I became interested in the Piqua soldiers who might have fought in the Battle of Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, April 6 - 7, 1862, after reading the Piqua G.A.R. records. At least ninety-one Piqua men from nine units of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry and one company of Light Artillery fought at Shiloh. Piqua soldiers at Shiloh were listed in the following units: First, 6th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 53rd, 54th, 58th, 59th, and 71 st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 8th Independent Light Artillery, First Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and the 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

There are a number of obstacles in the search for Piqua Civil War soldiers who may have fought in the Battle of Shiloh. First, the almost total reliance on the Piqua Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) records as the primary source for learning the names of the Piqua Civil War soldiers restricted the research. The Piqua G.A.R. records led to the Official Roster of Soldiers of the State of Ohio. Therefore, if a Piqua soldier did not return to his hometown and join the G.A.R. it is almost impossible to determine which Shiloh veterans came from Piqua.

The Official Roster of the Soldiers of State of Ohio volumes have been used extensively to learn which military regiment and company the soldier served, age at time of enlistment, and term of enlistment. This source also provided information on discharges and status such as captured, wounded, or killed.

The terms of service of the soldiers in those units were then matched with the possibility of the men being at Shiloh. There was no further proof available that these men were in the battle. In some cases, a particular soldier's writings proved he was present at the Battle of Shiloh. In one case, information indicated that a particular soldier was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh.

Finally, a search was made for soldiers with the same surname in the same regiment and company and compared with the similar surname in the search through the Piqua city directories of the period was made to see if the soldier was listed. This is not absolute proof that the soldier with the same surname, in the same regiment and company, was related to the Piqua G.A.R. veteran. If the same surnamed soldier was the only one by that name in the Piqua area, at the time of enlistment, he could prove to be a related veteran to the Piqua G.A.R. enrollee.

While President Lincoln took months to prod General George B. McClellan into battle in Virginia, an aggressive Major General U. S. Grant had begged Lincoln for a chance to attack Fort Donelson and Fort Henry! The Union victories in February, 1862, at Forts Donelson and Henry had not only opened the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers to the Union Army's gunboats, it also boosted the moral of the Federal forces.

President Lincoln had just issued statements in Congress which would lead to the Emancipation Proclamation. The President's Congressional statements (March 6, 1862) would be exactly one month prior to the Battle of Shiloh and the northern newspapers were congratulating the Commander in Chief on his decision. The Emancipation Proclamation would ultimately go into effect on January 1, 1863.

The Army of the Tennessee, under General Grant, came up on the Tennessee River during the third week in March, 1862. It was customary to call it "up river" even though they were going south because the river was flowing south from that point. The soldiers disembarked from the many boats on the Tennessee River at a place called Pittsburg Landing. The men were preparing for a fight at Corinth, Georgia, 22 miles inland from their disembarkation point.

The Union soldiers, after winning the battles in northern Tennessee, were eager to hit the Confederates again while they were recovering from those battles. The Union men became cautious, yet felt invincible, as they progressed southward. Major General Henry W. Halleck had been promoted (Nov. 1861) to command all of the Union troops west of the Appalachians. Halleck sent Grant forward toward Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing as it was known, along the Tennessee River in that state. Halleck then ordered Major General Dan Carlos Buell to march from Nashville to Pittsburg Landing - Shiloh Church. Grant waited on his advance until General Buell's forces could reach his position.

Buell had 55,000 troops in the Army of the Ohio. Buell's forces had occupied Nashville, on March 16, 1862. During that time, Halleck commanded Buell to march his forces 122 miles to Savannah, Tennessee. Savannah was a small town nine miles downstream from Pittsburg Landing. Halleck told Buell not to risk a battle until Grant was able to join forces with him.

From the middle of February 1862, Grant had become one of the newest U.S. military leaders because of the recent victories of the North. At Shiloh, Grant was surprised and nearly overcome by Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston's 44,000-man army.

Shiloh was just 21 miles north of the city of Corinth, Mississippi. At Corinth, the Confederate Army had full control of the railroad. The Confederates Johnston and General P.G.T. Beauregard had been working quickly to get their fresh troops in shape for a meeting with the Union Army. Johnston's forces numbered 40,000 men, a strength which roughly equaled Grants. It was important for Johnston to attack Grant before Buell's troops could meet up with Grant and outnumber Johnston's forces.

Grant writes in his memoirs how important the log meeting house location was. "It (the Shiloh Church) stood on the ridge which divides the waters of Snake and Lick Creeks, the former emptying into the Tennessee just north of Pittsburg landing, and the latter south. This point was the key to our position and was held by Sherman. Grant's forces at the time were encamped around the little Shiloh Methodist Church. The Rebels' hope was to cut off Grant from Pittsburg Landing and drive the Federal forces into the swamps north and west of the landing.

The First Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment was in the Fourth Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Lovell Rousseau. Rousseau's command was in the 2nd Division led by Brig. General Alexander McCook. McCook, in turn, was in the Army of the Ohio under Major General Buell.

The brigade formed in line of battle on Confederate General George Crittenden's right at eight April 7, 1862. The 3rd Iowa Regiment were in front of the camp. The 6th Indiana Regiment on the left, and the First Ohio in the center. The First Battalions of 19th, 15th and 16th U.S. Infantry were on the right while the 5th Kentucky Regiment was held in reserve. The 15th Michigan Regiment was attached to the brigade and served all day. At nine a.m. Rousseau's brigade advanced across Tilghman Creek and engaged Trabue's Confederate Brigade until about 11 a.m. Trabue retired and Rousseau moved to Wolf Field where he engaged the enemy on the left side. During the battle Rousseau's men ran out of ammunition. He retired while Kirk's Brigade took his place. Once the ammunition was resupplied Rousseau took his men back in position at the front line.

The First Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment was mustered into service October, 1861, at Camp Corwin, near Dayton, Ohio. By March 16, 1862, after a long march without benefit of tents, blankets or shelter the soldiers of the First O.V.I. suffered from rain, snow and sleet continually. They joined General Buell for his march south. The First O.V.I. was ordered to Pittsburgh Landing immediately and participated in the second day's battle at Shiloh. At the Shiloh Battlefield the monument to the First stands four hundred feet north of the Corinth Road at the edge of Duncan Field. The inscription on the reverse side reads: "This regiment was engaged here about 10 a.m., April 7, 1862. Its loss was 2 men killed; 2 officers and 45 men wounded; 1 man missing; total 50."

James H. Alexander ( - July 30, 1886) Alexander was born in Piqua. He was a teamster and became a Private in Company, K, of the First O.V.I. Later he became a Sergeant in Company B, of the 194th O.V.I. It is not know if he was in the First O.V.I. or the 194th O.V.I. during the Battle of Shiloh. He enlisted in the Union Army on September 5, 1861, and was mustered out on October 24, 1865. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 9, 1888, by Special Order of the War Department.

Aucil Marcellus Bowdle (1839-1931); Bowdle was in the First O.V.I. and wrote a description of his wartime service. Bowdle was a manufacturer in Piqua, at the time when the Piqua men were being recruited. Bowdle writes that a recruitment parade took place in the town on the 18th of April 1861. Bowdle was standing in the doorway of his father's foundry shop (located at 813 North Downing St.) when he heard the approaching drum corp. The drum corp. had been parading around town recruiting volunteers for the army. Bowdle reports that he went to the first street to see them, fell in step, and subsequently altered the rest of his life.

Bowdle changed his plans for college and at age 22 was mustered into the army as a Private at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio, on April. 20, 1861. A few weeks later the new soldiers were formed into regiments. Bowdle's Company B was put under the command of Captain Thomas L. D. Defrees, of Piqua, and assigned to the 11th Regiment. The regiment then went to Camp Dennison located on the Little Miami River. It was at this camp that the men began to learn soldiering for the next three months.

Bowdle was stationed at Camp Dennison with the 11th O.V.I. and the First O.V.I. Bowdle was mustered out on August 18, 1861, at the end of his original ninety day enlistment. He re-enlisted when President Lincoln called for 300,000 troops and did so as a Sergeant on September 5, 1861, with Company K of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Bowdle's brother, Charlie, enlisted in the same company, and the brothers went to Camp Corwin located in Dayton. During October, 1861, Bowdle left on a train for Cincinnati. It would be the last train ride he would take for many months.

It is documented that A.M. Bowdle participated in troop movements of the Army of the Cumberland in Kentucky, in the fall of 1861. He was part of the Union advance to the south, moving toward Shiloh, during the winter and would be killed in a later battle in Tennessee.

A.M. Bowdle told and interesting story about his personal activity in the Battle of Shiloh. Bowdle reports that when he went into the battle he had an Enfield rifle. After the battle, he had four other guns that he carried off of the field. He took them all apart and selected the best parts. He then reassembled a gun made of the best parts.

He continues by saying that when they got back to the camp after the battle he had never seen it rain harder. He said that the soldiers stuck their bayonets in the ground so that the metal would not get rusty. He finishes by saying that be stood all night because the down pour continued and he did not have a place to lie down. The men suffered through a rugged eighty-six mile march in two days before the Battle of Shiloh, terrible fighting for one day and a night, and not much sleep. Bowdle said that he suffered from jaundice by the end of the battle at Shiloh. Yet, he doesn't complain. He writes that they were all husky fellows and came through it fine.

