Military History

Vintage photograph of a group of uniformed men posing with military equipment and horses.Explore the military history of Lawrence County, Ohio, through historical records, newspaper accounts, photographs, and stories of the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

From the Civil War to more recent conflicts, Lawrence County residents have a long tradition of military service. The county’s location along the Ohio River also connected its military history with neighboring communities in West Virginia and Kentucky.

That tradition of remembrance continues through Ironton’s historic Memorial Day Parade and the observance of Decoration Day. Learn more about the origins of these traditions in our article on the History of Memorial Day.

Browse the military records, personal accounts, photographs, and historical documents below to discover the experiences of Lawrence County residents who served their country.

Search Military Archives

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Samuel Sparling Civil War Veteran

Samuel Sparling Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 15 Dec. 1887 – Samuel Sparling was a member of Company G 4th Ohio Cavalry. He went early into the war with Capt. Edwin Rogers. We…

William G. Lambert

William G. Lambert

Ironton Register 8 Dec. 1887 – William G. Lambert was a member of Company H 6th Ohio Cavalry, and fought through the war. We asked him for a…

J. Q. Bellville Civil War Veteran

J. Q. Bellville Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 1 Dec. 1887 – Esq. J.Q. Bellville sat in his office, last Friday, receiving the congratulations of his friends on the entrance that…

Capt. Jake Emmons Civil War Veteran

Capt. Jake Emmons Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 24 Nov. 1887 – “Well, Captain Jake Emmons, it’s your time,” said the Register reporter to Capt. Jake Emmons as he was getting a…

Brady Steece Civil War Veteran

Brady Steece Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 17 Nov. 1887 – Brady Steece wears a buckshot in his arm. It was planted there one hot July afternoon in Virginia, near Winchester….

Capt. I. B. Murdock Civil War Veteran

Capt. I. B. Murdock Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 10 Nov. 1887 – Capt. I. B. Murdock Story – For the past year, we have given a “Narrow Escape” in every number of the Register. We…

Joe Turley Civil War Veteran

Joe Turley Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 3 Nov. 1887 – Last Friday we met the genial Joe Turley on our streets. He belonged to the 6th Ohio – that was the Guthrie Gray…

Guy Rowe Civil War Veteran

Guy Rowe Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 20 Oct. 1887 – Seeing Guy Rowe at the corner of Second and Center, Ironton, Ohio, apparently waiting for someone, the Register…

Dr. Jona Morris Civil War Veteran

Dr. Jona Morris Civil War Veteran

Ironton Register 13 Oct. 1887 – Dr. Jona Morris was one of those Army Surgeons, who went where duty called him, whether it was dangerous or…