History of Licking County, Ohio: Its Past and Present, Part 55

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr.
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 826

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The commercial gateway to the gulf was now open; then followed rest to the army until Septem- ber, when, breaking camp at Black river, it moved to another field yet contested-that of Rosecrans', in Tennessee. The regiment moved by river to Memphis, thence by land through Tennessee and northern Georgia, in time to join Hooker in his

memorable fight above the clouds. Lookout Moun- tain swept at its summit, Mission Ridge was next in the path of the victorious army, and again the flag fluttered in triumph there, gathering a perfect har- vest of prisoners in its wake. The high pitch of an- imus wrought by these victories impelled the men to intrepid daring. At Ringgold, on the twenty- seventh of November, they scaled the rocky face of Taylor's Ridge, in the face of a scathing fire in front and flank, but the Seventy-sixth faltered not until led by Lieutenant Colonel Warner to the crest of the hill. But many brave men had fallen, -the gallant Captain French, Lieutenant Wall, Lieutenant Miller, and Lieutenant Lemert-fell facing the foe; Lieutenant Metzgar and Captain Blackburn were wounded. Seven men were shot down in succession while carrying the flag. Cap- tain Wherle lost sixteen men out of twenty in his company. It has been said that General Grant remonstrated with Hooker for sending men against such odds, and Hooker replied: "Those Ohio boys were too impetuous to hold back." The Seventy-sixth was temporarily in Hooker's com- mand at this time. In January, 1864, the regi- ment went into winter quarters at Paint Rock, Ala- bama, and soon after re-enlisted as veterans, and proceeded to Ohio on veteran furlough. Many hearts fluttered with pride among that great con- course of people who beheld that column of com- panies march down the main street of Newark- three hundred war-bronzed veterans in all of the nine hundred that marched away two short years before. The mass soon lost its cohesive qualities in that circle of friends-dissolved and drifted to the old firesides again, where a long time the acant space had held sway; but there were many absent ones who would never return until the last bugle reveille called them to an eternal abode, where war is known no more. The regiment re- turned to its camp at Paint Rock in March. In May it broke camp again and marched to Chatta- nooga, and entered into General Sherman's Atlanta campaign. On the fourteenth it charged the rebel works at Resaca, and held the position until the evacuation; thence moved with the army, and, at Dallas, on the twenty-eighth, repulsed a desperate charge of the enemy. Here the regiment reserved its fire until the enemy approached within a few

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yards, when it opened a deadly volley of musketry, driving back the rebel columns with fearful loss. In June it moved forward and occupied a posi- tion in the front line at Kenesaw Mountain, where, on the twenty-second, its skirmishers took part in the disastrous charge of that day. When the rebels again evacuated, the regiment moved through Marietta, crossed the Chattahoochie river, and pushed up within four miles of Atlanta. On the twenty-second of July, when Hood swept round the flank and rear of McPherson, the Seventy-sixth occupied a position on the extreme right, with the division commanded by General Charles R. Woods. The rebel columns poured through a gap to the left, in full view, and pushed back the Union troops of a brigade that held the works on the crest of the hill, capturing a four-gun twenty-pound Parrot battery. It was at this critical moment that General Woods was ordered to pass his division to the left and charge the victorious rebel lines, and retake the lost works and guns. The enemy formed on the reverse side of the works, and awaited the attack of General Woods. Without faltering the line of blue swept grandly up the hill slope, under a galling fire, nor stopped until its colors were planted and the enemy hurled back. The battery was retaken and the works secured, when quickly the division turned again to occupy the old position and prevent a flank movement; the rebel line had about as quickly formed, and, pushing parallel with General Woods, delivered a volley when on the move; a return volley sent them reeling back-the old po- sition was secured and the battle was over. Lieu- tenant Steffa, a gallant young officer of the regi- ment, was killed during this movement. Lieuten- ant Arnold, in Captain Miller's company was very severely wounded.

