A fine grouping related to Brvt. Colonel Stephen R. Clark of the 12th Ohio Cavalry, including:
1. Finely engraved eagle, crossed sabers, and star silver identification badge. Upper shield engraved "3B. 2D. / C.C." Star engraved "S.R. Clark / Col. 13. / OVC." Original soldered pin to reverse. Approx. 1 1/8 x 1 3/4 in.
2. Vignetted bust-length albumen CDV portrait of Clark in uniform. Columbus, Ohio: M. Witt, n.d. Signed to lower margin "Stephen R. Clark / Brevet Colonel 13th Ohio Cavalry." Photographer imprint to mount verso.
A nicely made identification badge with a signed CDV of Bvt. Colonel Stephen R. Clark.
Clark initially enlisted as a Second Lieutenant on 27 May 1862 and was commissioned into Company G of the 86th Ohio Infantry for a 3-month enlistment. After guard and picket duty near Clarksburg, Virginia, he was mustered out on 25 September 1862.
Though he remained at home through 1863, he reenlisted on 29 January 1864, commissioned as a First Lieutenant into Company C of the 5th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion. They saw duty on the southern Ohio border and eastern Kentucky, scouting and raiding guerrillas. In May 1864, the regiment was consolidated with the 4th Ohio Independent Cavalry Battalion to form the 13th Ohio Cavalry, and Clark was promoted to Captain of Company B.
They were attached to the IX Corps in the Army of the Potomac and joined the Siege of Petersburg. They fought in several significant battles there, including the Second Battle of Petersburg, the Battle of the Crater, and the Battle of Globe Tavern. Clark was promoted to Major in September 1864, then to Lt. Colonel on 4 March 1865, and brevetted Colonel on March 13th, shortly before the regiment joined the Appomattox Campaign. They fought at Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, Third Petersburg, Amelia Springs, Sayler's Creek, and Appomattox Court House. Clark was promoted to full Colonel, but the appointment did not go through before he mustered out with his regiment. After the war, he lived in Delaware, Ohio.
[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges]