1865 - Not Necessarily the End of the Civil War

In 1865, when Kentucky Union veterans were discharged from their military service, the men did not return to safe neighborhoods and homes unlike other Union soldiers, who, for example, lived in neighboring states such as Ohio or Indiana. Ravaged by nearly 3 1/2 years of war, many soldiers found their families impoverished or driven from the state, their homes destroyed and plundered and the fields left destitute. The war, although in its last stages, had not abated in Eastern Kentucky and was still a harsh reality.


Living conditions for many civilians remained desperate. A visitor to the area described what he witnessed at the Mouth of Jennies Creek in Johnson Co. KY: "On visiting the spot we found a wretched hovel, filled with dirty ragged women and children, whose garments were made out of worn out soldiers clothing and blankets sewn together, presenting the most wretched and squalid poverty."

As late as July 1865, the situation had improved but little. The Newport, Kentucky, newspaper Free South noted, “In and about Catlettsburg, Piketon, Louisa, Paintsville, and through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, the Union people were robbed of nearly everything during the hopeful days of the rebellion, and many of the determined Union men were murdered. Left in this hopeless, destitute condition, they fell a prey to the dictation and loss of the heartless dominant power, and are now in the most wretched condition. Many children are entirely naked and women nearly so, and careless of their person. The most of the Union men not slain fled for safety; others yielded, subservient to the slave power, producing the most reckless, headless condition that mortal man could be placed in … None can visit this part of Kentucky without coming away in sorrow and tears.”

The veterans felt that they had returned home from the service but not from the war. Guerrillas, deserters, horse thieves and other lawless elements, that the fortunes of war had brought together, were still roaming the hills and hollers and the mountain sides were reverberating from the sound of their guns. On Jan. 31, 1865, Thomas E. Bramlette encouraged the veterans being mustered out to organize and form units for the “defence [sic] of themselves, their homes, and the country. All of those veterans who will form organizations shall be so armed and paid, if formed for twelve months' State service.

Some of the men may have availed themselves to this opportunity but other veterans regarded the situation as a personal matter which they intended to settle the way they saw fit, without the sanction of the state authorities or military.


On February 1, 1865, John Means wrote, “There are some parties living in the edge of Greenup and Carter who are making raids into Carter and Morgan They claim to be Union men if they did not we should call them guerrillas. They have taken horses - clothing men's womens & childrens, and from men with whom I used to be acquainted who were honest and peacable men - Unless some steps are taken to stop we will soon have them turning their attention to their neighbors.

Some are returned soldiers who say they cannot live at home unless they are banded together and drive out the rogues near them If the others undertake to retaliate there will soon be no living back in the country, between the two parties.”

In March of 1865, the presence of guerrillas was noted by Peter Lesley, a geologist, who embarked in Johnson Co. KY with a friend, mounted on cavalry horses, "into the most tremendous land of crags, ravines, cascades, oil springs, forests and geuerillas (sic), and reached Wash Webb's, to sleep in a cabin, while an old woman with a pipe studied curiously our mode of undressing. Before retiring we had a guerilla fright; not a pleasant episode."

On a different occasion a gentleman from Pittsburg, who strayed off from his companions, was captured by rebels, and taken to the commander's headquarters near Piketon. Fortunately, the man was released and given a pass by the commander, saying that, “oil men should not be disturbed in their efforts to develop the country.”

During the final days of the Civil War, members of Captain William Horton's Company, 10th KY Cavalry [CS], terrorized Unionists in what is now Elliott County, as well as in Lawrence County, Kentucky. On April 24, 1865, Hugh Boggs and his first cousin, James Boggs were working in a field near the mouth of Colliers Creek when they were shot and killed.


On April 30, 1865, 105 officers and over 1,000 men of Morgan's old command surrendered at Mt. Sterling and Eastern Kentucky was, according to the authorities, now clear of rebel troops. Nevertheless, in certain areas like Morgan County, KY, the rebels had no intentions of giving up the fight.

In late September of 1865, Captain John T. Williams, with about fifty followers, arrested the United States Collector of Internal revenue in Morgan County, KY, and compelled him to desist from his business. According to a report in the New Hampshire Patriot, “He has also arrested every man who has brought suit against any rebel, and compelled him to withdraw it. A company of United States forces attempted, without success, to drive this gang from the county. More troops have gone to the scene of action. Gen. Brisbin hopes to capture the party.”


