Allen, John E – military pension record 
Allen, John E. – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1825 in Franklin County, KY. Enslaved by John Allen at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company I, 124th U.S.C.T Infantry at Lexington, KY, in February 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. Died May 3, 1920, at the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers at Leavenworth, KS. Was widower of Mary Carpenter Allen. 

Alston, Washington – military pension record
Alston, Washington – USCT service record

Wagonmaker born into enslavement about 1811 in Warren County, NC. Enslaved by Henrietta Cook of Mercer County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in January 1865. Died of smallpox March 9, 1865, while in service at Camp Nelson, KY. Widower of Julia Hern[?] Cole while he went by the name of Washington Cole. His children: John, born at Harrodsburg KY, in December 1856 and died at Harrodsburg, KY, on or about June 2, 1872; Rebecca, born at Harrodsburg, KY, on October 27, 1859 and died at Harrodsburg, KY, on February 8, 1872; William, born at Harrodsburg, KY, on October 29, 1859. 

Anderson, John Jr – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1844 in Knox County, KY. Enslaved by William B. Anderson at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 6th U.S.C.T Cavalry at London, KY, in October 1864. Mustered out at DeValls Bluff, AR, in April 1866. 

Atchison, John – military pension record
Atchison, John – USCT service record

Shoemaker born into enslavement about 1838 in Bath County, KY. Enslaved by Jesse Atchison or Atkinson at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company C, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in January 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. Died April 17, 1923, in Chicago. Never married. 

Baker, Henry – military pension record
Baker, Henry – USCT service record

Free tinsmith born about 1839 in Cumberland County, KY. Mustered into Company A, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died June 11, 1909, at Pittsburg, KY. First married to Ann Owsley Baker. Married to Susan Williams Baker at time of death. His children: William, born January 17, 1868; Alice, born January 16, 1870; Emma, born September 28, 1873. 

Bauer, Joseph – USCT service record

Free shoemaker born about 1833 at Deep Gap, NC. Mustered into Company G, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Likely related to Nelson Bauer. 

Bauer, Nelson – USCT service record

Free blacksmith born about 1839 at Deep Gap, NC. Mustered into Company G, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Likely related to Joseph Bauer. 

Beckings or Becking, Andrew – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1838 in Franklin County, KY. Enslaved by Frank Diller at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company C, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

Bell, William – military pension record
Bell, William – USCT service record

Free carpenter born about 1835-1845 in Louisville KY. Mustered into Company C, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Louisville, KY, in November 1864. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. Died March 26, 1908, at Dayton, OH. First married to Jane Bundy Wells. Married to Lucy Jane Robinson Bell at time of death. His children: William [Jr.], born March 26, 1875; Dora, born August 9, 1881. 

Additional biography: In November 1864, William Bell joined the Union cause in Louisville, serving in the 13th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Heavy Artillery. A freeman and carpenter, Bell listed himself as nineteen years old but was never certain of his actual age. 

In the 13th Regiment, Bell used his carpentry skills to construct barracks for his comrades at Fort Smith, located in western Kentucky at the strategic junction of the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. He served as lead carpenter on the project. Illnesses cascading through his body, however, interrupted much of his service: smallpox, severe diarrhea (the latter affected over 1.5 million Union troops during the war), heart problems, and painful, swollen legs. 

Sadly, many of Bell’s illnesses followed him when he relocated to Ohio after the war. To make matters worse, he lost his left arm in a circular saw accident around 1890. Despite such setbacks, Bell and his spouse, Lucy Robinson Bell, raised a son and daughter. After time spent in the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Dayton, Ohio, Bell died in 1908. 

Buckner, George – USCT service record

Plasterer born into enslavement about 1799 in Fredericksburg, VA. Enslaved by Henry Moody of Scott County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company I, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Caldwell, Nathan – widow’s pension record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1842 in Tennessee. Enslaved by James L. Caldwell of Shelbyville, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 107th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville in June 1864. Died of illness on May 10, 1865, while in service at Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA. Married to Emily Caldwell at time of death. His children: Clinton, born December 23, 1862; Kate, born November 28, 1864. 

Clay, Henry – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1819 in Scott County, KY. Enslaved by Mrs. L. Baker at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company I, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in February 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Cobb, Harrison – USCT service record

Born into enslavement about 1846 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Richard Cobb at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Camp Nelson, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. At enlistment, Harrison Cobb listed himself as a farmer. However, he listed himself as a cabinetmaker in an April 1889 affidavit supporting Joseph Irvine’s application for an invalid soldier’s pension (see below on Joseph Irvine). 

