Born in Jefferson County, Ohio, December 29, 1838. Enlisted in Co. K, 2nd Regiment, O. V. I., September 27, 1861, at Hammondsville, Jefferson County, Ohio. The company was as soon as formed, immediately forwarded to Camp Covington, Kentucky, where we were assigned in order that the regiment be filled up, and without one day's delay we were sent to Paris, Ky., in the famous Blue Grass region, thence east to disperse the rebels infesting the hills and mountains of eastern Kentucky. The regiment encountered many obstacles in its march over to Big Sandy river, fording rivers and streams and almost impassible hills and roads. This was the first Regiment of National soldiers ever seen in that section of the country. Officers and men studied good conduct to show the citizens that character is not always to be based on representations, and hence the regiment left a good name behins, and went into camp at Olympisan Springs, Bath Co., Ky. Scouting and intercepting bands on their way to the rebel army was a part of our duty here. October 22 the regiment made a forced march to West Liberty, thirty miles distant, and surprised and defeated a force of rebels under Jack May. Afterwards, joining the command of Gen. Nelson, went toward Prestonburg, causing the rebels to evacuate the place. While at Olympian Springs the measles broke out among the men as the result of exposure and hardships endured. The regiment participated in the repulse of the rebels at the battle of Ivy Mountain, Nov. 8, 1861. Comrade Crabs was quite unwell this campaign, but held his place in the line of pursuit to Piketon, Ky., and the regiment marched down the Big Sandy to Louisa, thence to Louisville by water. Comrade Crabs, while at Piketon and thereabouts, laid on the rails and corn-fodder, or roughness (as they call it in Ky.), to keep out of the mud, when but little hopes of his recovery were entertained by his comrades or himself, and was sent down the river on a boat to the Marine Hospital in Cincinnati. Remaining here some time. Dr. John Musey, one of Cincinnati's best physicians, ordered him home, as he thought this the best and there was but little hope of recovery. After careful nursing at home for two months, he so far recovered as to be able to walk, and recovered the use of his vocal organs, which had been entirely paralyzed. He then returned to his regiment at Bacon Creek, Ky., and reported for duty, although not being able to walk two successive miles. Out-post duty, in command of a picket squad one night, brought on a relapse, most violent in its nature, and Col. Len Harris at once telegraphed his parents to come and take him away, which they did, finding him in Hospital No. 3, Louisville, Ky. The following June he had so far recovered as to start for his regiment, then located at Huntsville, Alabama, but was intercepted at Columbus, Ohio, and there examined and discharged. His disability has never left him, as his condition testifies to this day. Comrade Crabs has a John Morgan experience and history, worthy of record, which we should like to have incorporated here, but at the comrade's request it was left out.