The regiment moved the next morning to the left, and again made a night march to the extreme right, to the west of Atlanta. Here on the twenty- eighth, the enemy attacked the whole line of the Fifteenth corps, and was repulsed with fearful loss. The Seventy-sixth occupied an important position in an angel of the line, and with fixed bayonets withstood the brunt of the attack for four hours. One thousand of the rebel dead were found in front of the Fifteenth corps. Siege oper-

ations were then continued until the twenty-fifth of August, when the regiment took part in the grand flank movement to the south which resulted in the capture of Atlanta. It struck the Montgomery railroad, and twisted its track for miles, then marched across Flint river and faced the enemy at Jonesborough. On the thirty-first the rebels charg- ed the lines and were repulsed,-the Seventy-sixth meeting them in open field. After the evacuation of Jonesborough, the regiment followed the enemy to Lovejoy station, where the campaign ended, and on the eighth of September it went into camp at East point. When Hood moved north and threat- ened Sherman's line of communications, the Seven- ty-sixth moved with the corps through Resaca and Snake Creek gap, and skirmished with the enemy at Ship's gap. Here, on the sixteenth of October, it captured two companies of a South Carolina regiment, and this practically ended its participa- tion in the battles of the West. The Seventy-sixth marched with Serman to the sea, the men enjoying a continuous picnic all the way. When Savannah was taken it performed provost guard duty in the city until the ninth of January, 1865, when it started on the march through the Carolinas. It skirmished at Columbia and performed guard duty in that city four days. It participated in the last battle of the war, at Bentonville. After Johnson's surrender it marched through Richmond to Wash- ington, and took part in the grand review, then moved to Louisville for muster out. The men were discharged at Columbus on the twenty-fourth of July, four hundred and thirty-three in number.

This regiment participated in forty-four battles, moved nine thousand six hundred and twenty-five miles on foot, by rail and water, and passed through eleven rebellious States. Two hundred and forty- one men were wounded in battle, three hundred and fifty-one died on the field and in hospital, two hundred and twenty-two carry scars as evidence of their struggle with the enemy, and two hundred and eighty-two yet carry the seeds of disease con- tracted in the line of duty. It is a sad but noble record, and the survivors may well be proud of the part they have taken in establishing the greatness and permanence of the Union. Of the eight com- panies of the Seventy-sixth regiment that were or- ganized in Licking county, the following is a list of

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the officers, together with their rank and other in- teresting official data.

Colonel Charles R. Woods was born in Newark, and graduated at the West Point academy in July, 1852. He was a captain in the Ninth infantry when sought by the governor of Ohio to raise an Ohio regiment. He was commissioned colonel of the Seventy-sixth regiment October 12, 1861, and promoted to brigadier general August 22, 1863. Brave, careful, and sagacious, he was, as General Sherman once described him, a "magnificent offi- cer. He had the confidence and esteem of his men, none of whom failed to recognize the soldier- ly qualities of which he was possessed.

Lieutenant Colonel William B. Woods was com- missioned lieutenant colonel November 4, 1861. He was born in Newark. A lawyer by profession, he rose to distinction at the bar and in political circles. He had command of the Seventy-sixth regiment during most of its career (Colonel Charles R. Woods having a brigade); and to his faithful work in drill and discipline the regiment owed its efficiency. He was a brave officer, daring and in- trepid to the extreme in battle. Promoted to colonel August 22, 1863, and afterward brigadier general. After the war he was appointed United States district judge, for which, by reason of his high legal attainments, he was well qualified.

Major Willard Warner was born in Granville, appointed major December 28, 1861, promoted to lieutenant colonel September 10, 1863, and afterwards to brigadier general. Major War- per was a man possessed of a finely-cultivated mind, chivalrous and brave in battle. He served with credit on General Sherman's staff during the Atlanta campaign.

Assistant surgeon Thomas B. Hood was com- missioned assistant surgeon November 6, 1861, and served with the regiment until after the battle of Shiloh, when he became detached. Resigned Jan- uary 26, 1863.

Chaplain John W. McCarty was commissioned December 17, 1861, and served until he resigned, October 3, 1862. He performed efficient staff duty with General Woods, on several occasions. He was a man of high scholarly attainments, and would have made a high mark had he been in the military branch of the service.

