Overview
The 4th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service) was a Union cavalry unit organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, between August 3 and September 21, 1863. Composed of five companies, the battalion served in the Western Theater during the latter part of 1863 and early 1864. Its primary duties included counter-guerrilla operations and local defense rather than participation in major set-piece battles.
This battalion was mustered in for a six-month term and was notable for its service during the period of the Morgan Raid and subsequent operations in eastern Kentucky. Many of its members later reenlisted in the 13th Ohio Cavalry.
Organization & Service
The 4th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion was organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, with companies mustered in from August 3 to September 21, 1863, for six months’ service. The battalion was commanded by Major Joseph T. Wheeler. Initially, part of the battalion was deployed during the Morgan Raid, providing support and security in affected areas. Following this, the battalion was sent to eastern Kentucky, where it was primarily engaged in protecting local citizens from guerrilla raids and maintaining order in the region.
The battalion did not participate in any major battles but was actively involved in anti-guerrilla operations and local defense. Companies were mustered out at various dates from February 15 to March 14, 1864, upon the expiration of their service terms. After mustering out, a significant number of the battalion’s members reenlisted in the 13th Ohio Cavalry, which was then organizing at Camp Chase.
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 during the Morgan Raid (1863)
- Operations in eastern Kentucky (1863–1864), primarily anti-guerrilla and local defense duties
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 4th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service) are not detailed in available primary sources. The battalion did not participate in major battles, and losses were likely limited to disease and minor skirmishes.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Major Joseph T. Wheeler
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 4th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion (Six Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete list of members, please visit the regimental roster page.
The roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service for each member of the battalion.
Sources & References
- The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
- 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)