Robert E. Tillinghast was born on or about April 9, 1840. He was one of the first to volunteer for Civil War service, enlisting on April 19, 1861. When the three month company he enlisted with was disbanded before mustering into federal service, he agreed to enlist for three years as a private in Company A, 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. According to the descriptive roll of Company A, Robert E. Tillinghast was born in "Burling Township," (perhaps Berlin Township? now in Erie County, Ohio?). Robert grew up in Northern Ohio, and was listed as 6 feet, 1/2 inch height, Fair complexion, Blue eyes, Black Hair, and was a farmer before enlisting. He mustered into service on June 6, 1861, at Columbus, Ohio.

Private Tillinghast served for three years in Company A. An enthusiastic volunteer, he reenlisted at Bridgeport, Alabama, in October 1863. After the 24th Ohio Infantry Regiment mustered out of service in June 1864, Robert Tillinghast transferred to Company F, 18th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Tillinghast was one of only 60 members of the 24th Ohio who reenlisted while still in the military service. He was discharged at Augusta, Georgia on November 25, 1865.

Following his war service, Robert E. Tillinghast returned to Huron County, Ohio, and made his home there for the remainder of his life. Sarah SCOTT married Robert E. Tillinghast on 1 January 1866 in Huron County. In the 1890s, he received an Ohio veterans medal for his decision to reenlist while still serving his country.

In old age, Robert E. Tillinghast filed for a pension July 9, 1890. He did not always keep in close contact with his old comrades of the 24th O.V.I., for he is not listed on the 24th Ohio's 1891 reunion roster. He is listed, however, as residing in Clarksfield, Ohio, on the 1893 reunion roster. His wife, Sarah, died on 2 May 1916. Robert died at Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio, on 4 August 1924. Both Robert and Sarah are interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk Township.

Sources:

24th O.V.I. Pension Index.
Ohio Adjutant General's Roster of Ohio Troops.
24th O.V.I. descriptive rolls.
Huron County, Ohio, Cemetery inscriptions.

Many thanks also to Ken Shute (Huron County, Ohio queries page) for some of this information.

Return to Company A Page.
Return to the 24th Ohio Main Page.