OHIO SPIRIT
QUEST
The "SQ" in the cache name above signifies Spirit Quest, a
project
by the Northwest Ohio Geocachers to distinguish those caches
that
are set in cemeteries or memorial gardens. This cache is part
of
that series created by NWOGEO members to highlight cemeteries
or
memorial gardens in the area. Please be respectful of the area,
and
observe their rules and posted hours which are typically sunrise
to
sunset.
For more information, please visit:
www.NWOGEO.org/SpiritQuest/
Welcome to Heath and Colton Cemetery
Washington
Township
Henry County, Ohio
This cemetery is the final resting place of
Elijah L Poling. I looked for his gravestone, but was unable to
locate it. During the Civil War, Private Poling served in the 2nd
Ohio Horse Artillery. I had never heard of the Horse Artillery, so
here is the information I came up with.
The Horse Artillery Brigade of the Army of the Potomac was a
brigade of various batteries of horse artillery during the American
Civil War. Made up almost entirely of individual, company-strength
batteries from the Regular Army’s five artillery regiments,
the Horse Artillery operated under the command umbrella of the
Cavalry Corps. The Horse Artillery differed from other light
artillery (also known as "mounted" artillery) in that each member
of the unit traveled on his own horse, rather than the traditional
light artillery practice of some riding horses, while others rode
on the limbers and caissons, with still others traveling on foot.
With each man on his own horse, the unit could travel faster and
more efficiently. It was the brainchild of former artillery captain
and Brig. Gen. William Farquhar Barry, Chief of Artillery for the
Army of the Potomac, in 1861. With such a large percentage of the
U.S. Horse Artillery being artillery batteries from the regular
U.S. Army, it developed a superb reputation for military
efficiency, accuracy of fire, and command presence in the field and
in battle.
