Daniel W. McCoy is one example of how ability can overcome all obstacles to success. He was born in Rainsboro, Highland County, Ohio, on August 6,1841, of humble parentage. By 1860, he was pennyless and boarding with his landlord.

Although he stated that he was 21, McCoy was only 19 years old when he enlisted as third sergeant at Hillsboro, Ohio, on June 14, 1861. He served for three years in Company I. A young man of recognized ability, McCoy was sent from Camp Chase to Hillsboro on a recruiting mission in July, and he led scouting parties in West Virginia in August, 1861. McCoy received a promotion to first sergeant in 1862, but he seemed mired in the ranks.

At the Battle of Stones River, however, his fortunes changed in his favor. With Company I's officers disabled from wounds, McCoy took over command of the company. Although he also was wounded, he merely placed a bandage over the wound, struggled to his feet, and continued to direct Company I's operations. His refusal to leave the field when wounded and his ability to lead his company led to a battlefield commission as second lieutenant and command of the company. After driving off General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry at Woodbury, Tennessee, McCoy received another promotion to first lieutenant. After the Battle of Chickamauga, Colonel David J. Higgins cited only three people in the regiment for bravery. McCoy was one, and the other two were dead from wounds. For this citation, McCoy received another promotion to Captain, as did many other officers, on April 21, 1864.

Following his muster out with Company I on June 23, 1864, Daniel McCoy returned to Highland County. With Edward E. Mullenix, he recruited and led the 175th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment for one year of service. At the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, McCoy led his green regiment in a fierce bayonet charge that sealed off a breach in the line. McCoy ended the war with the brevet rank of brigadier general.

Following his war service, Daniel W. McCoy moved to Iowa and became a farmer, newspaper editor, and attorney. He was very active in the Grand Army of the Republic and kept in touch with the 24th OVI reunion organization. He died May 2, 1902, in Dewitt, and is interred in Elmwood Cemetery, Dewitt, Iowa.

Biographical Information provided by:

Richard Osburn
Email: osburn@darientel.net

Link to more information about the McCoy Family on the Richard Osburn Family Page.

Additional Sources: "Ohio Adjutant General. Roster of Ohio Troops," "History of Clinton County, Iowa," & "Hillsboro, Ohio, 'Gazette.'"

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