Coshocton County, Ohio - Chapter 37: War Op the Hebellion" - Contikded, 1881

THE return of the three months' men was the signal for an earnest canvass for three years troops, and many of the boys obtained commissions to raise companies.

Captain John D. Nicholas is now engaged in re-organizing Company A, Sixteenth regiment, for three years service. D. W. Marshall, Adjutant Sixteenth regiment, 0. V. I., has been appointed a captain, with power to raise a company for three years' service. He is now recruiting and can be found at the'Tidball House, where his headquarters are located.

A rousing Union meeting was held at Chili on the 13th. There were nearly a thousand persons present. A large delegation of ladies, with their escorts, from Keene, was escorted into the village by Captain Joseph Shook's company. The ladies wore aprons representing our national colors, azure field and white stars covering the breast, and the graceful folds of the apron showing the stripes of white and red. The crowd repaired to a beautiful grove near the village, where a tabte and seats had been prepared. Scott R. Crawford was appointed chairman of the meet-

At Bedford, at the same time, an immense meeting was held. The ladies had prepared a free dinner for the volunteers and all present; over a thousand people ate dinner upon the ground. Short speeches were made by Sandford McNeal (a volunteer), Jolm D. Nicholas and M. B. Wood. They all breathed words of earnest patriotism, and urged the support of war measures by enlistment.

The five companies that were raised in Coshocton county by this general enthusiasm were all assigned to the Fifty-first Ohio. Their muster rolls are as follows :

The Fifty-fiVst Ohio went into camp near Canal Dover, in Tuscarawas county, at Camp Meigs. Coltoel Fitzgerald, of the regular army, was at first appointed in command, but he resigned. October, 1861, and his place was filled by Stanley Mathews, October 23, 1861. Major R. W. Mo- Clain, of Coshocton, was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy.

Camp Meigs is a most beautiful camp ; hard, dry sod, just the thing for drilling purposes. Many of the companies have become very proficient in their drill, and all are in good health and the best of spirits. Companies, under the followining captains, all from Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties, are now in camp: Captains J. D. Nicholas, D. W. Marshall, J. M. Crooks, Wilham Pattbn, M. H. Bortleson, C. H. Wood, David Chalfant, B. F. Heskitt, and J. T. Shanton. All these companies are formed of fine, able men in muscle and intellect. Success to Camp Meigs and all in it!

In the issue of September, 1861, it says : The Roscoe and Coshocton band has been engaged as the regimental band for the Fifty-first Ohio, now forming at Camp Meigs. Good for the boys, and good for the Fifty-first!

The Coshocton complement was half the entire regiment, and great interest was manifested in its success. Large crowds were going from Coshocton to Camp Meigs daily, for this regiment contained in her rank and file large nhmbers of Coshocton's best citizens and most successful business men. ,

The Fifty-first Ohio was organized October 3, 1S61, at Camp Meigs, near Canal Dover, Tuscarawas county. On November 3, it left Cainp Meigs and went by rail to Wellsville, on the Ohio river. It was there placed on transports and taken to Louisville, Kentucky, remaining by the way at Cincinnati and Camp Dennison, some ten miles from the city. It remained in this camp up to the 10th of December, and then, under orders, reported to General Nelson, at Camp Wiokliffe, near New Haven.

While the regiment lay at Camps Jenkins and WickliiTe, quite a number of letters from the "Coshocton boys" were sent home, portions of which we give below from the "Age :"

Editoe Age : We are at Camp Jenkins, three and a half miles from Louisville, Ky. A brigade is forming here under the control of Brigadier -General O. M. Mitchell. About 15,000 men are camped, here, with several batteries of artillery patiently waiting the command to march south- Tvard. There has nothing unusual happened to -the Fifty ^first since our arrival here; quite a num- "ber of the men have had the measels, but are recovering. John T. Beowx,

Editoe Age: We left Camp Jenkins on the 10th inst. for parts unknown to us. I have often heard of the scene as presented by soldiers on a march, but the half had not been told. Blankets, pants, drawers, shirts, boots, shoes, stockings, etc., were scattered by the wayside. I never saw so many limping men before. The fifth day out we reached this camp, having traveled about seventy miles. This beautiful Christmas morning finds us in a strange land, surrounded by scenes widely differing from those of a year ago. The health of the regiment has not been better at any time than it is at present, since we left Camp Meigs. We are in the Fourth Division, under General Nelson, and the Tenth Brigade, under General Ammen. We are about 8,000 strong in this camp. Yours truly,

