Page 49 - history-of-military-units-in-columbia-county-fl-(1970)-robert-gary-shields

History of Military Units in Columbia County, FL (1970) Robert Gary Shields

POST CIVIL WAR - PRE WORLD WAR I

After the Souths surrender in 1865, all organized military units
(of the Southern States) were disbanded. This was the beginning of the per-

iod known as the"Carpetbagger Era " There are several interesting
stories told about conflicts between local people and the Northern troops,
stationed here to enforce the various reconstruction programs.

In 1877, the Union permitted the formation of the 1st Cavalry with the
following officers: Col. W. R. Moore, Lt. Col. J. M. Tolbert, Maj. I. M.

Mickler, Adj. W. M. Ives, Surg. G. H. Hunter, and QM. A. J. Henry. In 1879,
the Columbia Light Infantry was formed with Joseph F. Baya serving as
Captain. From the information available now, both of the above units and

several other units formedthe; following' feW years, were just "paper companies
They existed on paper only, and did not actually meet and carry on the normal
activities of a real military unit. The laws were finally relaxed and by

1893 there were approximately 24 military groups already'existing. These
units were organized into five separate battalions:
1st. Bn. - Jacksonville - St. Augustine area

2nd. Bn. - Leesburg, Orlando & Sanford
3rd. Bn. - Pensacola, Live Oak & Appalachicola

4th. Bn. - Gainesville, Starke, Palatka & Daytona
5th. Bn. - Tampa, Key West, Titusville & Arcadia
Many new units were subsequently formed and were made a part of the

various battalions. By 1898, the United States was at war with Spain
(the Spanish American War), and all the units of all five battalions
volunteered for federal duty. Although Lake City did not have a unit at

this time, there were many many from this area who volunteered and served
during this war. The fivfe battalions,known as Florida State Troops were
formed into two regiments;First & Second Regiments of Florida Volunteers.

, .Upon its relief from federal duty and Service in the Spanish-American
war, the militia in Florida was reorganized.irAround 1899, a unit was formed

in Lake City, Company H, Florida Infantry Regiment (Florida State Troops),
also known as Columbia Light Infantry. This unit was formed through the
efforts of Harry P. Baya, a local Attorney; and Nelson H. Cox, a teacher at

the State College. Apparantly the unit was a lot like a social club or
fraternity ( with officers being elected. There was also organized sports,
such as football. Other athletic events were paticipated in at the armory

which held open house on Thursday nights.

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