Va., August 25, 1861. He was buried near Hawk's Nest, and his name and date of death cut on the head-board of his grave. The inscription was afterwards partially erased by a rebel Lieutenant, whose cowardly heart was no doubt appalled at the sight of even the name of a brave Union soldier. Charley was a great favorite with the members of the regiment,. and his death was universally lamented.
Andrew Brown, an original member of the company; served as a private, and was mustered out with the regiment.
. Leopold Billet, an original member of the company; served as a private, and was mustered out with the regiment.
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THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
John Black, an original member of the company; served as a private, and is supposed to have been killed at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. He was missed after the action, and has not been heard of since.
.George W. Buvinger, original member; left the company at Louisville, Ky., January 30, 1863.
Louis Brossy, enlisted May 26, 1861; taken prisoner at Sewell Mountain. September 25, 1861. Was released, reported at Washington, and was dis- charged.
Joseph Benson enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment.
John H. Brusman enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private; was wounded at Resacca, Ga., May 14, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment.
David Black enlisted June 12, 1861; served as a private, and was mus- tered cut with the regiment.
Oliver P. Baggott enlisted June 20, 1861; served as a private, and was mustered out with the regiment.
Samuel Benham enlisted May 26, 1861 ; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment.
Jefferson Black enlisted June 12, 1861; promoted to Corporal February 4, 1863; was wounded at Chickamauga in the second day's fight. Mustered out with the regiment.
Henry Baudendistle enlisted January 27, 1862; served as a private, and was killed at Murfreesboro, June 20, 1863, by the accidental explosion of a shell.
Jefferson Brown enlisted August 13, 1862; left the company at Louisville, Ky., January 30, 1863.
John W. Crouse, an original member, served as a musician; taken pris- oner at Chicamauga, and was retained by the rebels until after his term of enlistment expired. Was exchanged and honorably discharged the service.
Henry Carmady, an original member; left the company at Louisville, Ky., January 30, 1863.
Daniel Carson, an original member; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment. (See page 85.)
James L. Cummins, an original member; promoted to Corporal June 20, 1861; Sergeant. October 21, 1862, and at his own request was reduced to the ranks February 28, 1803. Mustered out with the regiment.
George A. Caswell, an original member; promoted to Corporal February 4, 1863, and reduced to the ranks May 11, 1863. Was tried by a General Court Martial and sentenced to forfeit three months' pay proper, for taking a hat (his own having been lost) from a deserted house through which he had to pass during an engagement! [How tenderly some of our officers did guard the interests of men who left their homes to enter the rebel army !]
William F. Carnes enlisted May 26, 1861, and died of wounds received at Rocky Face Ridge ( Buzzard Roost), February 29, 1864.
Robert Clark enlisted January 27, 1862; served as a private, and was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 7, 1864.
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COMPANY RECORDS.
John Davy enlisted June 12, 1861; served as a private, and was mustered out with the regiment.
Joseph Dunkle enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was dis- charged August 27, 1862, by reason of physical disability.
Louis H. Ebey, an original member; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment.
George W. Engle, an original member; served as a private, and was dis- charged November 18, 1862, by reason of physical disability.
Joseph Fleming, an original member: served as a private; left the com- pany at Louisville, Ky., January 30, 1863.
Robert Frank (date of enlistment not on roll) veteranized and was left at Camp Dennison, June 21, 1864. Was wounded at Rocky Face.
Charles W. Green, an original member; promoted to Corporal May 11. 1803. After Lieutenant Longley and Sergeants Ogier and Weller were wounded at Mission Ridge, the command of the company fell on Corporal Green, and he led the men in gallant style. Mustered out with the regi- ment.
John Gatts enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was taken prisoner at Cotton Hill, Va., November 10, 1861. Released, reported at Washington and was discharged.
John W. Gross enlisted May 26, 1861, and was discharged July 25, 1802, by reason of physical disability.
Alexander Gammack, an original member; left the company at Louis ville, Ky., January 30, 1863.
William T. Harris, an original member; promoted to Corporal May 11, 1863. Mustered out with the regiment.
Allen Hays, an original member; served as a private, and was mustered out with the regiment.
David Hummel, an original member; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment.
Henry S. Hendrickson, an original member; promoted to Corporal, Sep- tember 10, 1861; Sergeant, October 30, 1862; reduced to the ranks Decem- ber 23, 1862. Mustered out with the regiment.
John H. Helmer enlisted May 26, 1861 ; served as a private; wounded at Chickamauga in second day's fight. Mustered out with the regiment.
Henry Haines enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was mus- tered out with the regiment.
George W. Huston enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was discharged August 6, 1862, by reason of physicial disability.
Aubrey Hatfield enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and died of typhoid fever, October 9, 1861.
John Hammond enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and was killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. He was only a boy in years, but brave as any man could be. At the battle of South Mountain he was ordered Ly a rebel to surrender, which order he obeyed by taking the rebel by the coat collar and marching him into our lines.
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THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
William H. Hodge enlisted May 26, 1861; served as a private, and died December 10, 1863, of wounds received at Mission Ridge.
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