Collier, John – military pension record
Collier, John – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1839 in Rockcastle County, KY. Enslaved by Olivia Collier at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 6th U.S.C.T. Cavalry at London, KY, in September 1864. Mustered out at DeValls Bluff, AR, in April 1866. Died in 1918 in Barbourville, KY. First married to Eliza Collier. Next married to Almira Potter Collier. Widower of Evaline Blakely Collier at time of death. His children: Emily, born February 15, 1885; Ella, born July 11, 1887; Sarah, born July 20, 1891 (deceased by 1915); Joannah, born July 11, 1893. 

Additional biography: Born into enslavement in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, John Collier served in the 6th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Cavalry, taking with him his skills as a blacksmith. His artisanal talent came early: an acquaintance noted that, as a young man, Collier “could make a shoe and shoe a horse as quick as anybody.” 

Once enlisted, Collier quickly became his company’s first sergeant, a key leadership role. In this capacity, he helped lead his company in the successful Battle of Saltville, Virginia, in December 1864. After the war, Collier’s commanding officer praised his service, noting, “He was one of my best men and he was the only man in Company B that I never heard swear…” 

Post-war, Collier worked as a railroad blacksmith in eastern Kentucky before receiving God’s call to become an ordained minister. As a circuit preacher, he spread his faith through several southeastern Kentucky counties and across state lines into Tennessee. He also served as pastor of Barbourville, Kentucky’s African Methodist Episcopal church. He died in Barbourville in 1918. 

Collins, Frank – military pension record
Collins, Frank – USCT service record

Mason born into enslavement about 1834 in Garrard County, KY. Enslaved by Thomas Collins at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company A, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brownsville, TX, in May 1866. Died in 1894, location unknown. 

Cooper, Charles – USCT service record

Free blacksmith born about 1842 in Russell County, VA. Mustered into Company A, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in January 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

Embry, Wiley – military pension record
Embry, Wiley – USCT service record

Harness maker born into enslavement about 1842 in Richmond, KY. Enslaved by Thomas Embry at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company, B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died July 9, 1903, at Richmond, KY. Married to Rebecca Walker Embry at death. His children: Frank, born September 30, 1862; Emmett, born February 14, 1868; Leslie, born July 13, 1870; Roberta, born March 16, 1873; Surie, born November 9, 1875; Mattie, born July 22, 1878; Walker, born October 30, 1881; Mary Ellen, born January 12, 1884; [illeg.], born September 21, 1886; Edgar, born August 1, 1889. 

Additional biography: Born into enslavement, harness maker Wiley Embry was twenty-two years old when he joined the 114th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Infantry, in June 1864. 

His harness-making talents were put to use as a saddler for his regiment. His other talent—musician—was put to use, too, when he became head fifer for his regiment’s drum corps. In this leadership role, he was responsible for training other regimental fifers in the proper performance of military marches and other tunes. 

After the war, Embry returned to his spouse, Rebecca Walker Embry, in Richmond, Kentucky. They had married in 1862 while still enslaved and eventually grew their family to ten children. The first, Frank, was born in 1862 and the last, Edgar, in 1889. Wiley continued to practice his harness-making trade in Richmond until his death in 1903. 

Anderson Fields – USCT service record

Anderson Fields – military pension record

Mason born into enslavement about 1846 at Danville, KY. Enslaved by Clifton Roads or Rhodes at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company G, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. After service in the 119th, he later served in Company H, 38th U.S. Army Infantry in 1867-1870 and in Company H, 24th U.S. Army Infantry in 1871-1876. Mustered out at Brownsville, TX, in 1876. Died November 3, 1911, at Yoakum, TX. Widower of Francis Fields at time of death. Stepfather to Minnie Fields, date of birth unknown. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1832-1837 at Lexington, KY. Enslaved by Dudley Dedman at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in March 1865. Deserted from Camp Nelson, KY, on April 10, 1865, one day after Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, VA. 

Franklin, Joseph – USCT service record

Mason born into enslavement about 1804 in Wilkes County, NC. Enslaved by John H. Grider of Warren County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 123rd U.S.C.T. Infantry at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Fry, Milford – military pension record
Fry, Milford – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1839 in Boyle County, KY. Enslaved by Marie Green at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died September 15, 1886, at Louisville. Married to Mollie Fry at time of death. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1844 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Benjamin Gentry at time of enlistment. Recorded only as “unassigned infantry.” 

