Among those who enlisted in the 6th Cavalry during the summer of 1861 were the Oby brothers. Born in Jefferson County, New York, they were working as sailors when they were enlisted into Company B by Lieutenant James F. Wade in Cleveland, Ohio.
George W. Oby was born in January 1841, and 21 years old when he enlisted on June 29, 1861. His enlistment documents describe him as 5’ 8 ¼” tall, with hazel eyes, black hair, and a fair complexion.
His younger brother, David E. Oby, was 18 when he enlisted two days later on June 31st. His enlistment documents describe him as 5’ 8 ¼” tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion.
George was captured while a corporal on July 6, 1862 on the Peninsula, with privates Croishant and E.J. Headley. He was soon paroled and rejoined the company. He was serving as the first sergeant of Company B at the battle of Funkstown on July 7, 1863, where he was captured again. David was killed in action July 7, 1863 at the battle near Funkstown, Maryland as a corporal. George was discharged as a sergeant on July 29, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service.
George Oby married Louise Speaker in 1870. She was born in Pennsylvania in December 1840. They had two children, William J. (born 1871) and Eva S. (born 1875), both born in Ohio. The family settled in the Cleveland and Canton area of Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
George W. Oby died in Cleveland, Ohio on February 7, 1915, and is buried in the Alliance City Cemetery, Alliance, Ohio.
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