The 10TH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, 1862-65, was organized at Camp Cleveland (see CIVIL WAR CAMPS IN CLEVELAND) in 1863 to serve in the CIVIL WAR. Companies A through L were mustered into federal service from January through March. Co. M was not mustered in until July, however, at Camp Chase in Columbus, OH. Fifty-five Clevelanders served in this unit.
The 10th Cavalry left for Nashville, TN, on 27 Feb. 1863; it was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 2d Cavalry Div., Army of the Cumberland, until June. The 10th participated in battles and campaigns at Murfreesboro, TN, and Chickamauga and Atlanta, GA, as well as General Sherman's "March to the Sea." The regiment was mustered out on 24 July 1865 in Lexington, NC, and its members formally discharged and paid off at Camp Cleveland shortly thereafter. During its service, the 10th lost 3 officers and 34 enlisted men to hostile causes and 1 officer and 60 enlisted men to disease.
In 1892, an anonymous captain of the 10th published “Campaign Through the Carolinas … by a 10th Ohio Cavalryman” in the National Tribune, a veterans’ newspaper. The article is an in-depth recollection of the final month of the war, including the reaction to Lee’s surrender: “the perfect furore of rejoicing that followed filled our eyes with tears and our hearts with thanksgiving to Almighty God for such glorious news. The grant old Army of the Potomac, after so many years, is thus crowned by Grant's genius with magnificent laurels." (See related links for full article.)
First lieutenant, and later captain, David L. Cockley earned the Medal of Honor for his service in the Co. L of the 10th Ohio. On 4 Dec. 1864, at Waynesboro, GA, Cockely earned his award. His citation noted: “while acting as aide-de-camp to a general officer, he three times asked permission to join his regiment in a proposed charge upon the enemy, and in response to the last request, having obtained such permission, joined his regiment and fought bravely at its head throughout the action.” He was presented with the Medal of Honor on 2 Aug. 1897.
Unit Assignments:
| 2d Brigade, 2d Cavalry Div., Army of the Cumberland | Feb. - June 1863 |
| 3d Brigade, 2d Div., Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland | June - Aug. 1863 |
| 2d Brigade, 2d Div., Army of the Cumberland | Aug. - Nov. 1863 |
| 2d Brigade, 3d Div., Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland | Nov. 1863 - Oct. 1864 |
| 2d Brigade, 3d Div., Cavalry Corps, Military Div. of the Mississippi | Oct. 1864 - June 1865 |
Updated by Meghan Schill
View finding aid for the Daniel D. Hopper Papers, WRHS.