Captain Thaddeus Lemert, of company A, was commissioned captain November 1, 1861, from Elizabethtown. He was a magnificent officer, a fine drill officer and disciplinarian, and beloved by his men. He was killed at the head of his com- pany in the battle of Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863.

Captain James M. Scott, of Alexandria, was commissioned captain of company B November 12, 1861. He was a fine drill officer, and a man of exemplary character. He resigned September 30, 1862.'

: Captain Levi P. Coman, of Newark, was com- missioned captain of company C December 4, 1861. A lawyer by profession, and of delicate health, he entered the service with spirit, but resigned Janu- uary 21, 1863, on account of poor health.

Captain Charles H. Kibler, of Newark, was commissioned captain of company D December 16, 1861. He was also a lawyer by profession, and of delicate frame. He had an indomitable will, which carried him through the war with great credit. He made a valuable staff officer, and per- formed efficient service in that capacity with General Woods as assistant adjutant-general. He was brevetted lieutenant colonel by the President at the close of the war for gallant and meritorious ser- vices.

Captain Joseph C. Wehrle, of Newark, a Ger- man by birth, was commissioned captain of com- pany E December 16, 1861. He was one of the best officers in the regiment. At Ringgold he stood the brunt of that disastrous conflict, and lost nearly all of his men. He was brevetted lieuten- ant-colonel at the close of the war for gallant and meritorious services. He was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service.

Captain James Stewart, of Jacksontown, was commissioned captain of company G January 7, 1862. He was one of the most reliable officers in the army. Kind to his men, he ever providing for their wants. He was mustered out, at the expira- tion of his term of service, December 23, 1864, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel by the president for gallant and meritorious service.

Captain Charles D. Miller, of Newark, was born in Mt. Vernon; enlisted as a private in com- pany C October 18, 1861; was promoted to first

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sergeant and sergeant major, and again to adjutant and first lieutenant May 30, 1862. When the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, he was commis- sioned as captain of company C March 10, 1864. He performed staff duty as inspector during the Atlanta campaign. He was of spare frame, but of strong will and nerve which carried him through all the exposures of the service. He was dis- charged at the expiration of his term of service, and brevetted a major by the President at the close of the war, for gallant and meritorious service. A more complete record of this officer can be found in the biographical sketches on another page.

Captain Beverly W. Lemert was from Elizabeth- town; commissioned first lieutenant of company A November 1, 1861; promoted to captain October 1, 1862, and mustered out at the expiration of his term of service.

Captain Ira B. French was from Alexandria; commissioned first lieutenant of company B Novem- ber 12, 1861, and promoted captain September 30, 1862. He was a splendid officer, and tell at Ring- gold, leading his men, November 27, 1863.

Lieutenant John S. Anderson, of Fredonia, was commissioned first lieutenant company C Decem- ber 4, 1861. He was a brave officer and a good drill-master; was wounded at Arkansas Post Janu- ary 11, 1863, and died from its effects on the twenty-fourth of the same month.

Lieutenant I. Newton Hempsted, of Newark, was commissioned first lieutenant of company D December 16, 1861, and resigned March 27, 1862.

Lieutenant Michael P. Maher, of Newark, was commissioned first lieutenant of company E Dec- ember 16, 1861, and discharged August 7, 1862.

Lieutenant Jehile T. Wintrode, of Hebron, was commissioned first lieutenant of company G Janu- ary 7, 1862, and promoted to captain March 10, 1864. He was appointed major July 13, 1865, but declined the commission. A gallant officer, and beloved by his men, he served until the regiment was mustered out.

Lieutenant John A. Dill, of Homer, was com- missioned first lieutenant of company H. He was taken prisoner at Shiloh in April, 1862, and died in Corinth, Mississippi.

Lieutenant Henry D. Wright, of Granville, was commissioned first lieutenant October 14, 1861,

and appointed quartermaster of the regiment He performed effective service during the organiza- tion of the regiment, and was one of the best quartermasters in the service. He resigned Feb- ruary 22, 1864.

