155th Ohio Infantry Regiment facts for kids

The 155th Ohio Infantry Regiment was a special group of soldiers during the American Civil War. They were part of the Union Army, which fought to keep the United States together.

This regiment was made up of "Hundred Days Men." These were soldiers who signed up for a short time, usually 100 days. Their job was to help out the more experienced soldiers. This allowed the veteran troops to focus on big battles to try and end the war quickly.

History of the Regiment

In May 1864, two groups of soldiers from Ohio joined together. They formed the 155th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This new unit was created on May 8 at a place called Camp Dennison in Cincinnati, Ohio.

About 838 men joined the regiment. Their leader was Colonel Harley H. Sage. He had been a soldier in other regiments before. The soldiers were ready to serve for one hundred days.

Just a few days later, on May 12, the 155th Ohio left Camp Dennison. They traveled to New Creek, West Virginia. For a while, they worked as guards in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This is called "garrison duty." It means they protected important places.

Later, they moved to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. From there, they went into Virginia. They served in places like Bermuda Hundred and City Point, Virginia. On June 29, they moved to a protected camp in Norfolk, Virginia. They stayed there for almost a month.

In late July, the 155th Ohio joined a special mission. They traveled to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Their goal was to capture supplies like horses, cotton, and tobacco. After this mission, they returned to Norfolk.

By August 1964, their 100 days of service were almost over. The regiment was ordered to go home. They returned to Ohio and were officially finished with their service on August 27, 1864. During their time, 20 of their soldiers passed away due to illness.

What They Did: A Timeline

• May 8, 1864: The regiment officially started at Camp Dennison.
• May 12: They left Camp Dennison.
• May 13-14: They traveled through West Virginia and Maryland.
• May 15: They arrived in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
• May 20: They helped protect the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
• May 25-26: They went on escort duty to Cedar Creek, Virginia, then returned to Martinsburg.
• June 3: They were ordered to Washington, D.C.
• June 9: They arrived at White House, Virginia.
• June 17: They reached Bermuda Hundred, Virginia.
• June 21: They were at City Point, Virginia.
• June 29: They moved to a protected camp in Norfolk, Virginia.
• July 27: They started their trip to Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
• July 28: They arrived in Elizabeth City.
• August: They returned to Norfolk, Virginia.
• August: They left Virginia to go back to Ohio.
• August 24: They arrived back at Camp Dennison, Ohio.
• August 27: The regiment was officially done with their service.

Who Were the Soldiers?

The soldiers in the 155th Ohio were of many different ages. Some were older, with 52 men being 40 years old or more. The oldest soldier was 48-year-old Private McAlister.

There were also very young soldiers. William Barker, a musician, was only 13 years old. Private Jimmy Ross was 14 years old.

Five of the companies in the regiment came from Pickaway County, Ohio. For example, Company H had 80 active men. Their ages ranged from a 15-year-old musician to a 44-year-old sergeant. The average age in Company H was 27.

Leaders of the Regiment

These were some of the main leaders and staff members of the 155th Ohio Infantry Regiment:

• Harley H. Sage, Colonel (the main commander)
• Roswell Shurtleff, Lieutenant Colonel
• Peter Lutz, Major
• R. G. McLean, Surgeon (doctor)
• R. S. Stansbury, Surgeon
• Thomas J. Watkins, Adjutant (helped with records and orders)
• Joseph Wallace, Regimental Quartermaster (managed supplies)
• Samuel M. Bright, Chaplain (provided spiritual support)
• Charles N. Dodd, Sergeant Major
• Archibald Armstrong, Quartermaster Sergeant
• Joseph B. Dunlap, Commissary Sergeant
• William R. Elder, Hospital Steward
• Charles B. Dowe, Principal Musician

Remembering Those Lost

During their service, some soldiers of the 155th Ohio Infantry Regiment became sick and passed away. They are remembered for their service and sacrifice. Here are their names:

• Clavin, Wilson T., Sergeant, Company D - passed away July 13, 1864, at Norfolk, Virginia
• Howard, Cowden, Private, Company G - passed away July 14, 1864, at Norfolk, Virginia
• Holiday, Lewis, Private, Company E - passed away July 15, 1864, at Norfolk, Virginia
• Justice, G.A., Private, Company F - passed away July 17, 1864
• McKinlay, William, Private, Company E - passed away July 18, 1864, at Washington, D.C.
• Hunter, William, Private, Company C - passed away July 19, 1864
• McCollum, Joel, Private, Company D - passed away July 20, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Warner, A.O., Private, Company E - passed away July 21, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Miller, James C., Private, Company D - passed away July 31, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Martz, Soloman, Private, Company G - passed away August 1, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Leopard, Manuel, Private, Company D - passed away August 4, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Baker, Lawrence, Private, Company D - passed away August 5, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Brothers, John W., 1st Sergeant, Company D - passed away August 13, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Floor, Hiram, Private, Company G - passed away August 14, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• McClain, John, Private, Company H - passed away August 15, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Shafer, David, Private, Company G - passed away August 16, 1864, at Norfolk, Virginia
• Haggard, Thomas C., Private, Company I - passed away August 21, 1864, at Portsmouth, Virginia
• Kennedy, Henderson G., Private, Company D - passed away August 25, 1864, at Washington, D.C.
• Cunningham, Benj. C., Private, Company B - passed away August 27, 1864
• Jacobs, Thomas, Private, Company B - passed away September 3, 1864, at Washington, D.C.