American Civil War Regiments Regiment: 90th Infantry Regiment Ohio Date of Organization: 29 Aug 1862 Muster Date: 13 Jun 1865 Regiment State: Ohio Regiment Type: Infantry Regiment Number: 90th Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 5 Officers Died of Disease or Accident: 0 Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded: 77 Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident: 170 Regimental Soldiers and History: List of Soldiers

Regimental History
OHIO
NINETIETH INFANTRY
(Three Years)

Ninetieth Infantry. - Cols., Isaac N. Ross, Charles H.
Rippey; Lieut.-Col., Samuel N. Yeoman; Majs., Alvah Perry,
George Angle, Nicholas F. Hitchcock. This regiment was organ-
ized at Camp Circleville, Aug. 20, 1862, to serve for three
years. Its aggregate strength was 38 commissioned officers and
943 men, and on the day of its organization it was on its way
to Covington, Ky., where it reported to Maj.-Gen. Wright two
days later. After various marches in Kentucky it approached to
within 2 miles of Perryville, where the musketry of that battle
was distinctly heard, but from some unaccountable cause the
regiment was not permitted to engage in the conflict. At
Stone's river it was first placed face to face with the enemy
and it fought as coolly as if it had been on a hundred battle-
fields. It lost in the first day's fighting 130 men killed,
wounded and missing. The regiment remained in camp for several
months in the vicinity of Murfreesboro and then was moved for-
ward and participated in the battle of Chickamauga, losing in
that engagement 88 killed, wounded and missing. It spent the
greater portion of the following winter in camp at Ooltewah,
Tenn., and in the spring commenced the movement on the great
Atlanta campaign. For 120 days the regiment marched, fought
and suffered, until it had the satisfaction of entering the
city of Atlanta - "fairly won." It then followed Hood into
Tennessee and participated in all the brilliant fights on the
way, including that of Franklin, a battle which has been pro-
nounced one of the most bloody and desperate of the whole war.
It was also in the battle before Nashville and after victory
had crowned the Federal arms joined in the pursuit of the de-
moralized Confederates to the banks of the Tennessee river.
The original members of the regiment were mustered out on June
13, 1865, and the recruits on Oct. 3, of the same year.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Stone's River after battle report:

Report of Col. Isaac N. Ross, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry.

CAMP NEAR MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN.
January 8, 1863
SIR: I herewith furnish a report of the part taken by the Ninetieth
Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, First Brigade, Second Division, left
wing of the Army of the Cumberland, in the series of movements
beginning with the crossing of Stewart's Creek on Monday, December
29, 1862, and closing with the final repulse of the enemy on Saturday,
January 3, 1863.

Monday forenoon the regiment moved across Stewart's Creek, on the
Murfreesborough pike, deployed to the right of the pike, and formed in
double columns, closed at half distance, in the rear of the Second
Kentucky Regt. and on the left of the First Kentucky Regt. It
then moved parallel with the pike, and met no resistance during the day.

Monday night it bivouacked within 3 miles of Murfreesborough, still to
the right of the pike and nothing worthy of notice occurred during the
night.

Tuesday morning the regiment moved by the right flank into a cedar
forest still farther to the right of the pike, and took position, the
Thirty-first Indiana and Second Kentucky Regiments forming the first
line, while the Ninetieth Ohio, with the First Kentucky, on the right,
formed the second line, about 150 paces in the rear. The regiment
maintained this position during the day, and was frequently under the
fire of shells.

Tuesday night it bivouacked in the same position and in line of battle.

Wednesday morning, about 8 o'clock, the battle opened all along the
right wing with both cannonading and musketry, with indications that
our forces were being pressed back. About 10 o'clock the brigade
moved forward in the order previously named; the Ninetieth Ohio being
ordered to support the Second Kentucky, in case it needed assistance,
and immediately the front line was engaged with the enemy. Firing
continued to increase in rapidity and fierceness until the Second
Kentucky sent back word that they needed support, when the Ninetieth
Ohio was ordered forward on double-quick. It moved to the front, and
was immediately engaged with the enemy, who appeared in great force,
with two batteries planted within 150 yards of our position, which raked
us with grape and canister.

