Finding aid for the Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records
Repository: Western Reserve Historical Society
Creator: Ohio Militia, 4th Division
Title: Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records
Dates: 1807-1830
Extent: 0.20 linear feet (1 volume)
Abstract: The Ohio Militia was established by the Ohio Constitution in 1803. Based on precedents established by the Northwest Territory, male citizens between the ages of 16 and 45 in Ohio were required to perform military duty. The Ohio Militia was divided into four divisions initially, with a fifth established in 1813. Elijah Wadsworth of Canfield, Ohio, commanded the 4th Division. Each division was further divided into four or five brigades, which were then divided into regiments and companies. The collection consists of orders, class rolls, record of appointments, and court-of-inquiry reports of the 4th Division of the Ohio Militia.
MS Number MS 0428
Location: closed stacks
Language: The records are in English

History of the Ohio Militia, 4th Division

The Ohio Militia was established by the Ohio Constitution in 1803. Based on precedents established by the Northwest Territory, male citizens between the ages of 16 and 45 in Ohio were required to perform military duty. The Ohio Militia was divided into four divisions initially, with a fifth established in 1813. Elijah Wadsworth of Canfield, Ohio, commanded the 4th Division. Each division was further divided into four or five brigades, which were then divided into regiments and companies. Quakers, Mennonites, and Dunkers were exempt from militia duty after paying a three dollar fee. Between 1808 and 1815, Ohio passed several militia acts, but did not enforce them, resulting in many Ohioans failing to enroll or muster for duty. Often, in the pre-War of 1812 period, those who did enroll and muster did not own arms of any type. However, support for the War of 1812 was widespread, resulting in enthusiastic mobilization of the militia, even if supplies and arms were inadequate.

Scope and Content

The Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records, consist of orders, class rolls, record of appointments, and court-of-inquiry reports.

This collection will be useful to researchers studying the history of the 4th Division of the Ohio Militia in the early nineteenth century. Those interested in the members of that unit, the orders it received, and its court of inquiry will find this collection useful. Those studying the role of the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 will find this collection useful. Genealogists might find the class rolls and appointment records useful.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically and is maintained in one volume.

Restrictions on Access

None.

Related Material

The researcher should also consult MS 547 Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records, Series II; and MS 3203a Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records, Series III.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

Courts-martial and courts of inquiry -- Ohio.
Ohio -- Militia.
Ohio Militia. Division, 4th.
United States -- Armed Forces -- Ohio -- Records and correspondence.
United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Sources.

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] MS 428 Ohio Militia, 4th Division Records, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

Gift of H. N. Chittenden, 1873.