Shortly thereafter, the federal troops returned to Lexington, bringing with them the United States collector. The Hartford Daily Courant noted, that, “Captain Johnson, who commanded the expedition, reports that on his approach the guerrillas disbanded and scattered in all directions. Captain Johnson was bushwacked, and his pickets fired on and driven in at night. The country is full of robbers and guerrillas, and the people are in terror. The guerrilla Williams has forbidden the collection of any more United States taxes, and Mr. Geardon says he cannot go back and collect the revenue without troops to protect him.” Accordingly, General Brisbin ordered United States forces to “at once occupy and garrison Bath, Floyd, Morgan and Wolfe counties.”


In some instances, guerrillas and outlaws who had lived for years outside the bounds of the law had trouble re-entering into society and return to a normal life style. One example was Peter Livingston, a well-known Confederate guerrilla, who, shortly after the end of hostilities, purchased Cracker’s Neck, a noted guerrilla hang-out during the Civil War in Elliott Co. KY (formerly Carter Co. KY). He cleared away the timber, laid out fields, built roads, erected houses and opened a store.

Livingston’s business soon flourished, and seemingly a pleasant man, he made fast friends with the locals. Behind this façade however, Livingston hid a dark secret. No one suspected that he had a hand in the lawless acts which were fast driving people out of the mountains, and deterring others from coming in to take their places. Once again, Cracker’s Neck became a favorite rendezvous spot, but this time for criminals, thieves and counterfeiters who made their headquarters among the wild gorges and deep forests from which they emerged at frequent intervals. Robberies were a frequent occurrence and stolen horses and cattle were driven out of the blue-grass by the hundreds. They would be secreted here until the excitement had passed, and then conveyed across the Ohio River and sold. This activity continued for years until the fall of 1877, when, by a chain of events, Livingston’s role as head of the gang, which by then numbered roughly 300 men, was discovered and forced him to flee the county in order to save himself from being lynched.

In some places, hostility between parties continued to linger for a long period after the close of the Civil War. In Carter Co. KY, feelings ran high against all who had served in the Union army. Mordecai Hensley, a former soldier in the 14th KY Infantry (US), continued to live at his home for five years in spite of all the ill will which most of his neighbors bore him. At length, however, fifty men banded together and attempted to capture him and it was with difficulty that he escaped into the timber, reaching the Ohio River, which he crossed. Others moved from the area, whether forced to move like Mordecai Hensley or driven by a sense of adventure.

These unsettled times gave rise to bands of “Regulators”, notably in Lawrence, Carter, Elliott and Rowan Counties, KY, who dispensed their own brand of justice to wrong doers. In some instances animosities finally erupted into full scale bloody feuds such as the Underwood War or the Hatfield and McCoy feud.

It would take years before peace and calm would return once more to Eastern Kentucky. However, life as it had been known before the war was never again the same. The bloody strive of the Civil War had inflicted wounds on the people in Eastern Kentucky that were slow to heal over time and left permanent scars.

Written and researched by Marlitta H. Perkins, March 2012. Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.

The Case of George Washington Goodpasture

George Washington “Wash” Goodpasture was born on Jan. 12, 1812 in Bath County, Kentucky, the son of John Goodpasture and Patience Turner. On October 18, 1833, he married Elizabeth Pieratt in Bath County, Kentucky. Within a few years, Elizabeth presumably died, leaving no children.

On April 26, 1838, George Washington Goodpasture married Elizabeth Oakley in Morgan County, KY. She was the daughter of John S. Oakley and Margaret Lewis. Oakley was a member of the first Morgan County court which met March 10, 1823, and in 1831, he served as a state representative from Morgan County.

Over the next 19 years, George Washington and Elisabeth Goodpasture became the parents of eight children. The family lived on Grassy Creek, a few miles southwest of West Liberty and in the course of time, Washington became a substantial landowner. The 1860 census shows that he had $4000 worth of real estate and $1500 in personal property. When the Civil War erupted, the family seemed to be leaning more toward the Southern cause.

On December 11, 1861, son Fountain Goodpasture, by then a young lad 17 years of age, enlisted at West Liberty as a private in Captain William Mynheir’s Co. A, 5th KY Mtd. Infantry, which was part of CS General Humphrey Marshall’s Brigade.

His father supplied 9559 pounds of pork to Marshall’s troops. The sale may have been arranged by Marshall’s Asst. Commissary William H. Burns, former Circuit Court Judge of Morgan County. Goodpasture was paid $430.02 by Marshall’s Brigade Commissary Major R. Hanes, on Dec. 26, 1861, near Paintsville, Johnson County, KY.

Payment for pork
delivered to Marshall's Brigade
Fountain Goodpasture’s Confederate service was short lived. He died on February 2, 1862, at Whitesburg, KY, possibly from sickness. The tragedy of his brother’s death did not deter Richard M. Goodpasture from enlisting. Records show him as a private in Co. B, 7th Kentucky Mounted Infantry but may have also served with Morgan Countian Captain John T. Williams, in Co. C, 1st Battalion KY Mounted Rifles or Williams’ subsequent company A, 2nd Battalion KY Mounted Rifles.