Lieutenant S. S. Wells, of Newark, served as ser- geant major during the organization of the regiment, and was commissioned first lieutenant and adju- tant January 21, 1862. He resigned May 30, 1862.

Lieutenant John R. Miller, of Hartford, was com- missioned second lieutenant, company B October 10, 1861, and promoted to first lieutenant March 22, 1862. He was a brave and good officer. Was killed in the battle of Ringgold, Georgia, Novem- ber 27, 1863.

Lieutenant Simeon B. Wall came from Eliza- bethtown, and was commissioned second lieuten- ant of company A November 1, 1861. Promoted to first lieutenant May 31, 1862. A faithful officer. He also gave up his life at Ringgold for his coun- try's cause.

Lieutenant John W. Gray, of Newark, was com- missioned second lieutenant of company C De- cember 4, 1861, and was discharged October 14, 1862.

Major Reason C. Strong, of Newark, was com- missioned second lieutenant of company D De- cember 16, 1861. Promoted to first lieutenant September 30, 1862, and captain March 10, 1864, and to major June 16, 1865. He also received a commission, and served, as lieutenant colonel, July 13, 1865. Major Strong was a splendid officer, and served coutinuously with the regiment from its organization until its final muster out.

Lieutenant Charles Luther, of Newark, was com- missioned second lieutenant of company E De- cember 18, 1861, and promoted to first lieutenant August 7, 1862. A German by nativity. He was a brave officer. On May 24, 1863, he was shot dead in front of Vicksburgh.

Captain Richard W. Burt, of Newark, was com- missioned second lieutenant of company G Janu- ary 7, 1862. Was promoted to first lieutenant January 11, 1863, and to captain March 11, 1864 An editor before the war, he acted as regimental correspondent during the service., He was a brave and good officer; was wounded at Resaca May 14 1864. Mustered out with the regiment.

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Lieutenant Lucien H. Wright, of Homer, was commissioned second lieutenant October 9, 1861, and resigned February 26, 1862.

Lieutenant Calvin G. Wells was commissioned second lieutenant February 26, 1862, and died of disease May 28, 1862, near Corinth.

Lieutenant Mark Sperry was commissioned sec- ond lieutenant of company K February 7, 1862, and resigned February 26, 1863.

Lieutenant Milton S. Moore, was sergeant major, and commissioned second lieutenant March 27, 1862. He resigned October 31, 1862.

Captain Frederick H. Wilson, of Newark, was commissioned second lieutenant August 14, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant March 10, 1864, and to captain of company K April 13, 1864. Trans- ferred by presidential appointment to assistant ad- jutant general's department as captain February, 1865, and promoted to major in same department in July of same year. Commanded company K during the Atlanta campaign, but was detached during the greater part of his service, serv- ing most of the time with General Charles R. Woods. Was mustered out in April, 1866. Major Wilson made a splendid record in the service. He was brevetted lieutenant colonel at the close of the war for gallant and meritorious services. After he was mustered out of the volunteer service he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the regular army, but returned the commission to the war de- partment.

Lieutenant John A. Lemert, of Elizabethtown, was first sergeant of company A, and afterward promoted to second lieutenant and first lieutenant. He was a splendid officer, of exemplary character, and beloved by his comrades. He laid down his life at Ringgold, Georgia, November 27, 1863.

Lieutenant William H. Darlington, of Newark, was first sergeant of company D. Promoted to second lieutenant October 14, 1862, and to first lieutenant March 10, 1864. He was discharged December 29, 1864.

Captain John J. Metzgar, of Granville, entered the service as quartermaster sergeant, for which position he was well qualified. He was promoted to second lieutenant September 30, 1862; to first lieutenant March 10, 1864, and to captain, Janu- ary 18, 1865. He served as regimental quarter-

master, and was one of the most thorough officers in that department. Captain Metzgar was severely wounded at Ringgold, while in command of com- pany C. He served with the regiment until it was mustered out.

Lieutenant A. A. Battee was first sergeant of company B. Promoted to second lieutenant Sep- tember 30, 1862, and died of disease July 30, 1863.

