HORSE SOLDIER

VOICE OF THE SIXTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY

Volume 1, Issue 7                                                                                                                                                Spring,  2002

WINTER MEETING

     The annual meeting of the Sixth Ohio was held on February 2, 2002 at Fort Markijohn in Canton, Ohio.  Despite the groundhog’s predictions, the day was clear and bright, and even “Doc” showed his enthusiasm for the proceedings.  Troops assembled at approximately 10:00, and our numbers were swelled by the many partners who joined us for the day.

     Presentation of the Treasurer’s Report was followed by the dispatch of a foraging party to scout the vicinity.  The troops remained to hold the fort, and business commenced in earnest.  New members were introduced and welcomed, and since all had attended the required number of events, all were voted in for full membership.  The command structure was established, and well deserved.  The traditional award for most active new member was bestowed on Trooper Hinterlang,  who had managed to slip his mount across the border a total of five times in 2001—he looked most distinguished with his new feedbag on his head!  The remainder of the unit preferring a more traditional method of sustenance, a small feast was provided by our host (on plates), and was much appreciated.  Lunchtime entertainment was provided by Trooper Waldrip, which consisted of pre-WW II cavalry training videos.

     Lunch was followed by discussion and debate of the year’s campaign schedule.  Spring training was set for the weekend of April 5-7, 2002, with the requirement that proof of a current negative Coggin’s test must be provided on arrival.  Vaccination for West Nile Disease was also suggested, as the disease is spreading.  A very strong recommendation was made to put in as much saddle time as possible, with a group trail ride or two discussed as possibilities before April.

     The meeting was officially adjourned at the conclusion of  business, and the troop was dispatched to rejoin the foraging party.  Apparently a herd of steers had been procured, for much steak was enjoyed that night!!

 

 

McKINLEY DAY

     A few hardy souls turned out on January 26 to celebrate McKinley Day.  The ceremony included a ride to the McKinley monument, and the laying of a wreath on the President’s grave to commemorate his birthday.  The plan was to set up an informal living history camp, but vague rumors imply a cavalry demonstration may also have been included.  Just who was that mysterious trooper carrying the guidon?

 

“BARS”AND STRIPES

     Congratulations to all those promoted in our ranks!

     The outstanding talents of our commanding officer have been recognized, and he has been voted line commander for Company B of the USV Cavalry Battalion.  As such, he has been elevated to the rank of Lieutenant.  The size of our unit has also grown sufficiently to support a commissioned officer, so we are now under the command of Lieutenant Hopes.

     The post which was vacated by our new lieutenant has been filled by another strong leader within our group.  Sergeant Markijohn will continue in his role as adjutant, in addition to his new rank. Other troopers will assume a few of his extraneous tasks.

     Corporal Poustie will remain in the position he fills so well (aside from “Sue’s” saddle), assisting the newer members of our group to learn drills and procedures.

     A position of “Safety Officer” was created to address the increasing concerns about risks in the hobby.  The new Corporal Oakley will hold that position, which will also include policing for inauthenticity.

     Lead us well!!    

SPRING TRAINING

     Spring training camp will be held for all troopers of the Sixth Ohio on the weekend of April 5-7, at Fort Hayes in Burghill, Ohio.  Fort Hayes is a full-size replica of a mid-nineteenth century military fort being created by Trooper Yeager and his family on  the former estate of Colonel Edward Hayes of the 29th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

     Colonel Hayes came from a family with a military history as long as our country’s.  Titus Hayes, his great-grandfather, wintered at Valley Forge with General Washington.  His grandfather, Richard, came to Hartford, Ohio in 1804 and became very influential in the cattle trade with Philadelphia.  When the War of 1812 broke out, Colonel Richard Hayes commanded the Third Regiment, Fourth Division Ohio Militia, with his two sons mounted as messengers. 

     In the fourth generation, Edward Hayes heard the call to arms after the First Battle of Bull Run, and leaving his aged parents and young family, raised part of a company to join the 29th OVI in 1861 under Colonel Lewis Buckley.  After a rocky start, he distinguished himself in battle, fighting at Kernstown, Port Republic, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, and the Atlanta Campaign, rising to the rank of Colonel before he was discharged on disability in 1864 after a severe shoulder wound.

