From CURRY CADETS to THE LEGENDARY RAINBOW DIVISION

On July 18, 1877, a company of the Ohio National Guard was established at Marysville, Ohio. William L. Curry was elected captain of this unit. This company was assigned to the Fourteenth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, originally as Company E. The Company was later changed to Company D, and took the name the Curry Cadets in honor of Captain W. L. Curry.

In its early years, this unit was called on primarily for ceremonial duties. On January 14, 1878 the unit was present for the inauguration of Ohio Governor R. M. Bishop. On August 11, 1880, the Curry Cadets were on hand to help patrol a National Reunion of the GAR. While at this reunion, the Curry Cadets were reviewed by President Rutherford B. Hayes and General William Tecumseh Sherman. And, in October of 1881, the Curry Cadets were placed on guard duty for the funeral of President James A. Garfield.

On April 25, 1898, Company D of the Ohio National Guard was called to active duty during the Spanish-American War. It was officially activated as Company E. Upon returning to the United States at the end of the war, the unit was ordered to Washington, D. C. where it was reviewed by President William McKinley. The unit was mustered out on January 20, 1899.

In May of 1900, the Curry Cadets were reorganized into Company E of the Ohio Fourth Infantry. In May of 1916 the unit was stationed on the US-Mexican border. It remained here until February 16, 1917.

At the start of the Great War, World War I, Company E of the Fourth Ohio Infantry became the 166th US Infantry. And, this was one of four unites that comprised the 42nd Division of the United States Army. This was the legendary Rainbow Division. The Rainbow Division was commanded for a period of time during WWI by General Douglas MacArthur. The division took part in four major in France during this period. It was also under the control of French commanders at various points, as well.

Some of Union County's notable sons were a part of this company. They include Dr. Angus MacIvor, Robert S. Beightler, Herman Doellinger, and Frank Henderson. In fact, this was where General Robert S. Beightler started his military career.