Overview
George’s Independent Cavalry (Ohio) was an independent company of cavalry organized at Ironton, Ohio, in the spring of 1861 for the Union Army. The company served in the Western Virginia theater during the early months of the Civil War, attached to state service for a term of three months. It was notable for its participation in the initial campaigns to secure Western Virginia for the Union.
Organization & Service
The company was organized at Ironton, Ohio, in the spring of 1861 under the command of Captain John S. George, with First Lieutenant Joseph N. Bimpson and Second Lieutenant Charles E. Hambliton. On July 2, 1861, the company proceeded to Gallipolis, Ohio, where it was mustered into state service for three months. George’s Independent Cavalry was attached to General J. D. Cox’s brigade and soon entered Western Virginia.
The company marched to Red House on the Kanawha River and participated in reconnaissance operations to determine Confederate positions. On July 17, 1861, it formed part of the attacking column at the engagement at Scarey Creek. Throughout the campaign, the company took part in various marches and skirmishes, serving as an important element of the state forces in the region. The company was mustered out of service at Ironton, Ohio, on September 19, 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
- Reconnaissance to Red House, Kanawha River (July 1861)
- Engagement at Scarey Creek (July 17, 1861)
- Various marches and skirmishes in Western Virginia (July–September 1861)
Casualties
- Killed in battle: 1 enlisted man
- Other losses: Not specifically reported
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain John S. George
- First Lieutenant Joseph N. Bimpson
- Second Lieutenant Charles E. Hambliton
Regimental Roster
The full roster of George’s Independent Cavalry (Ohio) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes the names and ranks of officers and enlisted men who served during the company’s three months’ service in 1861.
To view the complete roster, visit the George’s Independent Cavalry (Ohio) Roster Page.
Sources & References
- The War of the Rebellion: 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
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)