Overview
The 143rd Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Ohio for Federal service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered at Camp Chase, Ohio, on May 12 and 13, 1864, and served as part of the Union Army for a term of 100 days. Its ranks were filled primarily by men from the 18th Battalion, Ohio National Guard (Columbiana County), and part of the 69th Battalion, Ohio National Guard (Coshocton County). The regiment’s service was concentrated in the Eastern Theater, performing garrison and defensive duties in the defenses of Washington, D.C., and at key points in Virginia.
Organization & Service
The 143rd Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, on May 12 and 13, 1864. The regiment was composed of National Guard units from Columbiana and Coshocton counties. Shortly after organization, on May 15, the regiment departed Camp Chase for Washington, D.C., where it was assigned to garrison duty at Forts Slemmer, Totten, Slocum, and Stevens, all located north of the Potomac River.
On June 8, 1864, the regiment was ordered to embark for White House, Virginia. However, upon arrival, it did not disembark and was instead redirected to Bermuda Hundred, Virginia. There, the 143rd Ohio Infantry was assigned to the 10th Corps and stationed in the intrenchments at City Point. The regiment remained at City Point until it was ordered to Fort Pocahontas. The unit was relieved from duty at Fort Pocahontas on August 29, 1864, and returned to Camp Chase, Ohio, arriving on September 5. The regiment was mustered out of service on September 13, 1864, upon the expiration of its 100-day term.
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
- Garrison duty at Forts Slemmer, Totten, Slocum, and Stevens (Washington, D.C.)
- Movement to White House, Virginia (June 1864)
- Service at Bermuda Hundred and City Point, Virginia (June–August 1864)
- Duty at Fort Pocahontas, Virginia (August 1864)
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for the 143rd Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) are not detailed in available primary sources. The regiment primarily performed garrison and defensive duties and did not participate in major combat operations during its term of service.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel William H. Vodrey
- Lieutenant Colonel John D. Nicholas
- Major John L. Straughn
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 143rd Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other service details for members of the regiment.
To view the complete roster, visit the 143rd Ohio Infantry (One Hundred Days’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXVI, XL, XLII
- Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 8
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)