Gerton, George W. – USCT service record

Shoemaker born into enslavement about 1839 in Bourbon County, KY. Enslaved by Uriah Gerton at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company K, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in March 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Gilbert, Clifton – military pension record
Gilbert, Clifton – USCT service record

Tinsmith born into enslavement about 1842 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by John W. Gilbert at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died August 22, 1911, at Richmond, KY. Married to Amelia White Gilbert at time of death. His children: Horace, born June 1870, died 1874; Minnie A., born April 19, 1872; David C., born July 28, 1874. 

Graham, Peter – USCT service record

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1812 in Mississippi. Enslaved by Washington Munning[?] of Boyle County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Green, Frederic – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1845 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by William R. Green at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. 

Additional biography: Frederick Green, born in Madison County, Kentucky, was an enslaved, nineteen-year-old blacksmith when he enlisted in June 1864; with enlistment came his freedom. He served in the 114th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Infantry, which was ordered to Virginia in early 1865. There, Green began service with the Quartermaster Corps where his blacksmithing skills would have been put to use shoeing horses, repairing wagons, and executing other metalwork needed to keep troops operating. Green mustered out in April 1867 in Brazos Santiago, Texas, on the Gulf Coast. 

Green, John – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1832 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Irvine Green at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company I, 12th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

Grider, William – military pension record
Grider, William – USCT service record

Wagonmaker born into enslavement about 1837-1842 in Warren County, KY. Enslaved by B. C. Grider at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company M, 12th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died February 10, 1910, at Bowling Green, KY. Married to Hester Dickinson Grider at time of death. 

Griffin, Thomas – military pension record
Griffin, Thomas – USCT service record 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1846 in Pulaski County, KY. Enslaved by John Griffin at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 116th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at New Orleans, LA, in January 1867. Died December 26, 1920, in Clay County, KY. First married to Jinnie Garrard Griffin who died in 1890. Married to Sidney Adams Griffin at time of his death. His children: Emma, born April 21, 1868; Stephen, born October 2, 1870; Jannie [sic], born May 21, 1872; Lucy, born February 17, 1874; Sallie, born March 1, 1876; James, born June 1, 1878; Celia A., born May 15, 1895. 

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1815 in Butler County, KY. Enslaved by P. D. Hampton at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company G, 123rd U.S.C.T. Infantry at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Muster out information unknown. Died in or before 1883, location unknown. 

Harris, Jacob – military pension record
Harris, Jacob – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1836 in Georgia County, SC. Enslaved by Thomas Buford of Woodford County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company K, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died May 21, 1893, at Frankfort, KY. Married to Elizabeth Mitchell Harris at time of death. 

Heath, Lewis – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1840 in Russell County, KY. Enslaved by Charles Smith at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company H, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Greenupsburg, KY (present–day Greenup, KY) in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. 

Hilton, Edward – USCT service record 

Free blacksmith born about 1829 in Patrick County, Virginia. Mustered into Company H, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

Irvine, James – military pension record 
Irvine, James – USCT service record 

Tinsmith born into enslavement about 1846 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by William M. Irvine at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died April 9, 1869, at Richmond, KY. Was son of Savannah and George Irvine. Never married. Possibly related to Joseph Irvine. 

Irvine, Joseph – military pension record 
Irvine, Joseph – USCT service record 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1845 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by William M. Irvine at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Discharged due to disability at Fort Monroe, VA, in June 1865. Died January 2, 1917. First married to Nannie Bull Irvine who died in 1892. Next married to Pattie Palmer Irvine who died in 1896. Married to Maggie Bennett Irvine at time of his death. His children: Charles Albert, born August 1, 1900, and died February 1901; Verline (married last name, Huguely), born December 31, 1903; Z. V., born November 23, 1905. Possibly related to James Irvine. 

Johnson, Isham – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1835 in Warren County, KY. Enslaved by Thomas Johnson at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company C, 123rd U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Kavenaugh, Irvine – military pension record 
Kavenaugh, Irvine – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1820 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Charles Kavenaugh at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Died of illness on January 28, 1866, while in service at Brownsville, TX. Married to Mahala Irvine Kavenaugh at time of death. His children: Maria, born April 20, 1854 (or April 1, 1853); Emily, born April 2, 1857 (or 1856); Amanda, born June 8, 1860 (or July 3, 1860). 

