Overview
The 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, the battery was mustered into federal service between August 31 and September 20, 1861, for a three-year term. As an artillery unit, it participated in several major campaigns in the Western Theater and was known for its active service in key battles and sieges.
The battery was filled to a maximum strength of 170 men and was promptly sent to St. Louis, Missouri, upon organization. It remained in active service throughout the war, participating in significant engagements and campaigns until its mustering out on July 31, 1865.
Organization & Service
The 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, and mustered into service from August 31 to September 20, 1861, under the supervision of Captain Wilson. The men were forwarded to St. Louis as they enlisted, and the battery reached full strength before joining active operations.
The battery saw its first major action at the battle of Shiloh on April 6, 1862, where it was heavily engaged throughout the first day. In this engagement, the battery suffered the loss of 1 man killed and 20 wounded, as well as the capture or destruction of 2 artillery pieces, 4 caissons, 65 horses, and all camp and garrison equipage. In September 1862, the battery marched with its division to Iuka, Mississippi, but did not take part in the fighting there. It was actively engaged at the battle of Corinth in October 1862, though it did not suffer casualties in that action.
During the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, the battery was positioned on a prominent hill in advance of the general line, providing a clear field of fire for several miles. The battery fired approximately 3,000 rounds during the siege, with several men wounded but none killed outright. Following Vicksburg, the battery participated in the movement against Jackson, Mississippi, where it lost 1 man killed and 8 wounded while maintaining a steady fire from an elevated position. The battery also took part in the campaign against Little Rock, Arkansas. The 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was mustered out of service on July 31, 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
- Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
- March to Iuka (September 1862; not engaged in action)
- Battle of Corinth (October 1862)
- Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
- Operations against Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
- Campaign against Little Rock, Arkansas (1863)
Casualties
- Battle of Shiloh: 1 killed, 20 wounded
- Siege of Vicksburg: Several wounded, none killed outright
- Jackson, Mississippi: 1 killed, 8 wounded
- Total losses for the entire service term are not fully detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Andrew Hickenlooper
- Captain Theophilus Kates
- First Lieutenant John H. Holenshade
- First Lieutenant Anthony B. Burton
- First Lieutenant Lewis C. Sawyer
- First Lieutenant Bellamy S. Matson
- First Lieutenant John D. Burner
- First Lieutenant Charles J. Marsh
- First Lieutenant J. Henry Stegeman
- First Lieutenant Walter J. Trotter
- Second Lieutenant Julius F. Blackburn
- Second Lieutenant William L. Broadwell
- Second Lieutenant Ozro L. Edwards
- Second Lieutenant Alexander Temple
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service records.
To view the full roster, visit the 5th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see Western Theater reports, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, and Jackson operations)
- 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
- Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)