Clark, Oscar F

Oscar Clark

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company D, 18th Ohio Infantry

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

1/2/1863

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Private Oscar F Clark enlisted in the Union in 1861. He joined the 18th Ohio infantry in company D as a private. The 18th Ohio was lead by Brigadier General Stanley in Negley's division.

At the Battle of Stones River, Private Clark and the 18th Ohio were caught in fighting that brought the most casualties. They were positioned along the McFadden Lane and were caught in a V-shaped position, surrounded by the Confederates. As the Confederates were closing in, Negley's division held as long as they could until Sheridan's gave way. This sent the 18th Ohio into a retreat through the cedars to be met by reinforcements on an open field by the Nashville Pike.

The battered remains of Stanley's brigade gathered in a position along the railroad tracks and prepared for further orders.

On January 1st, 1863 the division was moved to the Union's right flank to reinforce the line.

On January 2nd, they were sent over the railroad tracks to occupy a position at McFadden's farm. This position triggered the fighting that happened that evening. As Confederate General Breckinridge's brigade revealed themselves in the area, the 18th Ohio crossed the frigid waters of the Stones River and stopped Confederate forces from entering the area. It was during this fighting that Private Clark lost his life to a gun shot wound.

He was buried in the field post battle and later reinterred in the Stones River National Cemetery in plot L-4818.