Overview
The 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for Federal service at the outset of the Civil War. The unit was mustered in at Camp Dennison near Cincinnati in early May 1861, following initial organization at Camp Jackson from April 18 to 25, 1861. The regiment served on the Union side and was composed of companies from several Ohio towns, including Mount Vernon, Delaware, Kenton, Marion, Canton, and Wooster. The 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was among the earliest regiments raised in response to President Lincoln’s initial call for volunteers.
Organization & Service
The 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was organized at Camp Jackson, Ohio, between April 18 and 25, 1861. The regiment consisted of ten companies: two each from Mount Vernon, Delaware, Kenton, and Marion, and one each from Canton and Wooster. On May 2, 1861, the regiment moved to Camp Dennison, where it was mustered into United States service on May 4, 1861.
Shortly after mustering in, President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 troops for three years’ service. A majority of the men in the 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) volunteered to re-enlist for the longer term, leading to the formation of the 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) as a distinct unit. The three months’ regiment completed its term and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, between August 18 and 24, 1861. The regiment’s primary service was within Ohio, focused on organization and preparation for further Federal service.
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
The 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) did not participate in any major campaigns or battles during its term. Its service was primarily limited to organization, training, and preparation for extended service.
Casualties
No significant casualties are recorded for the 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) during its brief period of service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Lorin Andrews
- Lieutenant Colonel James Cantwell
- Major James H. Godman
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and company assignments as recorded at the time of service.
To view the full roster, visit the 4th Ohio Infantry (Three Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I
- 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)