51st Ohio

[pheaur]

I hope this is the right place to post a thread.

I have been researching the 51st Ohio for some time. My concentration is on Co B since my great great grandfather served in this company. I have spent many hours researching at the state and national level. I have also been to the local libraries where the regiment was formed. I have also done research on Ohio contracts and the uniforms that were produced in the state during 1861. I have also collected some information on muskets used, especailly the Greenwood Musket. Does anyone have any information on the 51st Ohio other than its general history? I am looking for records that might be in a library somewhere that I haven't discovered yet.

Christopher Warfel

[paulcalloway]

Re: 51st Ohio

If you haven't done so already, contact Larry Stevens at webmaster@ohiocivilwar.com That guy has a real passion for Ohio Civil War history and if anyone would know where to go on the 51st OVI, it'd be Larry.

You've probably already been to Larry's 51st Ohio page but here's the link in case you haven't. He has an extensive list of references.

[pheaur]

Re: 51st Ohio

Thanks for the information Paul. I have collected just about everything that was listed on his site. I am looking for information that may be in a library somewhere that hasn't been discovered yet; letters, diaries, forms etc.

Thanks Again,

Christopher Warfel

[James Brenner]

Re: 51st Ohio

It sounds like you've covered most of the readily available sources if you've been to the National Archives (muster rolls, order books, pension records) the OHS (correspondence, GAR records), and the county historical societies (letters, diaries, artifacts). Have you combed through the local newspapers? Frequently, the soldiers' letters were the newspaper's official correspondents and their published letters provide lots of detail not included in the official histories. If you need a copy of Brainard's article in Ohio History, PM me and I'll copy it for you.

I'd be very interested in your research on the Greenwood muskets. I suspect that he converted and rifled mostly M1816's, but I think he rifled a few M1842 muskets, too. I'm basing my opinion on the shape and style of the rear sights, but I'd like to know your thoughts.

I hope this helps.

[pheaur]

Re: 51st Ohio

James,
Thank you for your input on where to find additional information on the 51st Ohio. I already have the Brainard collection and have collected most newspaper accounts from 1861 to 1865. I always find something new everytime I research this regiment, but I do believe I'm running out of readily available information. I'm not quite sure if I can explain the information that you seek; the Greenwood Musket and the M1816. Miles Greenwood didn't make his appearance, according to ordnance records, until July 24, 1861. This response is for muskets only. If my records are correct the Ohio Arsenal sent him 1,000, 2nd Class, smoothbore muskets on July 24, 1861. This is the first entry that I could find on Miles Greenwood. On July 25, 1861 the Ohio Arsenal received 100 Rifled Muskets 69 cal. from Greenwood. The entry was this: 5 Boxes U.S. Muskets, 2nd Class, from Greenwood. It's my belief that these muskets were the Altered Muskets (M1816). The entries in the log book continue almost daily for several months. I only recorded information up to November 1861. All muskets were listed as: US Muskets, 2nd Class; 1st Class, Browned, Polished, smooth-bore, and rifled. I did not see any record of M1842 being sent to Greenwood, but then again, I only sought records to early November. I'm not sure but I don't think Greenwood converted any of the M1816 muskets to percussion. All entries, up to November 1861, were marked Altered U.S. Muskets. I'm assuming that the muskets had already been converted before Greenwood received them at his foundry. Ohio received a large portion of Altered Muskets in April 1861. The final estimate was around 23,482 Altered Muskets. If you can, see: OHS, Series 147-9:123, dated September 14, 1861
...that the Greenwood musket in its present unfinished and incomplete condition was in his estimation very inferior to the improved smooth bore musket, that the Greenwood musket had been adapted to the rifle ball without any alteration being made in the lock, spring or bayonet and required a force of from five to eight pounds upon the trigger to discharge the piece, and that any rifled gun in his estimation should be fitted for accurate firing; asking why the old musket should be superseded if it was true, as some army officers affirmed, that accuracy of aim was neither necessary or desirable at close quarters; and stating that the Greenwood musket was not provided with a guide sight or hausse without which it was absolutely impossible to use the weapon to advantage...
You have to pardon my ignorance, but I'm not very good at wording pertinent information. I hope that the information that I have provided is helpful.

Christopher Warfel

[Silver Spring Guards]

Re: 51st Ohio

I had a relative in the 41st Ohio and they were outfitted with the Greenwood Rifle as well.

They used them at Shiloh and Stones River. Sometime in early 1863 while camped at Readyille, Tennessee the regiment were able to discard * "the miserable Greenwood rifled Muskets and were suppled with Springfield rifles."

* Robert Kimberly & Ephraim Holloway's - "History of the 41st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865"

[Canton Zouave]

Re: 51st Ohio

If you havent alreayd done so, contact Mark Gaynor at Indian River Graphics in Zoar, Ohio. Mark should be able to lead you to some additional information.

http://www.indianrivergraphics.com/

In additionm you can contact the Massillon, Museum located (obviosuly) in Massillon Ohio....they have displayed a complete grouping that belonged to Pvt.(later Corporal) Levi Gilpin, who belonged to Co. E. The owner of the grouping has Gilpin's complete kit, from his hat to his shoes and everything in between, it is most impressive to see. Speak with Alex. Nickols, she is the curator and can lead you to some sources as well. Another source at the museum will be Chris Craft.

Finally, look to the west of Dover and examine papers from Holmes County. One company, The Shanesville Blues, came from Shanesville (now Sugarcreek) which is on the Tuscarawas/Holmes County Line. They would have drawn members in from the Area of Millersburg and Baltic.

That may kick start some more tidbits for you.

[pheaur]

Re: 51st Ohio

Here's what I have on the 41st Ohio:

Issued from the Ohio Arsenal

August 20, 1861 - 200 Altered U.S. Muskets (Smoothbore)
October 10, 1861 - 200 Enfields .58 cal
November 8, 1861 - 680 Rifle Muskets .69 cal (Rifled by Greenwood)

Ohio Historical Society: Series 2224, BV990

I have seen numerous accounts on this muskets. Most written accounts would agree that this musket was not a very good musket. However, it was listed as a 2nd Class musket in the Quater Master day log.

Christopher Warfel

[nc69th]

Re: 51st Ohio

I know Mark Gaynor and I agree he should be able to help you out with research for the 51st OVI After he is there Company CO. I have asked him many questions on the unit so far he's done me good service with my research.

[pheaur]

Re: 51st Ohio

Thanks for the info on where to find additional information on the 51st. I'll see what I can dig up.

Chris Warfel