Overview
The 9th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters served as a specialized unit in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Cleveland, Ohio, in February 1864, this company was part of the sharpshooter branch and was mustered into United States service on February 26, 1864. The company initially rendezvoused at Camp Taylor and was temporarily attached to the 60th Ohio Infantry, a three years’ regiment. The 9th Ohio Sharpshooters operated primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several significant campaigns and battles during its term of service.
This unit was distinct in its formation as an independent company rather than a full regiment, reflecting the Union Army’s practice of organizing specialized sharpshooter units for skirmishing and precision firing roles. The company was later consolidated with the 60th Ohio Infantry in early 1865.
Organization & Service
The 9th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters was organized at Cleveland, Ohio, and mustered into federal service on February 26, 1864. After organizing at Camp Taylor, the company was temporarily attached to the 60th Ohio Infantry, which at that time consisted of six companies. The 9th Sharpshooters departed Camp Taylor for the field and arrived at Alexandria, Virginia, on April 24, 1864. Upon arrival, the company was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division.
During its service, the 9th Ohio Sharpshooters participated in several major engagements, including actions at North Anna River, Totopotomoy Creek, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, and operations around Richmond. On February 24, 1865, the company was permanently transferred to the 60th Ohio Infantry. The men were mustered out of service on July 28, 1865, at Washington, D.C.
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
- North Anna River
- Totopotomoy Creek
- Bethesda Church
- Cold Harbor
- Siege of Petersburg
- Actions around Richmond
Casualties
The combined roll of honor for the 9th and 10th Ohio Independent Companies Sharpshooters records 53 men lost during service. Of these, 9 were killed in battle, and 44 died from wounds received or from disease. Specific breakdowns for the 9th Company alone are not separately detailed in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Commanding officers’ names for the 9th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters are not specified in surviving primary sources.
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 9th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters, including names and service details of its members, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides information on enlistments, ranks, and service outcomes.
To view the complete roster, visit the 9th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXVI, XL, XLII
- 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”
- Federal Publishing Company, “The Union Army,” Vol. 2 (1908)