A Last Local Link to the Civil War

From the May 26th Suburban Journals serving the St. Louis Metro Area "A last local link to the Civil War" by Gene Beals.

Hugh McCugh (kind of rhymes) was born in Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, May 6, 1843 and lived his early life there, entering Mount Union College before enlisting as a private in Co. H, 19th Ohio, on April 27, 1861 at Cleveland. The regiment was mustered in for 90 day's service on May 29, 1861 and carried out guard duty along railroads in what was to become West Virginia.

They fought at the Battle of Rich Mountain July 1, 1861 and returned to Columbus before being mustered out Aug. 18th.

McCugh then re-enlisted in Co. K, 115th Ohio, August 7, 1862, at Camp Massillon, Ohio. The 115th was assigned duty to protect blockhouses and bridges along the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad in Tennessee, partly because of the large number of mechanics and artisans in the unit.

They were also at the siege of Murfreesboro December 5 to 12th. They fought quite a few battles at the blockhouse which often came under attack as Confederates attempted to disrupt Union transportation. The regiment was spread out by companies at various sites along the railroad.

Some of the skirmishes/battles:

Block House 4 August 31, 1864
Block House #2 Dec. 2-3, 1864
Block House #1 Dec. 3rd
Block House #3 Dec. 3rd
Block House #4 Dec. 4th

There must have been a concerted Confederate attack going on in early December.

The regiment and McCugh were mustered out June 1865. During the war, one officer and 18 enlisted men were killed in action or mortally wounded. Four officers and 138 men succumbed to disease.

More to Come. --Old B-Runner