16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, the battery was mustered into service on September 5, 1861, for a three-year term. It operated primarily in the Western Theater, participating in significant campaigns in Arkansas and Mississippi. The battery is noted for its active role in the Vicksburg Campaign and its distinguished service under General Ulysses S. Grant.

Organization & Service

The 16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at Cincinnati and mustered in on September 5, 1861. Shortly after organization, the battery moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where it remained for most of the winter of 1861–62. In the spring of 1862, the battery was ordered to Arkansas, where it participated in two expeditions up the White River. These operations resulted in the capture of Des Arc and Devall’s Bluff, along with heavy artillery, small arms, and approximately 800 prisoners.

After leaving Helena, Arkansas, the battery joined General Grant’s expedition against Vicksburg. It took part in the battles of Port Gibson, Fourteen-Mile Creek, and Champion’s Hill. At Champion’s Hill, the battery was heavily engaged and suffered significant casualties. During the Siege of Vicksburg, the battery advanced to within 400 yards of the Confederate lines to support an assault, occupying a highly exposed and active position as noted by General Grant. Following the surrender of Vicksburg, the battery marched to Jackson, Mississippi, where it participated in the capture of the city. Over the course of the campaign, the battery expended more than 50 tons of ammunition.

Upon the expiration of its original three-year term, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued in service. The battery remained active until August 2, 1865, when it was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, by order of the War Department.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Expeditions up White River, Arkansas (including Des Arc and Devall’s Bluff)
• Operations at Helena, Arkansas
• Port Gibson, Mississippi
• Fourteen-Mile Creek, Mississippi
• Champion’s Hill, Mississippi
• Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi
• March to and capture of Jackson, Mississippi

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery are not fully detailed in available primary sources. It is recorded that the battery lost a few men killed and wounded, particularly at Champion’s Hill and during the Siege of Vicksburg.

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain James A. Mitchell
• Captain Russell P. Twist
• First Lieutenant George Murdock
• First Lieutenant Isaac N. Mitchell
• First Lieutenant Edward H. Funston
• Second Lieutenant Daniel Dawson
• Second Lieutenant Cornelius S. Chancellor

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 16th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes (reports on Vicksburg and Arkansas operations)
• 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