Editor Age : I desire, through your paper, to acknowledge the receipt of a large box, filled with a variety of the creature comforts for our boys here, the gift of some of the patriotic ladies and gentlemen of Roscoe. They were contributed by the following parties: Mrs. J. D. Nicholas, Mrs. S Fallas, Mrs. Lewis Carhart, Mrs. H. Carhart, Mrs. John Mirise, Miss P. Barton, Miss Mary Carhart, Messrs. R W. Thompson, T. Wilson, James Carnes, L. R. Miller, John Whirl, J. C. Harrison, R. A. Wilman and Henry Carhart. I may have omitted to mention some names, but it was not intentional. The Fifty-first regiment is in fine health and spirits, and anxious for a forward movement. Yours truly,

I desire to again acknowledge the receipt of four large boxes, the gift of the following patriotic ladies and gentlemen of Keene and Bethlehem townships, to the gallant soldiers composing Captains Crooks' and Nicholas' companies in the Fifty-first: Robert T>. Miller and wife, George W. Miller and wife, William Brillhart and wife, George Bible and wife, Mathew McConnell and wife, Thomas Ogilvie, James Ogilvie and wife, Adam Dunken and wife, Paul Dunken and wife Mr. Rutherford and wife, Tobias Dunken and wife, and Miss Louisa Miller. John Mirise.

Taking up the history of the Fifty-first: It remained in Camp Wickliff until February 6, 1862, when the regiment moved with its brigade to West Point, at the mouth of Salt river, where transports were provided, on which the national army was conveyed to Nashville, Tennessee. It remained at Nashville on provost-guard duty until the 9th of July, when it marched, under orders, to Tullahoma, and there joined General Nelson's division of the Army of the Ohio, then, on its march from Pittsburgh Landing. With this division the regiment returned to Nashville, and there joined the combined movement toward Louisville, to checkmate General Bragg in his advance on that place.

Editor Age: Tuesday morning we reached Nashville. Many citizens cheered us as we passed to the landing. Not a Union flag could be seen in the city. Our brigade was the first landed here, and "the Fifty-first was about the first in line on the streets of Nashville. The people were astonished at the good conduct of the soldiers. I was informed that ladies had not been on the streets for three weeks, but we had been here but a short time when the streets were full of women and children. After being in camp two or three davs, about a mile or two from town, we were ordered into Nashville, General Nelson declaring that the Fifty-first was the regiment he could most rely upon. Our colonel, Stanley Mathews, is provost-marshal, and the rfegiment is guarding the city. The Fifty-first occupies a very honorable and trustworthy position, and we think the so-called band-box regiment will give a good account of itself. Of my company, two have died, Everhart Caton and David Carnahan ; two of my best soldiers; beloved and esteemed by all. Jesse Arnold, of Company F, was fired at last night, while on patrol duty, the ball passing through his cap. Yours truly,

While the Fifty-first lay at Nashville it lost, besides the above mentioned soldiers, William Miller, Company H, and William Miles, Company I. The Fifty-first was in all the marches, and most of the skirmishes, from Nashville to Louisville and return, but engaged in no battles, although it was held in reserve at Perryville ; it remained at Nashville inactive until late in the fall. Says the historian ; November 9, 1862, the regiment and brigade, under Colonel Stanley Mathews, were sent out on a foraging expedition, and at Dobson's Ferry, Stone River, met and defeated Wheeler's rebel cavalry, which had by som.e means got in their rear. The fight was ' made by five companies of the Fifty-first Ohio and five companies of the Thirty-fifth Indiana. Of the five companies from the Fifty-first, three were the Coshocton companies, D, F and I. The Fiftyfirst lost thirteen men wounded, three of whom subsequently died ; and the Thirty-fifth Indiana lost its lieutenant colonel, severely woundfed, its adjutant, killed, and a number of men. Colonel Mathews, while in the thickest of the fight, was thrown from his horse and severely injured, but , kept the field and command until the troops arrived safely in camp.

