8                                    HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

COMPANY OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN OF THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES, AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE SAME; ALSO THE ORIGINAL AND VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS, TOGETHER WITH THE NAMES OF RECRUITS AND DRAFTED MEN ADDED TO THE RESPECTIVE COMPANIES.

COMPANY A.

Was raised in Muskingum and Guernsey counties by Horace D. Munson, of Putnam, Ohio, and organized November 21st, 1861. H. D. Munson was appointed Captain, Thomas P. Wilson First Lieutenant, and James T. Caldwell Second Lieutenant.           

During the whole war there was not, perhaps, a company of better, higher toned men left their State. They were of the very best men of the community in which they lived. Students attending Muskingum College, the sons of worthy farmers and business men, made up the company. There were but few who had not a good education, and were not members of the church, or the sons of those who were living, active Christians. The company maintained its Christian integrity and high-toned character throughout its whole term of service. Its record is brilliant with noble deeds and sacrifices in sustaining the honor of the flag which led them through so many hard battles, daring campaigns, and always on to victory and complete success. The men of Company "A" never came out second best in anything – in coolness, courage, discipline, facility and rapidity of military movements and combinations, and every attainment – had few requests to make, no faults to find; as good soldiers they could not be excelled. For reliability, faithfulness in every duty, quiet submission to all orders, integrity, and consistent Christian character, the company could not be surpassed.           

Captain H. D. Munson was a true representative of the men, combining the same qualities. He was well known throughout the county, and his irreproachable character and high reputation made him very successful in gathering under his banner the very best class of men. Miss Julia Munson, noted for her high attainments both in vocal and instrumental music, entered the field as a recruiter of volunteers, with her father, and by her patriotic songs influenced many to enlist in the regiment.           

Captain Munson's health soon failed him, and was therefore compelled to quit the service. He resigned in the Autumn of 1862. Lieutenant T. P. Wilson succeeded him as Captain of the Company.           

The Captain was a resident of Guernsey County, a well to do farmer; a man of influence in his community, a consistent and earnest Christian, which character he deeply impressed upon his men, so that profanity and intemperance were seldom known among his men. His term of service expired December, 1864, when he was mustered out and quit the service, after three years of faithful service to his country and to the noble men he had so long commanded, and led through all the important battles in which the regiment participated. Lieutenant Adolphus W. Search, Adjutant of the Regiment, succeeded him as Captain, which was an excellent appointment, and very acceptable to the Company. He possessed those traits of character which maintained that high state of good order and discipline that Captain Wilson had left in the company.*

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*See Field and Staff.

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