In noticing the movements of the enemy, I observed him massing a
heavy force behind a large house in our front and left, and preparing to
plant a battery in the same position, and I also observed that our support
on the left had given way. After consulting with Lieut.-Col.
Rippey, I determined to report the situation of affairs to
Brig.-Gen. Cruft, commanding the brigade, who was on the
field, and asked support. Receiving no support, I immediately returned
to the regiment and ordered it to fall back, we having maintained our
position until the enemy, in overwhelming masses, were within at least
25 yards of us.

The regiment now fell back in considerable disorder through the cedar
forest, in which it held position in the morning, to the railroad, where
it rallied, and formed on the left of the brigade, supporting a
battery. This position it maintained until dark, when the engagement
closed. It then moved with the brigade to the right, toward the pike, and
bivouacked for the night.

Thursday morning it moved to the left of the railroad and lay in line of
battle all day, during which time it was exposed to the enemy's artillery,
which frequently sent shell and shot into our ranks. The same day the
brigade was moved forward to a small eminence, where it formed the
advance line of battle, and supported the batteries which had taken
position here. The regiment was on the right of the brigade. About 9
o'clock that evening it was moved back into a skirt of woods, where it
bivouacked for the night.

Friday morning, at 7 o'clock, we moved to the same position, and in
the same order of the day previous. Here we threw up a hasty
breastwork, the enemy firing a scattering shell into our ranks until about
11 a.m., when he opened a fierce cannonade, which lasted about an hour.

About 4 o'clock that evening the enemy attacked our position in great
fury, with both musketry and artillery, manifestly endeavoring to turn
our left. The regiment held its position on the right of the brigade,
behind the breastworks, which formed a protection from the enemy's
shot and shell, which fell now in abundance all around us and once
drove our artillery to the rear. Many of the shells struck our works, but
none of the regiment were wounded.

Just before dark the brigade was ordered to fix bayonets and charge
across the plain and clear a wood in our front of the enemy. This charge
was made in gallant style, and for its behavior during this movement the
Ninetieth received the thanks of the division commander. After dark the
regiment returned to the position it had occupied during the day, and
there remained all night. The charge just mentioned was the closing
operation of the day's work.

All day Saturday the regiment was held in the same position until late
at night, when it moved into a skirt of woods just in the rear of its
former position.

It was not again brought into action, but held the position in the wood
all day Sunday, when the information came that the enemy had
evacuated Murfreesborough.

Where there was a general effort to perform their duty, it would be
difficult to designate individual acts of bravery; yet I would say of the
field officers that Lieut. Col. C. H. Rippey was at his post during
the series of engagements, doing his whole duty, and doing it well.
Maj. S. N. Yeoman was also at his post, cheering on the men and
discharging his duty fully.
With one or two exceptions, the line officers performed their duty in a
praiseworthy manner. Some of them exposed themselves to great danger
in their efforts to save our artillery. Under the direction of Lieut.'s
Rains and Crow, a piece of artillery that had been abandoned was
brought off the field in the very face of the enemy, and delivered to
Capt. Standart. Lieut. Welch was wounded early in the
engagement of Wednesday; Lieut. Rains was injured by the
concussion of a ball, but kept the field during that day; Capt. Rowe
and Lieut.'s Baker and Selby were also wounded in the same action,
while Capt. Perry and Lieut. Cook were taken prisoners.

In all the movements of the regiment the general commanding the
brigade was present on the field, and, better than myself, can judge of
its efficiency and the manner of its behavior during the entire series of
engagements.

The following is a list of the killed and wounded in the Ninetieth
Regt. in the recent battles of December 31, 1862, and January 2,
1863.* The regiment went into this engagement with about 300 men,
and came out with 176.

The foregoing report is respectfully submitted.

I. N. ROSS,
Col., Cmdg. Ninetieth Regt. Ohio Volunteers,

Capt. W. H. FAIRBANKS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXXII.] THE STONE'S RIVER CAMPAIGN. PAGE 541-29
[Series I. Vol. 20. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 29.]

Chickamagua after battle report:

Report of Col. Charles H. Rippey, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry.

HDQRS. 90TH REGT., OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
September 28, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the
Ninetieth Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the battles of the 19th and 20th
instant, on the eastern slopes of Missionary Ridge, together with a summary
of its marches, reconnaissances, &c., since crossing the Tennessee River.
The regiment was transported across the river on the night of the 3d instant,
between the hours of 11 and 12, and bivouacked at Shellmound. The
crossing was attended with no accident or mishap whatsoever.

