Served as a private in Co. I, 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from 22 April 1861 through 18 August 1861. He then enlisted as a sergeant in Co. E, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 9 August 1862 at the age of 22. On 24 September 1864, while the regiment was stationed in garrison at Decatur, AL, Holtom was assigned to a detachment sent in relief of Ft. Henderson at nearby Athens, AL, which was under siege by rebel cavalry under the command of CSA Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. After detraining, the detachment began fighting to gain the fort, and had made good progress, when the fort was unexpectedly surrendered by its commander. Forrest then forced the relief detachment to surrender as well. Holtom was sent to Cahaba Prison, but was exchanged on 22 April 1865. He was killed on 27 April 1865, while on his way home, by the explosion and fire aboard the steamer Sultana north of Memphis, TN.
Served as a private in Co. I, 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from 22 April 1861 through 18 August 1861. He then enlisted as a sergeant in Co. E, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 9 August 1862 at the age of 22. On 24 September 1864, while the regiment was stationed in garrison at Decatur, AL, Holtom was assigned to a detachment sent in relief of Ft. Henderson at nearby Athens, AL, which was under siege by rebel cavalry under the command of CSA Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. After detraining, the detachment began fighting to gain the fort, and had made good progress, when the fort was unexpectedly surrendered by its commander. Forrest then forced the relief detachment to surrender as well. Holtom was sent to Cahaba Prison, but was exchanged on 22 April 1865. He was killed on 27 April 1865, while on his way home, by the explosion and fire aboard the steamer Sultana north of Memphis, TN.
Gravesite Details
The date of death shown on the marker is in error. The Sultana exploded on 27 April 1865.
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