Captain George W. Jeremy, was first sergeant of company E. Promoted to second lieutenant Octo- ber 1, 1862, and first lieutenant March to, 1864, and to captain January 18, 1865. Captain Jeremy was a fine officer, and a man of excellent character. He served with the regiment until its muster out.

Captain Jacob A. Jury, was first sergeant of com- pany G. Promoted to second lieutenant January 11, 1863, first lieutenant March 10, 1864, and to cap- tain January 18, 1865. He served as regimental adjutant, and also on staff duty with General Will- iam B. Woods. Captain Jury was a splendid officer and a courteous gentleman. Mustered out with the regiment.

Captain John Hiser, of Newark, was sergeant in company E. Promoted to second lieutenant January 1, 1863, and first lieutenant March 10, 1864, and to captain February 10, 1865. Captain Hiser was a German. A brave and faithful officer. Mustered out with the regiment.

Captain Cary M .. Marriott was a sergeant in company D. Promoted to second lieutenant No- vember 24, 1863, first lieutenant March 10, 1864- and to captain June 16, 1865. He served on General Wood's staff, and was a braye and stylish officer. Was mustered out with the regiment.

Captain Frank J. Brackett, of Fredonia, was ser- geant in company B. Promoted to second lieu- tenant, November 24, 1863, first lieutenant March 10, 1864, and to captain, June 15, 1865. He was a good officer, and served with the regiment throughout.

Lieutenant Miles Arnold, of Fredonia, was a ser- geant in company C. Promoted to second lieutenant November 24, 1863, and first lieutenant March 10, 1864. Lieutenant Arnold was a daring officer, of an iron will. He was badly wounded in a charge at Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and was discharged in consequence, November 4, 1864.

Captain Zebulon P. Evans, of Elizabethtown,

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. was a sergeant in company A. Promoted to second lieutenant November 24, 1863, and first lieutenant, March 10, 1864, and to captain, Janu- ary 18, 1865. He was one of the best officers in the regiment, and had the love and confidence of his men. Mustered out with the regiment. He died at his home in Perry township since the war.

Lieutenant Edward Freeman, of Homer, was a sergeant in company H. Promoted to first licu- enant, January 18, 1865, and mustered out with the regiment. He was a true and faithful officer.

Lieutenant Lewis Follett, was a sergeant in com- pany B. Promoted to first lieutenant January 18, 1865, and served and mustered out as adjutant. Lieutenant Follett was a splendid officer, and was eminently qualified to fill a higher grade, had op- portunity offered.

Lieutenant William B. Gale, was a sergeant in company A. Promoted to first lieutenant, January 18, 1865. He was a good officer. Mustered out with the regiment.

Lieutenant Samuel Hupp, was a sergeant in com- pany D. Promoted to first lieutenant, January 18, 1865. As soldier and officer he served with credit. Mustered out with the regiment.

Lieutenant Virgil. W. Graves was a sergeant in company B. Promoted to first lieutenant Febru- ary 10, 1865, and mustered out with the regiment. He was a true and faithful soldier.

Lieutenant Jabez L. Rhodeback was a sergeant at the organization, and promoted to first lieuten- ant June 16, 1865. Mustered out with the regi- ment. He was a valuable man and officer in the service.

Sergeant William Montgomery, color-bearer, de- serves special mention. He carried the flag in the thickest of the fight, at the peril of his life, and with the loss of an arm. He was awarded a medal for his gallantry.

Within the limits of a work of this kind it is im- possible to mention the many brave deeds of the men in the ranks. An impartial history of this regiment would make volumes. The greatest heroes of this war were the patient, nameless men of the ranks. Every American veteran volunteer was a general, in experience, it not in name, and, without lead- ers, their intelligence and bravery sustained them through the most trying ordeals.

