Port William in Clinton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Gilbert Van Zandt
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
1. Gilbert van Zandt Marker
Port William is the birthplace of Gilbert Van Zandt, quite possibly the youngest enlistee in the Union Army during the Civil War. Born on December 20, 1851, "Little Gib" joined the ranks of Company D, 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of ten years, seven months, and sixteen days. Barely four feet tall, Van Zandt served initially as the company's drummer boy, and later as a courier for the regiment. Distinguished for his bravery under fire, young Gilbert saw action in the battles for Atlanta, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign. He was discharged from service on June 9, 1865, already a seasoned veteran at thirteen. Van Zandt died in Kansas City, Missouri on October 4, 1944 at the age of ninety-two.
Erected 1999 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Port William Dam City Days Committee, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 3-14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1830.
Location. 39° 33.134′ N, 83° 47.186′ W. Marker is in Port William, Ohio, in Clinton County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gilbert Van Zant (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Deserted Camp (approx. 5.3 miles away); Beam Farm Mound (approx. 5.6 miles away); Wilmington War Memorial (approx. 7.3 miles away); J. W. Denver Williams, Jr. (approx. 7.3 miles away); Smith Place School (approx. 7.4 miles away); Wilmington Library (approx. 7˝ miles away); 302 TAW C-119 Accident Memorial (approx. 7˝ miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Gilbert Van Zandt. Ohio History Central website entry (Submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Gilbert Van Zandt. Ohio Civil War Central website entry (Submitted on June 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. child soldiers
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
2. Gilbert Van Zandt Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
3. Gilbert Van Zandt Marker
Looking NE along Main Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,942 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
