| This policy helped
ease the pain of homesickness, but when tragedy struck, the results were devastating.
Cousins William Penrod and John Chambers of the 99th Ohio were both wounded at the Battle
of Stones River. Asa and Mary Hardisty lost three sons. Nineteen
Shelby County families had more than one son who did not return. For example, Dinsmore Township brothers Robert and Mathias Elliot enlisted on the same day. They were killed side by side within minutes of each other at the Battle of Atlanta. Brothers Alfred and Aaron Swander, two sons of David and Lydia Swander, never returned home. |
|
| The ages of the new recruits varied
widely. Several soldiers, such as Thomas Powell, were just 16 years old, and Dr. Wilson
(shown at right) was probably the oldest at 48. As manpower reserves dwindled in the
south, the Confederates signed up younger boys. Peter Milton Morgan, a local member of the
118th Ohio, noted in his journal on July 22, 1863, "There was 2 Boys came by here
that belonged to the 8th and 9th Tennessee. But they was only 12 years old." Recruitment in Sidney was accomplished principally by means of newspaper advertisements and posted hand bills. Captains from various regiments came to Sidney to sign up new soldiers. Typical was this August 21, 1863, "Sidney Journal" notice: "Recruits wanted: Capt. Hestler is here recruiting for the 9th Ohio Cavalry...Capt. Hestler can be seen at Thorn's Hotel." Captain Hawkey, recruiting officer for the 99th Ohio, placed a September 4, 1863, ad in the "Journal" asking for "Able-bodied young men, desirous of enlisting in a crack regiment..." He promised, "Good board and lodging will be furnished from date of enlistment." |
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