123rd Ohio Infantry ​in the American Civil War

Overview

The 123rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Monroeville, Ohio, between August and October 1862, the regiment was mustered in for a three-year term of service. The unit primarily operated in the western Virginia and Shenandoah Valley theaters and participated in several significant campaigns and battles throughout its service.

The 123rd Ohio Infantry was notable for its involvement in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, and the final operations leading to the surrender at Appomattox. The regiment experienced periods of heavy combat, capture, and imprisonment, as well as extended provost and picket duty.

Organization & Service

The 123rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Monroeville, Ohio, from August to October 1862 and mustered into Federal service for three years. The regiment was initially assigned to duty in western Virginia, where it spent the winter of 1862–1863 without major engagement.

In the spring of 1863, the regiment took part in the engagement at Winchester against Confederate forces under General Early. During this battle, the regiment suffered nearly 100 killed and wounded. The following day, the majority of the regiment, except Company D, was captured and became prisoners of war after the surrender of their brigade. The captured men were exchanged in September 1863, after which the regiment performed provost and picket duty until the spring of 1864.

In May 1864, the 123rd Ohio participated in the battle at New Market, suffering a loss of 79 men. The regiment was also engaged at Piedmont in June and lost additional men at Lynchburg before retreating to the Kanawha Valley. Of the 700 men who started the expedition under General Hunter, only 250 returned. In July, the regiment fought at Snicker’s Gap and again at Winchester, incurring further losses.

In September 1864, the regiment was engaged at Berryville, losing 25 men, and at the battle of Opequon (Third Winchester), where it formed part of the flanking column and lost 5 officers and about 50 men. The regiment continued to pursue Confederate forces to Fisher’s Hill, losing 6 men in that engagement, and later fought at Cedar Creek.

Following these actions, the 123rd Ohio joined General Butler near Bermuda Hundred and remained there through the winter. During the final operations against Petersburg, the regiment captured two battle flags and several prisoners, though it suffered severe losses. In the closing days of the war, the regiment participated in the pursuit of Lee’s army and was involved in the action at High Bridge near Farmville, where it was again captured after a hard fight. The men remained prisoners until the surrender at Appomattox, after which they were released and returned home. The regiment was mustered out of service on June 12, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Winchester (June 1863)
• New Market (May 1864)
• Piedmont (June 1864)
• Lynchburg (June 1864)
• Snicker’s Gap (July 1864)
• Winchester (July 1864)
• Berryville (September 1864)
• Opequon / Third Winchester (September 1864)
• Fisher’s Hill (September 1864)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Bermuda Hundred (Winter 1864–1865)
• Petersburg (Spring 1865)
• High Bridge near Farmville (April 1865)

Casualties

The 123rd Ohio Infantry suffered significant losses during its service. At Winchester in June 1863, the regiment lost nearly 100 men killed and wounded. At New Market in May 1864, it lost 79 men. During the Opequon (Third Winchester) battle, the regiment lost 5 officers and about 50 men. At Berryville, the loss was 25 men, and at Fisher’s Hill, 6 men were lost. The regiment also suffered severe losses during the final operations at Petersburg and at High Bridge near Farmville. Exact total casualty figures are not fully detailed in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William T. Wilson
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Hunter
• Lieutenant Colonel Horace Kellogg
• Major A. Baldwin Norton

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 123rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment throughout its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 123rd Ohio Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 27, 36, 37, 39, 40, 46 (relevant parts and pages)
• Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
• 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, Vol. 2