| The Ohio Soldier Newspaper |
Source: The Ohio Soldier Newspapers, 16 volumes- State of Ohio Library (Note: December, 2005- I have started to peruse the 16 volumes of the Ohio Soldier. I will include on this page pertinent items I find that relate to the 26th OVI as I conduct this exhaustive review that will take some time to complete. Many thanks to Jan Rader who shared copies of articles from the Ohio Soldier. Jeff Hill, webmaster ) The Ohio Soldier started as a weekly newspaper that began publication on August 18, 1887 The newspaper was " devoted to the interests of the surviving soldiers of the War for the Union." The editor was John T Raper, of the 26th OVI. Prinicipal address was located at 87-89 N. Paint Street, Chillicothe, Ohio, though the paper was printed in most major cities in Ohio. The paper continued in publication until August, 1902. The Ohio Soldier contained various articles of interest to the soldiers and their families. The feature article in the first edition was a very nice tribute to Capt. William H Ross, of the 26th OVI, Co C who was killed on Sept. 19, 1863 at the Battle of Chickamauga. The paper included information about regimental reunions, department reunions as well as the Department of Ohio and national GAR encampments. It also included review of battles and major generals and political figures, updates on legistation pertinent to the veterans, (i.e. pensions ), patriotic poems, short stories, letters to the editor, searches for the whereabouts of comrades, short venyettes,train schedules, advertisements and corny jokes. Each edition was about 18 pages in length and was printed on full size newspaper paper of 10 1/2 " x 14 ". The paper was primarily funded by donations. A yearly subscription was $1.00 or you could buy a weekly copy for 5 cents. Vol. I August, 1887 to August , 1888- Pertinent information was the article about Capt. Ross as well as review of the 26th OVI reunion ( now known as the 26th Association) held in Sept. 21-22,1887 at Ashley, Ohio. JF Doty was the president, SF Robinson, the Secretary. 79 comrades attened the reunion. The 1886 annual reunion had been held at London, Ohio. The article provided a brief synopsis of the 26th OVI's history, discussed some business, i.e. obtaining veteran medals for the regimental officers. The article also contained numerous letters of regret from 26th OVI comrades who could not attend the reunion. The reunion also included speeches by various members highlighting a particular feature of the 26th OVI during the war. A list of all those who attended the reunion was also provided. There were also plans made for the National Encampment in 1888 to be held in Columbus, Ohio. Vol. II August, 1888 to August, 1889- The first editions make mention of a reunion for Andersonville survivors that was held in Toledo on October 3, 1879. General James Garfield, soon to be President, was the prinicipal speaker. Also, it is noted that a permanent veteran organization for the the 2nd Division of the 4th Corps was organized at the National Encampment in 1887 held at St. Louis. John T Raper was elected president of this organization and Walden Kelly was the 26th OVI delegate representative. The first few editions of this volume contained a fictional short story written by General John Beatty, entitled, " Between the Lines- A Romance of the War ". The GAR National Encampment was held in Columbus, Ohio from Sept. 10-14, 1888. Principal speakers included: General William T Sherman and ex-President Rutherford B Hayes. The 1889 National Encampment was set to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The annual 26th OVI reunion was held at the National Encampment in Columbus. It was estimated that nearly 100 veterans were in attendance. A highlight of the reunion was a reading of the history of Company D by Lt. Timberlake. The 1889 26th OVI reunion was set to be held in Mt. Gilead. The Department of Ohio encampment was held in April, 1889 in Dayton, Ohio. The 1890 departmental encampment would be held in Cincinnati. In this volume were detailed summaries of the battle at Chickamauga ( p. 281) and of Spring Hill and Franklin ( p. 478). The 1889 reunion of the 26th OVI was held at Mt. Gilead on Sept. 16-17.. 