By 1863, tragedy struck again. Death took Goodpasture’s wife Elizabeth. With one son dead and another one in the Confederate service and the oldest daughter married, he was left to raise five children on his own, ranging in age between 6 and 16.

It was not long before the Grassy Creek area drew the attention of Union troops. It was here that Captain John T. Williams clashed with Union Troops led by Captain Carey, 24th KY Infantry (US) in April 1863. The following month, on May 16, 1863, Captain William E. Rice of the 10th KY Cavalry (US) appeared with a squad of men at the home of George Washington Goodpasture. According to loyal Union people in the neighborhood, Goodpasture was considered, “a notorious Rebel Sympathizer and his home is a regular stopping place for the Rebels when in the vicinity.”

Captain Rice arrested Goodpasture on the charge of disloyalty to the United States Government and as a Rebel Sympathizer, under the provisions of General Ambrose Burnside’s new General Order No. 38. The order, among other things, declared that, “all persons found within our lines who commit acts for the benefit of the enemies of our country, will be tried as spies or traitors, and, if convicted, will suffer death.” This included, “All persons within our lines who harbor, protect, conceal, feed, clothe, or in any way aid the enemies of our country.” As a matter of fact, the simple act of, “of declaring sympathy for the enemy,” was deemed as treason.

When the soldiers entered Goodpasture’s home, they found his son Richard M. Goodpasture inside, “who was likewise taken prisoner as a rebel soldier belonging to the 1st Bat Mounted Inft. Ky Vol. “

Richard M. Goodpasture Service Record
7th KY Infantry (CS)
Captain Rice and his men scoured Goodpasture’s place thoroughly. “From the indications & appearance of his home and surroundings I am satisfied that it is a rendezvous for rebels and parties in arms against the Government of the U. States, “noted Rice. “Several horses were found in his belongings among them one horse with Gov. brand.”

Captain Rice’s and his squad remained at Goodpasture’s place and encamped. During the night, two more horses came into Goodpasture’s stable, “fully equipped with Cavalry rigging,” noted Captain Rice, “which I am satisfied had been ridden by Rebel soldiers.” One of these horses was later claimed as the property of a Union man from Bath County, Kentucky, by the name of Cassidy.

The following day, Washington and Richard M. Goodpasture were taken to the camp of the 10th KY Cavalry near Owingsville, Bath County, and later on to Mt. Sterling. Here father and son parted ways. Richard M. Goodpasture was conveyed to Lexington, KY. On May 31, 1863, he was on his way to Camp Chase, Ohio.

On May 24, 1863, eight days after Goodpasture’s arrest, 29 year old Amos D. Lawson from Morgan County appeared at the headquarters of the 10th KY Cavalry and gave a written statement.” I am personally acquainted with Washington Goodpasture a citizen of Morgan County who was arrested by the United States forces under Maj. J. S. L. Foley and is now a prisoner at Mt. Sterling, Ky. The said Washington Goodpasture is to my certain knowledge a rebel Sympathizer and has from time to time entertained "Guerrilla" parties ____ One Capt John T Williams, Captain Cox and Boone Howard all soldiers of the so called "Confederate Army." I have seen him assemble with these men upon various and frequent occasions riding their horses and in fact seeming as one of them. His, "Washington Goodpastures" home is well known as a rendezvous for their Rebel soldiers and "Guerrillas" throughout this neighborhood.”

Meanwhile, a number of Goodpasture’s family, friends and acquaintances, including his brother-in-law Joseph Hairston Amyx, submitted a petition to the Union authorities, asking for Goodpasture’s unconditional release.

“To the General Colonel or Major or Any other officer that May have under your conntrole (sic) G W. Goodpaster A sitizen (sic) of Morgan County Ky Gentlemen we the undersigned sitizens (sic) and members of the union party would respectfully represent that the government authorities arrested G W Goodpaster one of our neighbors and have taken him off to parts unknown to us, we would therefore represent to your honers (sic) that the said G W Goodpaster is A good sturdy Citizen and have (sic) been much molested by being fed on both by union and southern soldiers not by his own solicitation but from the fact that he an industrious man and had feed on hand that his neighbors did not. And in view of the hole (sic) subject we the undersigned would humbly prey that you give him an unconditionally (sic) release & send him home to his gang of little Motherless children from the fact that he has been good and kind to his union Neighbors and has protected them in there (sic) person and property and has even went further than many of us could go for the want of provisions he has often sent and packed provisions him self (sic) to the familys (sic) of union men that was absent in the army of the united states that was no ways related to him.