Lee, Lewis – USCT service record

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1827 in Shelby County, KY. Enslaved by Frank R. Lee at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company K, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Matthews, Frank – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1832 in Sumner County, TN. Noted as “contraband” in records, meaning that he likely self-emancipated by crossing over Union Army lines in Tennessee. Mustered into Company M, 12th U.S.C.T. at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

McConnell, James – military pension record
McConnell, James – USCT service record 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1833 in Greenup County, KY. Mustered into Company A, 107th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in June 1864. Mustered out in June 1865 at Goldsboro, NC, due to illness. Died May 29, 1908, in Greenup County, KY. First married to Martha Fletcher McConnell. Married to Caroline Waring McConnell at time of death. 

McCullough, Aaron T. – USCT service record

Free mason born about 1827 at Charleston, SC. Mustered into Company A, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville, KY in January 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

McKee, David – military pension record
McKee, David – USCT service record 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1839 in Laurel County, KY. Enslaved by John V. L. McKee at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 6th U.S.C.T. Cavalry in London, KY, in October 1864. Mustered out at DeValls Bluff, AR, in April 1865. He died August 14, 1921, at London, KY. He was first married to Amanda Pearl McKee and then to Merry Jackson McKee. Married to Jinnie Tillett McKee at time of death. His children: Amanda, born January 25, 1878; Samuel T., born August 12, 1880; Martha A., born December 14, 1882; Louisa, born July 18, 1885; Johnny E., born July 13, 1888; George Woodson Harris McKee, born February 23, 1893. 

Additional biography: A twenty-five-year-old enslaved blacksmith at the time of his enlistment, David McKee mustered into the 6th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Cavalry and worked as a farrier with his cavalry regiment’s horses. Like his comrades in the 6th, McKee fought at the Battle of Saltville, Virginia, in December 1864. Records show he fought on foot rather than mounted on a horse during the Union’s victorious fight. Though he survived the battle, he struggled after the war from effects of illnesses experienced during his service. McKee died in 1921 in Laurel County, Kentucky. 

McKinneraw, Nelson – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1824 in VA. Enslaved by Harrison McKinneraw, probably of Mason County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company A, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in October 1864. Muster out information unknown. 

McKinney, Madison – military pension record 
McKinney, Madison – USCT service record 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1824 in VA. Enslaved by Harrison McKinneraw, probably of Mason County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company A, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in October 1864. Muster out information unknown. 

Miller, Daniel P. – military pension record
Miller, Daniel P. – USCT service record

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1838 in Marshall County, TN. Noted as “contraband” in records, meaning that he likely self-emancipated by crossing over Union Army lines in Tennessee. Mustered into Company M, 12th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died February 12, 1906, in Marshall County, TN. First married to Ann Stanner Miller. Married to Mahala Morris Miller at time of death. His children: Martha Ann and John Henry (dates of birth unknown). 

Mitchell, Adam – USCT service record (1)
Mitchell, Adam – USCT service record (2)

Weaver born into enslavement about 1844 in Fayette County, KY. Enslaved by Augustus Rogers at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company A, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in October 1864. Transferred to Company G, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865.  

Montjoy, John – military pension record 
Montjoy, John – USCT service record 

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1834 in Anderson County, KY. Enslaved by Wiley Montjoy at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 125th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in March 1865. Mustered out at Helena, AR, in March 1866. Died May 4, 1882, at Covington, KY, and is buried in the segregated Linden Grove Cemetery in Covington, KY. Married to Mary Hawkins Mountjoy at time of death. His children: John, born November 25, 1870; Julia, born July 4, 1872; Laura, born October 20, 1873; Mariah, born July 4, 1877; Mollie, born May 3, 1881. 

Myers, William R. B. – military pension record
Myers, William R. B. – USCT service record 

Free carpenter born about 1845 in Logan County, KY. Mustered into Company B, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Bowling, Green, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. Died April 16, 1904, at New Albany, IN. First married to Malvina “Viney” Shobey in 1868; they separated about one year later. Married to Celestine Stewart Myers at time of death. His children: Jesse M., born 1875; William J., born 1877. 

Additional biography: William Riley Benson Myers, born free in Logan County, Kentucky, around 1845, served with the 13th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Heavy Artillery. On enlistment, he described himself as a carpenter, though that was one of many occupations during his life. 

After the war, Myers returned to the Bowling Green, Kentucky, area and worked with a blacksmith employed by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Eventually, William relocated to New Albany, Indiana, in the early 1870s. There, he worked for DePauw Glassworks, which made window glass, bottles, and other products. 