60 veterans attended with their families. Highlight of the two day meeting was Capt Welden Kelley's reading of his history of Company E. The 1890 reunion was scheduled to be held in November in Mansfield. The newly elected officers of the 26th Association were: Welden Kelly, Co E- President; James Withrow, Co K, Vice President; SF Robinson, Co F, Secretary/Treasurer; John T RaperCo B, Historian; Dr Nathaniel Potter, Co H, A, Surgeon; Comrade James W Humphrey, Co C, Chaplain; Samuel W Bennett Co D, John W Ferree, Co D, George W and James Longsdorff, Co E, Joseph H Munnell, Co D , Executive Committee. Vol III August, 1889 to August, 1890- The Ohio Soldier went from a weekly to a bi-weekly newpaper in September, 1889. The Nov. 23, 1889 issue contained an article of Capt. Kelley's speech at the 1889 reunion. The article was entitled, History of Company E, 26th OVVI. This article served as the prliminary document to a company history Capt. Kelley would later write, entitled, Lest We Forget. In a later issue, on p. 275, the GAR veterans were polled as to choice for the 5 greatest battles in the Civil War. The battles listed were: Champions Hill, Mississippi, Gettysburg, Pa., Chattanooga, TN, Nashville, TN, and Five Forks, Va. The 26th OVI fought in two of the five greatest battles listed. In Vol. 3, no. 20 dated, May 10, 1890, there is the report of the 1890 Dept of Ohio encampment held at Dayton. A poignant poem was read at the encampment and was reprinted in the paper as follows: Ohio honors them with happy tears: the banners that they waved for her, the battles that they braved for her, the glory that they craved for her, the freedom that they saved for her, Shall keep their laurels green a thousand years. P. 328 notes that the next meeting of the Ohio Association of Ex-Prisoners of War was to be held in Xenia on June 12-13, 1890. Vol. IV- August, 1890 to August, 1891- The 26th OVI's 1890 reunion was held at Mansfield on August 20-21, 1890 as reported in Vol.4, no.2, p.17-18. In this article is a very interesting review of a discourse that Capt. Kelley had with Colonel William F Fox. Colonel Fox had compiled the statistics of the war into an authoritative document entitled, Fox's Compendium. The discussion centered around the counting of battle casualties and striving to come up with an accurate accounting of the 26th OVI battle casualties, especially as suffered at the battle of Chickamauga. The discrepancy seemed to center around the official listing of the number of soldiers killed in battle, and the total number that also needed to include those missing in action at the battle. Colonel Fox provides very interesting statistical tables, some of which he sent to Capt. Kelley. For example, Colonel Fox listed the battles that the 26th OVI fought in in order of the number of killed and mortally wounded. The list is: Chickamauga 52, Stone's River, 16, Jonesboro, Ga. 14, Kennesaw Assault, Ga. 11, Missionary Ridge, TN. 6, place unknown 4, Spring Hill, TN. 3, La Vergne, TN. 3, Boone Court House, Western Virginia 2, Atlanta 2, Jonesboro, Ga. 2, Lovejoy's Station, Ga. 2, Resaca, Ga. 1, Rome, Ga., 1, Dallas, Ga. 1, Cornith, Miss. 1, Kentucky Campaign 1862 1. It was also noted that the 26th OVI was present at Shiloh, Perryville, Rocky Face Ridge, Adairsville, Peachtree Creek, Franklin and Nashville, but suffered no killed nor mortally wounded at those battles. Colonel Fox also noted that the 26th OVI suffered the highest casualties of any regiment in Wood's 1st Division of the 21st Corps at the battle of Chickamauga. According to Col. Fox's statistics, the 26th OVI suffered 212 casualties out of a total of 362 engaged that day. Another table reprinted in the paper notes that in terms of killed and mortally wounded, the 26th OVI ranked 12th in all the Ohio regiments with 10.5 per cent of itsr total enlistment having been killed or wounded. The 49th OVI is at the top of the list with 13.7 per cent of its total enlistment being killed or mortally wounded. At the 26th OVI reunion, 50 comrades were present. The 1891 reunion was scheduled to be held in Columbus. In Vol. 4, No. 9, 12/6/1890, Lt. Luther Timberlake's speech at the 1890 reunion was reprinted. Lt. Timberlake gave an excellent history of Co. D. In subsquent editions, there is much discussion about the new Ohio Soldiers/Sailors Orphan Home that was built between Xenia and Wilmington. On p. 248 in the March 14, 1891 edition it was noted that the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War organization's paper, The National Picket was merging with The Ohio Soldier, and The Ohio Soldier from now on would also be titled, The National Picket and include articles pertinent to the SUVCW activities. On p. 268 is a poignant article entitled, Still In Andersonville, that speaks of an former POW there who, some 26 years later, is behaving as if he were still imprisoned at Andersonville, i.e. hoarding bones he finds in the street. p. 284 The 1891 Ohio Dept Encampment was held in Toledo. The Ohio Association of Ex-Prisoners of War met in Marietta June 10-11, 1891. The National GAR encampment was held in Detroit. P. 360 General John B Turchin, wrote a book entitled, Chickamauga, and it was getting much press. It was announced that the 1891 26th OVI reunion would be held in Columbus Sept 15-16, during the state fair week. The 26th OVI Association had decided at the 1890 reunion to hold their annual reunions in