Roster Continued

Surgeon William J. Kelley

Dr. Kelley was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on July 13, 1862, and served with the regiment through most of the war including the Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta campaigns. He was promoted to Surgeon on September 26, 1864 but resigned his commission on September 30, 1864.
Letter: Fremont Journal- November 7, 1862

Chaplain Randall Ross

Randall Ross enlisted as a 43 year old Corporal in Co. I, 62nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 16, 1861 and was mustered into service the same day. He served with the 62nd through the battles of Kernstown and the summer campaign of 1862 before he was promoted to Chaplain of the 15th Ohio to date July 6, 1863. He joined the command around Chattanooga and served with the regiment through the rest of the war, mustering out November 21, 1865. He is buried in Cass Co., Missouri.
Wyandot Pioneer- June 10, 1864 (with casualty lists of Rocky Face Ridge and Buzzard's Roost Gap and pg. 2, June 24, 1864 (with casualty list of Pickett's Mill) pg. 2

Musician Samuel D. Welch (also listed as Welsh)

Samuel D. Welch enlisted as a 31 year old musician in the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry September 17, 1861 and was discharged along with the rest of the regimental band on January 8, 1862 due to a War Department order requiring the discharge of all regimental bands, in part as a cost cutting measure.
Wyandot Pioneer- December 27, 1861 pg. 2

Company D, 15th OVI

Captain David J. Culbertson

David J. Culbertson enlisted as a 47 year old First Lieutenant of Co. I, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on April 20, 1861 and mustered into service April 27, 1861. He served with the regiment through the summer campaign in western Virginia and mustered out August 28, 1861. He helped recruit Co. D for the new 15th Ohio and was elected First Lieutenant, mustering into service September 12, 1861. He served in that capacity until after the battle of Shiloh, when, with the resignation of Captain Kirby, he was promoted to captain to date May 4, 1862. His date and method of discharge are not given in the state roster.
Wyandot Democratic Union- April 24, 1862 pg. 3

Captain Samuel S. Pettit

Samuel S. Pettit enlisted as a 28 year old and was immediately promoted to First Sergeant upon his enlistment September 11, 1861 in Co. D of the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Following his good conduct at Shiloh and the resignation of Captain Isaac M. Kirby, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant to date April 30, 1862. Pettit led Co. D throughout the Kentucky and Stones River campaigns and was promoted to First Lieutenant to date March 18, 1863, which was followed shortly thereafter by his promotion to Captain to date April 6, 1863. He was discharged for disability on April 29, 1864.
Articles: Wyandot Democratic Union- August 25, 1864 pg. 3
Letters: Wyandot Pioneer- November 15, 1861 pg. 2, November 29, 1861 pg. 2, January 24, 1862 pg. 2, February 14, 1862 pg. 2, April 4, 1862 pg. 2, June 13, 1862 pg. 2, November 14, 1862 pg. 3, February 6, 1863, pg. 1, March 6, 1863 pg. 2, May 8, 1863 pg. 2, July 24, 1863 pg. 2, October 9, 1863, pg. 2, January 15, 1864 pg. 2

First Lieutenant David A. Geiger

David A. Geiger was born in 1842 and enlisted as a Private in Co. I, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on April 20, 1861 and was appointed Sergeant when he mustered into service on April 27, 1861. He was appointed First Sergeant May 20, 1861 and served with the regiment through the summer campaign in Virginia in 1861, mustering out with the regiment August 28, 1861. Upon returning home, he actively helped to recruit the new 15th Ohio and was appointed Sergeant Major when he reenlisted September 23, 1861. He served with the regiment through the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and Perryville before being promoted to Second Lieutenant of Company D to date November 28, 1862. He was with the company through the battle of Stones River and led it at Chickamauga. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1864 but his discharge date is not given in the state roster. Following the war, he moved to Akron for a few years before finally moving to Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio where he died in 1896. He is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. He married Hattie Shurtz and had two daughters and one son
Wyandot Pioneer- October 23, 1863 pg. 2, June 10, 1864