After the Battle at Shiloh, Bowdle reported that the next morning the soldiers moved a few miles away and made camp early. He wrote that many of the men were sick from drinking water from a creek. Some soldiers went into the hospital because of the sickness.

A. M. Bowdle writes that he participated in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, after Shiloh. He was promoted to Captain in 1863, and took command of the company in the 12th U.S. Colored Regiment.

A. M. Bowdle's writings include information that the regiments were not very congenial to one another, especially to units that had not been in battle yet. Once the units had fought, there seemed to be a commandery between the soldiers' units that could not be broken. After men had proved themselves in battle together, the soldiers could not do enough for one another, reported Bowdle. This was especially true after the Battle of Shiloh, Bowdle felt the comradeship from their experiences especially bonded the men together. One example of the friendship among battle weary soldiers was when a soldier would go over to visit another unit. He would come back with his hands full that all he could drink or eat.

Charles W. Bowdle (1842 - 2 June 1863) Charles was the brother to A.M. Bowdle. He became a Sergeant in Company K, First O.V.I. Bowdle entered the army on September 5, 1861, at the age of 19. He died at the age of 21, in Nashville, Tennessee. Charles W. Bowdle is buried in Section 12 of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, Ohio.

Harmon Brookman (c1830-11 Feb 1886) Brookman joined the army on 5 Sep 1861, for a term of three years. Brookman was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. He was mustered out with his company on September 8, 1864. He worked as a drayman in Piqua after the war. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, on February 12, 1886.

Albert M. Brotherton (1844-1924) Brotherton was born in Piqua. He was a resident of Piqua and a carpenter by trade. He was a Private and Corporal of Company K, First O.V.I. He joined the army, at the age of 17, on September 14, 1861. He was appointed Corporal on May 1, 1864. Brotherton was mustered out, after and extended term, on September 8, 1864. In 1889-90, Brotherton worked for contractors Scudder & Brothers, while he lived at 534 Park Avenue, Piqua. He was the Senior Vice Commander of the G.A.R. Post # 158, Piqua in 1898.

Jasper Brotherton (1843 - March 13, 1924) Brotherton joined the army at the age of 18. Jasper is the second Brotherton in the same company and regiment as Albert M. Brotherton. Jasper entered the service on September 5, 1861, for a term of three years. Brotherton was in Company K, of the First O.V.I. He was mustered out with his company on September 8, 1864.

There is a Jasper Brotherton in Piqua, at the time when Jasper Brotherton entered the army, but the ages for the Piqua Jasper Brotherton (44 years of age in 1861) and the enlisted soldier (18 years of age in 1861) do not match. There is no record of Jasper Brotherton joining the Piqua G.A.R.

Several Brotherton families lived in Piqua during the 1860's. It is possible that Jasper was a cousin to A.M. Brotherton.

Regardless, the enlisted Jasper Brotherton's records indicate that he did serve in the company and regiment as Piqua's Albert M. Brotherton, and was in the army at the time of the Battle of Shiloh. Thus, the difference is reported here.

Robert B. Chappell (c1833- ) Chappell joined company K, First O.V.I. as the First Sergeant on September 5, 1861. He was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant on November 2, 1862, and First Lieutenant on May 8, 1863. He was transferred to Company B. 18th O.V.I. on October 20, 1864, and promoted to Captain and Command of Company B on December 21, 1864. He was promoted to Brevet Major on April 8, 1865, serving on the regimental staff of the 18th O.V.I. He was mustered out on October 9,1865. After the war he returned to Piqua working as a house painter.

Francis A. Clumb ( -26 Apr 1896) Clumb was a Private in Company I, First O.V.I. He was buried in Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

George W. Conover ( -11 Jun 1915) Conover was born in Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a Private in Company H (I), First O.V.I. He entered the army on September 7, 1861, and was mustered out due to an expired term on November 18, 1864.

In 1902 George W. Conover was a machinist and residing with Fanny, at 118 South main St, Piqua. Conover was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Henry C. Coy (1840- 1 Sep 1919) Coy was born in Alpha, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was retired when he became a Private in Company F, First O.V.I. He entered the army on September 16, 1861. He was 21 years of age when he joined the service. Coy was captured on December 31, 1863. Coy became a prisoner some time after the Battle of Shiloh. When he was captured the First Regiment O.V.I. had fought in Mission Ridge, Tenn. (November 25, 1863). Coy returned to his company on the date of the First O.V.I. spring battle at Buzzard Roost, Georgia (May 8, 1864). Coy was mustered out with his company on August 17, 1864. The First O.V.I. would fight in five more major battles in Georgia, before Coy left the army. Coy joined the G.A.R. in June of 1916, when he transferred from Old Guard Post 423, in Dayton, Ohio, to Piqua. At one time Coy lived at 828 West North St., Piqua. He was buried in Section 3 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Greg (Sylvester) Crozier (1844 - 4 Jun 1904) Crozier entered the army on September 5, 1861, for a three year term. He was 17 years of age when he joined the Union Army. He became a Private in Company K, First (147th) O.V.I. Crozier joined the army with his brothers and father. He was discharged on July 28, 1862, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. The discharge would have been after Crozier had been to Shiloh and the siege of Conrinth, Mississippi. After the war he returned to Piqua to build carriages for Crozier and Sons. He was buried in Section 4 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William Cunningham (1821- 25 Jun 1882) Cunningham joined the army on September 5, 1861, at the age of 40. He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. Cunningham was mustered out with his company on September 8, 1864. After the war he returned to Piqua and worked as a cabinet maker. He was buried in Section I of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Charles S. Drake ( - 1908) Drake was born in Miami County, Ohio, and a resident of Piqua. He was a laborer. Drake became a Private and Corporal in Company H (I), First O.V.I.. He entered the army on 7 Sep 1861 , and was mustered out due to an expired term on 18 Nov 1864. He joined the G.A.R. on May 2, 1885, and transferred to W. C. Scott Post #101 on June 13, 1890. Charles S. Drake worked as a laborer and rented at 200 E. High St., Piqua, in 1902. Drake was buried in Section 10, Lot 514, of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William G. Enyart (1837 - December 13, 1863)(listed as William Z. Enzert in Official Roster of Soldiers) Enyart entered the army, at the age of 24, on September 5, 1861. He enlisted for three years. Enyart was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I.. He died at Chattanooga, Tennessee, during the war. He was buried in Section 7, of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Harrison Gear (1839 - March 24, 1914) Gear was born in Richland County, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a produce dealer who became a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. He began his career in the service on September 5, 1861, and was mustered out September 17, 1864, with an Honorable Discharge - Exp. Term. He suffered a gun shot wound in the right knee at Mission Ridge, Tennessee, on November 25, 1863. He joined the G.A.R. on March 13, 1882.

In the 1897 Piqua City Directory, Harrison is known as Harry. He was a grocer in 1897, operating the H. Gear & Son grocery store at 514 N. High St., Piqua. Harrison's son was named Frank L. Gear. Harrison Gear was the Outer Guard, Post #158 G.A.R., Piqua, 1898, and as the Post Trustee and on the Conference Committee in 1898. Gear lived with Harriet E. at 822 W. High St., Piqua, in 1902. He was buried in Section 3 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Robert F. Graham (1838 - January 21, 1923) Graham was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1838, and a resident of Piqua. He was a farmer and Private in Company K, First O.V.I. He entered service at the age of 23 on September 5, 1861, and was mustered out with his company on September 8, 1864. He was in service for the expiration of his term. He joined the G.A.R. on March 27, 1882. At one time Graham resided on Covington Pike. Graham was buried in the Johnston Cemetery, Piqua.

Charles Jones ( - 29 Jan 1885) Jones was a Private in Company I, First O.V.I. Jones was buried on January 31, 1885, in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

David R. Keyt (1837-1875) Keyt was 24 years of age when he entered the army. He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. During his service time, Keyt was on detached duty from the Quarter Master's Dept. He was mustered out of service on September 8, 1864, by Order of the War Department. He was buried on December 21, 1875, in Section 4 of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Thomas J. Lawton (c1814 - ) He was appointed to Captain of Company K, First O.V.I. on August 31, 1861. At the time of his appointment, Lawton was a Piqua City Council member. He resigned his commission on May 16, 1863, and returned to Piqua. After the war he was a partner in the produce company, Lawton, Barnett & Company, in Piqua.

William W. Levering (1842 - February 18, 1908) Levering was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a clerk by profession. Levering became a Private and Sergeant in Company K, First O.V.I. His enrollment in the army began on September 5, 1861, and he was mustered out on September 8, 1864, during and extended term. On April 10, 1882, he joined the G.A.R. and transferred on March 27, 1891, to Piqua. According to the 1897 Piqua City Directory, Levering was an agent for The Adams Express Company. His house was located at 523 W. Greene St., Piqua. In 1898, Levering became Office of Day Post #158 G.A.R., Piqua, and Trustee of Relief Fund. In 1902 William W. Levering was living with Elizabeth M. and he was still an agent for The Adams Express Company. The Levering family was living at 523 W. Greene St., Piqua, the same year. He was buried in Section 4 of Forest Hill Cemetery in Piqua.

John H. Lines (1840 - May 27, 1864) Lines was 21 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861. Lines became a Corporal in Company K, First O.V.I. He was killed in the Battle of Dallas, Georgia. Lines was buried in Section 2 of Forest Hill Cemetery, in Piqua.

