“Lt. Col. William Swaim” State Historical Marker

To Be Dedicated in Ossian

A new Indiana state historical marker commemorating farmer and Civil War soldier Lt. Col. William Swaim will be dedicated on Saturday, May 16. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, which will take place near 305 W. Young St., Ossian, Indiana 46777, at 1 p.m. Parking is available along side streets in the area.

The new historical marker was sponsored by the Heckber family and commemorates Lt. Col. William Swaim’s contributions to the Union cause during the Civil War. This is the third state historical marker to be installed in Wells County. For a listing of other markers in the county, click here.

The text follows for the state marker entitled “Lt. Col. William Swaim, 1819-1863:”

Civil War soldier William Swaim was born in New Jersey and established a farmstead north of Ossian in the late 1850s. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, Swaim enlisted and raised a company of men from Wells County, including his son James. Company A of the 34th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, known as “Morton’s Rifles,” for Governor Oliver P. Morton, elected Swaim Captain. Swaim took on leadership roles above his rank before being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1862.  He fought in major battles of the Vicksburg Campaign with the 34^th Regiment. A proud abolitionist, Swaim gave his life for the Union cause when he was wounded at the pivotal Battle of Champion Hill in 1863. He died while en route home and was buried in the Ossian Cemetery.

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Approximately 800 of these markers have been installed over the years.

For more information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana history, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-2537. For more information on the dedication, contact marker applicant Larry Heckber at [email protected].