5th Ohio Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was a Union cavalry regiment organized at Camp Dick Corwin, Ohio, between September and November 1861. Composed primarily of men from Hamilton and Clermont counties, with additional recruits from Greene, Clark, Preble, and Brown counties, the regiment served in the Western Theater throughout the Civil War. The 5th Ohio Cavalry was known for its active participation in major campaigns and engagements, including Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and Sherman’s March to the Sea.

The regiment mustered into Federal service for three years and was attached to various commands in the Army of the Tennessee and related departments. It remained in service until October 30, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 5th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Dick Corwin, Ohio, from September to November 1861. The regiment mustered in with 1,142 men and was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky, in early March 1862, reporting to Brigadier General William T. Sherman. Shortly after arrival, the regiment moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, and participated in reconnaissance and skirmishes leading up to the Battle of Shiloh. At Shiloh, the regiment was under fire throughout the engagement and received commendations from Generals Grant and Sherman for its conduct.

Following Shiloh, the 5th Ohio Cavalry took part in the advance and siege of Corinth, Mississippi, performing picket and outpost duties. The regiment was engaged at the Battle of Metamora (Hatchie) and played a significant role at Davis’ Mills, where Squadrons M and B helped repel a much larger Confederate force. In December 1862, a group of 200 recruits for the regiment was captured and paroled by Confederate cavalry under General Forrest near Lexington, Tennessee.

Throughout 1863, the regiment participated in expeditions and skirmishes in Mississippi and Tennessee, including actions at Coldwater and Panola. In June, a detachment under Major Henry was surrounded by Confederate forces near Hernando, Mississippi, but managed to cut through and escape, suffering significant casualties. In August, the 3rd Battalion rejoined the regiment, and the unit was tasked with protecting the railroad from Corinth to Memphis, engaging enemy cavalry along the Mobile railroad and at Clear Creek, Alabama.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization and later joined General Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. The 5th Ohio Cavalry remained in service after the war, mustering out on October 30, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Reconnaissance and skirmishes near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee (March–April 1862)
• Battle of Shiloh (April 6–7, 1862)
• Siege of Corinth, Mississippi (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Metamora (Hatchie) (October 1862)
• Battle of Davis’ Mills (December 1862)
• Expeditions and skirmishes at Coldwater and Panola, Mississippi (April–June 1863)
• Engagement at Clear Creek, Alabama (August 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (1864)
• Sherman’s March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (early 1865)

Casualties

According to official reports, the 5th Ohio Cavalry lost men in action and by disease during its service. Specific figures for killed, wounded, and died of disease are not fully detailed in all primary sources. Fox’s Regimental Losses and the Ohio Adjutant General’s reports may provide further breakdowns.

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. H. Taylor
• Colonel Thomas T. Heath
• Lieutenant Colonel John Henry
• Lieutenant Colonel John Pummill
• Major Frederick Scherer
• Major Elbridge G. Ricker
• Major Charles S. Hayes
• Major Charles B. Cooper
• Major Joseph C. Smith
• Major George H. Rader
• Major John Dalzell

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 5th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 5th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 10, 17, 24, 32, and others as relevant
• Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2