Overview
The 8th Ohio Independent Battery (2 Months’ Service) served as an artillery unit for the Union during the American Civil War. Organized at Johnson’s Island, Ohio, the battery was mustered into service on August 15, 1864, for a short-term enlistment of two months. Its primary duty was the guarding of Confederate prisoners of war held at Johnson’s Island, a key Union prison facility on Lake Erie.
This unit is distinct from any other Ohio artillery batteries with longer or different terms of service.
Organization & Service
The 8th Ohio Independent Battery (2 Months’ Service) was organized and mustered in at Johnson’s Island, Ohio, on August 15, 1864, under the supervision of First Lieutenant Dem. W. Brooks of the 2nd U.S. Infantry. The battery was formed specifically for the purpose of providing security at the Johnson’s Island prisoner-of-war camp, which housed captured Confederate officers.
Throughout its brief period of service, the battery remained stationed at Johnson’s Island, performing guard and security duties. There are no records of the unit being attached to any field brigade, division, or corps, nor of its participation in field operations or campaigns. The battery was mustered out of service at Johnson’s Island on October 17, 1864, with Lieutenant Brooks again officiating.
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 Johnson’s Island, Ohio (August–October 1864)
Casualties
No detailed casualty figures are reported for the 8th Ohio Independent Battery (2 Months’ Service). The unit’s service was limited to guard duty, and no battle losses are recorded in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Frederick W. Pelton
- Captain Charles H. Babcock
- First Lieutenant Frederick C. Gruninger
- Second Lieutenant Henry Fish
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 8th Ohio Independent Battery (2 Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded at the time.
To view the complete roster, visit the 8th Ohio Independent Battery (2 Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
- Ohio Adjutant General’s Report