Jehiel D. Lyon (1844 - 23 Feb 1910) Lyon was born in Miami County Ohio and became a resident of Piqua. Lyon was a farmer who became a Private and appointed to Corporal in Company K, First O.V.I. His term of service began on September 5, 1861. He joined for a term of 3 years at the age of 17. He was mustered out, with his company, after an extended term on September 8, 1864. He joined the G.A.R. on May 30, 1887. He was buried in Section 1 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua. Lyon is not listed in the 1860 Ohio Census Index. In the Piqua City Directory 1870/71, there is a Mrs. Hannah Lyon listed on Broadway and Ash, who may have been Jehiel D. Lyon's wife.

Nathaniel Maxwell ( -February 19, 1906) Maxwell was born in Miami County, Ohio, and was a resident of Piqua. He was a fanner by profession. Maxwell entered the army on September 5, 1861, and was mustered out on September 8, 1864, due to an expired term. He joined the G.A.R. on November 27, 1882. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot, of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, on February 20, 1906.

James McCauley (1843 - May 23, 1896) He was 18 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861, for a term of three years. He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. McCauley was discharged on June 2, 1862, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. This surgeon's discharge would have been right after the Battle of Shiloh and before the regiment's next big battle at Stones River, (Murfreesboro) Tennessee. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

John McCauley (1844 - December 17, 1864) McCauley was 17 years of age when he joined the army on September 5, 1861, for a term of three years. He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. It is assumed that John and James McCauley were brothers. McCauley was captured at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, on September 19, 1863. John died in prison and was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Russel B. McClay ( - January 22, 1910) McClay was a Private in Company G, First O.V.I. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William H. Manning (1841 - ) Manning was 20 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861, for a term of three years. He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. Manning was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability on April 28, 1863. From the First O.V.I.'s battle roster, Manning would have been through the Battle of Shiloh and Stones River (or Murfreesboro) Tennessee, before the surgeon's certificate discharged him. William Manning was living in Piqua at the Hotel Plaza in 1902, and he was a fireman by profession. He was buried in the soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

John C. Mercer (1841 - October 12, 1902) Mercer was born in Virginia, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a laborer and entered the army for a term of three years. Mercer became a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. His term of service was September 5, 1861, to December 1, 1863. He left the army on a surgeon's certificate of disability. Mercer joined the G.A.R. on March 20, 1891. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Thomas H. Muchmore Muchmore was born in Piqua and was a cabinet maker by profession. He became a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. His term of service was from September 5, 1861, to April 11, 1865. He was mustered out upon his expiration of term. He joined the G.A.R. on September 10, 1886, and transferred to Piqua on March 28, 1893. Muchmore was a Prisoner of War from September 20, 1863, to April 14, 1865.

Casper Muller. He was a Private in Company H, First O.V.I. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Christopher (Christophus) S. Myers (1832 - August 2, 1905) He was born in Miami County, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a carpenter by profession. Myers was 29 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861, for a term of 3 years. Myers was a Private in Company K,, First O.V.I. He was on detached duty in the Quarter Master's Department. He was mustered out of the army, by Order of the War Department, on September 8, 1864. He joined the G.A.R. on March 2, 1888. Myers was listed with his wife Sarah at 652 River St., Piqua, in 1902. He was buried in Section 4 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua./P>

L. H. Perdue (1823 - )(listed as Harrison L. Pardue in the Official Roster of Soldiers) Perdue was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, and later became a resident of Piqua. He was a teamster by profession. He became a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. His term of duty began on September 5, 1861. His service ended on March 31, 1863, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He joined the G.A.R. on October 30, 1885. There was a Louis E. and May Perdue listed in the 1902 Piqua City Directory residing at 72 3 Park Ave. Perdue was a teamster by profession.

William W. Peterson (1842 - 28 Jul 1905) Peterson was born in Miami County, Ohio. Peterson was a resident of Piqua and 19 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861. He was a United States Store Keeper by profession. Peterson became a First Sergeant in Company K, First O.V.I. on August 17, 1863. Peterson was captured at Chickamauga, 1898, he became the Adjutant of Post #158, G.A.R., Piqua. In the 1902 Piqua City Directory, William W. Peterson is listed as a letter carrier. He was living, by himself, at a house he owned at 523 W. High St., Piqua. On July 31, 1905, he was buried in Section 3 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Peter Rodgers ( - 19 Mar 1890) Rodgers was born and raised in Piqua. He was a butcher by profession. He became a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. He joined the army on September 5,1861. He served for an expired term and was mustered out on September 8, 1864. He joined the G.A.R. on June 23, 1884. He was buried on March 21, 1890, in Section 12 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Charles L. Schermer ( -1893) He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later became a resident of Piqua. He was a farmer. He became a Corporal in Company I, First O.V.I. His term of service began September 2, 1861, and he was mustered out, after an extended term, on February 4, 1866. Schermer joined the G.A.R. on November 11, 1889, and transferred from Neal Post #62, in Sidney, Ohio, to Piqua's post on August 11, 1893. He is buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery.

Michael Schmitz ( - 3 Nov 1874) Schmitz was a Private in Company B, First O.V.I. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Franklin Statler (c1841 - ) He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. with a term of service from September 5, 1861, through September 8, 1864. He joined at the age of 20.

Sylvester Statler (c1843 - ) He was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I., with a term of service from September 5, 1861, through September 8, 1864. He enlisted at the age of 18.

Martin Weber ( 1834 - 25 Aug 1887) Weber was a German immigrant who became a Private in Company I, of the First O.V.I. In 1870/71 he returned to Piqua after the war and found employment as an industrial laborer. Weber was buried on August 27, 1887, in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Henry Wise. He was a Private in Company I, First O.V.I. He was buried in Section 2 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Charles Wolfsam (Wolfram)? ( - 12 Apr 1888) Wolfsam was a Private in Company I, First O.V.I. He was buried on May 11, 1888, in Section 2 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Alton Young (1843 - 14 Dec 1864) Young was 18 years of age when he entered the army on September 5, 1861. Young was a Private in Company K, First O.V.I. Young was captured at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, on September 19, 1863. He died in prison. He was buried in Section 12 of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

General Httlbut was in the rear of General Prentiss. Prentiss' troops included, under his command, the 8th Ohio Independent Battery. However, during the Battle of Shiloh, the battery was unassigned during the first day of battle. The 8th Ohio Independent Battery took its position near the Tennessee River in a position that commanded the gorge of Dill's Branch. The 8th Ohio Independent Battery was engaged in the fight, at that position, on the evening of April 6.

Prentiss, next to McClernand on the field, did not obey the order to fall back with the Federal line. Prentiss was flanked from the left and the right and captured along with 2,200 officers and men. The time of capture is not clear. General Badeau gave the time of capture at four O'clock of the first day of battle. Grant writes that he may be correct but he remembered it to be later. Prentiss reported the time of capture at 5:30 p.m. It is interesting to note that the inscription on the rear of the monument of the 8th Ohio Independent Battery states, "This battery of 6 guns was in action here from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., April 6, 1862. Its loss was 3 men wounded. This is the approximate time that Prentiss' forces were flanked and captured by the Confederate Army.

There are no official reports concerning the 8th Ohio Independent Battery and the Battle of Shiloh. One man was killed during this engagement from this battery as it was under the command of Captain Lewis Margraff. Because the battery was unassigned during that day, it is presumed that was the reason there is no official report filed concerning the battery's activity for that day.

Grant was on the field with his commanders many times during the day and remembered to be with Prentiss at about 4:30 p.m. He noted that Prentiss was cool and expected nothing but victory at the time. Grant reported that the stories about Prentiss being surprised and captured by the Confederates, while still in bed, in their camp, were not true. Grant stated that if that were his credit true then Prentiss would not have been in an all-day struggle with many of the enemy destroyed to his credit.

Artillery used by the Army of the Tennessee and Army of the Ohio during the Battle of Shiloh used a variety of ammunition. Smoothbores were obsolete by the time of the Battle of Shiloh but were quite effective in this battle.

They fired five types of ammunition. Smoothbores shot five types of ammunition during the battle. They shot solid shot which was a solid cannon ball. This type of shot was effective in pushing holes in the enemy battle lines. Artillery fired at Shiloh also fired shell which was a hollow ball filled with gunpowder. It was fired with a timed fuse that would blow fragments throughout the approaching rebel lines. Case shot was the same type of shell but had a much thinner walls than a shell. It released small metal balls and the range of this shot was effective at a further distance.

Grape shot, although not used much in the Civil War, was used at Shiloh by the Confederate batteries. Grape shot contained three sizes of lead balls which were released with the help of a timed fuse.

Canister was a shot that held 28 small iron or lead balls. It burst apart immediately upon firing in a cone-shaped fashion. It was the deadliest weapon at a close range (200 - 600 yards.) Its effects resembled a large shotgun.

Rifled guns were used at Shiloh with a greater range and accuracy than the outdated smoothbores. However, it often had less effect in action. Solid shot was a metal shot of cylindrical metal. Many times this type of shot became buried in the ground rather than cause enormous damage. Case shot was also cylindrical in shape. It worked the same as the smoothbore case shot. The rifling of the shot made the small enclosed balls form an irregular pattern and thereby lowered their efficiency in battle. Grape Shot within rifled barrels had the same problems as smoothbore case shot. Canister shot was used and functioned the same as canister in smoothbore gun.

