Overview
The 1st Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was an artillery unit from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, the battery was mustered into federal service on August 6, 1861, for a three-year term. The battery primarily operated in the Western Virginia and Shenandoah Valley theaters, participating in several significant campaigns and engagements throughout its service.
The 1st Ohio Battery was known for its active service in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, including notable actions at Carnifex Ferry, South Mountain, Antietam, Lexington, and Winchester. The unit remained in service until June 26, 1865, when it was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio.
Organization & Service
The 1st Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered into service on August 6, 1861, under the command of Capt. James R. McMullin. The battery’s initial assignment was in western Virginia, operating along the Kanawha and Gauley rivers under General Cox. Early in its service, the battery was transferred to General Rosecrans’ command and played a role at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry.
After Carnifex Ferry, the battery remained in West Virginia, attached to the Kanawha Brigade. It was temporarily transferred to the Army of the Potomac to participate in the Maryland Campaign, taking part in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Following these actions, the battery returned to West Virginia, where it continued to serve until June 1864.
In June 1864, the battery joined General Hunter’s expedition, engaging Confederate forces at Lexington, Virginia. During this action, the battery was noted for its effective shelling of enemy positions, particularly in dislodging Confederate sharpshooters from the observatory of the Lexington Military Institute. The battery suffered one man killed in this engagement. It subsequently participated in the retreat from Lynchburg.
In July 1864, the battery marched from Parkersburg with General Averell’s brigade toward Winchester. At Stephenson’s Depot, near Winchester, the battery was engaged with General Ramseur’s Confederate division, contributing to the defeat of the enemy and the capture of prisoners and artillery. Four days later, the battery fought at the Battle of Winchester and was involved in the subsequent retreat.
Upon the expiration of its original three-year term, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued service. The battery remained active until June 26, 1865, when it was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Kanawha and Gauley River operations (1861)
- Battle of Carnifex Ferry (September 10, 1861)
- Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
- Battle of South Mountain (September 14, 1862)
- Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
- Operations in West Virginia (1862–1864)
- Hunter’s Raid on Lynchburg (June 1864)
- Battle of Lexington, Virginia (June 11, 1864)
- Retreat from Lynchburg (June 1864)
- Engagement at Stephenson’s Depot (July 20, 1864)
- Battle of Winchester (July 24, 1864)
Casualties
According to available primary sources, the 1st Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery lost 1 man killed at Lexington, Virginia. Additional details on total losses, including those from disease or other causes, are not fully specified in the Official Records or state reports.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain James R. McMullin
- Captain George P. Kirtland
- First Lieutenant George L. Crome
- First Lieutenant Robert C. Smith
- First Lieutenant Isaac C. Fair
- First Lieutenant Charles H. Fee
- First Lieutenant Dennis J. Ryan
- Second Lieutenant George H. McClung
- Second Lieutenant John R. Hooker
- Second Lieutenant John M. McCleary
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 1st Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the full roster, visit the 1st Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see West Virginia and Shenandoah Valley operations, 1861–1865)
- 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”
- Federal Publishing Company, “The Union Army,” Vol. 2 (1908)