Overview
Company H, 5th West Virginia Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This company was originally recruited in Lawrence County, Ohio, and became part of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry, a unit that operated primarily in the Western Virginia and border regions. The company was organized in 1861 and served until mid-1864, participating in various operations as both infantry and cavalry.
This unit is distinct from other companies and regiments of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry. Company H’s unique origin in Ohio and its transition from infantry to cavalry service are notable aspects of its history.
Organization & Service
Company H was recruited in Lawrence County, Ohio, by Major Patrick McNally, who became its first captain. The company was organized at Ironton, Ohio, on June 10, 1861, and mustered into service on June 28, 1861, at Wheeling, West Virginia, alongside other West Virginia infantry regiments. Initially, the company served as part of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry Regiment.
In June 1863, the 2nd West Virginia Infantry was mounted, and on January 26, 1864, it was redesignated as the 5th West Virginia Cavalry. At that time, the Ohio company became Company H of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry. The company continued to serve in various operations in West Virginia and surrounding areas. Company H was mustered out of service on June 29, 1864, upon the expiration of its term. Veterans who remained in service were transferred to the 6th West Virginia Cavalry on December 14, 1864.
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
- Operations in Western Virginia (1861–1864)
- Various skirmishes and expeditions in West Virginia and border regions
Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.
Casualties
Specific casualty figures for Company H, 5th West Virginia Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) are not separately reported in available primary sources. Regimental-level losses are recorded, but company-level breakdowns are incomplete.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Capt. Patrick McNally
- Capt. Joseph M. Bushfield
- Capt. John Combs
- 1st Lt. Henry C. Flesher
- 1st Lt. Louis P. Salterbach
- 2nd Lt. Charles H. Day
- 2nd Lt. John C. French
- 2nd Lt. Andrew P. Russell
Regimental Roster
The full roster of Company H, 5th West Virginia Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes the names of officers and enlisted men who served in the company during its term of service.
To view the complete roster, visit the Company H, 5th West Virginia Cavalry Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
- West Virginia Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Federal Publishing Company. The Union Army, Vol. 2 (1908)