78th Regiment Infantry

Organized at Zanesville, Ohio, October, 1861, to January, 1862, and mustered in January 11, 1862. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 11-16. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, District of West Tennessee, to March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Unattached, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 16, 1862. Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Capture of Jackson June 7. Duty at Bethel and Grand Junction until August. Bolivar August 30. March to Iuka, Miss., September 1-19. Battle of Iuka September 19 (Reserve). Duty at Bolivar until November. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign, operations on the Mississippi Central Railroad. November 2, 1862, to January 20, 1863. Reconnaissance's from LaGrange toward Colliersville November 5 and November 8-9. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., January 20, thence to Lake Providence, La., February 22, and to Milliken's Bend, La., April 17. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Port Gibson May 1. Forty Hills and Hankinson's Ferry May 3-4. Battles of Raymond May 12; Jackson May 14; Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4, and duty there until February, 1864. Clinton July 16. Expedition to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Expedition to Canton October 14-20. Bogue Chitto Creek October 17. Regiment reenlisted January 5, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2, 1864. Baker's Creek February 5. Wyatt's February 13. Meridian February 14-15. Canton February 26. Veterans on furlough March and April. Moved to Clifton, Tenn., thence marched to Ackworth, Ga., May 5-June 8. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 8-September 8. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Howell's Ferry July 5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Leggett's or Bald Hill July 20-21. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Duty near Atlanta until October 15. Moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., and duty guarding railroad near Chattanooga until November 13. Little River, Ala., October 27. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Pocotaligo, S.C., January 14. Barker's Mills, Whippy Swamp, February 3. Orangeburg February 12-13. Columbia February 16-17. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June, and there mustered out July 11, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 71 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 280 Enlisted men by disease. Total 355.

The following is from History of the 78th Regiment O.V.V.I, from its "Muster-In" to its "Muster-Out;" comprising Its Organization, Marches, Campaigns, Battles and Skirmishes, by Rev. Thomas M. Stevenson, Chaplain of the Regiment:

COMPANY H.

Was raised in Guernsey county by John T. Rainey and organized January ___, 1862. John T. Rainey was appointed Captain, John F. Grimes First Lieutenant, and John Orr Second Lieutenant.

The company was composed of a noble, robust class of men, ready and able for any duty and difficult work. In no company of the regiment was there a greater spirit of contentment, mirth and cheerfulness. Every evening in Company "H" would be heard the merry songs of happy voices, echoing throughout the camp. The company always took a cheerful part in the numerous battles and campaigns of the regiment, and has lost many fine, noble men in battle and by disease. It has highly honored patriotic Guernsey and made a proud record in the history of the war.

Captain Rainey was a lawyer of Cambridge, and a favorite generally with men. His disposition was such as to make him popular with his company, and the regiment generally; having much energy, some military experience — having served in the Mexican war — and being naturally a jovial, free, social man, made him, as supposed by the regiment, eminently fitted for Major of the regiment, to which position he was chosen at Grand Junction, Tenn., and received his commission afterwards at Memphis, prior to its entrance on the Vicksburg campaign. He commanded the regiment with great ability and acceptance through the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond and Jackson, Miss. On the morning of the commencement of the battle of Champion Hills, Lieutenant-Colonel Wiles took command of the regiment, Major Rainey assisting him. At the investment of Vicksburg by General Grant’s army, Major Rainey was detailed on General Leggett’s staff as Assistant Inspector General, in which position he remained until after the fall of Atlanta, when he resigned his commission and left the service.
Lieutenant Grimes’ health so far failed as to compel him to quite the service. He therefore resigned his commission after the battle of Shiloh, went home, and soon died of disease contracted in the service. He was a young man of fine attainments and moral worth and promised to be a very efficient officer.
Lieutenant Orr was promoted to First Lieutenant and Sergeant Wm. Dodds to Second Lieutenant. The latter resigned at Memphis, in February, 1862. Lieutenant Orr was appointed Captain, and Sergeant Josiah Scott First Lieutenant. Lieutenant Scott was a noble, Christian young man, and beloved not only by his company, but by all the regiment. He was a cheerful, social and pleasant young officer. When the regiment was encamped at Vicksburg he obtained a leave of absence and went home to visit his family, where he was taken ill with the small-pox and died. His death was much regretted and deeply lamented by his company and the regiment.