The division of General C. F. Smith was on the right of the Union lines but Smith was ill at the time and confined to a bed in Savannah. Smith said later that he could hear the guns of the campaign. Brigadier General W. H. L.. Wallace incorporated Smith' s division on the battlefield at Shiloh. Grant's troops made a continuous line from Owl Creek on their left, to branch of the Snake Creek, on the right. The troops were facing south and little west, according to Grant's memoirs.

Johnston let Beauregard carve the Army of the Mississippi into four corps, "...each with two or more Divisions. Beauregard was second in command of the Confederate Army." It was Beauregard who planned the attack and called for Major General William Hardee's corp to lead his soldiers in one long line stretching from Snake Creek to Owl Creek. Immediately behind him would be Major General Braxton Bragg's corp. Behind Bragg's forces would be Major General Leonidas Polk's and Brigadier General John C. Breckinridge's men in reserve.

Because Grant felt that they would have to get to Cornith before a battle would begin, he did not issue adequate patrolling parties nor sufficient pickets. The Confederates did have the element of surprise, but most of the Union soldiers did not panic.

General Phil Sheridan was also surprised by the attack of the Rebel army upon them during the first morning of April 6, 1862, at Shiloh. "My God, we're attacked!" Sheridan had shouted as a rebel's bullet killed the orderly standing next to the General.

Grant's and Sheridan's troops were considered still inexperienced but they managed to sustain themselves long enough until Major General Don Carlos Buell's Army of the Ohio reached Shiloh and reinforced the Union Army.

Confederate troops under General Johnston came out of the woods near Pittsburg Landing on the morning of April 6, 1882, and surprised the soldiers in the sleepy camp of Grant.

For two days the battle would ensue in what would be the most fiercely fought battle in the western hemisphere up until that time".

Confederate Johnston had carelessly bled to death from a minor leg wound on the first day of the battle. The rebels then withdrew to Corinth.

During the second day of the battle the fight focused around a stalemate at a small building known as Shiloh Church.

Grant expressed a coolness during critical movements of his troops in time of battle. At Shiloh he displayed no hurriedness about him and did not show in any excitability. He said that he felt no impatience except in his wait for his troops to reach the enemy. "Then the minutes seem like hours," he said."

Grant rode out twice with General Meade and two other officers during the day to see the progress of the Battle at Shiloh. Grant was affected by the wounded soldiers and the amount of blood that he saw. The general would display his concern by what he saw on the battlefield as seen from the expressions on his face. He would sometimes pause in conversation while contemplating wounded and dead soldiers.

At evening during the camp Grant said, "I cannot bear the sight of suffering. This night after the first day's fight at Shiloh I was sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree, trying to get some sleep. It soon began to rain so hard that I went into a log-house near by to seek shelter; but I found the surgeons had taken possession of it, and were amputating the arms and legs of the wounded, and blood was flowing in streams. I could not endure such a scene, and was glad to return to the tree outside, and sit there till morning in the storm.

At Shiloh, Grant seldom left the site of his headquarters. He would pace or just sit on the stump of a tree or on the ground, leaning his back against a tree, during the battle. He spent time during the Battle at Shiloh just whittling. Whittling was a great pass time during those days and Grant had worn many a pair of his thread gloves out just from the effects of the whittling. After Shiloh, however, he seldom picked up this habit in subsequent battles." He would sharpen a stick, sometimes like a pencil, brake it in two, get another stick and begin the process over again. Mrs. Grant had supplied her husband with many pairs of thread gloves for his journey and he spent a great deal of his time wearing them out whittling and waiting on news from the front.

Grant would win the battle with Buell's reinforcements and continue on to drive the Confederacy deeper into their own homeland. The next year, 1863, Grant would win a victory at Vicksburg and Chattanooga and earn even greater successes."

Shiloh is seen as perhaps the critical stage of opening the conquest to the South's interior. Shiloh confirmed the north's conquest of Tennessee and strengthened the future successes of Vicksburg and defeat of the Confederate Army.

Soldiers in the 8th Ohio Independent Battery were recruited from Montgomery, Darke, and Miami Counties in that state. The battery was organized at Camp Dennison on March 10, 1862.

During the Battle of Shiloh the 8th Ohio Independent Battery was under Captain Lewis Markgraf. The 8th Ohio Independent Battery was under the 6th Division Command of Brig. Gen. Benjamin M. Prentiss. The 6th Division was in the Army of the Tennessee under Major General U.S. Grant.

The 8th Ohio Independent Battery was unassigned during the first day of the Battle of Shiloh. They took their position near the Tennessee River in a position that commanded the gorge of Dill's Branch. The 8th Ohio Independent Battery were engaged in the fight during the first evening of the battle on April 6, 1862.

Within the reports of the Piqua G.A.R. records I found three different names for the 8th Ohio Independent Battery. Those names were: the 8th Ohio Independent Battery, the 8th Independent Ohio Volunteer Artillery, and The 8th Ohio Independent Battalion and 8th Ohio Volunteer Artillery. Since further research has resulted in no similar names found for the 8th Ohio Independent Battery, I surmise that the mentioned units were all the same unit and the name was just becoming more descriptive by the soldiers who probably gave their unit's name upon joining the G.A.R.

Anthony M. Carson ( - July 2 (1), 1913) Carson was born in Dayton, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. Carson was a carpenter by trade. He became a Private and Corporal in the 8th Ohio Independent Light Artillery Battery. He joined the army on December 3, 1861 - October 15, 1862, - August 11, 1863, - August 7, 1865, for an expired term. Carson joined the G.A.R. on June 18, 1886, and transferred to Piqua on July 24, 1891. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Matthew Dill ( - 13 May 1894) Dill lived in Piqua and was born in Green County, Ohio. Dill was a cabinet maker. He entered the service on March 24, 1864, as a Private. Dill was discharged on August 7, 1865, by Special Order of the War Department. Dill entered the G.A.R. on January 14, 1894. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Section 10A, Piqua, on May 13,1894.

John A. (R.) Fortner ( - 27 Oct 1897) Fortner was born in France and lived in Piqua. He was a bricklayer by profession. He became a Private and Sergeant in the 8th Ohio Independent Battery. Fortner joined the army on January 13, 1862. Fortner was in the service with the 8th Ohio Independent Battery, during the Battle of Shiloh. He was discharged from the army by a surgeon's certificate of disability on July 25, 1862. He became a member of the G.A.R. on March 18, 1887. He resided at 183 Wayne Street, Piqua. Fortner was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, in the Catholic Section.

Casper Fortner (1814 - ) Fortner joined the 8th Independent Ohio Volunteer Artillery on January 31, 1862. He served for a term of three years. He was mustered out on March 10, 1865. In the 1870-71 Piqua City Directory Fortner is a laborer living on the north side of Young St. and west side of Downing Street.

John Geohring ( -13 Apr 1868) Geohring was a Private with the 8th Ohio Independent Battery. Geohring was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, in the Soldiers' Lot.

August Hoechst (Hueghst) ( - 9 Aug 1900, 22 May 1901) Hoechst was a Private in the 8th Independent Ohio Volunteer Artillery. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Leopold Kiefer (29 Oct 1841 - 30 Nov 1903) Kiefer was born in Baden, Germany. Ten years after Kiefer's birth, his parents came to America. They located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and stayed one year. In 1852, the Kiefers moved to Piqua and made it their home. Thirteen children were born to this Kiefer family.

Leopold's mother died in 1876. Leopold Kiefer was a merchant who was known as a tobacconist. Charles Kiefer, Leopold's brother, served for many years as a steward on a vessel from Hong Kong, China, to San Francisco, California. Charles called Australia his home.

During the Civil War Leopold and three of his brothers joined the service. Two of Leopold's brothers were killed; one in the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, and one in the Battle of Lexington, Kentucky. Leopold's other brother was crippled for life from his service in the war. Information states that Leopold was the only surviving and uninjured soldier in his immediate family. Yet, records indicate that he was discharged with a disability.

Leopold became a Private in the 8th Ohio Independent Battalion. His service began on November 23, 1861. Kiefer's service extended through the Battle of Shiloh and beyond. He was discharged on September 15, 1862, with a disability.

After he returned to Piqua, he went to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he opened a grocery. He operated a successful business there for three years, until a fire destroyed his operation. He then turned to rafting logs from the Mississippi Swamp, down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. After doing this for a short time he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he resided for a while. In the winter of 1862-1870, Kiefer returned to Piqua and opened a business with patronage from the surrounding village retailers.

In 1875, The Piqua Light Guard militia was established under the command of Captain J. O. Neer. During that same year the Ohio National Guard reorganized the state militia. After Captain Neer, a second militia was organized by Captain Leopold Kiefer as Company D, Third Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard. The company was known locally as "Kiefer Guards". Company D, under the Civil War veteran, served for five years. This was the time the unit had initially committed themselves. The Kiefer Guards then disbanded in 1880.

On October 25, 1877, Kiefer was married to Emma S. Schmidlapp, who was born in Piqua. She was born on November 17, 1851, and a daughter of J. A. and Sophia Schmidlapp, who were among the early settlers to Piqua.

Kiefer joined the G.A.R. on March 13, 1882, and was transferred, March 27, 1891. In 1902, Kiefer and Emma lived at 228 N. Wayne Street. He was a market master. Kiefer died at the age of 62. He was buried December 3, 1903, in Forest Hill Cemetery, Section 13, Piqua.

