THE SOLDIERS’ MONUMENT IN MILLERSBURG

On the public square in Millersburg stands a massive granite monument dedicated to the soldiers of Holmes County. On the top of the monument stands a soldier in uniform at “parade rest”, facing north and carved from Concord, New Hampshire granite. The monument’s base is of native brown stone, and the shaft is made of dark Quincy granite from Massachusetts.

On the four sides of the shaft in raised letters are the names of the leaders of the first four wars of the United States. On the north side is Washington’s name engraved with this inscription: “Six soldiers of the Revolutionary War were residents of Holmes County, Ohio”. On the east side is the name Jackson, hero of the War of 1812, bearing this inscription: “In memory of the soldiers of the war A.D. 1812, who became citizens of Holmes County”. The south side is adorned by the name Scott, commander of the U.S. forces in the war with Mexico. This inscription reads: “More than 200 men from Holmes County served in the war with Mexico. They were engaged in the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contrera, Cerubusco, Motino Del Ray, Chapultepec, and San Cosme”. On the last and west side is the name Grant, and this inscription speaks for itself of the loyalty of our county: “In response to the different calls of the government two thousand and fourteen men went from Holmes County during the War of the Rebellion. They were engaged in many battles, from Philippi to Appomattox”. Regarding the Civil War, Holmes County, in proportion to population, furnished more troops than any other county in the state of Ohio.

This monument was erected by voluntary contributions from the citizens of Holmes County. A committee headed by Dr. John G. Bigham took on the task of raising money to pay for the soldiers’ monument. Letters soliciting contributions for the monument were sent out. Millersburg businessmen donated liberally and different sections of the county also sent in donations. Among other events, in January 1886 a fair and festival was held which lasted for ten whole days.

Finally on July 4, 1887, the beautiful monument was unveiled and dedicated. It was a gala day in Millersburg for everyone. People from all parts of the county came to honor and pay tribute to the brave men who served our country in defending the rights of liberty. Moving in the Base of the Monument

The Monument