Infantry Units: 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry
The biographical sketches here show only those members of the unit who wrote letters to their local newspapers. Information may be drawn from the unit roster, newspaper obituaries, or other biographical sources.
Field and Staff
Brigadier General Lionel Allen Sheldon
Lionel Allen Sheldon was born August 30, 1828 in Worcester, New York and enlisted
as Lieutenant Colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry September 5, 1861,
mustering into service November 27, 1861. He was promoted to Colonel to date
March 14, 1862 and led a brigade for much of his service. He was mustered out
December 2, 1864 at Columbus, Ohio and awarded a brevet promotion to Brigadier
General dating March 13, 1865. He died January 17, 1917 in Pasadena, California.
Letters: Elyria Independent Democrat: October 23, 1861, October 30, 1861,
November 27, 1861, December 4, 1861, January 1, 1862, January 8, 1862 (2),
January 15, 1862, January 22, 1862, February 5, 1862, February 19, 1862,
February 26, 1862, April 9, 1862, April 16, 1862, April 30, 1862, May 7, 1862,
May 14, 1862, May 28, 1862, June 4, 1862, July 2, 1862, July 16, 1862,
August 13, 1862, August 20, 1862, January 14, 1863, January 28, 1863,
March 4, 1863, March 18, 1863, April 15, 1863, September 30, 1863,
November 4, 1863, November 18, 1863, November 25, 1863, December 2, 1863,
January 13, 1864, March 16, 1864
Roster - Company E, 42nd OVI
Captain Melvin L. Benham
Melvin L. Benham enlisted as a 25 year old Second Lieutenant in Company E,
42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 10, 1861, mustering into service October
30, 1861. Promoted to First Lieutenant to date March 27, 1862, and to Captain
March 3, 1863, he was mustered out November 15, 1864.
Letter: Elyria Independent Democrat: January 28, 1863
First Lieutenant Charles P. Goodwin
Charles P. Goodwin enlisted as a 24 year Sergeant Major in the 42nd Ohio
Volunteer Infantry on September 15, 1861, mustering into service October 4, 1861.
He was commissioned Second Lieutenant and designated regimental Adjutant to date
March 27, 1862. He was promoted to First Lieutenant to date March 3, 1863, but
was wounded in the battles near Vicksburg and was discharged October 5, 1863.
Letter: Elyria Independent Democrat: July 8, 1863
Private Charles P. Gould
Charles P. Gould enlisted as a 22 year old Private in Company E, 42nd Ohio
Volunteer Infantry on September 15, 1861, mustering into service October 30, 1861.
He was mustered out November 15, 1864.
Letter: Elyria Independent Democrat: November 27, 1861, December 18, 1861,
January 22, 1862, March 5, 1862, December 24, 1862
Private Edson A. Root
Edson A. Root enlisted as a 22 year old Private in Company E, 42nd Ohio
Volunteer Infantry on October 10, 1861, mustering into service October 30, 1861.
He was discharged for disability August 30, 1862 at Columbus, Ohio.
Letter: Elyria Independent Democrat: February 5, 1862
Private Howard Williams
Howard Williams enlisted as a 21 year old Private in Company E, 42nd Ohio
Volunteer Infantry on August 11, 1862, mustering into service the same day. He
was transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps on May 22, 1864, but his further
record is unclear.
Letter: Elyria Independent Democrat: July 1, 1863