December 26, the regiment moved out on the Murfreesboro turnpike with Brigadier General VanCleve's division of the Twenty-first Army Corps. Marching toward Stone river on a reconnoissance, it found the enemy in force, and returned to its camp. January ], 1863, it a^ain crossed the river and took position, four companies being thrown out as skirmishers, including companies C and H, of Coshocton. Captain B. F. Heskitt, of Company C, was in command, and was mortally wounded. Adva,ncing half a mile, they met the enemy and skirmished with him all that day and night, and part of the next day. The afternoon of January 2, Breckinridge's rebel division made a charge, and flanking the right swept it to the west side of Stone river. The Fifty-first left thirty-two of their number dead on the field, one hundred and five wounded, and forty-six captured. It was at this juncture that General Rosecrans massed his artillery and settled the fortunes of the day by almost literally blowing the rebel column of attack into and across Stone river. The enemy retreated during the night of the 2d, and on the morning of the 3d opened a furious cannonade; but reconnoissances being made, it was discovered that he was drawing his forces off toward Shelbyville. January 4, the enemy having disappeared, the army marched into and took possession of Murfreesboro. The army lay at Murfreesboro until the 24th of June, when it moved on the Tullahoma campaign. The route of the Fifty-first and its division was by way of McMinnville, crossing the Cumberland Mountains into^the Sequatchie valley; thence to Point Lookout, near Chattanooga, and from thence to Ringgold. At the latter place, on September 11,.. Wheeler's rebel cavalry was met, . defeated and driven to Tunnel Hill.

September 12, the regiment marched to Lee and Gordon's Mills; on the 13th, it made a reconnoissance to Shield's Gap, and on the 14th went into position at Crawfish Springs. From that time until the opening of the battle of Chickamauga the members of the regiment feasted on roasting-ears and sweet potatoes.

On the evening of the 18th of September, the- Fifty-first being relieved by the Sixth Ohio^ marched back to Lee and Gordon's mills, where it went into position and lay upon its arms all night. On the morning of the 19th it met the enemy and drove him back a quarter of a mile ; but in doing so, lost eight men killed, twenty-five wounded and as many captured. The enemy receiving re-enforcements, in turn drove the regiment back to its former position, where it lay on its arms for the night. September 20,. the regiment was marched to the left to re-enforce General Thomas' column, and on arriving at its position it took part in the effort to stay the enemy in his attempt to get into the rear of the national forces, through a gap left in the lines. The regiment struck the rebel General Adams' division, wounded and captured its commander, and then drove it pell mell. It was then brought back and again formed pn the extreme left of General Thomas' command. In this battle the Fifty-first lost twelve men and one officer wounded, and thirty captured, including Colonel R. W. McClain and Lieutenant Retilley of Coshocton, and Lieutenants McNeill, James Weatherbee and Assistant Surgeon Wing.

In the second day's battle at Chickamauga, the brigade to which the Fifty-first belonged was ordered to report for duty to Major General G. H. Thomas. It was ordered, to take position on the left of General King's regulars. The enemy had broken the line, and was driving it" back. The Fifty-first Ohio and Eighth Kentucky formed the front line. Colonel R. W. McClain commanding ; the advance was made steadily, holding fire until the broken ranks in front had passed to the rear and the enemy were close upon the lines; Colonel McClain gave the command, " Steady boys, ready, fire." Which (after the volley), was followed impiediately by, " charge," when, as never in the history of the Fifty-first, the boys with fixed bayonets, sprang forward and drove the enemy back, completely routing them.

Colonel E. J. Pocock enlistecl in Company H, Fifty-first, and was appointed second sei'geant, and carried his musket twenty-two months ; was then appointed second lieutenant, assigned to Company F, and commanded from the battle of Chickamauga though the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge and until the regiment returned to camp. At Resaca, Colonel Pocock was wounded, and was appointed aid-de-camp on General Whitakers staff during the retrograde march from Atlanta, Georgia, to Nashville ; commanded Company F during the battle of Nashville and pursuit of the enemy to Huntsville, Alabama; was commissioned first lieutenant and appointed brigade quartermaster January, 1865. Colonel Pocock is still a resident of Coshocton and in times of peace is not without a military record. He was elected captain of the Coshocton Light Guards when they were organized, September, 1876; and lieutenant colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment Ohio National Guards, October 1877, and was elected colonel of the same regiment, January, 1881.

George Wilson's remains were brought home and buried with military honors last Sunday. Rev. M. MoflBt of Roscoe M. E. Church preached the funeral sermon in the Second Presbyterian Church of Coshocton, and the dead patriot was buried in the Coshocton cemetery, escorted by

Coshocton and Roscoe military companies under command of Colonel Irvine. The coffin was enfolded m the American flag. George Wilson was twenty-two years old, son of Thomas Wilson, Esq.,. of Roscoe. He was a noble boy and a true soldier.