Never forgetting his service to the Union, Myers was among the founders of a Black veterans’ post in New Albany where he socialized with fellow service members, many of whom had also served in Kentucky regiments during the Civil War. William’s life in New Albany also included marriage and family: in 1874 he married Celestine Stewart and they raised two sons. William died in New Albany in 1904. 

Owens, George – military pension record
Owens, George – USCT service record

Cooper born into enslavement about 1822 at Flemingsburg, KY. Enslaved by George B. Macklin at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died May 11, 1866, in Louisville, KY, of smallpox acquired while in service. Buried in Eastern Cemetery, Louisville, KY, range 6, grave 11, “Dev 4”. Widower of Courtney Sharp Owens at time of death. His children: Kate (last name of Ford by her marriage), born February 15, 1851.  

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1822 in Fayette County, KY. Enslaved by T. N. Shepherd at time of enlistment. Mustered into 116th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in July 1864. Deserted on July 26, 1866 in Texas. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1837 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by John W. Parks at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Died of illness July 29, 1864, while in service at Camp Nelson, KY. Married to Lucinda Parks at time of death. His children: Mary, born May 1, 1861; Alice, born April 10, 1863. 

Free blacksmith born about 1838 in Henry County, VA. Mustered into Company K, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died around 1884. 

Shoemaker born into enslavement about 1821 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Tabitha Phelps at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died July 14, 1897, at Richmond, KY. First married to Sarah Phelps. Married to Lucinda McVain (or McBride) Phelps at time of death. 

Free blacksmith born about 1846 in either Henry or Shelby County, KY. Mustered into Company E, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died October 10, 1915, at Jersey City, NJ. Married to Isabell Price Quincy at time of death. His children: James, born April 27, 1871 and died before April 1915; Emma, born January 8, 1873, and died before April 1915; William, born October 22, 1884, and died before April 1915; Eddie, born May 29, 1886 and died before April 1915; Gertrude, born December 12, 1891 and still living in April 1915. 

Free carpenter born about 1827 in Henry County, VA. Mustered into Company H, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died July 26, 1905, in Virginia. Married to Peggy Redd at time of death. His children: Jane, born 1860; Mary, born 1862; Cannady, born 1866; Anna, born 1874; Matt, born 1876; Bessi[illeg.], 1878; Frances, born 1886. 

Free blacksmith born about 1844 at Deep Gap, NC. Mustered into Company G, 119th U.S.C.T Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died December 26, 1913, at the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers at Johnson City, TN. Married to Bettie Roberts at time of death. His children: Mary, born January 18, 1870; Lizia [?], born December 21, 1878; E. D., born April 28, 1874; Adam, born December 28, 1881; Smitha, born May 14, 1883; [illeg.], born October 21, 1885; Dollie, born May 9, 1888. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1821 in Bath County, KY. Enslaved by Oliver Sanders at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in April 1865, and was transferred to Company I, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. Died December 19, 1876, at Sharpsburg, KY. Married to Mary Sanders at time of death. His children: Charley, born March 6, 1861; William, born February 2, 1865; Rilda, born December 9, 1868. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1842 in Larue County, KY. Mustered into Company A, 108th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville, KY, in August 1864. Mustered out at Vicksburg, MS, in March 1866. Died May 5, 1886, in Cedar Rapids, IA. First married to Kittie Jones Scott. Married to Emily Allard Scott at time of death. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1835 in Hardin County, KY. Enslaved by Fielding Simmons at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company M, 12th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Bowling Green, KY, in March 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died February 13, 1903, at Elizabethtown, KY. Married to Mariah Van Meter Simmons at time of death. His children: Jennie L., born January 20, 1873; Mary Francis, born April 16, 1876. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1834 in Clark County, KY. Enslaved by Isaac C. Van Meter at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died March 14, 1870, in Lexington, KY. Married to Sarah Taylor Smith at time of death. His children: Lilly, born June 16, 1862; James P., born November 1, 1863; Sallie, born October 7, 1865, and died November 27, 1879; Edward, born July 6, 1867; Joshua, born April 9, 1869, and died October 11, 1873. 

Additional biography: A native of Clark County, Kentucky, blacksmith Joshua Smith entered the 119th Regiment, United States Colored Troops Infantry in May 1865. He was enslaved when he enlisted; with enlistment came his freedom. At age thirty-one, Smith was older than most of his comrades and, at six feet tall, he stood over many, too (average male height at the time was about five feet, seven inches).  

When Smith joined the Union Army, the Civil War was approaching its end and his service lasted less than one year. After mustering out, he returned to his carriage blacksmithing trade in Lexington. He was specifically recognized for his specialized talents, with others praising him as “very fast and very good” and his work, “splendid.”  

