During the month of September, 1861, the mustering and organization of the 55th Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry officially commenced. The companies were recruited from the counties of Erie, Huron, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot and was one of the earliest organizations raised exclusively in this territory. On the 16th of September, the commanding officers of the regiment were appointed as follows: George Safford - Lt. Colonel, Roger Lee - Major, Daniel DeWolf- Adjutant. The slot of Colonel was left open in the hope that a West Point graduate could be obtained for the position.

Offers to raise companies came in fast and furious, as this letter indicates:

Col. Geo. Safford,
Dear Sir, Do you want any assistance in raising your regiment. If so, send me an order to raise a company and it shall be done.
Z. Surles

Obviously many men wanted top raise companies because they hoped to get commissions as officers in the companies they raise (apparently Mr. Surles didn't get the job as he is not listed on the regiment's roster.) Even the young lads got into the spirit. One lad by the name of Frank C. Long wrote, "If you want a drummer boy in your regiment I will go. I am 4 feet 8 1/2 inches high and thirteen years, one month and eight days old and I can drum very well. I should like to go very much and if you will take me send me word" (note: Long didn't make it on the rolls either).

In spite of these endeavors, recruiting was slow due to competition with other regiments recruiting at the same time. A letter by Charles Gambee (latter Col. Gambee) laments the woes of the recruiting officer:

Col. G.H. Safford
Dear Sir, I Met Mr. Marsh yesterday at Weaver's Corners, he tells me that he has been to work since Tuesday and has not got a man, the country is full of recruiting officers. I also saw the other man (Sloan) that has been recruiting for me and he is about discouraged.

I tell you it is going to be pretty hard work to raise a company about this town. When I last saw you, you spoke to me about a friend of yours at Huron that wanted an order for raising a company. I wish you would write him immediately or send him word to come and see me if he can get 25 or 30 men. I can make an arrangement with him that would be satisfactory. You will please write me by return, his name and the place he lives. Major J.C. Lee speaks here this evening. Can't you come over.
Truly yours,
C.B. Gambee

In spite of these forebodings, Charles Gambee raised a full company and it was the first to be mustered into the regiment (Company A). Other companies were also being raised and would be assembled in October of 1861.

 

 

Sources:
Trials And Triumphs: The Record Of The Fifty-Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry
by Captain Hartwell Osborne And Others, A.C. McClurg & Co., 1904

All Brave And True: A History Of The Marches And Battles Of The 55th Ohio (Veteran) Volunteer Infantry Regiment by Dan Munson, March 1987, (2nd Edition)

The Firelands Pioneer, The Magazine of the Firelands Museum, Norwalk, Ohio. Submitted by John Doing.

 

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