OHIO SECOND INDEPENDENT COMPANY SHARPSHOOTERS (SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY COMPANY "H") (Three Years)

First, Second and Third Independent Companies, Sharpshooters. In the fall of 1861 the recruiting of ten companies of sharpshooters was ordered by the government for Gen. John C. Fremont, then in command of the Department of the Missouri. The regiment was to be known as Birge's sharpshooters. Gov. Dennison received instructions from the war department that recruits for this service should undergo a rigid test before acceptance, which caused so much delay that the project failed. The regiment, however, was formed by a combination of troops from several states, Ohio furnishing three companies, the remaining seven companies being formed later. A battalion of four companies entered the Army of the Cumberland, one company was attached to the 79th Ohio infantry, and two companies to the 60th Ohio infantry. The 1st independent company was organized at Dayton, the enrolling of which took place from Sept. 18 to Nov. 14, 1861, by Capt. Calvin Reed. It left Dayton on Oct. 15, via Cincinnati and the Ohio & Missisippi railroad for St. Louis, Mo., to join Birge's western sharpshooters. It was armed with the American target rifle, and equipped with bearskin shot pouch, scraped powder horn, squirrel-tailed cap, blue coat and gray pantaloons. Arriving at St. Louis, it went into quarters at Camp Benton and on Nov. 23 was mustered into the U. S. service. The 2nd independent company was recruited in Hancock and Hardin counties, the organization being formed at Findlay during the months of September and October by Capt. Campbell Dougherty. It was also ordered to St. Louis, where it arrived a short time after Capt. Reed's company, and was mustered into the U. S. service on Nov. 30, being then assigned as Co. H, Birge's western sharpshooters. On Dec. 12, the regiment left Camp Benton and was engaged in scouting duty through the counties of Boone, Audrain and Macon, Mo., in pursuit of a Confederate force endeavoring to destroy the North Missouri railroad. It participated in the battle of Mount Zion Church, Dec. 28. On Feb. 4, 1862, it left Camp McClellan, Sturgeon, Mo., for Fort Henry, Tenn.; was engaged with the enemy at Fort Donelson in February, capturing 3 stands of colors from the 3d, 16th and 18th Tenn. Confederate infantry; and was also at the battle of Shiloh. The 3d independent company was recruited in the counties of Allen and Hardin. It was enrolled at Lima, from March 12 to April 4, 1862, by Capt. George A. Taylor, and was mustered into the U. S. service on April 7, at Camp Chase, Columbus. The company was at once ordered to the front and on April 14 joined Birge's western sharpshooters at Camp C. F. Smith, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. On this date the designation of the regiment was changed to the Western Sharpshooters, 14th regiment infantry. Previous to this time, not having a state designation, Missouri and Illinois both claimed it. The regiment's final designation was 66th Ill. infantry. The three Ohio companies took the regimental letters G, H and K, but also retained the figures as independent companies until their reenlistment as veterans, when they were known afterwards by letter only. They established Camp Davies, Miss., as an outpost for Gen. U. S. Grant's army; served Gen. E. O. C. Ord as headquarters guard from June 23 to Aug. 23; accompanied Gen. G M. Dodge, 2nd division, 16th corps, from Camp Davies to Pulaski, Tenn., to reinforce Gen. Thomas' Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga; guarded the Nashville & Decatur railroad and Rhodes' bridge; entered the service as veterans Dec. 22, 1863, at Camp P. E. Burke, Pulaski, Tenn.; received veteran furlough Jan. 28, 1864, the Ohio companies going to Chicago with their regiment, and thence to their home. Returning in time for the Atlanta campaign they became a part of the left wing 16th corps, McPherson's army with which they passed through the actions of this famous march. They subsequently participated in the march to the sea and in the campaign of the Carolinas. The three Ohio companies, blended as heroes, shared equally with great distinction and fortitude the trials, hardships privations and dangers of war. The 1st and 2nd companies were mustered out on July 7, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., after serving nearly four years. The 3d company was mustered out on expiration of term of service April 26, 1865, at Springfield, Ill. Inscribed on the roll of honor of the three companies are the names of 59 heroes, killed or died of disease whose sacrifices, sufferings and deaths during their brilliant service will never cease to be cherished by a grateful people.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Ohio 2nd Independent Volunteer Infantry Sharpshooters (Union)

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