if we believed he deserved punishment at the hands of the government we would not sign this petition.
May 29th, 1863

J. H. Amyx
William D. Prater
Wiley Wilson
J. D. Wilson
Andrew Wilson
S. H. Wilson
John Nickell
Andrew Cash
Stephen Nickell
Morrison Nickell
Andrew Nickell
Danca Wilson
A. P. Amyx
Charles Fallen
John Gose
Stephen Culberson
J. W. Nickel
Moses Lacy
J. K. Brown

Petition of Morgan County Citizens, page 1

Petition of Morgan County Citizen, page 2
A second petition, which has not survived in the records, was circulated on Goodpasture’s behalf, which generated 30-40 more signatures.

While still under arrest at Mt. Sterling, Washington Goodpasture was weighing his options. The charges against him were serious and if convicted he could face death. Knowing that much of his fate would hinge in great part on the petitions, he contacted John W. Hazelrigg, asking him to review them for him. If the military authorities could be convinced that a sufficient number of Union supporters in Morgan County were asking for his release, he would perhaps be able to post bond and return home.

In response, Hazelrigg wrote to Goodpasture,” Sir at your request I can state that I have examined the two petitions to the military authorities for your release & the names signed to said petitions amounting to some 50 or 60 names I can say that I am personally acquainted with all the men who signed said Petitions except about six that have signed I know them I know all are good Loyal Union men as to those six I can not say any thing (sic) about them as I am not acquainted with them I can further state that from my long acquaintance with you & also with Mr. Wilson that any promise or obligation that you may make or take on your Selves that I am perfectly satisfied that you will not violate you can use this letter as you choose yours very Respectfully
Jno W. Hazelrigg

Washington Goodpasture was finally taken to McLean Barracks in Cincinnati, Ohio. Goodpasture’s case was considered by the military authorities and on June 27, 1863, he took the oath of allegiance and was permitted to give bond for the sum of $3000.

Know all men by these Presents that I George W Goodpaster of Morgan County State of Kentucky hereby acknowledge myself to be held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the sum of Three Thousand Dollars for the payment of which well and timely to be made, I hereby bind Myself and each of my heirs, accountants, administrators and assignees -
Sealed with My seal this Twenty Seventh day of June AD 1863

Now the condition of the above obligation is such whereas the above bounded George W Goodpaster has been arrested on the charge of disloyalty to the United States Government and taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States of America.

Now if the said George W. Goodpasture shall and truly keep his said oath of allegiance then this obligation shall be void otherwise of full force and effort.
And it is hereby agreed and understood that in case the said George W Goodpaster should violate any of the conditions of the obligation any officer in the military service of the United States acting under the orders of the nearest Post Commander may seize and sell or otherwise dispose of any and all property of the above named obligant to an amount sufficient to satisfy and discharge the amount above named without having recourse to any proceedings at law.

G. W. Goodpaster

After fulfilling his obligations to the US government, Washington Goodpasture was able to return home to Grassy Creek.

Meanwhile, his son Richard was sent from Camp Chase to Johnson's Island on June 14, 1863. After five and a half months, Richard M. Goodpasture was sent to Point Lookout, on Nov. 30, 1863 and released on taking the oath of allegiance on Jan. 10, 1864. He returned home to Morgan County but his stay would be less than two weeks.

His father may have obeyed the conditions of his bond and oath temporarily but not long after his release from McLean Barracks, Washington Goodpasture was actively involved again in supporting the Southern cause und thus, drawing the attention of the military authorities once more. On January 27, 1864, a well-armed force of over 100 Union home guards left Mt. Sterling on a scout to Morgan County, KY. On the third day, the men proceeded via Allen Day’s and Dock Cockerell's old farm to Grassy Creek and made a charge on Washington Goodpasture’s house. Noted Daniel D. Hurst, one of the participants, “got some nine or ten prisoners and very bad ones. Among them was a man by the name of Michael, also Thomas Ross, Aca Carter, Jerry Plummer and two of Wash Goodpaster's sons.”

Asa Carter, a former member of the 5th KY, was Fountain Goodpasture’s old sergeant. After being discharged from his unit for disability on July 29, 1862, Carter operated with other irregulars in the area and was considered a, “notorious Guerrilla” and subsequently charged with murder. Plummer and Ross were also former members of the 5th KY Infantry. Ross had joined Diamond’s 10th KY Cavalry but Plummer, a native of Lewis County, KY, was a deserter and, like Asa Carter, was operating with irregulars in the area. The records do not give us the names of Washington Goodpasture’s sons who were taken prisoner that day but they were, in all likelihood, sixteen year old James H. and Richard M. Goodpasture.