Richard Kloeb  Kloeb lived in Baden, Germany, and became a resident of Piqua. He joined the army on January 23, 1862, for a term of three years. He was a Private of Captain Louis Markegraf's Company of the 8th Ohio Independent Battery.

He was discharged on March 20, 1865, in Columbus, Ohio, by reason of expiration of term of service. He was mustered out by S. Harker, Captain, 5th U.S. Cavalry, Mustering Officer. Kloeb was paid in full on June 24, 1865, by Major G. W. Williams, Paymaster. His discharge is entered and recorded on June 9, 1866, signed George Greene Recorder. His service record dates include the dates for the Battle of Shiloh.

There is a Richard Kloeb, with Louisa, in the 1902 Piqua City Directory. The couple resided at 219 S. Wayne Street. Kloeb was a stonemason after the war.

George Race (---July 5, 1890) Race was born in Bavaria, Germany, and joined the service ranks as a Piqua soldier. He entered the service just prior to the Battle of Shiloh, on February 2 , 1862, and was discharged from the service by a General Order from the War Department on July 21, 1862. He joined the G.A.R. on September 10, 1886. There is a George Rase in the Piqua G.A.R. records that indicate that he was a member of the 8th Ohio Battery and buried in Forest Hill, Cemetery, Catholic Section, Piqua a. Still, within the same Piqua G.A.R. records, there is a George Roise, (Roese) mentioned as being a Private with the 8th Ohio Independent Battery and deceased on July 5, 1890, and buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Catholic Section, Piqua. George Rase, Race, Roise and Roese are undoubtedly the same man.

John H. Rain ( - August 11, 1913) Rain was born in Piqua, Ohio, and became a resident of Shelby County, Ohio, residing on Ballou Road. He was a farmer. Rain became a Private and Sergeant of the 8th Ohio Volunteer Artillery.  Rain entered the army on January 20, 1862. He was mustered out, after an extended term, on August 7, 1865. Rain joined the G.A.R. on August 10, 1885. Rain was buried in Section 7 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Herman Seibt (----December 21, 1910) Seibt was born in Webster, Ohio, and resided in Piqua, Ohio. He was a mechanic by trade and a Private in the 8th Ohio Battalion Light Independent Artillery. He entered the service on November 23, 1861, and was mustered out upon the expiration of his term on March 20, 186 5. He joined the G.A.R. on January 14, 1887, and transferred April 3, 1891. In 1906 - 07, Seibt lived at 709 S. Downing St., Piqua. He was buried in Section 9 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

John Winter ( - October 27, 191 0) Winter was a Private in the 8th Ohio Independent Battery Volunteer Light Artillery. In the 1902 Piqua City Directory there was a John Winter listed with Elizabeth C. They resided in a house at 405 S. Downing St., Piqua . Winter was buried in Section 3 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

The 13th Ohio Voluntary Infantry was organized at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1861. The regiment participated with General George B. McClellan, reinforcing his men in West Virginia, The Confederates were driven out of that region and t he 13th O.V.I. were transferred to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The 13th O.V.I. made camp there opposite Louisville, Kentucky. The 13th Ohio Voluntary Infantry were with General Grant and arrived on the Shiloh battlefield during the second day of battle. With the 5th Division formed at the right of Nelson's command, they fought in the famous "Homet's Nest." The "Homet's Nest," was the location where the Union troops under Prentiss had lost their camps and then had their division broken up by a Confederate surprise attack. The Union soldiers stood their ground at Shiloh, and held their position against 11 Confederate attacks. Grant was then given the precious time that he needed to prepare a strong defensive position closer to Pittsburg Landing. The 13th O.V.I were instrumental in capturing the important Washington Battery of New Orleans but the Confederates were reinforced and the 13th O.V.I. could not hold the captives. However, the two regiments met again during the day
and at that time  the 13th O.V.I. was able to hold their captives.

Ambrose Groghegan ( - April 13, 1885) Groghegan was a Private in Company D (A) of the 13th O.V.I. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

The 20th O.V.I. was part of the Army of the Tennessee under the commandership of General U.S. Grant. The 20th O.V.I. was organized in May, 1861, at Camp King near Covington, Kentucky. It was reorganized on October 21, 1861. Commanding the 20th was Colonel Charles Whittlesey, an engineer and geologist and graduate of West Point.

During 1861, and 1862, the regiment guarded batteries in the rear of Covington and Newport, Kentucky. On February 11, 1862, the entire regiment with the exception of Company K, embarked on steamers for the Cumberland River. The company was instrumental in the Union success at Ft. Donelson. After that fort was secured by Union forces, Company K, of the 20th was sent north, transporting Confederate prisoners.

The 20tb. O.V.I. then returned with seven companies in the middle of March, 1862, up the Tennessee River. They camped near Crump's Landing and were attached to the 3rd Brigade, commanded by Colonel Whittlesey. This unit was in the 3rd Brigade of the Army of the Tennessee under command of General Lewis Wallace. The regiment was then in the second day's Battle at Shiloh.

The monument at Shiloh to the 20th O.V.I. stands in Smith field facing south of west. It is about two hundred yards north of McDowell's headquarters. The memorial reads: "This regiment was engaged Northwest of Jones' field at 8 a.m., April 7, 1862. It then supported the left of the Division until about noon, when it returned to the extreme right of the Army and was engaged here from 2 to 3 p.m.

It had present for duty, officers, and men, 491. Its loss was 1 man killed; 1 officer and 18 men wounded; total 20.

Joseph Ehlan  He was born in Hanover, Germany, and became a resident of Piqua.
he was a hotel keeper. Ehlan was a Private in Company E, 20th O.V.I. and Company C, 37th O.V.I. His service record extended from April 17, 1861, to August 24, 1861, and then to October 15, 1861. Ehlan was discharged with a disability. He joined the G.A.R. on Octo ber 30, 1865. Joseph Ehlen was renting a room at 225 S. Chestnut, Piqua, in 1902.

Thomas Evans(1836-March31,1892) Evans was born in 0hio and became a resident of Piqua. Evans was a farmer who enlisted in the army on October 21, 1861. He entered the army on September 16, 1861, for three years of service. Evans became a soldier in Company F, 20th O.V.I. He was mustered out on January 9, 1864 -- June 1865, by order of the War Department. The Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers has this veteran as being discharged on June 18, 1865. He was wounded in the lower back in Atlanta, Georgia. He entered the G.A.R. on July 23, 1883. Evans was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, on April 2, 1892.

George Woods (Wood) ( - March 23, 1913) Woods was born in Shelby Company, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a boatman by profession. Woods became a Private in Company H, and Company F, 20th O.V.I. He entered the service on April 27, 1861, and was mustered out on July 15, 1865, because of the close of the war. Woods joined the G.A.R. on December 30, 1887. Woods died in the Piqua 1913 Flood. He is buried in the Soldiers' Lot of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

John Haning (Hanning, Henning) (1843 - September 3, 1917) Haning was born in Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua. He became a Private in Company C, 53rd O.V.I. He joined the army on September 17, 1861, and was mustered out at the close of the war on August 11, 1865. This veteran was mustered out as "John Hanning" with his company on August 11, 1865. At one time Hanning resided at 1022 Camp St., Piqua. He joined the G.A.R. on August 14, 1908. In 1914 - 1915, there was a John Hanning living with Mar tha at 1023 Madison Ave., Piqua. He was a laborer. Hanning was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Minerd Lump (1842 - January 30,1915) Lump was born in Baden, Germany, and he became a resident of Piqua. He was a molder by trade. He became a Private in Company D, 54th O.V.I.; 169th Veteran Corp. He joined the army at the age of 19. His term of service was from December 10, 1861, to December 9, 1864, by the General Order from the War Department. He was mustered out on December 14, 1864, at Davenport, Louisiana. During his service Lump was transferred to 169th Company, 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corp. on April 29, 1864. Lump was wounded by gunshot on his index finger. He joined the G.A.R. in April, 1889, and transferred on March 6, 1908. Minerd Lumpp (note spelling) is listed as a molder by trade and lived at 803 W. Water St., Piqua, in 1902. In 1907 - 07, there is a Minor Lump at 923 Park, Piqua. It is not known if this was Minerd with an incorrect spelling, a relative, or unrelated person. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Thomas J. Mitchell (1839 - ) Mitchell was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a Corpsman by profession. He joined the army at the age of 22. He became a Private in Company B, 54th O.V.I. His term of service was from A ugust 6, 1861, to September 16, 1862. He was disabled while in the army. Mitchell was discharged on August 18, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, on a surgeons certificate of disability. Mitchel's term of service would have been through the Battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth, Miss. (April 30, 1862). In 1889 - 1890 Mitchell was a cooper. He was residing at 708 S. Main St., Piqua. He joined the G.A.R. on December 28, 1906.

