Background
Oviatt was born December 1, 1840 in Cattaraugus County, New York and on August 19, 1862 he joined the Marine Corps from Brooklyn, New New York
Oviatt was born December 1, 1840 in Cattaraugus County, New York and on August 19, 1862 he joined the Marine Corps from Brooklyn, New New York
He was assigned to the marine contingent aboard the United States Ship Brooklyn (1858) during the American Civil War. The United States Ship Brooklyn was sent into action against rebel forts and gunboats including the Confederate ram Tennessee in the Battle of Mobile Bay August 5, 1864. During the battle several men aboard ship were killed and the ship sustained heavy damage from enemy fire.
Oviatt continued to fire his gun throughout the two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the Tennessee.
Oviatt was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on August 18, 1866, and died on November 1, 1880. He was buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery Olean, New New York
His grave can be found in section 36, lot 36.
