Fourth West Virginia Infantry

In the early recruitment of "Virginia" Union troops in western Virginia a number of the regiments were composed of Ohioans and Pennsylvanians, whose own state recruitment had been filled and thus were welcomed by the Wheeling government as "Virginians".

According to Whitelaw Reid, in Vol. 2 of his work, "Ohio in the War", pg. 919, he wrote:

"This regiment, although mustered into the service as a Virginia organization, was recruited mainly in Ohio. Seven full companies of it were recruited in the counties of Meigs, Gallia, Lawrence, and Athens. These numbered some six hundred men. Portions of the remaining companies were also interspersed with Ohioans."

On page 918 he lists the officers by date of service and adds remarks. Of the 39 officers listed as to place, 27 are from Ohio and 2 from Maryland, only 10 are from West Virginia.

Last year I was told, by a source I usually trust, that the Fourth WV Infantry was composed mostly of West Virginians. According to my source-

"We show that about 9% of the regiment (total of 104 soldiers) enlisted within the State of Ohio -- which, roughly, would amount to one company -- if they were all in the same company.  This, of course, is certainly far short of seven companies.  The specific breakdown by companies is:   Athens Co. -- 45 soldiers; Gallia Co. -- 25 soldiers; Meigs Co. -- 8 soldiers; Lawrence Co. -- 2 soldiers; Morgan, Jackson, Richland & Hamilton -- 1 soldier each;  Ohio, but county not designated -- 20 soldiers."

Personally, I cannot credit this assessment. First of all, I find it hard to believe that Ohioans seem to have forgotten where their men were. Secondly, we have the reminiscences of an Ohioan of the 4th WV Infanty, Thomas H. Barton, and this is what he says in his autobiography, pages 74-75:

"About the first of July, Judge P. B. Stansberry and William Brown, of Pomeroy, and Ephraim Carson, of Racine, began recruiting for the fourth regiment of West Virginia infantry. They were assisted by Britton Cook, of Syracuse, and myself. A company was soon made up. I joined this organization and became a member of Company E.

In taking this step, I was actuated by motives of patriotism.I shouldered my musket in defence of the Union; but I had no idea of abandoning my profession, and intended, if spared, to resume the practice of medicine at the expiration of my term of service. My wife was patriotic, and readily gave her consent to my enlistment. But it was hard to part with the loved ones, not knowing whether or not I would ever return; and when I was about to bid farewell to those who were near and dear to me, my little daughter said. "Doc, you must not go to war, for you will get shot."

Company E. was mustered into the United States service, July 22d, 1861, and went into camp at Mason City, West Virginia. I was advised by some of the comrades to be a candidate for the office of Second Lieutenant, but held back till near the hour of election. I then wrote a number of ballots, and went to the place of election, when the loud hurrah of the company was heard cheering the newly elected officers. William Brown was chosen Captain; P. B. Stansberry, First Lieutenant; and Ephraim Carson, Second Lieutenant. These gentlemen are all well known in Meigs county, and were men of integrity and ability, and made able and efficient officers.

Company E. was recruited mainly at Pomeroy, Racine and Syracuse, with a few recruits from Mason county, West Virginia. Companies H. and K. were recruited in West Virginia, the former from the counties along the Kanawha River, and the latter at or near Grafton. The other companies were recruited in Meigs, Gallia, and Athens counties, Ohio, and Mason county, West Virginia. The regimental officers were : J. A. J. Lightburn, Colonel; William H. H. Russell, Lieutenant Colonel; and John P. Hall, Major. George K. Ackley, of Racine, was appointed Surgeon of the regiment."

Gallipolis (Ohio) Journal, April 3, 1862