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Otterbein Civil War Soldiers Biography

This guide details the lives of Otterbein Civil War Soldiers.

Charles Durling

Charles Durling
by Nader Nawar

   Charles W. Durling was a descendent of Ohio specifically, Harlem township, Delaware, Ohio.  His age was twenty-one when he enlisted and he died shortly after his twenty-third birthday.  He was born on October 24th, 1840 and died November 18th, 1863.  Why did he enlist?  What Regiment was he a part of.  Where did he go and what did he do with the Union army?  Did his regiment play a vital role in the victory of the war by Union forces?  Was his regiment involved with the pursuit the greatest raid in Civil War History, also know as Morgan’s Raid, which mainly took place in Ohio?  These are all questions that will be explored.  It is important to note that Corporal Charles W. Durling was probably a student at Otterbein College however records do not indicate for sure whether he was or not.  One comes to this conclusion due to the fact that he was buried in the Otterbein Cemetery, [which suggests] a possible relationship between him and the school.  [A diary from Durling is also located in the college archives.]  However, there are records missing from the time he could have gone to school. 
    Corporal Durling was a fine man in his own right as history reveals.  During 1862, while Americans were being drafted into the war, this young man enlisted.  One can infer that he felt a moral obligation of duty and honor to serve his country, and to "protect Her from All Enemies foreign and Domestic."  The forty fifth Regiment,Ohio Volunteer Infantry was in their own right a Regiment that deserves to be recognized and mentioned because their actions demonstrated unselfishness, valor, courage and fervor to serve their country.  In regards to General John Hunt Morgan, he simply was one of the sharpest, quick-witted Calvary Leaders of the War, bar none.  He caused havoc and headache and death several militiamen, and Regiments (Calvary and Infantry).  His actions led to the unfortunate death of Corporal Charles W. Durling, a man of greater honor, who fought for the restoration and preservation of this great country. 

 

Bibliography

 

Charles W. Durling Diary.  Otterbein Room, Courtright Library, Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio.

Reid, Whitelaw.  Ohio in the War, 1861-1865:  Her statesmen, her generals, and soldiers.  2 Vols. Moore, Wilstach & Baldwin, 1868.

Harper, Robert S.  Ohio Handbook of the Civil War.  Ohio Historical Society, 1961.

Ramage, James A.  Rebel Raider.  The University Press of Kentucky, 1986.