On the 4th, it encamped at Shellmound, awaiting the arrival of the train with
supplies.
On the evening of the 5th, it moved with the brigade to Running Water
Creek, distant 9 miles; thence, on the 6th, to the intersection of the
Murphy's Bottom and Nickajack roads, near which it encamped.

On the 7th, it was ordered on a reconnaissance to Nickajack Gap, for the
purpose of relieving a signal escort had been attacked on the side of the
mountains. No skirmishing occurred.

On the 8th, it marched to Hawkins' Station, on the Trenton Railroad; thence,
on the 9th, to Rossville, 16 miles, leaving Chattanooga on the left.

On the left 10th, it marched to Pea Vine Creek, 7 miles where it encamped
at about 10.30 a. m. A few moments after arms had been stacked an attack
was made by a body of rebel cavalry upon the skirmish line of the brigade
still thrown to the front, and the line driven in. The regiment was formed at
the time on the right of, and at right angles to, the road leading to Ringgold,
the Thirty-first Indiana Volunteers being formed between the left and the
road. I was immediately ordered to move forward in line, which I did,
throwing a company of skirmishers to the front. After advancing about half
a mile in a direction parallel with the road, my skirmishers became engaged
with the skirmishers of the enemy who had retired thus far. As fast as was
thought advisable by the brigade commander, I allowed my skirmish line to
advance upon the enemy, who retired whenever a fire was opened upon
them. In this manner I followed them, until about 3.30 p. m., over a
distance of several miles, when I received an order to fall back to camp and
bivouac. My skirmishers succeeded in killing 1 horse and 1 man, besides
severely wounding one other. No casualties happened among my men.

On the 11th, the regiment moved to Ringgold, distant 8 miles; thence, on the
12th, to Gordon's Mills.

When within 3 1/2 miles of Gordon's Mills, to the east, I was ordered by
Gen. Crittenden to deploy a battalion as skirmishers and clear out a piece of
woods to the left of the road. A small squad of cavalry, which had been
observing our movements, retired as my skirmishers advanced. As I
commenced withdrawing my line to rejoin the brigade, they returned and
opened fire, which was returned by my skirmishers. I immediately halted
and adjusted the line so as to cover the front of the brigade, which had
halted and formed line of battle. During the afternoon, under an order from
Gen. Palmer, I advanced my skirmish line, well supported by the First and
Second Kentucky Regt.s, down a valley leading toward La Fayette. Finding
no considerable force in that direction, I was ordered back to the road, and
immediately afterward rejoined the brigade and resumed the march to
Gordon's Mills, where we encamped. The casualties of this day were said
to be one rebel major killed by my regiment.

On the 13th, the brigade being ordered on a reconnaissance to the aforesaid
valley, I was ordered with my regiment down a by-road leading toward La
Fayette, for the purpose of protecting the right and rear of the brigade
against a flank movement. After advancing about 1 mile, I halted, formed
across the hollow, and threw out a heavy skirmish line to the front. After
remaining in this position about one hour, my skirmishers were attacked by
a considerable force of rebel cavalry, dismounted. Three separate times
within an hour the enemy advanced upon my skirmish line, but were each
time handsomely repulsed. They finally retired, leaving several dead and
wounded on the field, 6, as I afterward learned from prisoners. Just at this
time, I was ordered to join the brigade, which I did, retiring in line and
covering the rear with a heavy line of skirmishers.

The reconnaissance being completed, I moved with the brigade to Gordon's
Mills, where the regiment encamped.

On the 14th, the regiment remained in camp, the brigade being left in charge
of the corps transportation.

On the 15th, it marched to Matthews' house, distant 6 miles, where it
remained encamped during the 16th.

On the 17th, it moved back 1 1/2 miles to Abercrombie's house, where it
remained until 9. 30 o'clock on the evening of the 18th, when it moved to
Gordon's Mills, and went into line of battle at 1 a. m. on the morning of the
19th.

At 11 a. m. on the 19th, the division being ordered to engage the enemy on
the right of------division, our brigade took the advance, moving by the left
flank up the Rossville road, the Ninetieth Ohio leading. Having marched
about 1 1/2 miles to McNamara's house, I turned obliquely to the right and
formed line of battle. The Second Brigade having passed up in the rear
forme to my left. At 12. 30 o'clock I advanced, keeping my left well closed
on the right of the Second Brigade, though 80 paces in the rear, the brigades
moving en echelon by the left. The Second Brigade soon became hotly
engaged and halted, and before I could move up on to the line, my
skirmishers were driven in and I received the fire of one of the enemy's
battalions. I immediately moved forward in double-quick, driving the enemy
before me, and took position on a line with the Second Brigade, my right
somewhat advanced so as to form an angle slightly enfilading the enemy.
The other regiments of the brigade moved on to the same line about the
same time.

