OHIO THIRD INFANTRY (Three Months)

Third Infantry. (Three Months' Service.) Col., Isaac H. Marrow; Lieut.-Col., John Beatty; Maj., J. Warren Keifer. This regiment was organized at Camp Jackson, near Columbus, April 21, 1861, in response to the call of the president for volunteers to serve for three months. It was mustered into service, April 27, 1861. On April 28 a part of the regiment was sent to Camp Dennison to prepare a suitable camping place for the regiment, where it was joined by the remainder two days later, and throughout the month of May was subjected to thorough discipline and drill. Before orders for the field were received volunters for three years were called for and the regiment was re-enlisted with alacrity, so that on June 12, 1861, it was reorganized and on June 20 was mustered into service for three years. Those of the three months organization who did not enlist for three years were mustered out on Aug. 22, 1861. The regiment, by its thorough drill and discipline during its three months' organization, was enabled at once to enter into active service under its three years' organization.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

OHIO THIRD INFANTRY (Three Years)

Third Infantry. (Three Years' Service.) Cols., Isaac H. Marrow, John Beatty, Orris A. Lawson; Lieut.-Cols.; J. Warren Keifer, James H. Wing; Maj., James Vananda. This regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, June 20, 1861, to serve for three years. It first engaged the enemy at Middle creek forks, W.Va. when a scouting party of 50 men of Co. A was sent to reconnoiter the road leading to the Confederate position at Rich mountain. Proceeding cautiously, the little band, upon approaching Middle Fork bridge, discovered that it was occupied by the enemy. A gallant, but unsuccessful effort was made to dislodge the Confederates and in this, the first drawing of blood, the detachment lost 1 killed and 5 wounded. On Aug. 4, the regiment marched to Elkwater creek, where it commenced a series of fortifications extending entirely across the valley, and it took an active part in the subsequent movements of that period. The first encounter of any importance, however, was at Perryville, Ky., and in this ill-starred affair the 3d bore an honorable part, standing its ground and returning volley for volley, until more than one third of its number had fallen, dead or wounded. While in line, Gen. Rousseau rode up to the regiment and thanked it in the name of the army for its gallant conduct. He said: "You stood in that withering fire like men of iron." The battle of Stone's river ensued, and in that bloody affair the 3d again behaved gallantly. But then came a sad epoch in the history of the regiment. In April, 1863, it was detached from the army proper and sent with other commands on a raid into Northern Georgia. On April 30 while crossing Sand mountain it was overtaken and attacked by a large cavalry force. The 3d alone captured the Confederate battery of 12pounders, with its caisson and ammunition, and the enemy was completely routed. A few days later, however, the small brigade was compelled to lay down its arms and surrender to General Forrest. The men were paroled, later exchanged, but participated in no more engagements, and were mustered out on June 21, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Ohio 3rd Volunteer Infantry (Union)

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