2nd Ohio Militia in the American Civil War

Overview

The 2nd Ohio Militia (Thirty Days’ Service) was a state militia regiment organized in Ohio and mustered into United States service in September 1862. This unit was called into emergency service during the Confederate threat to Cincinnati and its neighboring cities, serving in the Western Theater on the Union side. The regiment’s primary role was to support the defense of Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington during the crisis caused by Confederate General Kirby Smith’s advance into Kentucky.

This regiment was organized under the militia law of Ohio in July 1861 but was not mustered into federal service until the emergency of September 1862. Its service was brief but significant in the context of the defense of the Ohio River cities.

Organization & Service

On or about September 2, 1862, Major General Lew Wallace, acting under orders from Major General H. G. Wright, assumed command of Cincinnati, Newport, Covington, and their defenses due to the imminent threat posed by Confederate forces under General Kirby Smith. Martial law was declared, and local citizens were called to assist in constructing fortifications.

With few regular troops available, General Wallace ordered the 2nd Ohio Militia (organized as a reserve militia regiment in July 1861) to be mustered into United States service. The regiment was immediately deployed to the front lines to protect laborers working on the entrenchments and fortifications around Newport and Covington. The 2nd Ohio Militia performed continuous duty, including picket service and direct support of the defensive works, often within sight of the enemy. The regiment’s service lasted for thirty days, after which it was mustered out at Cincinnati, with the official muster-out date recorded as October 4, 1862.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defense of Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington (September–October 1862)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 2nd Ohio Militia (Thirty Days’ Service) are not reported in available primary sources. The regiment’s service was primarily defensive and focused on fortification and picket duty.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John F. Wiltsee
• Lieutenant Colonel George C. King
• Major A. C. Horton

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 2nd Ohio Militia (Thirty Days’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster provides names and, when available, additional service details for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 2nd Ohio Militia (Thirty Days’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XVI, Part I
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2