The scout continued for two more days until a portion of the home guards took the prisoners, 19 in all, back to Mt. Sterling. “We turned all of them over to our soldiers with the proper recommendations,” noted Henry C. Hurst. “We also captured about 25 good horses. We gave the Guerrillas a plain hint of what they would get next time.”

In the absence of subsequent records, we can only assume what happened to Washington Goodpasture and his family. On Nov. 18, 1864, Washington married 22 year old Elizabeth Ann Amyx, in Morgan Co. KY. She was the daughter of his brother-in-law Joseph Hairston Amyx and his first wife Francis Caroline Nickell. The couple later settled at Aarons Run, near Mt. Sterling, KY and added five more children to the family. Both Richard M. and James H. Goodpasture survived the Civil War and moved to Missouri and Ohio, respectively. Their siblings John O., Clarke C. and George W. Goodpasture went west, eventually settling in Oklahoma and Kansas. Both sisters remained in Kentucky. Nancy Ann Goodpasture, who had married Dr. John Mason Kash at the beginning of the Civil War, died in 1868. The youngest, Elizabeth, settled with her father in the Mt. Sterling area where she remained for the rest of her life.

George Washington Goodpasture died on April 18, 1900 and his buried next to his last wife Elizabeth Ann Amyx in the Machphela Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Montgomery County, KY.

Links of Interest
George Washington Goodpasture's grave marker
Machphela Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Montgomery County, KY.


Additional Information
"GENERAL ORDERS, No. 38. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 13, 1863.
"The commanding general publishes, for the information of all concerned, that hereafter all persons found within our lines who commit acts for the benefit of the enemies of our country will be tried as spies or traitors, and, if convicted, will suffer death. This order includes the following class of persons:
"Carriers of secret mails.
"Writers of letters sent by secret mails.
"Secret recruiting officers within the lines.
"Persons who have entered into an agreement to pass our lines for the purpose of joining the enemy.
"Persons found concealed within our lines belonging to the service of the enemy, and, in fact, all persons found improperly within our lines who could give private information to the enemy.
"All persons within our lines who harbor, protect, conceal, feed, clothe, or in any way aid the enemies of our country.
"The habit of declaring sympathy for the enemy will not be allowed in this Department. Persons committing such offenses will be at once arrested, with a view to being tried as above stated, or sent beyond our lines into the lines of their friends. It must be distinctly understood that treason, expressed or implied, will not be tolerated in this department. All officers and soldiers are strictly charged with the execution of this order. By command of Major-General Burnside"
[Source: Major General Ambrose E. Burnside and the Ninth Army Corps: a narrative ..., by Augustus Woodbury; 1867; pp. 265/266]



The article is in part based on facts and testimonies contained in the George Washington Goodpasture case file which is located in the Union Provost Marshal Records. Supporting evidence, such as other primary source material, service records, census listings as well as biographical data was researched and provided by the author, Marlitta H. Perkins. Feb. 2012 Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.

James Aldridge - Outlaw or Avenging Angel?

The Civil War in Eastern Kentucky as well as the western part of Virginia was not about glorious battles fought with large armies. The character of the land, with its mountains and hollers, shaped the nature of warfare and lend itself to guerrilla tactics. It was a bitter and oftentimes bloody struggle and fought with no mercy in which the general population was easily caught in the middle between the two contending sides. Confederate units such as Rebel Bill Smith, as well as guerrilla bands were roaming the boarder between Eastern Kentucky and Virginia, plundering and robbing civilians as well as waylaying or bushwhacking federal soldiers. This gave rise to local home guard units, militia groups and scouts whose objective it was to aid the federal army in keeping Confederate activities at bay and safeguard their neighborhoods from incursions by the enemy. In some instances, men banded together to exact revenge and hunt down the guilty parties without mercy. Driven by their principles, answering more or less to their own laws, these men walked a fine line between outlaw and avenging angel.

One of those men was James Aldridge. He was the son of Samuel Aldridge and was born about 1828 in Logan County, Virginia. By 1850, James was living in John and Sally Chapman’s household in the Elk Creek area in Lawrence County, Kentucky.

It would not be long before James Aldridge became involved with John Chapman’s grand-daughter Mary Muncy. Three children soon followed - Sarah, born in Virginia abt. 1854, Lovinca, born November 13, 1855 and William, born October 2, 1857. The following year, James stole a horse and saddle from his father who promptly had him charged with Grand Larceny and thrown into the Lawrence County jail at Louisa. According to Joseph M. Kirk who had known James Aldridge from the time he was a little boy, his character was anything but respectable and he believed Aldridge could be persuaded by his friends, “to do anything that they might want done no matter how low it was and even to the shedding of blood.” This incident was just a shadow of things to come.

