From The History of Clark County, Ohio
Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1881

CHAMPION CITY GUARD, COMPANY A, SEVENTH INFANTRY, O.N.G.

On the 29th of September, 1873, the first sixteen names on the following roll, were signed to an article known since as the "Old Private Roll;" the organization was named the Springfield Light Guard.

On the 22d of February, 1874, the number of men having increased to about forty, who had purchased arms and a cheap fatigue uniform, the company made its first public parade. On the 30th of April, 1874, the company was accepted by Gen. James O. Amos, and became a part of the "Ohio Independent Militia," as one branch of the Active Militia of the State was then called.

On the 5th of November, 1875, by request of the company, the Adjutant General issued an order changing the name of the company from Springfield Light Guard to the "Champion City Guard;" this was with regard for the combined "Champion interests" of this city, which had made a liberal donation to the uniform fund. In 1875, when the National Guard of Ohio was organized into regiments, the company was assigned to the Seventh Regiment of Infantry, as Company A, which designation it yet holds.

It received the special thanks of the Governor for services at Newark, Ohio, during the "labor troubles" of 1877, where it served for a period of sixteen days.

The company was one of the first in the State to take any interest in rifle practice, and from funds contributed by a portion of the members, Tecumseh Rifle Range, near Springfield, was established and equipped. At this range the first regular system of rifle practice in the present National Guard of Ohio was begun.

EXPLANATION
Commissioned Officers in Capitals.
* - Discharged before the expiration of term of enlistment.
pd - Promoted.
dd - Deceased
ss - Special service in promoting the welfare of the corps.
ft - Served full term of five years.

OFFICERS.
CAPTAIN, CHARLES ANTHONY, late Lieutenant, U.S. Vols., pd to Second Lieutenant by election, 1877, to First Lieutenant, 1878, Captain, 1879.
FIRST LIEUTENANT, MARK A. SMITH. pd through all hte grades from Corporal. (See No. 24.)
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM W. ELLSWORTH, pd from the grade of Corporal. (See No. 64.)
CAPTAIN, DRISCOLL McKENDRIE, Assistant Surgeon, 7th O.N.G.

PAST OFFICERS.
CAPTAIN, ALDEN P. STEELE, late Captain U.S. Vols., elected four times, resigned 1877.
CAPTAIN, BENNIAH H. WINTERS, resigned 1879.
FIRST LIEUTENANT, JAMES R. AMBROSE, late Captain U.S. Vols., elected three times. FIRST LIEUTENANT, UPTON E. ELIFRITZ, late U.S. Vols.
FIRST LIEUTENANT, BENNIAH H. WINTERS, promoted.
FIRST LIEUTENANT, CHARLES ANTHONY, promoted. (See officers)
SECOND LIEUTENANT, UPTON E. ELIFRITZ, promoted.
SECOND LIEUTENANT, DANIEL C. PUTNAM, declined.
SECOND LIEUTENANT, JOHN M. WINGER.
SECOND LIEUTENANT, JAMES M. SMITH, resigned.
SECOND LIEUTENANT, CHARLES ANTHONY, promoted.

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