At Stone River he stood at his post until surrounded, and, not seeing any otljer way "out, he' dropped as if shot, and lay there while our own and the rebel shell screamed and plowed the ground up all around him, until we drove the enemy back and found Captain Cooper sound and ready for fight. At Chickamauga, he could not wear a shoe or march, but while forming in line of battle old Company H was joined by the captain. We ordered him back, but he was determined and remained with us; he fought most of the time on his knees, as he could not stand up. No words can express our appreciation of him asa man and as a soldier.

September 21, 1863, the army retired behind entrenchments to .Chattanooga, and was there besieged by the rebel forces until the latter part of the following November, when the siege was raised.

November 24, the regiment participated in the storming of Lookout Mountain, and, on the 25th, took part in the taking of Rossville Gap, through Mission Ridge. Its loss in these two affairs was one killed and seven wounded.

While on this furlough trip home a very amusing incident occurred at Louisville, Ken- ,tucky, as follows : ' The boys of the Fifty-first had with them a game cock they had picked up at the South. As they were coming home, some of them went into a saloon in Louisville, and were followed by the rooster, who jumped upon the counter and crowed defiance. The saloon keeper said he had a bird that could whip him for seventy-five dollars, fhe boys put up the green- backs, and they were covered, and the birds fought on the counter. At the third chp the Fifty-first rooster drove his gaff through the brain of the other, and the boys took their victorious " pet " and came home.

The regiment returned to the front at Blue Springs, near Cleveland, Tennessee. It remained at this place in camp- until May 4, when it marched to Catoosa Springs, and entered on the Atlanta campaign. May 14 it was engaged at Kesaca, and on the 20th of June at Kenesaw. At the first named place it lost one officer and ten men wounded, and one man killed. At Kenesaw it lost two officers (Captain Samuel Stephens and Lieutenant Workman) killed, and ten men killed and thirty wounded. From this time until Atlanta was taken the regiment was almost hourly engaged with the enemy.

Stanley ordered Whitaker to charge a knob in Ws front, the possession of which, by our forces, was of the utmost importance, inasrnuch as frpm its summit an enfilading fire could be got upon Kenesaw and Bald Top. Whitaker promptly responded, and, with his skirmishers, the_ Twentyfirst Kentucky and Fifty-first Ohio, charged up the steep slope, on the crest of which the enemy had a strong line of breastw'orks. The Twentyfirst was the first regiment to charge the hill and were promptly supported by the Fifty-first, which arrived in time to make a desperate charge upon the works, which they did with a cheer and a determination to succeed at whatever cost. But five minutes passed e'er the brave fellows of these two regirnents were seen mounting the works and disappearing on the other side. For a few moments the suspense was painful, for the capture of the whole party by the ^nemy was not improbable. A number of rebels ?oon emerged from the works, closely followed by a guard of the captors of the ridge. The rebels made a number of furious charges in the attempt to regain possession, but were defeated with terrible slaughter.

the 2d pursued the enemy to Lovejoy's Station. Here it lost ten men wounded. It then fell back to Atlanta, and, on the 8th of September, entered that city. It lay there quietly in camp until the 3d of October, when it marched toward Chattanooga, passing through Cassville, Kingston, Rome, Resaca and Snake Creek Gap.

This march was made in consequence of the rebel General Hood's movement to the rear of Atlanta, and the consequent return of General Hood's army. At this time a series of arduous marches were made in pursuit of the enemy through Tennessee and Alabama, ending at Pulaski, Tennessee, where it went into camp until November 22, 1864. It then fell back with Gen-, eral Thomas' command to Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville. It was engaged at Spring Hill, but in the battle of Franklin it occupied a position not involved in the fight. A number of its men were, however, engaged as skirmishers. December 14 and 15, the regiment took part in the battle of Nashville, with a loss of one man killed and a number wounded. It joined in the pursuit of the enemy to Lexington, Alabama. This march was arduous in the ext^'eme, the roads being almost knee deep in mud and water. The regiment then proceeded to Huntsville, where it went into camp, January 5, 1865.

March 20 it went by rail to Strawberry Plains, and from thence to Bull's Gap, Tennessee. April 5 it went by rail to Nashville, where it -remained until June 16. It was then taken to Texas, via New Orleans, and landed at Indianola, Texas, July 25, 1865. Thence it marched to Blue Lake, and again to Victoria.

October 3, 1866, the regiment was, mustered out at Victoria, by Captain William Nicholas, Commissary of Musters of the Central District of Texas, and on the 4th was on its way to Ohio, where it arrived -November 1, 1865. It was discharged at Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, after a long and faithful term of arduous service, honorably performed.