Theodore Wilder
The history of Company C, Seventh Regiment, O.V.I
"The History of Company C, Seventh Regiment, O.V.I" by Theodore Wilder is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the experiences and activities of Company C, part of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the American Civil War. It serves as a remembrance of their marches, battles, and the bonding experiences of the company, capturing the patriotic spirit of its members who were largely influenced by the principles of Oberlin College. At the start of the work, Wilder outlines the necessity of documenting the history of Company C at the request of its surviving members. He explains that the company emerged from Oberlin College, embodying values of patriotism and anti-slavery sentiment. The narrative begins with the heightened enthusiasm among students at the college following the attack on Fort Sumter, leading to their enlistment to defend their principles. As the story unfolds, it presents the initial organization of the company, their experiences at Camp Dennison, and early marches, setting the stage for their involvement in significant battles throughout the war. The opening portion lays a solid foundation for understanding the ethos that guided these young men as they transitioned from college students to soldiers confronting the realities of conflict.