Michael L. Bonn (1829 - September 5, 1870). Bonn was as a Private and served as a musician in Company E, 58th O.V.I. He joined the army on October 24, 1861, for a term of three years. He was 32 years of age when he entered the army. From his service records Bonn could have been at Ft. Donelson, Tennessee, Feb. 14-16, 1862; Shiloh, Apr. 6 - 7, 1862; the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, Apr. 30, 1862; and Milleken's Bend, Louisiana. Aug. 24 1862. Bonn was in Tennessee at that time getting his surgeon's discharge. Bonn was discharged on December 5, 1862, in Memphis, Tennessee, by Order of the War Department." In the 1870 - 71, Bonn was a teamster. His residence was at 20 Main St., Piqua. He died at the age of 41 and was buried in Section 5 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Henry Gille (1843 - ) Gille was born in Breman, Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua. He was a quarryman by profession. Gille joined the army on November 5, 1861, (November 4, 1861, G.A.R. records) at the age of 27. Gille joined the army for a term of three years. On the Official Roster of Soldiers, his name is spelled Gille. He entered the army as a Private in Company E, 58th O.V.I. Gille was mustered out after an expired term on January 14, 1865, (January 3, 1865 G.A.R. records) because of the expiration of his term of service. He joined the G.A.R. on November 6, 1885.

Christian Hahn (1841 - May 28, 1887) Hahn joined the army on October 24, 1861, for a term of three years. He became a Private in Company E, 58th O.V.I. He was discharged on September 11, 1862, at Helena, Arkansas, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. In 1870 - 71, Hahn was a shoemaker, in Piqua. He was residing on the east side of Spring and North Streets. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, on May 30, 1887. In the 1902 Piqua City Directory, Mary Hahn, widow of Christian, was listed at 225 E. Main St.

Thomas Marcum (1843 - ) Marcum was born in Miami County, Ohio. He was a resident of Piqua and worked as a laborer. Marcum is listed in the 1860 Ohio Census Index as living in Adams township of Darke County, Ohio, before the war. He joined the army on November 13, 1861, at the age of 18. He signed for a three year term. He served until the close of the war. Also, in the same source, he registered under the name "Thomas Markheen" when he joined the service. This veteran was transferred to Company C Battalion on December 26, 1864. He became a Private in Company D, 58th O.V.I. He was mustered out on September 16, 1865. In the 1870 -71 Piqua City Directory there is a Thomas Markin, who is an engineer. The spelling of Markin is different in the city directory, but there have been spelling variations concerning the soldiers' names throughout this research. Thomas Markin rented at Border City House. That hotel was located on the north west corner of Main and Grant Streets. He joined the G.A.R. on November 16, 1908. He joined Piqua's G.A.R. through a transfer of Jobes Post #157, Greenville, Darke County, Ohio, on February 26, 1904.

Sebastian Miller (1826 - ) He joined the army on January 9, 1862, for a term of three years. Miller was a Private in Company E, 58th O.V.I. Miller was 36 years old at the time of entering the army. He was discharged on July 30, 1862, at Champ Chase on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He was buried in the Catholic Section of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William Phillippi (1843 - July 30, 1916) Phillippi was born in Germany and became a resident of Piqua. He was a carpenter by trade. He joined the army on October 24, 1861, for a term of three years. He was 18 years of age when he entered the army on October 23, 1861. He became a Private in Company E., 58th O.V.I. He was mustered out after and expired term on January 14, 1865, (January 27, 1865 G.A.R. Records). When Phillippi returned to Piqua he was a cupola tender for Rouzer and Clark. Rouzer & Clark was a foundry business whose employees made cylinder engines. The foundry was located at 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 Main St., Piqua. During, that time, Phillipi's residence was in Huntersville. Phillippi joined the G.A.R. on May 25, 1885.

In 1902, William Phillippi with his wife Christina E., were residing at 320 South St., Piqua. Phillippi was a laborer. He died at 73 years of age. He was buried in Section 2 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

The First O.V.I. was recruited under the Superintendence of Barton S. Kyle of Troy, Ohio, and G. W. Andrews of Wapakoneta. Kyle and Andrews concurred in the appointments, respectively, of commissioned officers as Lieutenant-Colonel and Major. The regime nt was brigaded with the 54th Ohio and 55th Illinois. These regiments constituted the 2nd Brigade of Sherman's 5th Division.

Ohio's 71st O.V.I. had 897 men. Rodney Mason was the Colonel for the men who rendezvoused at Troy, Miami County, Ohio. They completed their organization on February, 1862. On February 14, 1862 they reported to General Sherman at Paducah, Kentucky. The Miami County soldiers of the 71st O.V.I. served in southern Kentucky and Tennessee in the spring of 1862. Part of the regiment was stationed at Clarksville, the county seat for Montgomery County, Tennessee. On August 17, 1862, this part of the regiment was surrendered without battle by Colonel Mason to a Kentucky and Tennessee militia force.  This militia force was led by Colonel Woodward of Kentucky.  Woodward was a West Point graduate.

For this action the line officers were dismissed and Colonel Mason was cashiered. The War Department was then informed about the numerical weakness of this unit. The order to dismiss the line officers was revoked and the officers were honorably discharged. After an exchange of prisoners and reuniting of the 71st O.V.I., it continued in good service in Tennessee. It was on garrison duty in Texas in 1864, and mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, with 377 men on November 30, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel James H. Hart was commanding at that time.

The Ohio 71st O.V.I. arrived at Pittsburg Landing and went into an existing camp on the north side of the Hamburg Road near the Lick Creek crossing. Sherman's troops were raw recruits who had never been engaged in a battle before. Grant, however, felt that their commander more than made up for the inexperience of the soldiers. The Ohio 71st O.V.I. were within Sherman's command during this day. It was the largest regiment, in numbers, in the brigade.

The 71 st Ohio was severely censured for conduct during the Battle of Shiloh. It is interesting to read from the Miami County History by Beers (1880), "The regiment was forced back, through resisting bravely."' This does not appear to be the way that it happened. As the First Ohio moved into battle during the first day of Shiloh, Colonel Mason, "...put his spurs to his horse, basely deserting his men. " It was during this time that the Confederate 19th Alabama, under the command of Colonel Wheeler, made a rush toward them and caused a wild stampede. The men of the First Ohio threw away their arms and ran toward the rear.

During the time the 71 st Ohio were running for cover, Lieutenant Colonel Kyle, tried to rally his men. It was at that time that Kyle received a bullet to his right chest area and died five hours later. Additionally, Adjutant Hart, of the First Ohio, succeeded in rallying 17 of his men who joined the 55th Illinois, on their left, and the group fought both days gallantly. After Colonel Mason was "cashiered" the 71 st Ohio accomplished good service to their cause." The presumption was that if Colonel Mason had done his duty his men would have acted ac accordingly .

Grant talks about these cases in his memoirs. Grant states first that under the circumstances it was not surprising that some regiments would brake and run. He writes that in two cases at Shiloh, he remembered the colonels as, "...constitutional cowards, unfit for any military position.  Grant adds that the men and officers were not unfit for duty, just the officers
who broke and ran at the  "first whistle of the enemy's bullets."

During the second day of the Battle at Shiloh, Sunday, April 7, 1862, Grant spent much of his time continuously passing from one field to another. He spent most of his time with Brig. Gen. William T. Sherman. Piqua soldiers of Ohio 71st O.V.I. were included in this command. Grant said that he spent time with Shennan's troops because it was the first time they had been under fire. Grant, however, regarded the leadership of Sherman so highly that he wrote that be did not deem it necessary to spend a great deal of time with them.

The monument to the 71 st Ohio stands one hundred and fifty feet due north of Stuart's headquarters. The inscription reads, "This regiment formed line of battle here at 11 a.m., April 6, 1862, but was soon driven back to the ravine in the rear. Lieutenant- Colonel Barton S. Kyle was killed while attempting to rally the regiment. Its loss was 1 officer and 13 men killed; 44 men wounded; 1 officer and 50 men missing; total 109."

Alexander Banning (1843 - ) Banning was born in Troy, Ohio, and a resident of Piqua. Banning was 18 years of age when he joined the army. He was a moulder by profession. Banning joined the army on December 24, 1861, for a term of three years. He became e a Private and Sergeant in Company F, of the 7 1 st O.V.I. He was appointed Corporal on January 22, 1865. He was a Sergeant on June 1, 1865. Banning was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865. He joined the G.A.R. on June 28, 1907.

Thomas M. Carey (February 22,1837 -)  Carey was born in Shelby County, Ohio. He was a Private and Corporal in Company 1. of the 71st O.V.I. He was a carpenter by trade and enlisted in Troy, Ohio. He had grey eyes, light hair, and fair complexion. He was 5'9". Carey was enrolled on November 18, 1861, and mustered out on June 12, 1865.

While in the Army he held the rank of Private and Corporal. From December 31, 1862, he was absent without leave. Carey was appointed Corporal on February 7, 1862. On the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, Carey reported sick and was ill in April, May, and June of 1862, he was absent with leave. Many of the soldiers were ill with malaria and dysentery. It was reported, for some odd reason, that the Union soldiers were less sick while fighting in the south, during this time, than the Confederate soldiers were fighting on their own land.

He left December 25, 1862, and went home. In January to March 1863, with the rank of Corporal, he was absent without leave. In April 1863, to October 7, 1863, he deserted while the regiment was paroled at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. By July 1863 he was a Private, and returned from desertion. He was on duty with the Color Guard in November 1864. In December 1864 to April 1865, he was back to the rank of Corporal and was on duty with the Color Guard. In June 1865, to June 12, 1865, Carey was at Nashville, Tenn. At that time, he was mustered out in accordance with the instruction from the War Department.

His Pension Claim was #895467. He filled out a General Affidavit for his Pension Claim on March 25, 1891. At the time of Declaration for Pension, Carey states that he is a resident of Laura, in Miami County, Ohio.