MUSTER IN ROLL OF COMPANY A, SEVENTY-SIXTE REGIMENT, OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Captain Thaddeus Lemert, October 5, 1861. First Lieutenant Beverly W. Lemert, October 5, 1861. Second Lieutenant Simeon B. Wall, October 5, 1861. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

First Sergeant John A. Lemert, October 5, 1861. Sergeant Zebulon P. Evans, October 5, 1861. Sergeant Samuel R. Palmer, October, 9, 1861. Sergeant Leonidas M. Bennett, October 12, 1861. Sergeant Charles H. Green, October 5, 1861. Corporal Noah Legg, October 5, 1861. Corporal William H. Gale, October 5, 1861. Corporal Jonathan C. Painter, October 9, 1861. Corporal Orren D. Lemert, October 21, 1861. Corporal James W. Howell, October 16, 1861. Corporal James W. Tilton, October 5, 1861. Corporal Walters S. Phillips, October 5, 1869. Corporal Jay Adams, October 5, 1861. Fifer Jay Brown, October 7, 1861.

Drummer Charles C. Lemert, October 12, 1861. Wagoner James Thompson, October 21, 1861.

PRIVATES.

Howard Adams, October 5, 1861. Henry Austin, October 12, 1861. Elijah Beckham, October 5, 1861. John F. Brown, October 5, 1861. George W. Bayles, October 5, 1861. William D. Baker, October 5, 1861. George Baker, December 10, 1861. Jacob Brooks, October 18, 1861. Enoch I. Chapin, October 5, 1861. William Cochran, October 12, 1861.

William Chicken, October, 10, 1861. Joseph B .. Chippy, October 14, 1861. James R. Cotter, October 24, 1861. William F. Craft, October 13, 1861. Isaac Cline, November 18, 1861. Ammi I. Cunningham, December 15, 1801. James Dunn, October 5, 1861. Thomas Dunn, October 5, 1861. John W. Divan, October 5, 1861.

Silas A. Drake, October 5, 1861. Richard Dove, October 21, 1861. George Eusley, October 5, 1861. Isaac K. Frampton, October 5, 1861.

John Eusley, October 5, 1861. Levi G. Flenner, October, 24, 1861.

Wesley Frost, October 9, 1861. David Francis, October 14, 1861. Benjamin Fleming, October 5, 1861.

John W. Gardner, October 5, 1861. Benjamin L. Green, October 5, 1861. Sylvester A. Green, October 24, 1861. Thomas Gourley, October 9, 1861. Samuel F. Gilbreath, October 17, 1861.

James R. Hanis, October 12, 1861. William Howell, October 12, 1861. Joel D. Handley, October 12, 1861.

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Edward Johns, October 9, 1861. Elias Johns, October 9, 1861. Martin V. Jones, October 14, 1861. Wilson Joseph, October 11, 1861. George L. Lemert, October 5, 1861. Charles Low, October 12, 1861. David Lloyd, November 9, 1861. John Legg, October 5, 1861. William Little, October 5, 1861. William Murray. October 5, 1861. Asbury Moran, October 5, 1861. William Moran, October 5, 1861. Joshua Moran, October 5, 1861. John T. Moore, October 5, 1861. Samuel H. Moore, October 14, 1861. John W. Mcknight, November 13, 1861. Isaiah Mcknight, October 12, 1861. Robert McFarling, October 5, 1861. John McCoy, October 12, 1861. Henry Mills, October 14, 1861. Alexander Priest, October 20, 1861. Amos Porter, October 8, 1861. Joseph Priest, October 21, 1861. William Rakestraw, October 9, 1861. William H. Redman, October 5, 1861. Sylvester Redman, October 5, 1861. Simon Rodgers, October 7, 1861. Frank Streeper, October 7, 1861. Meredith Simpson, October 12, 1861. Samuel W. Summerville, October 11, 1861. Levi Summerville, October 10, 1861. Sylvester Spencer, October 10, 1861. Henry T. Smith, October 24, 1861. John F. Tilton, November 18, 1861. Joseph Willey, October 5, 1861. Thomas A. Watson, October 7, 1861. Marcus A. Willson, October 12, 1861. John R. Willson, October 17, 1861. William Willson, December 15, 1861.

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History of Licking County, Ohio: Its Past and Present, Part 55

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr. Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages: 826

Author: N. N. Hill, Jr.
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 826