12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Camp Jackson, Ohio, on June 8, 1861, this unit was initially formed as Company D, 25th Ohio Infantry, before being permanently detached and designated as an independent battery on March 17, 1862. The battery served primarily in the Western and Middle Departments, participating in significant campaigns and battles in Virginia and Tennessee.

The 12th Ohio Battery was noted for its early and effective service as artillerymen, earning commendations for its performance in several key engagements. The battery remained active through the end of the war and was mustered out on July 10, 1865.

Organization & Service

The battery was organized at Camp Jackson, Ohio, on June 8, 1861, originally as Company D of the 25th Ohio Infantry. On March 17, 1862, it was permanently detached and designated as the 12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery. Shortly after its reorganization, the battery joined General Milroy at McDowell, West Virginia, where it saw its first action as an artillery unit in the battle at that place. The battery was specially mentioned for its efficiency during this engagement.

At the Battle of Cross Keys, the 12th Ohio Battery was under continuous fire for six hours, firing 600 rounds from five guns (one gun having been disabled early in the fight). The battery received special notice from Generals Fremont and Milroy for its conduct. It subsequently took part in the Second Battle of Bull Run, fighting throughout the first day and the following afternoon, and suffered nine casualties (killed and wounded).

During the winter of 1862–63, the battery was stationed at Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was assigned to the defenses of Washington, D.C., during the summer of 1863, and spent the winter of 1863–64 at Nashville, Tennessee. In the spring of 1864, the battery was sent to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where it participated in engagements connected with Confederate General Hood’s advance on Nashville, including actions at Franklin and Nashville. The 12th Ohio Battery was mustered out of service on July 10, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of McDowell (May 1862)
• Battle of Cross Keys (June 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Fredericksburg (Winter 1862–63, in garrison)
• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (Summer 1863)
• Nashville, Tennessee (Winter 1863–64)
• Engagements at Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Spring 1864)
• Battle of Franklin (November 1864)
• Battle of Nashville (December 1864)

Casualties

During its service, the 12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery suffered 9 men killed and wounded at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Additional detailed casualty figures for the entire term of service are not fully specified in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Aaron C. Johnson
• Captain Frank Jackson
• Captain Alfred Noecker
• First Lieutenant Darius Dirlam
• First Lieutenant Archibald McClellan
• First Lieutenant William B. Fleming
• First Lieutenant Ami P. Fairbanks
• First Lieutenant Albert A. Powers
• First Lieutenant John B. Ward
• First Lieutenant William W. Banning
• First Lieutenant Myron Webber
• First Lieutenant Alphonso E. Gregory
• First Lieutenant Madison M. Moore
• First Lieutenant Joseph Billings
• First Lieutenant Oregon F. Morgan
• Second Lieutenant Anderson Blue
• Second Lieutenant Calvin A. Day
• Second Lieutenant Henry C. Kilburn

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogists and historians.

To view the full roster, visit the 12th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts.
• 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.