the  25th       Ohio
Volunteer
Infantry		 in the
war for
the Union

 

Dedicated to the memory of the brave veterans in the 25th Ohio who unselfishly gave of themselves, some making the ultimate sacrifice, to the preservation of the Union of the United States of America during the late rebellion of the eleven states known as the Confederacy.

Site prepared by T.J. Edwards, Jr. & Sr. Copyright 1999

"…Give my respects to the family, also to all good union people that is true to their country and we will try and close this war this summer. I am willing to rune the risk of loosing my life. If I do I am noe better than those that has fell in defence of there country. I am now in favor of freeing eve culored man in the South. Makes noe difference what it cost. If it cost money and blood, let us wipe our Slavery and be done with such institution fore all. I bleave we are reaping our reward fore what has bin Dunn."
- Samuel Shirk

First Sergeant, Company I, 25th OVI, March 14, 1864~Sgt Shirk was wounded at the Battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Honey Hill.

(Source: T.J. Edwards)

HISTORY. The 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized June 28, 1861 at Camp Chase (Columbus), Ohio, under the command of Col. James A. Jones. The regiment first saw duty in the West Virginia District and was engaged at the Battle of Cheat Mountain. It next crossed the Alleghany Mountains in April, 1862 and fought at Bull Pasture Mountain and Cross Keys. Thereafter, it was attached to General Pope's command and saw action at the second Battle of Bull Run in August, 1862.

The regiment saw its heaviest action in 1863 when encountering Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville in May and Richard Ewell at Gettysburg, both under the command of Robert E. Lee. Casualties ran as high as 70% and, by July 2, 1863, the strength of the 25th OVI had diminished to less than 50 men ready for duty; a far cry from the original 1100 who answered the call to arms in 1861.

With dwindling numbers and three year enlistments about to run out, it became necessary to convince as many war-tired veterans to extend their enlistments and to recruit new soldiers. This was done and the 25th was subsequently assigned to General Hatch's Coastal Division in the Department of the South. It was sent to Hilton Head, South Carolina in November, 1864 and was engaged in numerous skirmishes with the enemy, including a major engagement with Confederate forces at the Battle of Honey Hill.

The regiment continued its duties through the fall of Charleston in February, 1865 and was assigned to several districts in South Carolina serving as an occupational force until the 25th was mustered out of duty on June 18, 1866. It had served over five years. An expanded description of the 25th Ohio's campaigns 1861-1866 can be found in the following links.

Muster Roll (alphabetical), 25th OVI, 1861-1866, with company assignnment, rank, and enlistment date.
In their own words personal accounts of battle engagements by veterans of the 25th Ohio.,
Banner of Freedom in South Carolina by printers of the 25th OVI.
Original State Colors of the 25th OVI under which eighteen color bearers were killed or wounded.
Original National Colors of the 25th OVI, a guide-on for battle
War Correspondent Reports from Jere Williams for "The Spirit of Democracy," Woodsfield, Ohio
Recruitment Notice, "Volunteers Wanted for the 25th REGT. O.V.I.V."
Research links, "Related Web Sites" and other resources.
For more Information or comments about the 25th OVI, contact:
T.J. Edwards - Edwardstj@AOL.com

July 1, 1863, Barlow's Knoll, Gettysburg, PA.

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