Sergeant Henry Speer, of "A" company, was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to "H" company, in November, 1863. He was a young man of good morals, very efficient in all he did. His promotion was one of merit and honor. He served faithfully in his company till at Atlanta, in the battle of the 22d of July, he was severely wounded, making amputation of his arm necessary. He was sent home, where he died shortly after, in consequence of his wounds.
Captain Orr remained in command of the company till January, 1865, when his three years’ service expiring, he was honorably mustered out. He was a very jovial, pleasant and good officer. He was cheerful in camp, and brave almost to a fault in battle. On the 22d of July, in the ever memorable battle before Atlanta, he killed a rebel with his sword, who had hold of the colors of the regiment. He fought with the most desperate bravery in personal combat in preventing the capture of the flag. Captain Joseph Orr lived in single blessedness till advanced in his forties, having obtained a comfortable living, and more than a competency to maintain a family. He finally, after much exhortation from the Chaplain and his Colonel, repented of the sin of living an old bachelor, corrected and reformed his life by marrying a wife.

Lieutenant Springer, of Company "C," was promoted to a Captain, and assigned to Company "II," but still remained on General Leggett’s staff, in charge of the Division Ambulance Train. This position he had filled with great efficiency and acceptance.

John P. Ross, Sergeant-Major of the regiment, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and assigned to Company "H," and had command of the company till the mustering out of the regiment. He was one of those "few and far between" very best of young men; of high Christian integrity, of good attainments, efficiency and close attention to his business, that made him an officer of much success, acceptance and ability.

Sergeant Robert H. Brown was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He was also a good young man, and an efficient officer, and worthy of every trust and honor given him.

This is to certify that I, John Jarvis, a private of Company H 78 Regiment Ohio Volunteers lived in Gallia Co Ohio 5 years before my enlistment and my occupation was a farmer, have not done any work since discharge, have been able most of the time to go around. On the 23rd of March 1874 I left Gallia County and moved to Carroll Co Ohio where I have been living since. The first of March 1865 I was attacked with Dysentery but got some better until the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina which was on the 23 of March. I was put on a force march to get there and no sleep & not much to eat for 2 days I gave out. I have not seen a well day since I was sent to the hospital. Was there till discharged. I have had trouble with my bowels & stomach ever since. Don't know the Drs that treated me in the army. Dr. Dabney Guiandott, Cabel Co, West Va he treated me after I came home. I have been also treated by Dr. Wall, Gallipolis, Gallia Co, Ohio also by Dr. Fletcher of Gallia Co, Ohio but he is now dead, also by Dr R.F. Conkle [unclear] P O Allegheny Co Pa and Dr. R. Laughlin Summitville, Col Co, Ohio. Have not had any acute diseases, have not performed any manual labor only to oversee a little work occasionally. This is to the best of my knowledge. The answers to questions required in circular No 62 and the second that you sent me.

John Jarvis

On this nineteenth day of June, 1885, at East Township, County of Carroll State of Ohio, before me, F.A. Piper, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John Jarvis, (Clm't), who says: his age is 55, occupation farmer, P.O. address Summittville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and that he is the applicant for pension in claim No. 280161.

Q: Please state what organizations you were a member of during the late war?

A: I was in the 78th Ohio Reg't Co. H. I never belonged to any other Co. or Reg't.

Q: When did you enlist, and when were you discharged?

A: I was drafted in Sept. or Oct. 1864, and was discharged the 18th day of June 1865.

Q: For what disease or disability do you claim a pension?

A: Chronic diarrhoea and lung trouble.

Q: When, and where did you contract chronic diarrhoea?

A: Well, I suppose it first commenced on the raid through the Carolina's, but I did not give up until after the battle of Bentonville, N.C. The next day or two after the battle, we marched into Goldsboro, N.C. The day after we got there we went to Kingston, N.C. as train guard and returned the following day. There I called on the Reg't Dr. - Dr. George F. Pickharn - who gave me some medicine, and in a few days I was sent to the hospital and never returned to the Co.

Q: When and where did you contract lung trouble?

A: About the same time. It all appeared to come on me at once. It was all caused by cold and exposure and hardships on the raid.

Q: Where had you lived for 5 years before you were drafter in 1864?

A: I had lived near Summittville, Ohio about 5 years when I moved to Ohio Tp. Gallia Co. Ohio in the spring of 1860, and lived there until the spring of 1874, when I moved back to this place where I have lived ever since.

Q: What was your physical condition prior to, and at the time you were mustered in to the service?

A: Well, I think I was as stout as the common [run] of men. I had never been sick since I was 20 years old, then I had a bilious attack.

