James M. Clements
by Tiffany Allison
Of the little information known about James M. Clements,
it is certain that he attended and graduated from Otterbein College in 1862.
Clements graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, although it is not known
what he studied while matriculating at Otterbein College. Clements
hometown, marital status, number of children, date of birth, and date of
death is unknown. However, it is fairly certain upon estimation that
he was born in the year 1816. For when Clements enlisted in the war,
he was 48 years of age. August 18, 1864, Clements enlisted his service
for one year with the 174th Regiment Ohio Voluntary Infantry. September
10, 1864, Clements was awarded rank as 1st Lieutenant of his regiment.
As stated previously, although his date of death is unknown, it is certain
that he did not die during his enlistment as a soldier in the Civil War.
It is documented that Clements mustered out with the rest of his regiment
on June 28, 1865.
The 174th O.V.I. was one of the last series of regiments
raised in Ohio to serve for one year. This regiment was composed mainly
of those who had previously served in a three years’ regiment. Known
for its gallantry and bravery, the 174th O.V.I. fought at the Battle of Murfreesboro,
the Battle of Overall’s Creek, and the Battle of the Cedars.
In January of 1865, the Regiment was assigned to
the Twenty-Third Army Corps, First Brigade, First Division. It was
during this time that the unit fought in the Battle of Five Forks under General
Cox. March 21, 1865, the unit was placed as a column under Sherman’s
campaign and would remain there until the end of the war.
Bibliography
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