Robert W. Mahaffey was born in Vigo County, Indiana. Now living in Adams County, Ohio, when 19 years old, he enlisted to serve three years on May 27, 1861. Unfortunately, the enrolling officer mispelled his surname, and entered Robert on the rolls as "Mahaffy." Though made frail by chronic bronchitis, he was determined to be among the first soldiers who went to war from Adams County, Ohio. He mustered into service with Company D, 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment at new Camp Jackson (soon renamed as Camp Chase), Columbus, Ohio, on June 13.

Robert's poor health continued to plague him. He served honorably through the West Virginia campaign, but the cold winter days in Kentucky in December, 1861, and January 1862, made him totally unfit for duty. He received a medical discharge at Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky, on January 30, 1862. His discharge papers described him thus: five feet, ten & 1/4 inches, light complexion, blue eyes, and sandy hair, was a farmer by occupation when he enlisted.

Robert W. Mahaffey returned home to Adams County, and made his home there for the remainder of his life. He filed for a pension, correcting the spelling of his surname on May 26, 1862. Upon his death in 1875, his widow, Margaret J. Mahaffey, also filed for a pension. Robert W. Mahaffey is interred in the Kirker Cemetery, Liberty Township, Adams County, Ohio.

Sources: Compiled Service Records; Ohio Adjutant General "Roster of Ohio Troops;" Barbara Mahaffey

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