The following year, his widowed father Samuel went to Logan County, Virginia and married Susan Dingess, nee Crum, likewise widowed, on November 9, 1859. The newly-wed couple established housekeeping in Pike County, Kentucky.

A second wedding soon followed, when James Aldridge finally tied the knot with Mary Muncy in Lawrence County, Kentucky, on February 27, 1860. The marriage rites were performed by C. M. Pack and witnessed by Mary’s uncle William Muncy. Census records seem to indicate that, following their wedding, James moved to Sprigg Township in Adams County, Ohio, with Mary, leaving the children behind in Kentucky, perhaps with relatives. It may have been an attempt by James to get a new start on life away from his old troubles at home, establish financial security and provide a stable home for his family. However, James and Mary did remain in Ohio but a few months. By August 16, 1860, the couple was back on Elk Creek in Lawrence County, KY and re-united with their children. A new baby had been added to the family as well, a girl named Lydia.

In 1861, the Civil War began and, according to James Aldridge, he first joined the Confederate side although there are no records to substantiate his claim. His time with the rebels lasted less than a year. He allegedly deserted, later exclaiming that, “he was as good a union man as ever was manufactured from secesh principles or Rebel material.”

In April of 1862, Aldridge went up the Big Sandy River and enlisted under the name James M. Aldridge at Camp Paxton, Guyandotte, Virginia as private in Captain Turner’s Company (later Co. I), 9th VA Infantry (US). His name appears on the Company Roll, dated April 30, 1862. Aldridge was enrolled on May 9, 1862 at Guyan, VA, for three year service. Aldridge soon became fed up with military life in the 9th WV Infantry and deserted on July 11, 1862, Gauley Bridge, VA.

Service Record for James M. Aldridge
Captain Turner's Company, 9th Virginia Vols.(US)
He returned home but soon joined Captain Ira G. Copley Company, attached to the 167th Militia, in Wayne County, Virginia. He enlisted as a private on August 2, 1862. No sooner had Aldridge enlisted, the Confederates began their invasion of Kentucky. Within two weeks, things were beginning to look rather bleak in Eastern Kentucky. By August 18, 1862, CS General John S. Williams’ Brigade was reported in the Big Sandy Valley and General Humphrey Marshall’s division, estimated between 4 and 12,000 strong, was expected to cross the border into Kentucky at Pound Gap at any given time. Additionally, it was feared that Confederate cavalry under Menifee, Witcher and Jenkins would attack and plunder Ceredo, Virginia, Catlettsburg, Kentucky and finally Ironton, Ohio. Since there virtually was no military presence in the area, leaving it without protection whatsoever, this was a realistic fear . The nearest troops, Colonel Cranor’s 40th OVI, were stationed at Louisa, thirty miles south of Catlettsburg. Unfortunately, the soldiers, aside from their commander, seemed to be blissfully unaware of the impending danger. One of the 40th OVI soldier noted, “there was no duty other than picket, daily drill and dress parade. For the first time in our Sandy life, dress-parade became a matter of interest. The town contained a few hundred inhabitants, nearly all of whom came out to see our dress-parades, which gave to our camp a somewhat lively appearance.”

Post 1906 view of Cassville (Ft. Gay), in the foreground,
and Louisa, Kentucky, across the river.
Image collection of the author
It may have been during this time, that Aldridge was overheard making threats against Colonel Cranor at Cassville, Wayne County, Virginia (modern-day Ft. Gay), which is situated directly across the Big Sandy River from Louisa, KY. He devised a plan to assassinate Colonel Cranor but Aldridge’s motives are unclear. Together with James Smith, Aldridge bought a gun for that very purpose, and hung about the hillsides, watching for Cranor, with the intention of shooting him the first time he came out with his regiment on dress parade.

Colonel Jonathan Cranor, 40th OVI
However, nothing became of the assassination plot and soon thereafter, Aldridge made the acquaintance of a recruiting officer from the 27th OVI. On Aug. 25, 1862, Aldridge signed up with the regiment and enlisted as a private in Company K. It was a déjà-vu experience for Aldridge because within less than two months, he once again deserted and made his way back home to Kentucky.

Upon his return, Aldridge found that a new regiment was being formed in the Big Sandy Valley, the 39th KY Infantry, under the command of John Dils, Jr. Captain Joseph M. Kirk, from Lawrence County, KY, was raising a company for the regiment and set up camp in Wayne County, Virginia to recruit. Aldridge appeared at Camp Radcliff and reported to Kirk, stating that he was a deserter from the Rebel army. Aldridge was later released. Kirk stated that, “since that time the said Aldridge has been acting with the home Guards of the state of Virginia.”

