HONORING OUR ANCESTORS
Lieutenant William Pittenger

Honoring Our Ancestors: Lieutenant William Pittenger, Civil War Hero

On August 2, 2014, in Knoxville, Ohio, a special ceremony was held to honor Lieutenant William Pittenger, a Civil War hero and a distinguished member of Andrew’s Raiders. The event was marked by the unveiling of a historical marker in Knox Township Park, a tribute to Pittenger’s bravery and the legacy he left behind.

The Ceremony

The ceremony began with a warm welcome and the unveiling of the historical marker by Andy Verhoff, Marker Coordinator from the Ohio History Connection, alongside Rick Pittenger, and Harry and Dave Nicholson. The invocation, followed by the audience's participation in singing "God Bless America," set a patriotic tone for the event.

Virginia Glenn provided an introduction and shared the history of the project, emphasizing the significance of the marker in honoring the legacy of William Pittenger. Rick Pittenger, the Family Reunion President, offered a detailed biography of Pittenger’s early years, shedding light on his journey before the Civil War.

Gregg Pittenger delivered an engaging account of “The Great Locomotive Chase” and the circumstances leading to Pittenger being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. This heroic story captured the audience's imagination, highlighting the dangers faced by Pittenger and his fellow Raiders.

Rick Pittenger returned to the podium to discuss Pittenger's life after the Civil War, providing insights into his post-war contributions and legacy. Author Richard Baumgartner, known for his work "Bully Boys," also contributed to the discussion, offering a broader historical perspective.

The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and a special memorial recognition for William "Bill" Bray. Bray, whose name is now on the New Somerset School Bell Plaque at the park, was the inspiration behind the installation of the William Pittenger Historical Marker. His dedication to preserving history and honoring heroes like Pittenger made the plaque a reality.

William Pittenger’s Legacy

William Pittenger, born in Knoxville, Ohio, joined the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in response to President Abraham Lincoln's call for 90-day enlistments. The regiment was sent to Washington, D.C., to protect the capital and participated in the Battle of First Bull Run (or First Manassas). During this time, Pittenger wrote letters home, which were published in the Steubenville Herald, establishing him as a war correspondent.

In April 1862, Pittenger joined the infamous Andrews' Raid, a daring mission behind enemy lines aimed at stealing a Confederate locomotive known as "The General." The goal was to disrupt the South's supply lines by burning bridges and tearing up tracks. Despite their courageous efforts, Pittenger and his comrades were captured after a relentless chase. Eight of the Raiders, including their leader James Andrews, were executed as spies, while others, including Pittenger, were imprisoned until their exchange.

After a period of recovery, Pittenger and his fellow Raiders were invited to meet President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Edward M. Stanton. It was during this meeting that Pittenger and several others became the first recipients of the newly established Congressional Medal of Honor, a symbol of their extraordinary bravery.

A Tribute to the Adventurers

The marker unveiled in Knoxville also honors the memory of the other members of Andrews’ Raiders. The list of those who were executed, escaped, and later exchanged stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of these men:

Executed:

• J.J. Andrews, Leader, Citizen of Kentucky
• William Campbell, Citizen of Kentucky
• George D. Wilson, Co. B, Second Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Marion A. Ross, Co. A, Second Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Perry G. Shadrack, Co. K, Second Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Samuel Slavens, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Samuel Robinson, Co. G, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• John Scott, Co. K, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.

Escaped in October:

• W.W. Brown, Co. F, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• William Knight, Co. E, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• J.R. Porter, Co. C, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Mark Wood, Co. C, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• J.A. Wilson, Co. C, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• M.J. Hawkins, Co. A, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• John Wollam, Co. C, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• D.A. Dorsey, Co. H, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.

Exchanged in March:

• Jacob Parrott, Co. K, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• Robert Buffum, Co. H, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• William Bensinger, Co. G, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• William Reddick, Co. B, Thirty-third Reg't Ohio Vols.
• E.H. Mason, Co. K, Twenty-first Reg't Ohio Vols.
• William Pittenger, Co. G, Second Reg't Ohio Vols.

Closing Thoughts

The dedication of the William Pittenger Historical Marker is a lasting tribute to a man whose bravery and service to his country have inspired generations. The Pittenger family and the community of Knoxville, Ohio, came together to ensure that Lieutenant Pittenger’s legacy and the story of the Raiders he served with will be remembered for years to come. This marker stands not only as a recognition of his achievements but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during one of the most challenging times in American history.