Overview
The Trumbull Guards, Infantry (Ohio) was an independent company organized in Trumbull County, Ohio, for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This unit was mustered into United States service at Gallipolis, Ohio, on November 9, 1862, for a term of three years. The company primarily performed guard and patrol duties within Ohio and along the Ohio River, serving the Union in the Western Theater.
The Trumbull Guards were notable for their service in protecting key river points and for their participation in expeditions into West Virginia. They also played a role in the pursuit and capture of Confederate raiders during Morgan’s Raid through Ohio.
Organization & Service
The Trumbull Guards, Infantry, was organized in Trumbull County, Ohio, with enrollment taking place at Warren during May and June of 1862. The company was mustered into federal service at Gallipolis, Ohio, on November 9, 1862, for a three-year term. Captain Charles W. Smith commanded the company, with First Lieutenant Thomas P. Gilman and Second Lieutenant Josiah D. Freer as subordinate officers.
Upon mustering in, the Trumbull Guards were assigned to guard duty at Gallipolis and various points along the Ohio River. Their responsibilities included protecting transportation routes, supply depots, and river crossings. The company was occasionally dispatched on expeditions into West Virginia, notably participating in the recapture of Point Pleasant from Confederate forces. During the summer of 1863, the Trumbull Guards were involved in the pursuit of Confederate General John Morgan during his raid through Ohio, assisting in the capture of several of Morgan’s men. The company continued its guard and patrol duties until it was mustered out of service at Gallipolis on July 1, 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
- Guard duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, and along the Ohio River (1862–1865)
- Expeditions into West Virginia, including the recapture of Point Pleasant
- Pursuit of Gen. John Morgan during Morgan’s Raid through Ohio (July 1863)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the Trumbull Guards, Infantry, are not detailed in available primary sources. The company’s service was primarily guard and patrol duty, with limited combat engagement.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Charles W. Smith
- First Lieutenant Thomas P. Gilman
- Second Lieutenant Josiah D. Freer
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the Trumbull Guards, Infantry (Ohio), including the names and ranks of officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete listing of members who served in this independent company, please visit the regiment’s roster page.
View the Trumbull Guards, Infantry (Ohio) Regimental Roster
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
- Ohio Adjutant General’s Report