Overview
The Ironton Independent Battery (Ohio) was an artillery unit organized for three months’ service during the early stages of the Civil War. Mustered in at Guyandotte, West Virginia, on July 12, 1861, the battery served the Union in the Western Virginia theater. The unit was composed primarily of men from Ironton, Ohio, and surrounding areas.
This battery was part of the initial wave of short-term enlistments that responded to President Lincoln’s early calls for troops. Its service was limited to the summer and fall of 1861.
Organization & Service
The Ironton Independent Battery was organized at Guyandotte, West Virginia, and mustered into United States service on July 12, 1861, under the command of Captain William R. Williams. The battery was mustered in by Captain Whittlesy for a term of three months. First Lieutenant Josiah H. Pratt also served as a principal officer.
During its service, the battery operated in the Western Virginia region, performing duties typical of light artillery units, including garrison and support roles. The battery’s activities were primarily focused on maintaining Union control in the area and supporting operations against Confederate forces in the region. The unit was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, on November 18, 1861, by Captain Albert B. Dod of the 15th U.S. Infantry.
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
- Service in Western Virginia, July–November 1861
Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the Ironton Independent Battery (Three Months’ Service) are not reported in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain William R. Williams
- First Lieutenant Josiah H. Pratt
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the Ironton Independent Battery (Three Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete roster, visit the Ironton Independent Battery (Three Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
- Ohio Adjutant General’s Report