Served in Company C, 34th Infrantry Regiment of North Carolina along with his brother Humphrey and Cebrun during the Civil War. Wounded twice. Captured at the battle at Falling Water, Md. and taken to New York State [Elmira POW Camp]. Survived and returned home. Lived in Coopers Gap, Polk County, NC. On June 21, 1901 he applied for and later recieved a pension from the State of North Carolina based on his service in the Civil War.

In 1910 he was living in his son Elias' home.

CSA Soldier, 34th Regiment NC Troops, Co. C
LYNCH, AHIJAH OLIVER, Private
Born in Rutherford County where he resided as a farmer prior to enlisting in Rutherford County at age 22, September 2, 1861. Wounded at Gaines' Mill, Virginia, june 27, 1862. Returned to duty prior to September 1,1862, when he was wounded in the hip at Ox Hill, Virginia. Reported absent sick in january-February, 1863. Reported absent without leave in March-April, 1863. Returned to duty prior to July 13-14, 1863, when he was captured at Falling Waters, Maryland. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, August 17, 1863. Transferred to Elmira, New York, August 16, 1864. Paroled at Elmira on March 10, 1865, and transferred to Boulware's Wharf, James River, Virginia, where he was received on March 15, 1865, for exchange.
from " North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, A Roster " by Weymouth T. Jordan, Jr.; Volumn 9, page 281.