This page includes documents handwritten by William Hackworth. It records personal information on himself, and also a history of the 8th Ohio, which saw action in Cuba. A second document gives a brief intinerary for the unit.
The Unit History, Document 1:
Proof No. 85710. Ohio 5-27-03
Filed with the Soldiers and Sailors Historical and Benevolent Society
at Washington, D.C.
THIS
CERTIFIES THAT WILLIAM G. HACKWORTH
Enlisted from Columbiana County, Ohio, on the 26th day of April, 1898, to serve two years, and was mustered into the United States service at Columbus, Ohio, on the 13th day of May, 1898, as a Corporal of Captain William M. Hill’s COMPANY “E”, 8TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Colonel Curtis V. Hard commanding.
The Eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry was mustered into the United States service at Camp Bushnell, Columbus, Ohio, May 13th 1898, with the following field officers, viz:-Curtis V. Hard, Colonel; Charles W. F. Dick, Lieutenant Colonel; Edward Volrath, Frederick C. Bryan, and Charles C. Weybrecht, Major. The regiment left Camp Bushnell May 18th and arrived at Camp Alger, Va., May 20th, where it remained until July 5th, when orders came for the 8th Ohio to move to Santiago under General Miles, as part of the relief expedition. The sixth Illinois commanded by Colonel D. Jack Foster, in the brigade with the 8th, left Camp Alger, July 5th for Charleston, S.C., the 8th Ohio and Sixth Massachusetts, departed by way of Newport News and was taken on board the “Yale” which was occupied by General Miles as headquarters from Charleston to Cuba. The regiment arrived at Siboney July 10th and re-enforced General Shafter, commanding the 5th Army Corps, together with the First Illinois, Sixth Massachusetts, First District Columbia, and First Battalion Sixth Illinois. At 6o’clock on the morning of the 11th the American lines were ordered to open fire on the Spanish defenses. The firing was very effective and much damage was done. The batteries opened upon the enemy from El Pozo Hill, and the fleet fired its shells into the City of Santiago. Every preparation had been made for a combined assault both by land and sea. Toral had twice refused to make an unconditional surrender, and General Shafter and Commodore Schley and Sampson determined to give the Spaniards only one more chance and then destroy the City of Santiago with the batteries from the shore and on the war-ships. As the morning advanced the firing became heavier. It had been agreed to give the Spaniards a foretaste of the destructive powers of the American forces. From the sea the bombardment was begun by the “Newark” with its eight inch guns, and then the “New York” and “Brooklyn” followed, and the men of the Eight could see the Signal Corps of men on a high ridge wigwagging in the effect of the shots to the ships. The first heavy volley fired from the American lines almost effectually silenced the Spanish soldiers in the trenches, and hardly a sign of life could be seen there.
The Eight Ohio bore a loyal part and was ever ready to obey every command, and in the grim contest against fever and pestilence, left a number of heroes buried in graves near Siboney and Santiago. This regiment was known as “McKinley’s Own” and established itself forever in the hearts of its townsmen and citizens of Ohio, who will recite its deeds and bravery in years to come. The soldiers of the regiment were mostly young men, who volunteered against a foreign foe, to protect the Union, for which their fathers before them fought so valiantly to preserve.
The said William G. Hackworth was confined in hospital at Camp Alger, with measles, for about two weeks, and then sent home on furlough of thirty days, rejoining his regiment at Wooster, Ohio.
He was at all other times with his command and performed faithful and meritorious service.
He was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Wooster, Ohio, on the 21st day of November, 1898, by reason of General Order of the War Department.
He was born in Lewis County, Kentucky, on the 6th day of December, 1872, was united in marriage to Anna M. Shannon, at East Liverpool, Ohio, on the 30th day of August, 1900, from which union was born one child, Willis E.
These facts are thus recorded and preserved for the benefit of all those who may be interested.
The Itinerary, Handwritten Document 2:
1898
Monday, Left Camp Alger July 5.
Left New York July 6, on St. Paul, Capt. Sigsbel [Sigsbee, formerly of the MAINE] Commander.
Landed on the 11, July 1898.
Santiago surrendered July 17, 1898.
Left Santiago about Aug. 16.
Landed at Montauk Point Aug. 24, 1898.
Hand written note:
Dead Members of Co. E, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Noah Hoytt
Norwood Taylor
Mike Eck
E. Holloway
Toruy Tuir
Fred Martin
Charles Switzer
Sam Moon
Tom O’Rouke
Okey Eddy
James Rubon
Arthur Burrows
Harry Hayden
Pete Eoff
Isaac Eoff
Proof No. 85710, Ohio, 5-27-03 filed with the Soldiers and Sailors Historical and Benevolent Society at Washington, D. C. (private collection).
