12th Ohio Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 12th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Camp Cleveland, Ohio, from August 7 to November 24, 1863, drawing its companies from across the state. Serving in the Union Army, the regiment was part of the Western Theater and participated in several notable cavalry operations, including actions against Confederate cavalry leader John Hunt Morgan and participation in Stoneman’s Raids.

The regiment was recognized for its gallantry in several engagements and was commended by higher command for its performance in the field. It served until the end of the war, mustering out in November 1865.

Organization & Service

The 12th Ohio Cavalry was mustered into service at Camp Cleveland between August and November 1863 for a term of three years. Colonel Robert W. Ratliff was its initial commanding officer, with Lieutenant Colonels Robert H. Bentley and John F. Herrick, and Majors Miles J. Collier and Erastus C. Moderwell among its field officers.

After organization, the regiment moved to Louisville, Kentucky, on November 29, 1863, and then to Lexington and Mount Sterling. In June 1864, the regiment was engaged at Mount Sterling, where it was commended for its conduct by General Burbridge. Shortly after, the 12th Ohio Cavalry participated in the pursuit and defeat of Morgan’s Confederate cavalry at Cynthiana, dispersing his forces.

In October 1864, the regiment fought at Saltville, Virginia, engaging in intense combat and participating in a charge that drove Confederate forces from their works. The 12th Ohio Cavalry then took part in General Stoneman’s operations in eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, including actions at Bristol, Abingdon, and Marion. The regiment supported General Gillem in operations against Confederate General Vaughn and later returned to Marion, where it was involved in a prolonged engagement against General Breckenridge’s forces.

In December 1864, the regiment participated in the capture of Saltville, Virginia, before returning to Kentucky and establishing headquarters at Richmond. In the spring of 1865, the 12th Ohio Cavalry joined Stoneman’s raid into North Carolina, contributing to the capture of Salisbury and the liberation of Federal prisoners. The regiment was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tennessee, on November 14, 1865, by order of the War Department.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Mount Sterling, Kentucky (June 1864)
• Cynthiana, Kentucky (June 1864)
• Saltville, Virginia (October 1864; December 1864)
• Bristol, Tennessee
• Abingdon, Virginia
• Marion, Virginia (December 1864)
• Stoneman’s Raid into North Carolina (Spring 1865), including Salisbury

Casualties

According to official sources, the 12th Ohio Cavalry lost a total of 2 officers and 26 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and 1 officer and 107 enlisted men died of disease, for a total of 136 deaths during its service. Figures are based on Dyer’s Compendium and state reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert W. Ratliff
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. Bentley
• Lieutenant Colonel John F. Herrick
• Major Miles J. Collier
• Major Erastus C. Moderwell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 12th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 12th Ohio Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on Stoneman’s Raids and Kentucky operations)
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 11
• 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)