Overview
The 13th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served as a Union artillery unit from Ohio during the American Civil War. Organized in early 1862, the battery was mustered into service around February 16, 1862. It operated in the Western Theater and participated in the battle of Shiloh. The battery’s service was brief, and it was consolidated with other Ohio batteries in April 1862.
Organization & Service
The 13th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized and mustered into United States service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, about February 16, 1862. The battery was commanded by Captain John B. Myers, with First Lieutenants John R. Brown and Ezra Bennett, and Second Lieutenants Edmund B. Lowe and Levi M. Willits. Shortly after organization, the battery moved to the field and was present at the battle of Shiloh in April 1862.
Following the battle of Shiloh, on April 20, 1862, the members of the 13th Ohio Battery were consolidated with the 7th, 10th, and 14th Ohio Independent Batteries Light Artillery. This consolidation marked the end of the 13th Battery as a distinct unit. The battery’s brief period of independent service was primarily marked by its participation at Shiloh.
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
- Battle of Shiloh (April 6–7, 1862)
Casualties
According to the captain’s report, the battery suffered 1 man killed at the battle of Shiloh. However, official rolls in the Ohio Adjutant General’s office and the U.S. Army Adjutant General’s office do not confirm any deaths in the battery during its service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain John B. Myers
- First Lieutenant John R. Brown
- First Lieutenant Ezra Bennett
- Second Lieutenant Edmund B. Lowe
- Second Lieutenant Levi M. Willits
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 13th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served during the battery’s brief period of activity.
To view the complete roster, visit the 13th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 10 (Shiloh), relevant reports and returns
- Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. VIII
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)