Q: Did you try to get exempted from the draft?

A: Well, I did not try very hard. I let on that I was not very stout, but the Dr. - I don't know his name, - looked at my hands and said they looked as though I was stout enough, said I would do. I did not claim any disability because I did not know of any. I only claimed I was not very stout.

Q: You say you suppose chronic diarrhoea was first contracted while on the raid through the Carolina's. Why do you think so?

A: Well from the [usage] I had and because it troubled me some. We started on the raid from Atlanta, Ga. and I stood it all night through to Savannah, Ga. where we staid some two or three weeks, and then we started on another raid through the Carolina's, and it was while on the last raid that I was first taken with diarrhoea, and lung trouble. We would go sometimes 36 hours without a bite to eat, and then we would get provisions and eating too much at those times, and the exposure and marching, at that time of year, Feb. & March 1865, in storms, and no shelter but what we carried with us, brought on my troubles.

Q: Did you received any medical treatment before you arrived at Goldsboro, N.C.?

A: Not that I recollect of.

Q: For what were you first treated by the Reg't surgeon?

A: Chronic diarrhoea and lung trouble he claimed it to be.

Q: How were you first affected with lung trouble?

A: By shortness of breath, weakness and cough. While we were at Pocotaligo Station I had a bad cold - that was in Jan, 1865 I think, - and I have been troubled with lung trouble ever since.

Q: You say you were with your Co. as train guard from Goldsboro, to Kingston N.C. and return and never did any duty in the Co. afterward. Had you been sick or excused before that time?

A: Not as I recollect of. I did not feel hardly able to go with the Co. to Kingston that time, but I never had give up, and went with them, but I had to give up when we got back.

Q: What was the matter with you at that time?

A: Well, pains and running at the bowels, and cough and weakness of the breast. Sometimes my bowels would swell.

Q: Please state what hospitals you were in while in the service?

A: Well, when I got back to Goldsboro from Kingston I staid in my tent two or three days. Then I was sent to New Bern Station, N.C. and was put into a tent hospital. The next day I was sent to Camp Distribution, about three miles back of New Bern Station, and staid there until about the last of April 1860. Then I was sent to Grant Gen. Hospital at Willett's Point, N.Y. and when that hospital was broke up, I was shipped to McDougal General Hospital in N.Y. Harbor, and was discharged while in that hospital.

Q: For what were you treated while in the above mentioned hospitals, and Camp Distribution?

A: Well, I will tell you how it was in Camp Distribution. It was about the time Lincoln was killed, and all was excitement, and the Dr.'s did not make regular visits, only came around once in two or three days, and I would go and tell him how I felt, that I had diarrhoea, my bowels were swelled, and I had a cough, and he would give me some medicine but I don't know as I got any medicine while I was in either of the other hospitals.

Q: What was your condition when you came home?

A: Well sir I was hardly able to get home. I got medicine from Dr. W.K. Patton and he advised me to keep quiet and not expose myself to cold weather, as I followed his advice I might have recruited a little, but not much.

Q: What physicians have attended you since your discharge?

A: Dr. W.K. Patton, Dr. Dabney, Dr. Fletcher, but he is dead, Dr. Welch, and Dr. Laughlin. A Dr. Wall of Gallipolis, O. prescribed for me twice but he has no recollection of it. I have never employed any other Dr's except a Dr. Conkle who came to see me with Dr. Laughlin. I don't know where Dr. Conkle is.

Q: How were you affected with your disabilities the first 5 years after your discharge?

A: Well, my bowels are scarcely ever right from the time I came home to the present time.

Q: How are they affected?

A: I have griping pains, and deep heavy pains, and my bowels are very irregular, and the diarrhoea would be constant if it was not for the medicine I take to check it. I keep laudanum, Castor Oil, and turpentine by me all the time and take it to ease the pains, and check the diarrhoea, but it is seldom checked more than two or three days at a time. when it is checked I am considerably constipated.

Q: How long since you have had such a constant diarrhoea?

A: Oh, it has been about the same ever since I came home. It is just this way. My stomach is in such shape that I have to be very careful of what I eat and as I can't get just what I want to eat, what I do eat often hurts me. I can't say that on an average that I am much different any year since I came home, than what I am now.

Q: How many passages do you have daily when not under the influence of laudanum & C. used to check the diarrhoea?

A: It will average 3 or 4 times a day. Of course it varies some. Sometimes it is more and sometimes not so much.

