Jump to content

Civil War ID Disc, 126th Ohio Vol. Inf., Andersonville POW


USdog
 Share

Recommended Posts

Here is a recent pick-up, along with many other gems that will be shown here soon :D

 

This veteran was born in 1839 and was from Smithfield, Ohio. He enlisted in the Union Army on August 23, 1862, to serve 3 years.

 

He served in Company C, 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

 

The 126th Ohio’s first action was during the First Battle of Martinsburg on June 14, 1863.

 

Later next month on July 23, 1863, took part in the Battle of Wapping Heights, during the final days of the Gettysburg Campaign.

 

Later throughout 1863, participated in the following:

Skirmish at Culpeper Court House

Battle of Bristoe Station

Battle at Kelly’s Ford

Battle at Brandy Station

Battle at Locust Grove

Battle of Mine Run

Skirmish at Mine Run

 

Their first action in 1864 was during the Battle of the Wilderness. The 126th Ohio entered the battle at 11 am on May 5th. At 2 pm the 126th Ohio reached the line engaged and came under heavy fire. They were engaged with the Confederates passed nightfall.

 

The next day, on the early morning of May 6th, the Brigade was formed for an assault and the 126th Ohio was put in the front line. They moved through the dense forest and soon made contact with the enemy. It was found that the Confederates were too great in number and strongly held their position. The 126th Ohio fought hard, but they were repulsed and were forced to leave their dead and wounded. Later the Confederates made a counterattack through the forest and made contact with the 126th Ohio. They held their position until they were surrounded and had to fall back. It was likely during this time that George had been wounded and subsequently captured by the Confederates.

 

The 126th Ohio suffered greatly from the ordeal, suffering over 40% casualties during the Battle of the Wilderness.

 

Now a POW, George was sent to the infamous Confederate POW camp, Andersonville. A really nasty camp, which was plagued by disease and starvation. However, he was a survivor ordeal and was eventually exchanged at Jacksonville, FL, on February 28, 1865. At Andersonville, nearly 13,000 POW’s would die at this camp of the 45,000 that were there.

 

George mustered out on July 3, 1865 at Columbus, Ohio.

Unfortunately, less than 5 years after the war, George died on January 20, 1870. If anyone could figure out how, I would be very grateful.

 

post-93633-0-12411700-1490886070_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...