The fight then opened fiercely with both musketry and artillery. I had gained
for my regiment rather an advantageous position on the crest of a swell in
the ground along which was some fallen timber and other cover. The enemy
made four separate attempts to dislodge the regiment from this position, but
were each time repulsed with heavy loss.

A battery of artillery posted directly in my front were so harassed by the
sharp practice of my men that they were unable to work their pieces, save
to deliver a few straggling shots. After the third assault of the enemy, my
men having expended all their ammunition except about 2 rounds per man,
I retired the regiment about 20 yards, so as to gain the cover of the woods,
in case it became necessary to retreat. By permission of Gen. Cruft, there
was also brought from the right of the brigade a section of Standart's
battery, and I posted it so as to enfilade the column which was pressing the
front of the Second Brigade. The last attack of the enemy was a feeble one.
The volley which I had instructed my men to reserve for them scattering
them in every direction. At the same time, the section of artillery which has
been posted assisted very materially in creating confusion in the enemy's
lines, and in a few moments they were fleeting in every direction over the
open country in our front. This fight lasted about two hours and was very
hot.

The casualties in my regiment amounted to 4 killed and 57 wounded. The
enemy having retired from our front, there was a lull of about two hours,
during which time the men were supplied with fresh ammunition and their
guns cleansed and put in order. At about 3.30 p. m. heavy firing was again
heard upon the right and rear of our position, and rapidly approached us,
until it seemed the right of our brigade was attacked in flank. Under orders
from Gen. Cruft, I quickly changed front to the right and formed, supporting
the battery. The Thirty-first Indiana Voluteers attempted to form on my
right, but before they were in position a mass of disorganized troops came
rushing across our lines in great disorder, the enemy pressing closely upon
them, and pouring in heavy volleys of musketry. An order was given me to
retire, by Gen. Cruft. The battery, in order to pass to the front of the
retiring column, was obliged to pass directly through my regiment, which,
together with the fleeing fugitives upon the right, threw my regiment into a
moment's confusion. As soon however, as we were clear of the battery and
the fugitives, I rallied the regiment and faced to the front, under directions
from the general commanding brigade. The enemy still pressed closely upon
my front, and as I feared we might not be able to hold them in this position,
I, on request of general commanding brigade, ordered a charge. Many of my
officers sprung gallantly to the front, and, with a cheer, the men followed,
fixing their bayonets as they ran. Quick as thought, they were upon the
enemy, who, scarcely waiting to discharge their pieces, turned and fled in
utter confusion. My color-sergeant was shot down, but one of the escort
seized the flag, and the men, seeing the discomfiture of the enemy, and
knowing that support was coming up on the left, rushed forward with a wild
cheer, literally outrunning and capturing many of the retreating foe. The
pursuit continued for a full half mile, when, seeing that we had left the
supports far in the rear, and fearing lest the regiment should be cut off, I
halted them, and marched back slowly to join the brigade.

Having taken position on the left of the brigade, the regiment remained in
line until nearly dark, when, no enemy appearing in our front, the brigade
was moved off to the right and rear, and took position on the left of Gen.
Brannan's division, which had formed across the Rossville road.

Shortly after we had taken this position, an attack was made upon Gen.
Johnson's division, some distance to the left. The brigade was ordered out
to his support, and moved off by the left flank, but by the time it had arrived
within supporting distance, the firing ceased, and we were immediately
ordered to bivouac for the night. While moving to this position, the regiment
was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's artillery posted on the
opposite ridge, but fortunately no one was injured.

On the morning of the 20th, the regiment was under arms by 4 o'clock and
in line of battle, occupying the right of the brigade, which was formed in
single line. Having ascertained that this would probably be our position
during the day, the men were ordered to stack arms and construct such
defenses as were practicable. In less than one hour, without the aid of axes
or other intrenching tools, a strong breastwork of logs and stones was built
which would effectively protect the men against all light missiles. Before any
attack was made, however, the brigade was formed in two lines, my
regiment occupying the right of the reserve line. About 8 o'clock a fierce
attack was made upon the front line, which lasted for several hours, but was
successfully resisted. My regiment being ordered to lie down behind the
crest of a rising piece of ground, met with but few casualties.