Q: When are you troubled with diarrhoea most?

A: I don't know as there is any particular time. It depends very much upon what I eat.

Q: What is the general appearance of the diarrhoeal discharges?
A: It is thin, often watery, no blood, but some bile & more mucus than anything else.

Q: How have your lungs affected you since your discharge, during each year?

A: Well, take it one year with another I don't know as there has been much change, but they are a good deal worse some times that as others. Some years if I get a bad cold my lungs are a good deal worse and I get down pretty weak. From fall until spring they trouble me a good deal and I get pretty weak, then I recruit and gain strength a little in warm weather. I dare not be out or expose myself any in bad weather.

Q: Are you troubled any with a cough?

A: Yes sir, very much and have been ever since discharged. My cough is dry and hacking, usually but sometimes I spit up a foaming stuff.

Q: Are your lungs ever sore?

A: Oh, yes. There is a soreness all through both of them. Sometimes it is in one and sometimes in the other, and ever since I came home at times I have a "stitch" in my side, and I put on a plaster and it often [drives] the pain to the other side. Some years ago I coughed up a good deal of blood and corruption but I have not lately of any account.

Q: Have you used any medicines for lung trouble or diarrhoea besides those prescribed by physicians?

A: Yes sir. I have used Dr. [Green's] "Piso" ( a consumption cure) & August Flower. Walker's Vinegar Bitters, [Jaynis'] Expectorant, and other patent medicines, and domestic remedies such as have been recommended to me, as good for the blood and for diarrhoea and lung trouble.

Q: To what extent have you been disabled each year since discharge, for performing manual labor?

A: Well I have been totally disabled. There have been times that I could go around and oversee my work but I have not been able to go out and do a days work since I came home.

Q: You have the privilege of being present in person or by attorney, during this special examination [time] of your claim, and of cross-examining the witnesses on your own behalf if you so desire. Do you wish to avail yourself of this privilege?

A: Well, I will be present if it is convenient for me to do so.

Q: Please give me the name of the witnesses you wish examined, as to your condition in the service, and during your residence in this vicinity?

A: Dr. R. Laughlin, John Battin, and any of my neighbors. The most of my witnesses live in Gallia County, O. where I lived when I came home from the army until I moved here in 1874.

Q: Have you had any other disease or disability since discharge, then chronic diarrhoea and lung trouble?

A: No sir.

Q: Did you contract any other disease or receive any injury while in the service?

A: Nothing else

Q: Please give me the names and P.O. address of the officers of your Co?

A: The Capt. was John Orr. Lieut Ross was in command of the Co. through the Carolina's . A man named Callingham was the Orderly Sergeant. They all came from Guernsey Co. O. and I have never seen one of them since I left the Co. at Goldsboro N.C. and don't know where they are now.

being a part of the south west quarter of section number thirty township nine and range two

Andrew was the administrator of the estate of Daniel McGillivary, deceased

In the name of the Benevolent Father of All; I John Jarvis of Yellow Creek Township Columbiana County Ohio, being of sound and disposing mind and memory and desiring to make such disposition of my estate as I deem best, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other last wills and testaments by me heretofore made.

1st

I desire all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid out of my estate as soon after my death as the same can be done.

2nd

I give devise and bequeath to my son Samuel G. Jarvis my farm in Yellow Creek township Columbiana County Ohio, containing one hundred six and one half acres be the same more or less, and being described as follows: being a part of the south west quarter of section number thirty township nine and range two, in said county, subject to the following condition to wit: That my said son Samuel G. Jarvis pay to my estate the sum of twenty three hundred dollars, to be distributed under the terms and provisions of this will.

3rd

From my personal estate and the money paid into my estate by my son Samuel G. Jarvis as aforesaid, I will that there be paid to my son William T. Jarvis, one hundred dollars, to my son James S. Jarvis one hundred dollars, to my son Thomas S. Jarvis one hundred dollars.

4th

The balance of my personal property I give devise and bequeath as follows: To my grandchildren, children of my daughter Mary White, viz: Myrtle Brogan, Annie May Snively and John White, three hundred dollars to be divided equally between them one hundred dollars to each, To my daughter Margaret E. Whitla, six hundred dollars, To my daughter Laura B. Johnston six hundred dollars, to my son William T. Jarvis six hundred dollars, to my son James S. Jarvis six hundred dollars, to my son Thomas S. Jarvis six hundred dollars. In this item by personal property I mean to include therein the money to be paid to my estate by my son Samuel G. Jarvis, as provided in item 2nd of this will. If there is not enough to pay the bequests of this item in full I wish them paid pro rata.

