Here is the third edition of the history of a group of men who valiantly fought to preserve the Union during the American Civil War. The first edition was published in 2010 to wide acclaim. An updated second edition was printed in 2013. Now, seven years later, this third edition expands on the previous ones with a new chapter and many more stories, burial locations, maps and photos. The men of the 26th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry were among the first to answer their country’s call to duty, and among the last ones to finally be mustered home. The “Old 26th” fought in numerous western theater campaigns and battles; including: Shiloh, Corinth, Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville. After the war’s end, the veterans yearned to publish their regiment’s proud history as so many other units had done. Regrettably, the high cost of publishing proved too steep for the aged veterans, and their dream died with them. The descendant of three veterans of the 26th Ohio, Jeffrey A. Hill resurrected their dream and brought it to fruition. Meticulously researched, their history is based on over five hundred primary source documents including letters, diaries, military and pension records, regimental and company records, and other first person accounts. Their narrative conveys their omnipresent sense of duty and loyalty. This book chronicles the involvement of the 26th Ohio from the initial fervor following Fort Sumter and throughout the war, as well as the postbellum activities. The appendices include a roster, list of burial sites, photo gallery, and index. This history is a lasting tribute to the men who so bravely fought to protect what they held most dear—their beloved country. At long last, here is their story...

The 26th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry: The Groundhog Regiment is the gripping story of the men and boys who valiantly fought to preserve their country's glory during the Civil War. These brave souls were among the first to answer the Union's call to duty and among the last to be mustered home. They proudly adopted the nickname, "The Groundhog Regiment" as the rodent's agility and determination epitomized their strengths. The Old 26th played a pivotal role in numerous major western theater campaigns and battles, from the early conflicts in western Virginia and Shiloh to the bloody fields of Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville. After the war's end, the veterans yearned to write their regiment's history as so many other units had done. Regrettably, the high price of publishing proved to be too steep for the soldiers, and their dream of telling their story died with them. The descendant of two veterans of the 26th Ohio, Jeffrey A. Hill resurrected their dream and brought it to fruition. Meticulously researched, this history is based on over three hundred primary source documents from the soldiers. From the daily struggles of the privates to the internal anguish of Colonel Fyffe and the other senior commanders, the history offers an intriguing insight into the men who preserved the Union. The book chronicles the involvement of the 26th Ohio from the initial fervor following Fort Sumter, throughout the War, and the post-war activities of the veterans. The appendices include an updated roster, list of burial sites, and a photo gallery. The history is a lasting tribute to the men who so bravely fought to protect what they held most dear: their country. At long last, here is their story

About the fifth day of June, 1861, Sylvester M. Hewitt, assisted by several others, began the enlistment and organization of a company of volunteer infantry at Mt. Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, under the first call of the President for three-year troops. Rapid progress was made and in a few days the good ladies of the community organized and prepared woolen underwear for the men. June 14th, 1861, the company, about 80 in number, formed on the North Public Square and marched to Gilead Station (now Edison), followed by nearly the entire people of the community. We boarded the train for Columbus and marched thence four miles west to the newly established Camp Chase, where the 23rd, 24th and 25th Ohio Infantry were being organized, and their quarters partially built. We were quartered in tents, and on the following day heavy details were made to commence building quarters for the 26th Ohio Infantry, the regiment towhich our company was assigned. Here our military education and discipline began and was continued unceasingly under the wise direction of our Colonel E. P. Fyffe, a West Point graduate, and his able assistants, until its adhesiveness, confidence and valor made it a fighting machine so perfect that no censure or taint mars its history, but several general orders and many personal compliments mark its career. To this regiment we became company E. The first commissioned officers of this company were elected after our arrival at Camp Chase, and were Captain Sylvester M. Hewitt, First Lieutenant Henry C. Brumback and Second Lieutenant James E. Godman.

The story of the American Civil War is best told by those who lived it and endured the hardships, heartaches, and sacrifices on the battlefield and throughout long, hard-fought campaigns. Bvt. Colonel Edward Culp brings us telling accounts of the 25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, cited in Fox's Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, 1861-1865 as one of the 300 fighting regiments of the Civil War. Cross Keys, 1862."The deafening roar of musketry and the wiz of grape and canister. The crushing of timber by the dread missiles mingled with the unearthly yells of opposing forces and the moaning of the dying and the screams of the wounded. Oh God, how terrible is war..."--Sgt. T.J. Evans Gettysburg, 1863. "...under the cover of smoke, the rebels made a desperate charge and succeeded in gaining the very crest of the hill (Cemetery Hill). Among the batteries the fighting was hand-to-hand."--Lt. E. C. Culp Honey Hill, 1864. "A tremendous roar of musketry had commenced along the line, but we steadily advanced, right into the tangled wall of vines and briers, which clung to us as we tore our way through them."--Cpl. Samuel Wildman