First Lieutenant Charles J. Rodig

Charles J. Rodig was born December 10, 1820 and enlisted as a Private in Co. I, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on April 20, 1861 and was mustered into service April 27, 1861. He took part in the summer campaign in western Virginia and was mustered out with the regiment August 28, 1861. He soon reenlisted in the 15th Ohio, serving as the regimental Hospital Steward until he was discharged for disability on May 1, 1862. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the 15th Ohio on November 2, 1863 and served with the regiment through the Atlanta campaign, being promoted to First Lieutenant to date August 11, 1864. He fought at Franklin before being killed in action December 16, 1864 in the Battle of Nashville. He was originally buried at the National Cemetery in Nashville but also has a stone (and may be buried there) at the Chandler Cemetery, Wyandot Co., Ohio.
Wyandot Pioneer- June 10, 1864 pg. 2

First Sergeant John Sheehy (Sheeley)

John Sheehy enlisted as a 27 year old Corporal in Co. D, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on September 11, 1861and took part in the battle of Shiloh and in the Kentucky campaign before being captured at the battle of Stones River, December 31, 1862. He returned to the regiment on January 21, 1863 and served with the company for the rest of the war, gaining promotion to Sergeant (October 12, 1863) following the battle of Chickamauga. He reenlisted as a veteran and took part in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Pickett's Mills, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Nashville. He was promoted to First Sergeant February 10, 1865 and was discharged September 24, 1865.
Wyandot Democratic Union- August 18, 1864, pg. 3

Company G, 15th OVI

Captain Peter Austva Tyler

(also 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry)
Peter A. Tyler was born in 1813 and was a resident of McCutchenville long before the organization of Wyandot County. A lawyer by profession, in 1852 he moved to the county seat at Upper Sandusky, where he continued to reside until his death. He was elected to the state assembly as representative for Wyandot and Hardin Counties, serving in the 51st General Assembly from 1854-1856.

He enlisted at 48 years of age on April 20, 1861 in what became Co. G, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was elected Captain and commissioned to date April 27, 1861. He served with the company throughout the summer campaign in Virginia before returning home at the expiration of three months service. He was mustered out August 28, 1861 and promptly set about recruiting what became Co. D, 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Tyler served with distinction at the battles of Shiloh and Corinth in 1862.

A pro-war Democrat, Tyler became disenchanted with the direction of the war and by February 1863, his public letters to the Wyandot Democratic Union had become sufficiently disloyal in sentiment that they were forwarded to the War Department. Following a short investigation, Tyler was dismissed for conduct unbecoming an officer and dismissed to date February 20, 1863.

Following his dismissal, he returned to Wyandot County and was elected Mayor of Upper Sandusky in the October 1863 elections. He took office and served in that capacity until an unfortunate instance in Bucyrus led to his early demise. While on business in Bucyrus in April 1864, Tyler was accosted by a man (the man attacked him for political reasons the Democratic Union claimed) who then shot him, the effects from which he died June 15, 1864 and was buried in Old Mission Cemetery, Wyandot Co., Ohio.
Letter: Crawford County Forum: March 13, 1863
Resolution: Bucyrus Journal: March 20, 1863
Wyandot Pioneer- May 2, 1861 pg. 3 (2 letters)
Wyandot Democratic Union- May 2, 1861 pg. 2, May 30, 1861 pg. 1, June 13, 1861 pg. 3, June 27, 1861 pg. 3, July 11, 1861 pg. 3, July 18, 1861 pg. 3
Articles: Tiffin Weekly Tribune: March 20, 1863, April 24, 1863
Letter: Seneca Advertiser: January 2, 1863
This letter from Captain Overmyer of Company G, 81st OVI, gives his (mostly negative) experiences in camp with Captain Tyler. Letter: Lima Weekly Gazette: June 3, 1863

First Lieutenant William H. Kilmer

William H. Kilmer enlisted as a 37 year old First Lieutenant on April 20, 1861 in Co. G, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was mustered into service April 27, 1861. He served through the summer campaign in western Virginia and was mustered out August 28, 1861. He briefly served as First Lieutenant of Runyan's Co., Harlan's Cavalry, mustering in September 1, 1861 and resigning his commission October 28, 1861. Afterward, he enlisted as First Sergeant of Co. K, 61st Ohio Volunteer Infantry on January 6, 1862 and was mustered into service April 8, 1862. He was promoted to First Lieutenant to date May 1, 1862 and transferred to the 45th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (this was a commission given for recruiting purposes) but never served actively with the regiment. He enlisted for the final time as a Private in Co. F, 101st Ohio Volunteer Infantry on August 9, 1862. He was promoted to First Lieutenant to date October 14, 1862 and was wounded December 31, 1862 at the Battle of Stones River. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Captain to date January 28, 1863 but was killed in action September 19, 1863 at the Battle of Chickamauga.
Wyandot Democratic Union- June 13, 1861, pg. 1