Apparently, Aldridge had returned to the ranks of Captain Copley’s Company and was doing service with them. However, when the 39th KY began moving up the Big Sandy River from Catlettsburg towards Piketon at the end of October 1862, and stopped in the Louisa area, Aldridge once again made an appearance in the camp of the 39th Kentucky. Colonel John Dils, Jr. noted, that, “shortly after the said Aldridge came to my camp I received an order to arrest the man Aldridge as a deserter from the ranks of the 27th OH Inft.” Orders were to convey Aldridge to Portsmouth, Ohio. Aldridge was promptly arrested but remarked to Dils, “that he would not stay at Portsmouth and that he would desert and go to the secesh.” He pointed out that, “has been always treated better there than any where else and that he would go back again.”
Nevertheless, Aldridge did not make good on his threat to join the Rebels. “It was not long after he was taken to Portsmouth,” noted Dils, “untill (sic) he was again back with my Regiment and laboured about and eventually followed us towards Piketon.”

Aldridge did not remain with the 39th Kentucky very long. Before he left, he helped himself to one of the horses of the regiment and an Enfield rifle. Thus armed and equipped he made his way back toward Louisa.

Upon his return, Aldridge set out to terrorize the suspected Southern sympathizers and others in Wayne County, Virginia. Aldridge, in company of Holbert Walker, a former member of Captain Thomas Damron’s Company, 167th Militia, appeared one day at the house of Lewis L. Howard, a Pennsylvania native who had moved with his family into the Round Bottom P.O. area from Ohio within the last four years. Both men demanded Howard’s mule and threatened to burn down his house if he didn’t produce the animal. Howard gave up the mule and Aldridge pointed out to him, “if he ever made any fuss about the mule he would waylay him and shoot him.”

In a short time, Aldridge had made quite a reputation for himself. According to John Stone, Aldridge, “bears a bad name in the county and he believes him to be a bad and dangerous man.” Lewis L. Howard was of the opinion that, “the character of the said Aldridge is very bad and that he was not to be trusted and no one would be willing to have him sit upon a Jury or ever swear against him or them.”

Aldridge’s next victim was 54 year old John Grizzle, who lived on a farm in Wayne County in the Fort Gay area with his wife Mary and six children. Grizzle was considered a harmless and in-offensive man and a good citizen. Aldridge thought differently. Undoubtedly, he was aware that in September of 1862, Grizzle’s son Hiram had enlisted in Captain Hurston Spurlock’s Company E, in Milton J. Ferguson’s Battalion which, in January 1863, became part of the16th Virginia Cavalry under Colonel Ferguson’s command. Hiram Grizzle served with the rank of sergeant.
Aldridge went to Grizzle’s house, accused him of harboring rebels about his house, shot him and left him for dead. He soon discovered that Grizzle had survived the attack. He let it be known that if Grizzle got well of his wounds he would return to his home and shoot him the 2nd time or bayonet him to death.

It was obvious, that Aldridge’s deeds were beginning to escalate. William Vinson noted, that, “whatever place the said Aldridge staid long enough to be known that the citizens were all afraid of him and that they do not and never did feel safe while encountered with his presens (sic).” The citizens had every right to feel unsafe around Aldridge who claimed that, “he had often killed men by calling men up to him and then when they were not on their Guard he would shoot them.” It was noted that Aldridge cold be bribed with a pint of whiskey or, “ten dollars to take the life of any man, or even the life of his best Friend.”

Next, Aldridge had his sights set on James Coburn, a 30 year old Wayne County farmer, who was living with his wife Fanny and four small children in the Palmetto P.O. area of the county. John Bromley, who had been acquainted with Coburn for eight or ten years, stated that he, “was a harmless quiet hard laboring & harmless citizen” and “very poor.” He noted that, “at the Commencement of the present rebellion Coburn was said to be a rebel sympathizer but the said Coburn did come to the camp of the portion of troops of the 5th Regt. Va Vol US & commanded by Lt. Col. Colvin and that he Coburn did take an oath to support the constitution of the State of Va as it were before the ordnance of secession & the constitution of the US And was released by the said officer .” Bromley noted that as far as he knew, Coburn, “acted in obedience to the aforesaid oath.” It may also be noted that James Coburn’s brother, Gordon C. Coburn, served in the 22nd KY Infantry (US).