At about 11 a. m. I was ordered forward to relieve the Thirty-first Indiana
and a portion of the Second Kentucky. Being obliged to pass over high
ground, several of my regiment fell before they reached the defenses. But
few volleys were fired by my regiment after they
reached the defenses, as shortly afterward the enemy withdrew, leaving only
a line of sharpshooters in our front. This position was held by my regiment
the remainder of the day until 5 p. m., when orders were sent me to retire.
The brigade had moved some moments before I received the order. I
marched out by the right flank and was enabled to overtake the right of the
Thirty-first Indiana moving in line. After reaching the open fields to the
rear, I thought it advisable to march in this order since the brigade was
exposed to a cross-fire of artillery from the flanks. Although this fire was
very severe, the regiment moved steadily and in good order. One officer and
several men fell here, and could not be brought off the field. Having reached
the ridges on the left of the Rossville road, I halted with the brigade and
formed line of battle. After resting here about one hour, the regiment moved
back with the division to Rossville and encamped.

During the whole of this engagement and the skirmishes preceding it, the
most of my officers and men behaved as well soldiers could, obeying every
order cheerfully, promptly, and with judgment. A very few left the field
before the engagement ended, but I will not disgrace the history of those
gallant men who remained, by mentioning their names among these pages.
Among the officers who deserve special credit for their coolness, fortitude,
and bravery, I might mention Maj. Perry, Capt. Rains, Capt. Witherspoon,
Capt. Hitchcock, and Capt. Angle, together with Lieut.'s Felton,
Sutphen, and Cook. Indeed, all the officers, with two or three exceptions,
conducted themselves as well as I could desire.

My especial thanks are due Lieut. J. A. Wright, of the staff, for gallant
services rendered me on Saturday afternoon. It affords me great pleasure to
notice the conduct of Corpl. James J. Holliday, who, when the
color-sergeant was shot down in the charge on Saturday afternoon, seized the
colors and waving them over his head sprang to the front with a cheer which
seemed to inspire every soldier on the line. I should be pleased to mention
many others if time and space permitted. Attached you will find a list* of the
killed and wounded of the regiment, which I consider remarkably small
considering the severity of the fire to which the regiment was so often
exposed.

Very respectfully,

C. H. RIPPEY,
Col., Comdg.

Capt. W. H. FAIRBANKS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., First Brigade.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLII.] THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN. PAGE 754-50
[Series I. Vol. 30. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 50.]

Battles Fought
Fought on 15 Dec 1862 at Nashville, TN.
Fought on 31 Dec 1862 at Stones River, TN.
Fought on 1 Jan 1863 at Stones River, TN.
Fought on 11 Sep 1863 at Ringgold, GA.
Fought on 19 Sep 1863 at Chickamauga, GA.
Fought on 20 Sep 1863 at Chickamauga, GA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Resaca, GA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 14 May 1864 at Resaca, GA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Resaca, GA.
Fought on 16 May 1864 at Resaca, GA.
Fought on 21 May 1864 at Cassville, GA.
Fought on 25 May 1864.
Fought on 29 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 10 Jun 1864 at Near Pine Mountain, GA.
Fought on 16 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 20 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 21 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 22 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 23 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 24 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 27 Jun 1864 at Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
Fought on 28 Jun 1864.
Fought on 2 Jul 1864 at Nickajack Creek, GA.
Fought on 2 Jul 1864 at Near Marietta, GA.
Fought on 4 Jul 1864 at Nickajack Creek, GA.
Fought on 19 Aug 1864 at Near Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 28 Aug 1864 at Near Jonesboro, GA.
Fought on 29 Aug 1864 at Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 1 Sep 1864 at Jonesboro, GA.
Fought on 10 Nov 1864.
Fought on 30 Nov 1864 at Franklin, TN.
Fought on 11 Dec 1864 at Nashville, TN.
Fought on 15 Dec 1864 at Nashville, TN.
Fought on 16 Dec 1864 at Nashville, TN.
Fought on 17 Jan 1865 at Near Huntsville, AL.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Ashville, NC.

Pvt David D Avey Army