| James M. Clements | 174th Ohio Voluntary Infantry |
| by Tiffany Allison |
Of the little information known about James M. Clements, it is certain that he attended and graduated from Otterbein College in 1862. Clements graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, although it is not known what he studied while matriculating at Otterbein College. Clements hometown, marital status, number of children, date of birth, and date of death is unknown. However, it is fairly certain upon estimation that he was born in the year 1816. For when Clements enlisted in the war, he was 48 years of age. August 18, 1864, Clements enlisted his service for one year with the 174th Regiment Ohio Voluntary Infantry. September 10, 1864, Clements was awarded rank as 1st Lieutenant of his regiment. As stated previously, although his date of death is unknown, it is certain that he did not die during his enlistment as a soldier in the Civil War. It is documented that Clements mustered out with the rest of his regiment on June 28, 1865.
The 174th O.V.I. was one of the last series of regiments raised in Ohio to serve for one year. This regiment was composed mainly of those who had previously served in a three years’ regiment. Known for its gallantry and bravery, the 174th O.V.I. fought at the Battle of Murfreesboro, the Battle of Overall’s Creek, and the Battle of the Cedars.
In January of 1865, the Regiment was assigned to the Twenty-Third Army Corps, First Brigade, First Division. It was during this time that the unit fought in the Battle of Five Forks under General Cox. March 21, 1865, the unit was placed as a column under Sherman’s campaign and would remain there until the end of the war.
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