Columbus from now on and hold it during the state fair week to promote attendance. Vol. V- August, 1891 to August, 1892- p. 36- Jasper N Hall, 113th Ohio, wrote an excellent piece entitled, Nineteen Months in Rebel Hell, that recounts his time in imprisonment. It provides some of the best information about the Danville prison. His lengthy article was printed over 8 editions of the Ohio Soldier primarily during this volume year. p. 73 The 26th OVI held its 1891 reunion in Columbus with 75 comrades attending. Highlight of the meeting was the reading of Lt Col Young's official record report on the battle of Chickamauga. It was noted that a reunion picture was taken including wives and children on the steps of the courthouse. A tribute was made to J F Doty, color bearer, who had been very active in the Association activities and passed away shortly before the reunion. John T Raper reported that he was continuing to work on the Regimental History and was needing funds to obtain official documents from Washington, DC. p. 101 A very nice article entitled, A Bold Stroke Fails- Spring Hill, recounts the almost miraculous account of General Schofield's army escape past the Confederate forces. The 1892 Ohio Department Encampment was to be held in Piqua. The Ohio Association of Ex-Prisoners of War were to meet in Zanesville. p. 337 An excellent article entitled, West Virginia- Reminiscence of the Army under General JD Cox, highlights that early theater of the war that the 26th OVI was in. Vol. VI- August, 1892 to August, 1893- p. 25 The 1892 26th OVI Reunion was held in Columbus on Sept. 14-15. 42 comrades attended. It was noted that it was the 10th annual reunion of the 26th OVI. Highlight of the reunion was the appearance of Peter Carty who was a former slave, who the 26th OVI liberated during a march through Lincoln county, Tennessee in August, 1862. He moved to Ohio Christmas, 1863 and took up residence in the Urbana area. His surprise visit to the reunion was a very welcome sight. Also, John T Raper submitted a report regarding his trip to Chickamauga that month as the 26th OVI representative to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Commission. Part of his duties was to locate where the 26th OVI had fought at Chickamauga and to propose where to place the regiment's monument. The location of the monuments and the info about the 26th OVI is owed in great part of Capt. Raper's diligence. p.90 Daniel Chestnut was elected president of the 26th OVI Regimental Association, Elias Cole was elected vice president. It was noted that there is the need to raise $300 to assist in the publishing of the 26th OVI Regimental History. p. 195- An excellent article reviewing the life of former President Rutherford B Hayes. p. 227- An article describing that Lt John B Shofastall, Co H was severely injured in a gas explosion at his home that killed his daughter and mother in law. On the same page, is an article describing that John M Taylor, Co B daughter was burnt to death in a fire in a trunk factory. p. 299- John Gorsuch, Co B, died 4/13/93 at the age of 80. He was 48 at the onset of the Civil War, the oldest in his company, and one of the oldest in the regiment. p. 312- It was noted that Ohio paid $1500 for each monument at the Chickamauga Military Park and $ 5,000 for each tablet. Also, the 1893 national encampment was held at Indianapolis. Vol. VII- August, 1893 to August, 1894- p. 27 Notice of the he 26th Association to meet in Columbus on August 30-31, 1893. Though in poor health, Elias Cole was elected president. p. 74 Notice of the death of Elias Cole on 10/8/1893 from disease of the stomach and bowels. He had recently been elected President at the annual meeting. Note: Elias Cole wrote an excellent company C diary that serves as one of the best first hand accounts of the 26th OVI anywhere. p. 90 An article describing that the Chickamauga monuments would be made from granite from the Vermont Granite Co. p. 106 An announcement of the death of General Thomas Crittenden on 10/23/1893. He was the corps commander of the 26th OVI at the battles of Stones River and Chickamauga. p. 226-227- An excellent account of the 2nd battle of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864. Vol. VIII August, 1894 to August, 1895- p. 22 The 12th Annual reunion of the 26th Association was held in Judge Pugh's courtroom at the Franklin county courthouse, Columbus, on September 4-5, 1894. As usual, the reunion was scheduled during the week of the Ohio state fair. David Bragg was elected president. It was noted that the 1895 reunion would be held at the Chickamauga Military Park, during the dedication of the regimental monuments in September, 1895. p. 149- Battle of Nashville Summary. p.235 Detailed story of the death of Frederick Douglass from a heart attack. Vol. IX- August, 1895 to