Overview
Cotter’s Independent Battery (Ohio) was an artillery unit organized for three months’ service during the early period of the Civil War. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, in April 1861, the battery served the Union in the Western Virginia theater. The unit is notable for its rapid organization and deployment in response to early Confederate threats in the Kanawha Valley.
This battery served exclusively as an independent artillery unit and should not be confused with other Ohio artillery organizations of longer service terms.
Organization & Service
Cotter’s Independent Battery was recruited in Cleveland, Ohio, beginning April 25, 1861. The unit moved to Camp Chase, Columbus, where it was mustered into United States service on July 2, 1861, for a term of three months. Shortly after mustering, the battery was ordered to Gallipolis, Ohio, to defend against potential Confederate incursions led by General Henry A. Wise in the Kanawha Valley region.
The battery advanced into western Virginia as part of Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox’s brigade. It participated in all actions and marches of the brigade during its service, including the operations in the Kanawha Valley. The battery was present during the engagement at Scarey Creek. After completing its three months’ term, Cotter’s Independent Battery returned to Camp Chase and was mustered out on September 3, 1861.
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 Valley operations (Western Virginia), 1861
- Battle of Scarey Creek, July 17, 1861
Casualties
During its service, Cotter’s Independent Battery recorded one death: a soldier who died on July 22, 1861, from wounds received in the battle of Scarey Creek. No additional casualties are noted in primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Charles S. Cotter
Regimental Roster
The full roster of Cotter’s Independent Battery (Ohio) (Three Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete list of members and further details, please visit the regiment’s roster page.
View the Cotter’s Independent Battery (Ohio) (Three Months’ Service) Roster
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2
- 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