At the time of his enlistment, Joshua had been married to Sarah Taylor Smith for almost four years. Together, the couple had five children. One son, James, became a preacher. Another, Edward, followed his late father’s model and enlisted in the Army. Edward joined in 1885, fifteen years after his father’s death, and served in the 10th Cavalry, a Black regiment in the still-segregated U.S. Army.  

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1837 in Scott County, KY. Enslaved by James Beaty or Beatty at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in March 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died March 1913 in Clark County, OH. First married to Martha Herndon Smith. Married to Mintie or Mindy Young Smith at time of death. His children: Ben Franklin born 1855; Hazel C. born 1857. 

Shoemaker born into enslavement about 1820 in Fayette County, KY. Enslaved by Sarah Taul at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in May 1865. Transferred to Company J, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. Died May 6, 1870, at Mt. Sterling, KY. Married to Kitty Pendleton Taul at time of death. His children: Charles, born 1850 [also listed as 1853]; Isabell, 1856; Anderson, 1859 [also listed as 1857]; Maria Ann, 1860 [also listed as 1859]; America, 1861; Sarilda, 1863; Abram, 1864 [also listed as 1865]; James, 1869. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1828 in Shelby County, KY. Enslaved by Frank Bohls at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 109th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville in December 1864. Muster out information unknown.  

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1820 at Garrard, KY. Enslaved by T. T. Garrard at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 116th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at New Orleans, LA, in January 1867. Died August 21, 1894, at Manchester, KY. First married to Martha Gaines Tillett. Married to Elizabeth Tillett at time of death. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1822 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by heirs of Daivd Walker at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 116th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at New Orleans, LA, in January 1867. Died in 1907, likely in Fayette County, KY. A widower at time of death. His children: Tommy and Lucy (dates of birth unknown). 

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1828 in Marion County, KY. Mustered into Company G, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died April 20, 1895, at Georgetown, KY. Married to Margaret Taylor Wells at time of death.  

Carpenter born into enslavement about 1821 in Culpeper County, VA. Enslaved by Levi Prewitt, probably of Scott County, KY, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in February 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1865. Died April 12, 1912, at Lexington, KY. First married to Polly West. Married to Jennie Whittaker West at time of death, though records suggest they had been separated for many years. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1827 in Harlan County, KY. Enslaved by James White at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 116th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Discharged due to disability at Chapins Farm, VA, in March 1865. 

Wagonmaker born into enslavement about 1834 in Madison County, KY. Enslaved by Richard White at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company A, 114th U.S.C.T. Infantry at London, KY, in June 1864. Mustered out at Brazos Santiago, TX, in April 1867. Died March 29, 1904, at Richmond, KY. Married to Martha Jamison White. His children: Minerva, born November 15, 1862; James, born September 2, 1863; William, born November 25, 1871; Jeff, born December 6, 1873; Leroy, born October 20, 1876. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1838 in Montgomery County, KY. Enslaved by [first name illeg.] Wilkinson at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company D, 121st U.S.C.T. Infantry at Greenupsburg, KY (present-day Greenup, KY) in April 1865. Transferred to Company I, 13th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery in June 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in November 1865. 

Mason born into enslavement about 1815 at Baltimore, MD. Enslaved by Martha Ridgely, probably of Lexington, KY, or vicinity, at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company E, 124th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in January 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in October 1865. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1845 in Franklin County, KY. Enslaved by Dr. Wilson at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company H, 119th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Lexington, KY, in May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. 

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1824 at Louisville, KY. Enslaved by James or Junius Wootton at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company B, 125th U.S.C.T. Infantry at Louisville, KY, in February 1865. Mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, KS, in December 1867. Died November 30, 1888, in Louisville, KY. Married to Julia Davis Wooden at time of death.  

Blacksmith born into enslavement about 1838 in Metcalfe County, KY. Enslaved by Abraham Woodward at time of enlistment. Mustered into Company F, 12th U.S.C.T. Heavy Artillery at Bowling Green, KY, in April 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, KY, in April 1866. Died January 6, 1876, at Louisville, KY. Married to Amy Jane Yates Woodward at time of death. His children: Laura, born November 9, 1860 (married Frank Crockett and lived in Chicago); Eliza, born February 8, 1866, and died January 27, 1877; Alice, born July 16, 1870, and died July 30, 1890; Eddie, born August 4, 1876, and died January 20, 1878.