History of
Company C, 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

About the 1st of September, 1861, E. W. Bottsford, Geo. W. Stine and C. W. Oldroyd, began the formation of what was afterwards known as Co. C, of the 16th Regiment. The enrollment began on the 2d of September and continued up to October 15th. Ground having been selected for a camp and tents having arrived, on Saturday afternoon September 20th, John Marks, Enos Pierson, John Leitner and Charley McCracken, proceeded to camp and pitched the first tent in Camp Tiffin. Later in the evening we were joined by C. W. Oldroyd, I.S. Beal and one or two others. Being so far away from the enemy's lines, it was not deemed necessary to put out pickets. About midnight, we were awakened by a terrible commotion in camp, and our quarters ruthlessly invaded by a GOOSE. A charge was immediately made by John Marks and Charley McCracken. The enemy was captured and immediately executed, Jack Leitner being the executioner. His gooseship was served up for breakfast. From that time until mustered out, Co. C, always looked upon geese and chickens as an enemy, and dispatched them whenever the opportunity offered.

At the election held at Camp Tiffin, E. W. Bottsford was elected Captain, Geo. W. Stine, 1st Lieutenant, I.S. Beal, 2d Lieutenant. C. W. Oldroyd was appointed 1st Sergeant. The company was regularly mustered in on the 2d of October, with 94 members, and was No. 10 or left flank company of the regiment.

The company left Wooster with the regiment, November 27th, going to camp Dennison and December 18th arrived in Lexington, Ky. While at Lexington, a detail of 16 men of Co. C, under command of Lieut. Ross of Co. G, went to Nicholasville and captured a rebel Colonel.

The company participated in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged. Lieut. Beal resigned April 27, 1863, Lieut. Stine was promoted to Captain and assigned to Co. I. Sergt. Oldroyd promoted to 1st Lieutenant and commanding the company, Captain Bottsford being Major. The company was recruited to 111 and depleted as follows:

Leaving 62 to be mustered out October 31, 1864. As far as can be ascertained 60 of the company are still living Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas and Missouri. E.P.