What do you know about Squirrel Hunters?
Answer
In the autumn of 1862, Kirby Smith's 6,850 Confederate soldiers threatened to reach the Ohio River. Ohio Governor David Tod called upon the citizens of the state to form militia companies to assist with protecting the border. The response brought almost 16,000 men and boys, who came wearing an assortment of different clothing and carrying hunting rifles. It was noted that they looked like squirrel hunters. On March 11, 1863 the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives voted to honor the men with discharge papers in recognition of their patriotism.
We hold the following items related to the Squirrel Hunters:
Call#: R 929.3771 P456i
- Squirrel hunters' claims, SAS 2219, Box: 50979 B; Box: 51113 A. Ohio History Connection. https://aspace.ohiohistory.org/repositories/2/resources/12788
Summary: Claims of citizens who volunteered to defend Cincinnati from an expected Confederate invasion in 1862. Records include claimant's name, address, captain, county of residence, claim number, amount paid, and remarks. Also includes letters requesting application forms.
- Squirrel hunters' records, SAS 119, Box: 50227. Ohio History Connection. https://aspace.ohiohistory.org/repositories/2/resources/25796
Summary: Lists the names of citizens who volunteered to defend Cincinnati from an expected Confederate invasion in 1862. In 1908, the Hypes Resolution was passed which paid each surviving squirrel hunter the equivalent of a month's salary of an army private in 1862. Rosters list name, rank, residence, and date of discharge. Some also include date of payment.
Please visit our research guide for more information on conducting research at the Ohio History Connection.