Overview
The 4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, the battery was mustered into service on August 17, 1861, for a three-year term. It operated primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and engagements in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Georgia. The battery was noted for its active service in several key battles and its attachment to various divisions throughout its term.
Organization & Service
The 4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at Cincinnati and mustered in on August 17, 1861, under the command of Capt. Louis Hoffman. The following day, the battery departed Cincinnati and reported to St. Louis, Missouri, on August 21, 1861. Its first action occurred at Bentonville, Arkansas, in March 1862, where it played a significant role in repelling enemy advances.
During the Battle of Pea Ridge, the battery was positioned in an exposed location, receiving concentrated fire from Confederate batteries. It suffered the loss of four men and one caisson by capture, three men wounded, and one horse killed. In November 1862, the battery moved from Helena, Arkansas, to Camp Steele, Mississippi, and soon after joined General Sherman’s expedition against Vicksburg. It participated in the assault on Chickasaw Bluffs and the attack on Arkansas Post, where it had one gun disabled by enemy fire.
The battery was engaged throughout the Vicksburg Campaign, maintaining its position until the city’s surrender. It then took part in the operations before Jackson, Mississippi, firing hundreds of rounds during the siege. In late 1863, the battery’s division was ordered to support General Hooker in the Chattanooga Campaign, including the operations at Lookout Mountain.
In 1864, the battery participated in the Atlanta Campaign, seeing action at Resaca (where it suffered two wounded, one mortally), Dallas, New Hope Church, Acworth, Lost Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, and Decatur. At Decatur, the battery played a key role in preventing the Confederates from removing captured Union guns. During the Battle of Atlanta on July 28, 1864, the battery was heavily engaged but extricated itself without loss. The battery remained under fire until August 12, 1864.
Upon the expiration of its original term, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued service. The battery was consolidated with the 10th Ohio Independent Battery on March 29, 1865.
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
- Bentonville, Arkansas (March 1862)
- Pea Ridge
- Chickasaw Bluffs
- Arkansas Post
- Siege of Vicksburg
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Lookout Mountain
- Resaca
- Dallas
- New Hope Church
- Acworth
- Lost Mountain
- Kennesaw Mountain
- Decatur
- Battle of Atlanta (July 28, 1864)
Casualties
At Pea Ridge, the battery lost 4 men and 1 caisson by capture, 3 men wounded, and 1 horse killed. At Resaca, 2 men were wounded, one mortally. Additional detailed casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Louis Hoffman
- Captain George Froehlich
- First Lieutenant Louis Piderit
- First Lieutenant Louis Zimmerer
- Second Lieutenant Max Frank
- Second Lieutenant George H. Haug
- Second Lieutenant George Hust
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery (Three Years’ Service) includes officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men who served with the unit during its term. For researchers and descendants seeking individual names and service details, the full roster is available on the dedicated roster page.
Visit the 4th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery (Three Years’ Service) Roster for a comprehensive listing.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 8, 13, 17, 24, 30, 38
- 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)