a compendium of facts about Ohio history
by Dan Chabek
Early Ohio's Military Prowess
Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, the three generals commonly acknowledged as having possessed superior military talents and accredited with leading the Federal forces to some of the greatest victories, were all native Ohioans.
Besides these men, the Buckeye State produced 19 major generals and 53 brigadier generals, with a total enlistment of 340,000 soldiers.
There were 6,536 killed in action; 4,674 died in hospitals; and 13,354 died of diseases contracted while in service. Hundreds of others sacrificed arms and legs, or were partially disabled in other ways for the remainder of their lives.
President Lincoln was wont to ask on the eve of a battle how many Ohio men would participate. When someone inquired why, Lincoln remarked, "Because I know that if there are many Ohio soldiers to be engaged, it is probable we will win the battle, for they can be relied upon in such an emergency.
© 1998 Dan Chabek
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