Formation of Co. I, 16th O.V.M.
source: Richland Shield & Banner: 21 November 1891, Vol. LXXIV, No. 26

Amongst the squads of soldiery from Richland County during the late national family quarrel, one of the first to respond and one that saw considerable service during the first thre months, was Co. I., of the 16th. O.V.M. (Ohio Volunteer Militia, as all the regiments in the three months service were called militia) which was recruited at Bellville.

In order to fully understand the real situation in that village at the beginning of the war it is necessary to say that at that time there were not nearly so many daily papers taken in the small villages as now, only one daily paper, the Sandusky Register, being taken in Bellville. This copy was taken by John Strong, a merchant who afterward became sheriff of the county. His paper would arrive about 10 o'clock in the forenoon, and during the excitement immediately preceding the beginning of hostilities Dr. J.M. Smith would take the paper, mount a store box in front of Strong's store, and read the political news, and consequently the men who had been following the various movements were well posted.

Miller Moody was one of the most active loyal men in the town. He had been educated for the ministry but somehow drifted into politics and out of the pulpit, and had served his county in the State Legislature. On the Monday following the firing upon Fort Sumpter, there being no telegraph office at Bellville, Mr. Moody came to this city to verify the reports of the trainmen that the war had begun.

On Tuesday morning he returned home and was met by an excited crowd of at least 100 of his townsmen at the depot. Mr. Moody immediately told the crowd that the had been authorized by the Governor to raise a company of men. When he started up the street the entire crowd of men fell in line and followed him, so anxious were they to answer to the President's call for volunteers.

All the remainder of the day business was suspended in the little village. The boys who had volunteered marched all around the town encouraging their chums and associates to join them. Although none of them had signed any roll, yet it was generally understood that all those who had manifested so much enthusiasm were going to offer themselves. On the following Thursday, Col. Moses Dickey and others, of this city, went down there and spoke to the citizens publicly. Immediately after the meeting a call was made for volunteers and 92 names were placed on the roll a fast as each man could write his name. Arrangements were then made to leave for Columbus the Saturday following.

On the next day, Friday, an election of officers was held, resulting as follows. Captain, Miller Moody; First Lieutenant, A.W. Loback; Second Lieutenant, James Riddle. On Saturday morning the boys were all gathered at the depot feeling sadly and saying "good bye" to their relatives and friends, when they were surprised by Mrs. Mary Riddle, the wife of the Second Lieutenant, who in a few words, in behalf of the ladies of the village, presented the company with a flag. This flag is now in the possession of Mrs. Riddle, who is a resident of this city.

When the train came in a dispatch was delivered to Capt. Moody, which had been received here for him, informing him that they were not needed at Columbus immediately, and as it was too crowded there they had better remain at home until further orders. The next day the whole company went to hear Rev. John Mitchell, of Mt. Vernon, preach in the M.E. church.

On Monday they were notified to prepare for travel and start for Columbus in the evening. Accordingly they did so but, on the part of some who were inclined to be superstitious it was not without some misgivings, as the moon that night had blood red, which they considered a bad omen. Arriving at Columbus they stopped for several days at Camp Jackson during the day time and slept in the old court house at night until the barracks were completed. During this time the 16th. O.V.M. was organized and they were made Co. I., of that regiment. On May 15th. there was a riot in the camp caused by a guard using a bayonet on a man who attempted to cross the guard line. On the 16th. the Stars and Stripes were hoisted in camp and the boys, unused to heavy firing, were compelled to stand beside a cannon while 34 rounds were fined in honor of the flag.

On May 24th. arms and ammunition were received and they were prepared to do battle, having been fully drilled in military maneuvers by Lieut. Lobacker. On the 25th. they left Columbus, arrived at Bellaire that night and slept in a machine shop. The next day there was great excitement in the town over the report that the Confederates were crossing the Ohio River on a steamer and were attempting to land. The militia was ordered out in hot haste and rushed double quick to the levee, only to find Dan Rice's steamer, at the docks with his aggregation of wonders aboard. "Sold by gosh," said the boys as they walked back, enjoying their first attack(?).

On the 27th. the 16th. crossed the river on the steamer "Brown Dick" landing at Benwood, W. Va., before breakfast, the loyal ladies of "Seceshia" serving the meal to them. The honor of leading the first regiment into "Seceshia" has sometimes been awarded to Gen. Steadman, who commanded the 14th. O.V.M. His regiment crossed into West Virginia from Belpre to Parkersburg on the afternoon of the 27th, while the 16th. crossed over before breakfast the same day, thus winning the distinction of being the first regiment to cross into "Seceshia".