7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Hebron, Mississippi, the battery was mustered into service on January 13, 1862, for a three-year term. The unit was composed of men from Ohio and operated primarily in the Western Theater, participating in several significant campaigns and battles. The battery is noted for its gallantry at the Big Hatchie River, where it was awarded captured Confederate artillery pieces.

Organization & Service

The 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was mustered into Federal service at Hebron, Mississippi, on January 13, 1862, with service dating from January 1. The mustering officer was First Lieutenant C. W. G. Hyde of the 53rd Illinois Infantry. After organization, the battery proceeded to St. Louis, Missouri, and reported to Major General Henry W. Halleck.

In April 1862, the battery joined the advance on Corinth, Mississippi, moving with the Union army until the evacuation of that city. In October 1862, the battery marched with its division to relieve Corinth, which was under heavy Confederate pressure. During this movement, the unit engaged Confederate forces at the Big Hatchie River, where it contributed to the rout of a superior enemy force and was subsequently presented with two captured enemy guns by General Hurlbut in recognition of its performance.

The battery participated in the entire siege of Vicksburg in 1863 and was present at the capture of Jackson, Mississippi, following the fall of Vicksburg. In January 1864, the 7th Ohio accompanied General William T. Sherman on his Meridian campaign, engaging in several actions, including a notable encounter at Baker’s Creek. In May 1864, the battery fought at Benton, Mississippi, where it dismounted two enemy guns and disabled a third.

Upon the expiration of its original term of service, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued to serve. The battery remained in service until August 11, 1865, when it was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio, by order of the War Department.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Advance on Corinth, Mississippi (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Big Hatchie River (October 1862)
• Siege of Vicksburg (May–July 1863)
• Capture of Jackson, Mississippi (July 1863)
• Meridian Campaign (January–February 1864), including Baker’s Creek
• Action at Benton, Mississippi (May 1864)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery are not detailed in the primary sources available. Losses occurred in action and from disease during the unit’s service.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Silas A. Burnap
• Captain Harlow P. McNaughton
• First Lieutenant David R. Jacobs
• First Lieutenant Theodore F. Carson
• First Lieutenant Ellis Conant
• First Lieutenant Royal Church
• First Lieutenant Columbia Downing
• First Lieutenant Henry Dorst
• Second Lieutenant Obadiah F. Walker
• Second Lieutenant John Brechtel
• Second Lieutenant Harrison Stebbins

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for further research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical study.

To view the full roster, visit the 7th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Western Theater operations, Vicksburg, Meridian Campaign)
• 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2