Formed from the militias of Portage and Trumbull counties (Ohio) in 1837 according to an act passed by the Ohio General Assembly to organize and discipline the Ohio Militia. The militia in Portage County, headquartered in Ravenna, was formerly the 4th Division, 2nd Brigade, 1st Regiment of Ohio militia, made up of 10 companies and two sections of light infantry. The records of the 4th Division were kept by Col. Lucius V. Bierce, and the records of the 20th Division were kept by Joel B. Burnett and Perry H. Babcock. In 1838, companies of the 20th Division split off to make up the 4th Regiment of Ohio Militia.
From the description of Records of the 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 20th Division and of the 1st Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Division of Ohio Militia, 1837-1843. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 23465791
