He united with the fire companies of both Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and was an active and zealous member. In 1858, he joined the military organization known as the Cleveland Light Guards, and soon after became a sergeant, and a lieutenant. He advanced in rank without any effort—it was a matter of course.
When the rebellion broke out, his love of adventure would not permit him to remain at home; but he immediately set himself at work organizing a company, which was completed in a few days, and, on the 22d day of April, marched to Camp Taylor. He immediately commenced drilling his company, and with such success, that it took the lead of all then in camp.
At this time his military genius shone so conspicuously that he was looked on by all as the future leader of the regiment.
All will remember with what skill and pride he led the regiment in its first march. It was on a beautiful Sabbath morning; and as the young soldier, with a proud step, took his position at the head of the column, every eye was turned upon him in admiration; one could see in the countenances of the men, a willingness to follow such a leader amid the hail and thunder of battle. Before reaching Camp Dennison, this admiration warmed into a determination to place him in a position when, at no distant day, he could be made available as the commander of the regiment. Therefore, on its arrival at camp, he was elected lieutenant-colonel, a position which he did not seek, nor intimate to any that he desired. Very many were desirous of making him colonel.
During the stay of the regiment at Camp Dennison, he took no active part, seldom being seen on drill, or on duty of any kind. When the regiment was about leaving, however, he took command, Colonel Tyler having gone to Virginia in advance of the starting of the regiment. Previous to the movement, every thing had been arranged in perfect order; but this arrangement was partially defeated by the indecent haste of a captain. An unutterable look of scorn and contempt settled upon the features of Creighton; but not a word passed his lips. He never entirely forgave that officer for this act of disobedience of orders, till his death, when all feelings of animosity gave way to regrets for his loss; for, outside of a disposition to criticise the conduct of his superiors, he was a brave as well as competent officer.
Arriving at Clarksburg, he turned over the command to Colonel Tyler; but on arriving at Glenville, he again assumed command, which he held until reaching Cross Lanes; in the mean time, drilling the regiment daily when in camp. During this time it improved rapidly; in fact, it acquired, during this short interval, most of the proficiency it possessed.
On the march back to Cross Lanes from Twenty-mile Creek, he was with the advance, in command of the skirmishers. During the affair which succeeded, at the above place, he bore himself creditably. During the retreat, his horse fell with him: seizing the holsters, he started on foot through the underbrush, but soon after saw his horse coming after him at full speed. He again mounted; but in a short time his horse again fell, when, for the second time, he abandoned him; but he was soon joined by his faithful "Johnny," and this time the devoted horse carried its gallant rider safely to Gauley Bridge.
This misfortune to the regiment completely unmanned him. Meeting a comrade on the retreat, who was not in the engagement, he burst into tears, and, grasping his hand, in choked utterances related the story of their encounter.
While the regiment remained at Charleston, Creighton was in command, and was untiring in his efforts to advance his command in both drill and discipline; and I doubt whether any regiment in the field made more rapid progress towards perfection. It seemed to emulate its leader, who was ever at his post.
When an order came for five hundred picked men from the regiment to report to General Benham for duty, in the pursuit of Floyd, he was chosen to command the detachment. On arriving at Benham's headquarters, he was given the advance, and, for several days, was separated from Floyd's camp by a range of mountains only. He was finally given a brigade, although only a lieutenant-colonel, and ordered across a range of mountains to the rear of the enemy; but for some reason no attack was made, and soon after, half of the command was ordered back.