Private William H. Ashbrook

(see also service with 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry)
William H. Ashbrook enlisted as a 25 year old Private in Co. G, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on June 1, 1861 and served with the regiment during the summer campaign in western Virginia before mustering out August 28, 1861. He quickly reenlisted as a Sergeant in Co. F, 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on September 15, 1861, mustering into service the same day. He was discharged for disability February 22, 1862.
Wyandot Democratic Union- June 13, 1861 pg. 3

Private William S. Dumm (Dunn)

William S. Dumm was born January 23, 1840 and enlisted a Private in Co. G, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on June 1, 1861 and served with the regiment through the summer campaign in Virginia before mustering out August 28, 1861. He reenlisted as a Private in Co. F, 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on August 9, 1862 but was discharged for disability on April 16, 1863 at Brook's Station, Virginia
Wyandot Democratic Union- July 25, 1861 pg. 3

Company I, 15th OVI

Captain Isaac Minor Kirby

(see also 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, and 101st Ohio Volunteer Infantry)
Isaac Minor Kirby was born February 10, 1835 in Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio to Judge M.H. Kirby, a prominent early resident of Wyandot County. He raised what became Co. I, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was the first to sign on its rolls April 20, 1861. He was elected Captain and commissioned to date April 27, 1861. He served with the regiment throughout the 1861 Virginia campaign and returned home to be mustered out August 28, 1861. He immediately set to work and recruited what became Company D of the new 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was commissioned Captain September 12, 1861 and served with the 15th Ohio until shortly after the battle of Shiloh, where Kirby commanded the regiment in the absence of Colonel Moses Dickey and Lieutenant Colonel William T. Wilson. His health shattered by constant exposure in the field, Kirby was compelled to resign his commission on May 2, 1862.

Kirby had been home only two months when the local military committee selected him to command Wyandot County's new company in the forming 101st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Kirby accepted command of Company F and was recommissioned Captain to date July 30, 1862. The regiment shortly thereafter set out for the seat of war in Kentucky, being lightly engaged at the battle of Perryville on October 8, 1862. Kirby was promoted to Major to date October 14, 1862 and led the regiment through the vicious fighting at the battle of Stones River on December 31, 1862. For his gallantry in action (and the deaths of both Colonel Leander Stem and Moses Wooster), Kirby was promoted to Colonel to date December 26, 1862. He led his regiment through the Tullahoma Campaign, particularly distinguishing himself at Liberty Gap. He missed the battle of Chickamauga but rejoined the command the day after the battle.

In the Atlanta campaign of 1864, Kirby was given command of the First Brigade, First Division, 4th Army Corps and led that brigade through the remainder of the war, including battles at Franklin and Nashville. He was wounded five times June 27, 1864 at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. Kirby was given a brevet promotion of Brigadier General to date January 12, 1865 for meritorious services rendered throughout the war. He was mustered out with the 101st Ohio on June 12, 1865.

After the war, Kirby returned to Wyandot County where he was active in local Republican politics and veterans affairs. He died May 30, 1917 in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot Co., Ohio where he is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Wyandot Pioneer- May 2, 1861 pg. 3, May 9, 1861 pg. 3, July 19, 1861 pg. 3, July 26, 1861 pg. 3
December 27, 1861 pg. 2
Wyandot Democratic Union- May 2, 1861 pg. 2, May 9, 1861, pg. 2, June 6, 1861 (3) pg. 3, June 27, 1861 (2) pg. 3, July 4, 1861 (2) pg.3, July 11, 1861 (3) pg. 3, July 18, 1861 pg. 3, July 25, 1861 pg. 3; November 14, 1861 pg. 3, December 26, 1861 pg. 3, April 24, 1862 (2) pg. 3

Sergeant Thomas C. "Cant." Cory, Company I

Thomas C. Cory enlisted as a 23 year old Corporal in Company I, 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on September 7, 1861, mustering into service the same day. Promoted to Sergeant on June 6, 1863, he was wounded three times in three months: first May 27, 1864 at the Battle of Pickett's Mill, second June 17, 1864 at the Battle of Pine Knob, and third July 20, 1864 at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek. He was discharged for his wounds February 14, 1865.
Letters: Crawford County Forum: October 11, 1861, November 8, 1861, November 29, 1861, December 20, 1861, March 21, 1862, April 18, 1862, June 27, 1862 (2), August 29, 1862