     After the war, Colonel Hayes returned to Ohio and served as County Treasurer until 1870, then joined the Post Office Department in Washington, D.C..  He died suddenly in 1899 while attending a reunion of the 29th Ohio Veterans at the Warren fairgrounds, very near his old home in Burghill.

     A historical connection with the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry comes through the Warren fairgrounds. The 6th .OVC first mustered in 1861 at Camp Hutchins at the fairgrounds in Warren, and would have trained extensively throughout the surrounding area, probably including the Hayes property.  Perhaps Trooper Yeager can clarify this—he is living in the former Hayes residence, and has done extensive research into the family and lands.

 

     The accompanying Photograph is of the 29th Infantry Monument at Gettysburg.  Captain Edward Hayes was promoted to Major in the week following this battle, then to Lieutenant Colonel in October 1863

 

     Back to the present--the replica fort currently consists of a fifteen-stall shed row, a corral, and several small buildings, a few of which may be available for bunking (unheated).  Drinking water and modern (but rustic) facilities are available.

     For those attending training for the first time, pack warmly!  Don’t be fooled by balmy April days--the nights are still freezing.  Make sure your boots and saddles are well broken in, and your horses have some miles on them.  Come ready to ride!

     Riders are being asked to have their horses vetted prior to training camp, and the original and a copy of their negative Coggin’s report available on arrival.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 5-7                                  Burghill, OH    

Spring Training

 

April 20                                    Remington,Virginia

Battle of Kelly’s Ford—All-cavalry  event reenacting the March 17, 1863 clash of William Averell and Fitzhugh Lee.  One of the early large-scale cavalry fights.

 

May 17-19                               Sacramento, KY

Battle of Sacramento--Reenactment held on the actual site where Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry engaged Crittenden’s Army of the Ohio on December 28, 1861

 

June 7-9                                   To be determined        

Morgan’s Pre-ride—Trial ride and promotion of the route intended for the Morgan’s Ride event planned in 2003.

 

CIVILIAN’S CORNER

 

     The enlistment of so many new troopers means we also have a group of new family members joining our activities.  I don’t know how much interest there is among our non-military friends in participating in living history.  I have been struggling for the past year to wade through the vast amounts of reference material, sutler products, and strong opinions, to appropriately dress my two young boys and myself.  It’s been fun!  I would love to share any information I’ve discovered.  I can be reached at the editor’s e-mail address, or by telephone at the number listed in the Sixth Ohio roster.

     A few references I’ve found particularly helpful:

 

Who Wore What—a book on women’s clothing of the period.

What Children Wore (or Wished They Could) in the Era of the Hoop—a book of fashion plates and pattern descriptions for kids.

www.longago.com –Internet source of sewing patterns, including period riding habits.

www.elizabethstewartclark.com –Internet source with lots of tips on period dressing, authenticity, photographs, products, etc.

www.shasta.com/suesgoodco/newcivilians –Internet source with tips on building a wardrobe, character development, and even links to period slang.

Happy hunting!!

 

Meg Hinterlang

Civilian Alter ego

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDITOR’S NOTE

 

     HORSE SOLDIER has been an informative, entertaining newsletter, ably written from the perspective of a seasoned veteran and very active reenactor.  As your new editor, I must bring a different perspective—that of a recent recruit still exploring the ins-and-outs of our hobby, the challenges of the Civil War, and the challenges of escaping for a weekend away.  I hope that as I become more familiar with both reenacting and editing, this newsletter will reflect those improvements, however your suggestions and corrections are always welcome.

     I will need your help.  At events where neither I nor my personal representative can attend, I will need you to jot down your thoughts and observations.  Even at events we do attend, the comments of others can add depth and humor (my sources will remain confidential!)  Don’t count on the other guy to do it—he probably won’t.  Just fire off a line or two.  My e-mail’s always on duty!!

 

                                                                                                                        Trooper Mick                                                       angelcroft@zoominternet.net