5th

It is my will that if any balance of my estate remain after paying the bequests and devises hereinbefore mentioned, that such balances be divided equally between my children living at the time of my death.

6th

I have heretofore made some advancements to some of my children and have taken receipts therefor, and it is my will that such advancements be deducted from the bequests herein made to such children, and that any further advancements be so deducted.

7th

As I am not in debt to any of my children and do not expect to become so indebted, I wish the bequests herein made to be considered as payment of any and all claims any one of my children may present or think himself or herself entitled to against my estate, to the amount of such bequest. This provision not to apply to any special service performed or debt incurred during my last sickness.

8th

It is my hope and desire that my children and grandchildren shall be satisfied with the division I have made of my property, it being my intention to make a just and fair division thereof, my reason for willing to my grandchildren, children of my daughter Mary A. White only three hundred dollars is that I have heretofore paid out for them and their mother and incurred expense on their account to an amount so that I consider said sum a fair share of my estate for them. To my son Samuel G. Jarvis I have made an advancement of two hundred and ten dollars which I consider when requiring him to pay to my estate twenty three hundred dollars for receiving my farm. In event of my said son refusing or failing to pay said sum into my estate then it is my will that my said farm be sold and the proceeds of such sale be divided in accordance with the terms and provisions of this will, except that my son Samuel G. Jarvis shall in that event receive an equal share with that of each of my other sons from my estate, the advancement made to him to be deducted from his share.

9th

It is my wish to be buried by the side of my wife in Highlandtown Cemetery

10th

I hereby nominate and appoint my said son Samuel G. Jarvis executor of this my last will and testament

11th

I wish after my death that the monument erected at my wife's grave be inscribed with the date of my death and any other suitable marking.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day of October A.D. 1904

John Jarvis

The forgoing instrument was signed and sealed in our presence by the said John jarvis and by him acknowledged as his last will and testament and by us signed as witnesses in his presence and at his request.

Kate A. Smith
A.G. Smith

Funeral of Veteran
Aged Solider of the Civil War Answers Last Call
John Jarvis, aged 78 years, died at his home near the Yellow Creek school house last Saturday, death resulting from developments of a wound received in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Jarvis was a member of Company H, 78th regiment, Ohio Volunteer infantry, and accompanied Gen. Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. The deceased is survived by four sons and two daughters as follows: Will Jarvis, of New Salisbury; Samuel at home; James, of Carroll County; Thos. of Fifteenth street, Wellsville; Mrs. Margaret Whitley, of Norristown, Ohio, and Mrs. Laura Johnson, of Wayne township. Mrs. Jarvis died four years ago.
Mr. Jarvis was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Highlandtown. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at his late home, and were conducted by Rev. Mr. Peck of Irondale. Burial was made in Highlandtown cemetery.

• Married: 15 Dec 1853 in Carroll Co., OH ⁶
• Change Date: 20 Sep 2002

1. Elizabeth JARVIS b: 7 Jun 1853 in OH
2. Mary A. JARVIS b: 1856 in Summitville, Columbiana Co., OH
3. William Toalston JARVIS b: 7 Nov 1857 in Summitville, Columbiana Co., OH
4. Samuel George JARVIS b: 6 Jan 1860 in Summitville, Columbiana Co., OH
5. James Shannon JARVIS b: 6 May 1861 in Gallia Co., OH
6. Thomas S. JARVIS b: 24 Feb 1865 in Gallia Co., OH
7. Margaret Ellen JARVIS b: 17 Sep 1868 in Gallia Co., OH
8. Laura Bell JARVIS b: 18 Aug 1875 in East Twp., Carroll Co., OH

1. Abbrev: Ancestry World Tree
   Title: Ancestry World Tree
   Author: Bobby Brummet <brummet@bellsouth.net>
   Publication: http://awt.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2149105&id=I4478
2. Abbrev: Death Certificate
   Title: Death Certificate
   Note:
   ABBR Death Certificate
3. Abbrev: Jarvis, John pension file
   Title: Jarvis, John pension file
   Page: gives place of birth as Jefferson Co., OH
   Quality: 3
4. Abbrev: obituary
   Title: obituary
5. Abbrev: East Liverpool Evening Review
   Title: East Liverpool Evening Review
6. Abbrev: marriage record
   Title: marriage record