5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service) was a Union cavalry unit organized in Ohio during the American Civil War. Composed of four companies, the battalion was mustered in at Columbus, Ohio, between July 9 and September 2, 1863, for a term of six months’ service. The battalion served primarily in Ohio and eastern Kentucky, focusing on counter-guerrilla operations and local defense rather than large-scale engagements.

This battalion operated independently and was not attached to a larger cavalry regiment. Its service was notable for its role in responding to Confederate cavalry raids and protecting civilian populations in areas threatened by irregular forces.

Organization & Service

The 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion was organized at Columbus, Ohio, with its companies mustering in from July 9 to September 2, 1863. Major John F. Ijams commanded the battalion. Company A was initially deployed to southern Ohio, where it participated in efforts to check the advance of Confederate cavalry under John Hunt Morgan during Morgan’s Raid. Following Morgan’s capture, Company A returned to Camp Chase.

Once the battalion was fully organized, it was sent to eastern Kentucky. There, its primary mission was to protect local citizens from guerrilla bands operating in the region. The battalion engaged in several actions against these irregular forces, capturing a number of prominent guerrillas and dispersing their bands. These operations contributed to restoring order and security in the affected areas. The battalion did not participate in any regular battles, as it was not opposed by organized Confederate military units during its term of service. The 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion was mustered out at Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 15, 1864, upon the expiration of its six-month enlistment.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations against Morgan’s Raid in southern Ohio (July 1863)
• Counter-guerrilla operations in eastern Kentucky (1863–1864)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service) are not detailed in primary sources. The battalion did not participate in regular battles, and losses were likely limited to skirmishes and disease.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Major John F. Ijams

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)