Carey was married to Catherine Johnson on November 28, 1867, in Covington, Ohio, by Father Brendon. The children of Thomas and Catherine Johnson Carey were: Mary A. Carey, born November 23, 1868; Frank H. B. Carey, born April 17, 1873; Thomas U. Carey born Jan. 22, 1874; and Jamie A. Carey born December 9, 1878.

Oscar Collins (1841 - January 6, 1909) Collins was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua and a farmer. He became a Private in Company F, 72nd (71 st) O.V.I. He joined the army on November 1, 1861, as reported in the Piqua G.A.R. records. He entered the army according to the "Official Roster of Soldiers of the State of Ohio" on December 3, 1861, for a term of three years. He was mustered out by a General Order #36 on November 22, 1862. Collins was mustered out on a surgeon's certificate with a disability from Columbus, Ohio, according to the "Official Roster of Soldiers of the State of Ohio." He joined the G.A.R. on May 14, 1888. Collins died at the age of 48. Collins was buried in Section 7 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Elishu (Elisha) Dalton ( - February 22, 1866) Dalton was a Private in Company A, 71 st O.V.I. He was buried in the Johnston Cemetery, Piqua.

William Dalton (---June 22, 1919) Dalton was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a mason by profession. He was a drummer in Company A, 71st O.V.I. He entered the army on November 1861 - January 14, 1864 - January 1866. He was mustered out at the close of the war. He joined the G.A.R. on July 30, 1886. He rented at 810 Camp St., Piqua.

In 1902, William Dalton was a bricklayer. In 1902, he and Frances were residing at 900 Boone St., Piqua. William M. Dalton is found in 1909 --10, in Piqua working as a bricklayer. Dalton was buried in Section 1 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Sylvester DeWeese (1839 - October 4, 1919) DeWeese was born in Miami County, Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua, and was a hackman by trade. His service in the army began on November 22, 1861, for a term of three years. DeWeese was 22 years of age when he joined the Union forces as a Private in Company E, 71 st O.V.I. He was mustered out on October 23, 1865, by a Special Order #62. DeWeese was mustered out with his company as a veteran on November 30, 1865.

When DeWeese returned home from the army he was a laborer during 1870 -71, in Piqua. He resided on the south side of Covington Pike and Buckeye Street. In 1880, DeWeese, a widower by then, was residing at a boarding house operated by Elizabeth Shaw.

Shaw was a 47 year old divorcee who lived at the boarding house with her 22 year old daughter, Sarah M., who was a milliner. There were many boarders at the home. One of them was William Wise, age. 60. Wise was an officer from the same unit as DeWeese's, the First O.V.I. Wise was also a widower in 1880.

Other boarders in the house were: John Werik, age 23; George Caurell, age 26; Theodore Post, age 45; Louise Shnire, age 64, and his wife Catherine, age 52; daughters Carline, age 28; Ottlia, age 21; and son, Charles age 24.

Elizabeth Shaw is not in the 1870 - 71 Piqua City Directory. Elizabeth J. Shaw is listed, as widow of Robert, in the 1889 - 90 Williams Piqua City Directory. An E. J. Shaw is listed at 422 S. Wayne St., in the 1897 Piqua City Directory.

In 1889 - 90, DeWeese is a hostler, at W. F. Robbins. Robbins was the proprietor of the Border City Livery, Feed and Sale Stable. The company specialized in transfer and hack lines. The business was located on the east side of the public square. DeWeese's residence was located at 424 S. Main St., when he worked for W. F. Robbins.

Sylvester DeWeese is listed as a hostler by profession and rooming at 413 Spring St., in 1897. Therefore, DeWeese had left Shaw's boarding house by 1897.

It is noted in the census that DeWeese was born in Ohio, as were both of DeWeese's parents. DeWeese joined the G.A.R. on August 28, 1882. He was buried in the Soldiers' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Norman Drake (1827 - 6 Sep 1902)  Drake was born in Hamilton County Ohio.
He became a resident of  Piqua. He was a laborer. He entered the service on December 31, 1861, at the age of 34. Drake became a Private in Company E, 71st O.V.I. He was mustered out on May 30, 1863, at Fort Donelson, Tennessee." He was given a surgeons certificate of disability because of weak eyes. He joined the GAR. on November 20, 1885. Drake was buried in Marion, Indiana.

Daniel Webster Ellis (June 9, 1842 - May 1, 1872) There is a David N. Ellis listed as Sergeant of Company 1, 71st O.V.I., in the Piqua, GAR. records but Daniel Webster Ellis is missing from the Piqua, G.A.R. records. Daniel Webster Ellis was also a Sergeant in the 71st O.V.I. It is not known if Daniel was related to David. Daniel Webster Ellis was 20 years old when he entered the army on December 2, 1861, for a term of three years. He was appointed Sergeant from Corporal on March of 1863, not quite a year after the Battle of Shiloh. Ellis became First Sergeant on December 5, 1864. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on November 29, 1865. Ellis was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865.

There is a document entitled "News of the Civil War from an Union Officer," found in the archives of the Piqua History Room. In that report it states that twelve hidden letters that had been written by Daniel W. Ellis (July 4, 1863 to November 26, 1865) were found. Two of the letters were written, in 1866, after Ellis' military service.

Daniel Webster Ellis was married to Mary Jane Miller. Daniel corresponded regularly with Mary during their courtship and his service with the 71st O.V.I. Ellis' letters were stored by Mary behind bricks under a stairway leading down to their cellar in t heir home located at 9544 N. County Club Rd., Piqua. This road was formerly known as Snodgrass Pike, in Springcreek Township, of Miami County. Their grandson Gordon E. Stockham, found the letters while installing a furnace.

In the letters Ellis mentioned the Battle of Shiloh incidentally. On July 4, 1863, Ellis' company was stationed at Clarksville, Tennessee. The soldiers spent the day in Ashland, Tennessee. In the afternoon they battled with the Confederate Army for a half of an hour. Then, he said, they danced until evening. Arriving back in camp, all of the officers were drunk. He wrote that they whipped the rebels twice and got whipped once at Pittsburg Landing.

By the end of the war Sergeant Daniel Ellis was in Green Lake, Texas, on July 12, 1865, and in poor health. All of the soldiers were suffering from fatigue and the effects of drinking salt water. They stayed five days near the ocean and then landed on the shore of Matagorda Bay. From Matagorda Bay the troop marched without any water, except for some scarce rancid water they received at New Orleans. Ellis wrote that this was the most severe march his corp ever made. More details about Ellis' further military activity are included in that document. Because it does not concern Shiloh it is not reported here.

Ellis returned to Piqua where he married Mary Jane Miller of the city. The couple had a son, Harry, who died in infancy; and a daughter, Daisy S. Ellis Stockham. Daniel died from malaria fever. He had contacted the disease while fighting in the south.

David N. Ellis ( - May 1, 1872) Ellis was a Sergeant, in Company 1, 71 st O. V.I. He was buried in the McKinney Cemetery.

Benjamin (B.J.) Freeman (1843 - November 10, 1898) Freeman was born in Mercer County, Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua and became a fireman by profession. He was 18 years of age when he joined the army on December 12, 1861, for a term of three years . He became a Private and Corporal in Company G, 71 st O. V. I. on September 1, 1865. He was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865, by Special Order #62. He joined the G.A.R. on June 26, 1882. Freeman was buried on November 12, 1898, in Section 3 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

George B. Frye ( - July 8, 1908) Frye was a First Lieutenant in Company A, 71 st 0. V.I. He was buried in Section 11 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

James A. (H) Hart ( 1815 - December 20, 1867) Hart was 46 years old when he entered the army on October 7, 1861 for a term of three years. Hart served in the 71 st O.V.I. and was promoted to Major from First Lieutenant and Adjutant on April 6, 1862 (the first day of the Battle of Shiloh). He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on April 2, 1864. Hart was wounded on December 15, 1864, in the Battle of Nashville, Tennessee. He was promoted to Colonel on November 29, 1865. He became Brigadier General of the 71 st O.V.I. Hart was not mustered out with his regiment. Later, on November 30, 1865, he was mustered out of the army with his regiment. He was buried in the Soldier s' Lot of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Barton S. Kyle (1826 - April 6, 1862) Kyle was a resident of Troy, Ohio, who led Piqua soldiers into battle at Shiloh. Kyle was a clerk of courts and president of the Troy Board of Education before he entered the army. He had a bookstore and had been a tax assessor.
Kyle entered the army on 2 Oct 1861, at the age of 35, for a term of three years. Kyle
organized the 7lst  O.V.I.   Kyle was offered the Colonelcy of the group but declined wishing that someone with more experience be appointed that position.

Three of the companies C, E, and F, came from Miami County. The Regiment was assembled at the Miami County fairgrounds, on the southeast edge of Troy between the D. & M. tracks and the Miami and Erie Canal. The encampment was given the name Camp Tod, after Governor Tod of Ohio.

On February 15, 1862, the men marched in the snow to the public square. There at Allen's Hall the regiment received their flag of colors by Chaplain W. W. Lyle, pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The flag was presented by Mrs. Dyche and members of the Troy Ladies Aid Society. Colonel Rodney Mason accepted the flag and soon Kyle and the soldiers left Troy, Ohio, by railroad. In about seven weeks the men of the 71 st O.V.I. would be in the Battle of Shiloh.

