3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Minerva, Canton, and Massillon, Ohio, the battery was mustered into Federal service between November 9, 1861, and March 15, 1862, for a three-year term. The unit was equipped with six guns and initially comprised 161 men. The battery participated in major campaigns in the Western Theater and was attached to various commands throughout its service.

Organization & Service

The 3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at multiple locations in Ohio and mustered in by Captain A. B. Dodd of the 15th U.S. Infantry. After organization, the battery moved to the field in time to participate in the second day of the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. It subsequently took part in the siege and capture of Corinth, Mississippi, and remained there for some time, participating in the battles of Iuka and Corinth under General Rosecrans. During the Battle of Corinth, the battery suffered one man killed and several wounded.

Following its service in Mississippi, the battery joined the march to Vicksburg, participating in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, and Champion’s Hill. It was positioned in the rear of Vicksburg during the 46-day siege, where it sustained losses from wounds and exposure. The battery accompanied General Sherman on the Meridian expedition in early 1864, engaging in a significant artillery fight at Clinton, Mississippi, with two men killed and several wounded. At Meridian, two men were captured and later died at Andersonville prison.

In the spring of 1864, the battery joined Sherman’s Atlanta campaign, serving at Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, and during the siege of Atlanta, as well as at the Battle of Jonesboro. Upon expiration of the original three-year term, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued service. The battery was finally mustered out at Camp Cleveland, Ohio, on July 31, 1865, by order of the War Department.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Shiloh (second day)
• Siege and capture of Corinth
• Battle of Iuka
• Battle of Corinth
• March to Vicksburg
• Battle of Raymond
• Battle of Jackson
• Battle of Champion’s Hill
• Siege of Vicksburg
• Meridian Expedition (including Clinton and Meridian)
• Atlanta Campaign (Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro)

Casualties

During its service, the 3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery lost at least 5 men killed or mortally wounded in action or from wounds, with additional losses from disease and exposure, particularly during the Vicksburg campaign. Two men captured at Meridian died in Andersonville prison. Exact total losses are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain William S. Williams
• Captain John Sullivan
• First Lieutenant William J. Mong
• First Lieutenant Francis J. Meyers
• First Lieutenant George Sefert
• First Lieutenant Thomas Bowen
• Second Lieutenant William Watson
• Second Lieutenant Stephen Keith
• Second Lieutenant Thomas J. Blackburn
• Second Lieutenant Charles H. Bartalott
• Second Lieutenant Franklin White

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, 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 3rd Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 17, 24, 32, 38 (reports and returns covering Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta campaigns)
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. VIII
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2