This memorial was established by members of William Swaim Post No. 169, Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) to the memory of those who served their country during the American Civil War 1861-1865. Lt. Col. William Achsah Swaim was born March 4, 1819, in Jacobstown, Burlington County, New Jersey. He was married to Hannah Toy. He was the commander of the 34th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry at the time it was part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's campaign that led to the surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi. On May 16, 1863, Swaim and the 34th Indiana participated in the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi. Swaim was mortally wounded in the battle, lingering for nearly a month before succumbing to his wounds on a medical transport heading north up the Mississippi River. His remains were returned to Ossian for burial in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. The graves of Lt. Col. Swaim and his wife, Hannah, are located a short distance to the right of the memorial. The Ossian G.A.R. post was named in his honor.
Organization Responsible for Installation:
William Swaim Post No. 169, Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) and citizens of Ossian, Indiana
Memorial War Era(s):
- Other
Memorial Condition:
Good
Location:
Oak Lawn Cemetery, 701 South Jefferson Street, Ossian, Indiana