George E. Lee (1844 - ) Lee was born in Troy, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a merchant by profession and joined the army as a Private in Company, E, 71 st O. V.I. in August 1861. The official roster states that the date Lee entered the se rvice was October 12, 1861. Lee was 17 years old at the time of entering the army. Lee left the service on August 28, 1862 (official roster: August 19, 1862, discharged - in Cincinnati, Ohio for minority) with a disability.

After the war Lee returned to Piqua and lived on Wayne and Water Streets. He operated the Geyer and Lee hardware store at 154 Main St., Piqua, after the rebellion. In 1870 - 71 the Geyer and Lee hardware store was located at 154 Main Street. During that at time Lee's residence was the east side of Wayne & Water Streets. He joined the G.A.R. on February 27, 1882. In 1898 Lee was the Colonel of Post # 158 G.A.R.; Trustee of Relief Fund and member of the Conference Committee. Lee resided at one time o n North Wayne St., Piqua. In 1902, George E. Lee lived with his wife Mary E. at 313 Caldwell St. Lee operated a hardware and stoves store at 315 N. Main St., Piqua. (Home Telephone 591, Bell 319; resident telephone Bell 264). He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William R. Luce (1843 - 1916) Luce was a blacksmith who was 18 when he entered the army. He became a Private and appointed Corporal on January 1, 1865. He served in Company E. of the 71 st O.V.I. He enrolled in the army on October 11, 1861, for a term of three years. Luce was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865 (November 18, 1865, Piqua G.A.R. records) by a General Order of the War Department. He was
transferred from Divinney Post #248 of the G.A.R.  . He died at the age of 73 at
5:30 in the morning, date unknown.  But it is know that he was buried on 12 Jan 1916 in Section 3 of the cemetery at Fletcher Ohio.

Luce is not in the 1860 Ohio Census Index, nor in the 1870-71 Piqua City Directory. There is a William Luce in the 1906-07 Piqua City Directory. W. R. Luce is on Spring Street in the 1909-13 Piqua City Directory. Luce resided at 413 Spring Street Piqua. His profession listed in that directory was Wagon Maker.

It is interesting to note that Luce was the co-owner of  Dabus and Luce operating in Piqua, after the war. Dabus could be John Daubus who was a private in Battery M of the First Ohio Light Artillery. However Dabus is noted to have died on 12 Jun 1872 (1871) and was buried on 13 June 1871 in Section 7 of the Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

There is a John Dabus listed in the 1906-1907 Piqua City Directory. Dabus' profession was listed as a blacksmith. Perhaps this is John Dabus Jr. He and his wife Laura B., are residing at 646 W. Ash St., Piqua. The blacksmith shop was located at 416 Green St., Piqua.

James F. (N.) Noland (1845 - ) Noland was 16 years old when he joined the army. He was born in Piqua and joined the army on December 11, 1861. He is found in the 1860 Ohio Census Index in Piqua, Ohio. He became a resident of Bradford, Ohio, and worked for the railroad. Noland was a Private and then appointed Corporal in Company 1, 71 st O.V.I. He was appointed Corporal on November 30, 1865. Noland was mustered out at the close of the war on January 6, 1866. He joined the G.A.R. on April 26, 1907, a and transferred to Wells Post, Columbus, Ohio, on May 16, 1916. He was received on transfer November 28, 1919. He was buried in Section 1 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua. In an aside, it is interesting that two soldiers by the same surname of Noland, joined the 71 st O.V.I. and both joined when they were 16 years of age. John N. Noland joined the army three years later than James F. Noland. It is not know if John N. was a relative of James F. Noland. John N. Noland was found in Jackson Township, Shelby County, Ohio, in the 1860 Ohio Census Index. John N. Noland joined the army on March 14, 1864, well after the Battle of Shiloh. He became a Private in Company I, 71 st O.V.I. John N. Noland was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865. John N. Noland died on June 23, 1885, and was buried in Section 1 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, Ohio.

Manning R. Riddle (March 6, (7) 1903. Riddle was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a farmer by trade. He became a Sergeant in Company F,  71st O.V.I   His term of service was from 15 Jan 1862, to 24 Oct 1862. He left the service with a surgeon's certificate. Riddle joined the G.A.R. on 3 Jul 1891. The 1902 Piqua City Directory shows Manning R. Riddle living by himself in a rented place at 424 North Main Street, Piqua. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Troy.

George Schwable (1841 - November 19, 1886) Schwable was born in Seneca County, Ohio. Schwable became a resident of Piqua. He was a carpenter by profession. He became a Private in Company H, 71 st O.V.I. He entered the army on October 26, 1 861, for three years of service. He was 20 years old at the time of his enlistment. He left the army with a surgeon's certificate and General Order from the War Department on July 22, 1862. Schwable's disability could have occurred at the Battle of Shiloh. The First. O.V.I. did not engage in a major skirmish, after Shiloh, until Clarksville, Tennessee, on August 19, 1862. Schwable was discharged on a surgeon's certificate after Shiloh but before the Tennessee engagement. However, Schwable's disability might have occurred in a minor skirmish after Shiloh. Schwable joined the G.A.R. on June 11, 1886. He was buried at the Soldiers' Home in Dayton, Montgomery Company, Ohio.

David Warner (1843 - ) Warner was born in Butler County, Ohio. He became a resident of Piqua, and a farmer by profession. He became a Private in Company F (E), of the 71 st O.V.I. He entered the army on November 23, 1861, and was transferred to Company E. on February 1, 1864. This veteran was mustered out on June 2, 1865, by a General Order of the War Department. Warner was wounded in the leg and ankle in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 16, 1864. In 1870 - 71 he was a farmer living on Covington Road, near the Piqua city limits. He entered the G.A.R. on May 12, 1884, and transferred to Piqua, on September 25, 1903. In 1902 there is a David Warner living with Melissa E. at 620 N. Downing St., Piqua.

Richard Warner (1839 - October 18, 1909) Warner was a native of Piqua and resided there. He was a teamster by profession. Warner was 22 years of age when he entered the army on October 28, 1861. He became a Private in Company F, of the 71st O.V.I. Warner was wounded in the Battle of Nashville, Tennessee. He was mustered out on July 2, 1865, because of the close of the war. Warner was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865. He joined the G.A.R. on June 6, 1888. In 1906 -07 he was a laborer by profession residing at 707 Cottage Ave., Piqua.

Benjamin K. (H) Webster (1833- 25 Jun 1907) was born in Miami County Ohio. Webster wed Elizabeth Heath on January 5, 1856. He was a married, 29 year old Piqua farmer when he joined the army. He joined the army on January 21, 1862. Webster was a Private in Company E, 71st O.V.I. Piqua G.A.R. records indicate that Webster joined the army a month later, on February 21, 1861. Webster was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865, by a Special Order. Webster joined the G.A.R. on July 1, 1892, from Devinney Post 4248. He died at the age of 74, and is buried in Fletcher, Ohio.

Thomas W. Widmeyer (1820 - February 16, 1899) Widmeyer was born in Morgan County, Virginia, and became a resident of Piqua. He was a laborer who joined the army as a Private in Company D, 71st O.V.I 1. He joined for a term of three years. He began his service in the army on November, 1861, according to G.A.R. records. He entered the army on December 7, 1861, according to the official state soldiers' roster. He was mustered out in October 4, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, on a surgeons certificate of disability. Widmeyer joined the G.A.R. on July 15, 1885. He was buried in the Johnston Cemetery, Piqua.

Private Peter Widmeyer of the same regiment and company was killed at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1862. He entered the army at the age of 28 on November 19, 1861, for a term of three years. It is not known if Peter Widmeyer was related to Thomas W. Widmeyer because of the proximity to the age, regiment, company and surname.

Samuel H. Wilson (1831 - December 11, 1868) He joined the army on November 3, 1861, for a term of three years. He became a Sergeant in Company E, 71st O.V.I. Wilson was mustered out with his company on November 30, 1865. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

William M. Wise (1845 - June 14,1881) Wise was born in Pennsylvania. It is also reported that both of Wise's parents were also born in Pennsylvania. He was 19 years old when he joined the army on October 27, 1861, for a term of three years. He was mustered in as a Private in Company E, 71 O.V.I. Wise was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, on November 16, 1862. He became a First Lieutenant in Company A, on April 2, 1864. Wise resigned from service on November 22, 1864. According to the Piqua City Directory, Wise was a tailor and resided at 69 High St., in the city.

During 1880, William Wise is shown residing at a boarding house operated by Elizabeth Shaw. Shaw, a 47 year old divorcee is living with her daughter Sarah M., who is a 22 year old milliner.  There are many people  residing in the boarding house (see Sylvester DeWeese for the list). It is interesting to see that one of the boarders was Wise's old war buddy from the 71 st O.V.I., Sylvester DeWeese, age 61. Undoubtedly Sylvester DeWeese and William Wise spent time on the front porch of the boarding house telling tales of their war service. Wise is buried in Section 2 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Peter W. Sendweig

John C. Sawyer (--September 27, 1909) Sawyer was born and raised in Piqua. He was a merchant by profession. Sawyer became Sergeant and Corporal of Company I, 2nd Iowa Volunteers (First O.V.C.) He entered the Army on April, 1861. Sawyer served an expired term and was mustered out in October, 1864. He joined the G.A.R. on November 9, 1881. He is buried in Section 1 of Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.