The Civil War was America's greatest challenge, and for four years, from 1861 to 1865, the bloody struggle touched nearly every community. After eleven southern states seceded from the country, President Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers to help preserve the Union and end slavery. More than 600,000 men died during the war, and nearly 320,000 Ohio men volunteered to serve. Twelve young men from Cridersville served in the Union Army, and each of them returned home safely. The volunteers included Lewis Spyker, Reuben Crider, Albert Shaw, David Edminston, Anthony Bowsher, John Delong, John Reichelderfer, John Burke, George Beeler, Israel Bowsher, George Mowery, and Levi Mowery.