The David Vroman Family; Patriots of Ohio

Grave of Jonas B. Vroman; 15th O.V.I.

Many families supported the Union’s cause and made great sacrifices during the War Between the States. One such family was the David Vroman family of Wyandot County, Ohio. David was the son of Isaac Vroman (Vrooman), of Schoharie County, Upstate New York. The families history can be traced to this area of the United States long before the French and Indian War. David was born, raised and married in New York, he removed to Wyandot County, Ohio in the late 1850′s.

At the outbreak of the war David’s oldest son; Henry David enlisted in the three month 15th Ohio Infantry at the age of 23. In this regiment, Henry would serve in West Virginia. The regiment was engaged before Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick’s Ford. He would return home and reenlist in the 101st Ohio Infantry on August 30, 1862. The regiment was at Perryville, Kentucky; after that campaign it participated in some skirmishes before Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Before the battle of Stones River Henry became very ill and was sent to an army hospital in Nashville, TN. On January 18, 1863 Henry David Vroman would die of disease, he is buried in the Nashville National Cemetery.

David (authors 3rd great-grandfather), at the age of 46, would enlist on November 9, 1861 as a mamber of Company D, 15th Ohio Infantry (3 year regiment). He would serve as a wagoner and also as a drummer for the regiment. Because of his advanced age and a winter in camp playing on his health, David was honorably discharged from the service on December 7, 1861. He would return home to his farm in Wyandot County, Ohio.

In early 1864, David’s son Jonas B. Vroman would enlist in early 1864. Taking after his father, Jonas would enlist as a recruit in the veteran 15th Ohio Infantry. This regiment had seen hard service at Shiloh, Stones River, Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Jonas had a lot to learn, friends and neighbors in his company from Wyandot County were sure to help him. In the spring of ’64 Sherman would start his Atlanta Campaign. Jonas is listed as being engaged in the battles of Buzzard Roost Gap, Resaca and Pickett’s Mill. The fight at Pickett’s Mill was one of the toughest fights the 15th participated in during the war. The regiment would charge uphill at an unseen enemy, that was ready for an attack while posted on high ground in very rough wooded terrian. It was a nightmare for the men of the 15th, who could make no headway aginst the Confederate lines, casualties were high in the 15th O.V.I.  Jonas would survive Pickett’s Mill and continue on the campaign. In late June Jonas would become ill and was sent to the army hospital in Chattanooga. The biggest fight of his life would take place for almost 2 months. On September 30, 1864 Jonas would loose his battle for life, his duty was done. He was laid to rest in the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Cemetery.

David had wanted to serve his country, but his age and health would not let him. His sons would pick up where David had left off, but the price for the David Vroman family was two of his four sons. David would pass away on June 7, 1878 at Texas, Ohio and is buried in the town cemetery. His daughter Sophia would stay in Wyandot County after marrying Jeremiah Swihart.

Written by Scott Busenbark