August, 1896- p. 24- Advertisement indicating that photos of the 26th OVI monuments would be available for sale to the veterans. p. 72-73- Excellent synopsis of the battles leading to the taking of Atlanta. p.313 The 1895 Annual Reunion at Chickamauga Military Park was poorly attended with only 20 26th OVI vets making the trip. p. 362 The 14th annual reunion convened on May 13th in Columbus. Comrade JW Thatcher, the association president called the meeting to order... " As there was no business session held on the battlefilds[sic] of Chickamauga, September 19th and 20th, 1895, the secretary had no minutes to read, therefore made a verbal report, stating that twenty or more comrades were on the ground, bent on seeing and visiting the same old lines they fought over just thirty-two years before. Everyone brought away some relic, some keepsake or reminder of those two awful days when 2134 of the Twenty-sixth were either killed, wounded or captured, out of a total of 354 present for duty... ...The committee on the Chickamauga monument had spared no pains in trying to secure a monument with appropriate inscriptions suitable for a lasting history of the regiment, but the Ohio commission ruled that nothing but cold statistics should appear on these monuments. The association then gave a unanimous and hearty vote of thanks to the people of the great state of Ohio for the splendid granite monument which now stands near the Viniard house on the famous battle ground of Chickamauga..." Comrade Alfred Weedon was elected the next Association president. EV Donnan was elected vice president, WH Flack, chaplain. Comrade Weedon appointed Col. Young and Capt. Potter to a committee to procure a place in the Grand Army parade and to carry once again the regiment's old battle flags. Col. Young and his wife invited the comrades over to their home at Main and 18th Street. Highlight of the social evening were conversation and Col Young showing his comrades the swords and sash he wor while commanding the regiment. Everyone was reminded that 16 years ago, in 1880, when the association was created, it all started at Col Young's home on North Fourth Street. The next reunion will be held in May, 1897 in Chillicothe. Vol. X- August, 1896 to August, 1897- p. 81 Sgt Elias Cole's diary is printed in the Ohio Soldier over the course of several editions. p. 249 The 15th Annual reunion was held in Chillicothe with 56 comrades attending. The 1898 reunion will be held in Columbus in Sept. 1898. Comrade Weedon opened the reunion with a detailed accounting of the 26th OVI's service, challenge to all to educated the youth about the war and its purpose, and a call to his comrades to look towards their next and final journey on earth. EV Donnan was elected the next President, James Withrow, vice president, James Humphreys, chaplain, and SF Robinson remained the permanent secretary. Letters of regret were read as usual. Also, Mrs. Elias Cole was thanked for her attendance and for her completing the publication of Elias Cole's diary, which was sold at the reunion for 50 cents a copy. Those in attendance included: E R Eckley, Col Young, SF Robinson, Vernon Kilbourne, David Bargg, Daniel Chestnut, Augustine Spetnagle, Warren Chapman, EP Tuttle, Lawrence Pross, John H Dailey, John T Raper, John P McDougal, Philip Kunzelman, Mathias Huffnagle, ER Rabstock, Alfred Weedon, Henry L High, John McCausland, Joseph Williams, JA Treahearn, Wm Steel, James Withrow, David Laughlin, Peter Hastings, JW Ferre, WP Hillman, Mathias Smith, EV Donnan, John Derr, Geo W Jackson, WH Geyer, George Slack, JH Munnel, JW Humphrey, Lyman Garnder, John B Osler, Geo W Longsdorf, Wesley France, Luther Timberlake, L Richeson, NE Shaw, Thomas Cull, SB Welch, Robert Powell, WH Walker, Leroy Slack, Samuel Chestnut, EM Powers, ML Morton, WH Flack, John Frederick Stone, Peter Shaffer, Jonathan Whiteside. Vol. XI- August, 1897 to August, 1898- p. 223 Battle of Franklin summarized. p. 240 Excepts of Co. D Thomas B Cantwell's diary was printed in the Ohio Soldier under the story of "Day By Day- With the Army of the Cumberland" . p. 248- Tribute to General William S Rosecrans. p. 259- Excerpts of Co. B Sgt Samuel Chestnut's diary was printed in the Ohio Soldier under the story of "Day by Day- With the Army of the Cumberland.". p. 289- Excerpts of Co H Charles D Brusman's diary was printed in the Ohio Soldier under the story of " Day by Day- With the Army of the Cumberland." p. 321- Letters from Capt. Walden Kelly to his family are reprinted in the Ohio Soldier, that provide insights into the 26th OVI tour while in Texas in the summer, 1865. Vol. XII- August, 1898 to August, 1899- p. 129- "The Charge on Mission Ridge" is highlighted. p. 161 The Battle of Peachtree Creek, Atlanta is highlighted. |
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