18th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 18th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Camp Portsmouth, Ohio, the battery was mustered into service on September 13, 1862, for a three-year term. As a light artillery unit, it participated in several significant campaigns and battles in the Western Theater, supporting infantry operations and engaging enemy forces across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

The battery was known for its effective artillery fire in key engagements, including Thompson’s Station, Franklin, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Nashville. Its service extended through the end of the war, with mustering out occurring at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on June 29, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 18th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery was organized at Camp Portsmouth, Ohio, and mustered into Federal service on September 13, 1862, under the command of Captain Charles C. Aleshire. Shortly after organization, the battery crossed the Ohio River and established camp near Covington, Kentucky, to support Union operations in the region.

The battery was subsequently ordered to Tennessee, where it saw its first action at Thompson’s Station. In April 1863, during the battle at Franklin, Tennessee, the battery took a strategic position on the right of Fort Granger, delivering effective fire from a high bluff north of the Harpeth River. This action prevented Confederate batteries from establishing their positions. The unit also participated in the running fight at Guy’s Gap and Shelbyville.

During the Chickamauga Campaign, the 18th Ohio Battery provided artillery support and was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga. It continued to serve in the Chattanooga area, taking part in the battle of Lookout Mountain. Afterward, the battery encamped at Chattanooga until December 1863, when it was ordered to Nashville. There, it turned over its guns, horses, and equipment, and spent the winter and much of the following year drilling and performing garrison duty.

In December 1864, the battery participated in the battle of Nashville, where it was positioned to deliver enfilading fire, contributing significantly to the Union victory. The battery remained in service until mustering out at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on June 29, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
• Franklin, Tennessee (April 1863)
• Guy’s Gap and Shelbyville, Tennessee
• Chickamauga Campaign and Battle of Chickamauga
• Battle of Lookout Mountain
• Battle of Nashville

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 18th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery are not detailed in primary sources. Available records do not provide a complete breakdown of killed, wounded, or deaths by disease for this unit.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Captain Charles C. Aleshire
• First Lieutenant William R. Morgan
• First Lieutenant Henry A. Regnier
• First Lieutenant Joseph McCafferty
• First Lieutenant Albert S. Bierce
• Second Lieutenant Benjamin W. Rutherford
• Second Lieutenant Casey Roseburgh
• Second Lieutenant James W. Chestnut
• Second Lieutenant James C. Patterson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 18th Ohio Independent Battery Light Artillery, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three-year term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 18th 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.