This page last updated July 26, 2003

Daily Notes from the 97th Regiment

In the months of August and September, 1862, three companies were recruited in Owen county. These were Companies B, F, and H and were attached to the Ninety Seventh Indiana. For the duration of the war, the entire Regiment containing all three companies remained together. For that reason, the history of each of these companies will be the same EXCEPT for SLIGHT DIFFERENCES, such as men killed in different battles and companies. It was mustered into service at Terre Haute on September 20, 1862 with Robert F. Catterson as Colonel.

Company H was organized by the selection of James Robinson as Captain; James S. Meek, First Lieutenant and Joseph P. White as Second Lieutenant.

In a short time after its mustered, the regiment was ordered to Memphis, Tennessee where it was attached to the Seventeenth Army Corps. It accompanied General Grant's movement toward Vicksburg. They later joined Sherman's army in the rear of Vicksburg. After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment went near Jackson and entered there on July 16, 1863.

The Ninty seventh then moved in September to Memphis and on the 27th of October reached Tuscumbia, Alabama. Making a forced march of 400 miles, during which the soldiers suffered great hardships, it crossed the Tennessee River and took part in the battle of Chattanooga on the 25th of November. On the 1st day of June another sharp affair took place with the Rebels at New Hope Church in Georgia and again on the 15th. On the 27th of June, an assault was made on the enemy at Kenesaw Mountain, which resulted disastrously. William H. Johnson and George Smith of Company H were killed. Later on the 28th of July; William P. Beem and William Bode of Company H were also killed.

The Ninety seventh was actively engaged in the vicinity of Atlanta from August until the 12th day of November, 1864. On that day it started on Sherman's great march to the sea.

The regiment was mustered out on the 9th day of June, 1865 and arrived at Indianapolis on the 13th.

Total Enlisted--90

4 were killed in battle

21 died from disease

Officers

Musicians

Privates

Home

Debbie Jennings

Website Coordinator