Regardless of the facts, Aldridge was convinced that Coburn was a Rebel and decided that a visit was in order. When Aldridge showed up at Coburn’s house, he was accompanied by a group of men, including D. H. Walker. The men took Coburn and tortured him by placing, “him upon a peach kiln and did this to punish the man,” according to Aldridge’s own admission. He was then struck with a gun by D. H. Walker and shot by Aldridge who later stated when he did shoot Coburn, “he never heard a man hollow” as he did. According to witnesses, Aldridge shot Coburn twice, with an Enfield rifle. For reasons unknown, perhaps to ascertain that he, indeed, had killed his man, Aldridge returned the following day and helped bury Coburn’s body. Aldridge remarked that Coburn was the fattest man that he had ever killed “of the grass” and that “he had killed several.”

Aldridge’s activities did not go unnoticed by the military authorities in Louisa for very long. In March of 1863, he was arrested and brought before the Provost Marshal in Louisa. On March 16 and 18, 1863, a series of interviews were conducted and affidavits taken from witnesses.

Testimony by James H. O'Brien

The charges brought against Aldridge were as follows:

Charge First
= for Maliciously murdering James Coburn, a citizen of Wayne County Virginia, the deed done in the State aforesaid and the county of Wayne

Charge Second
= For shooting and wounding the body of John Grizzle with intent to kill.

Unfortunately, at this point, the records do not tell us if James Aldridge was ever punished for his crimes. It is also unclear whether he acted as part of Captain Copley’s Militia Company or if the deeds committed were self-motivated and more or less a private war Aldridge conducted on who he perceived as enemies, Rebel or otherwise. Circumstantial evidence seems to point to the latter, given the fact that his known associates were not part of Copley’s unit. Whatever the circumstances may be, it appears his case was handled with leniency, despite the damning testimony by witnesses, including two Union officers, and he was given a short sentence, if at all. Surely, this must have made the witnesses who testified against Aldridge uneasy to a certain degree, including William Vinson who stated that, “he would shoot Aldridge upon first sight if he thought Aldridge had any malice against him … for his own personal safety.”

We encounter Aldridge again the following year, in Lawrence County, Kentucky. On May 21, 1864, he enlisted as private in Company H of the 68th Kentucky Enrolled Militia, and was mustered in the same day. Aldridge was 36 years old, had a light complexion, light hair, light eyes, and stood 5' 6" tall. His profession was farmer. He was still present with the 68th KY Enrolled Militia when the unit was mustered out at Louisa on July 23, 1864. This is the last time James Aldridge appears in any Civil War related records.

Service Record for James H. Aldridge
Co. H, 68th Kentucky Enrolled Militia
John Grizzle survived Aldridge’s attack and managed to escape a possible second attempt on his life. He is found living with his family in the Butler District of Wayne County, WV in 1880.

The widow of James Coburn, Fanny, remained in Wayne County as well, but moved with her children into the Ceredo area. By 1880, however, she was living near Patrick Gap, Lawrence County, Kentucky.

After the Civil War, James Aldridge and his family lived in Lawrence County, Kentucky. They are subsequently found in Martin County census records after the formation of the county. James Aldridge applied for a pension on Nov. 4, 1889, based on his service in the 68th Militia but was denied. In 1890, he was enumerated in the Federal Veterans and Widows Census, Martin County, KY, Precincts 1 & 6 (Warfield & Emily), claiming service as a private in the militia in 1864. His post office was Warfield.

Aldridge died between 1900 and 1910. During this time, either James Aldridge or his heirs filed a claim for his militia service Wayne County with the West Virginia State Service Commission. Established in 1901, it was to help provide payment to claimants for services rendered in the state militia and home guards. The papers are now part of the West Virginia Adjutant General’s Papers and can be found at the State Archives in Charleston, West Virginia.

The article is in part based on facts and testimonies contained in the James Aldridge case file which is located in the Union Provost Marshal Records. Supporting evidence, such as service records, census listings as well as biographical data was researched and provided by the author, Marlitta H. Perkins. Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Wolfe County Confederates

Wolfe County, KY
Lloyd's official map of the State of Kentucky, 1862
Image from Library of Congress
On November 3, 1868, elections were held in the Eighth Congressional District* for the office of Representative in the 40th Congress. The candidates were Sydney M. Barnes, a Republican and George M. Adams, a Democrat. Adams won the election by a majority of 462 votes.

* The Eighth Congressional District consisted of the following counties: Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Garrard, Harlan, Jackson, Josh.Bell, Knox, Laurel, Letcher, Madison, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Whitley, Wayne and Wolfe.

Barnes subsequently contested Adams' election, stating that it was obtained by gross irregularity, unfairness, and fraud. He also challenged the legality of certain votes, claiming they were cast by former Confederates who were ineligible to vote in elections, "under the Constitution and laws of the United States and of the constitution and laws of the State of Kentucky."

During the investigation that followed, a number of people were questioned and gave affidavits in regard to voters in their respective counties who had served in the Confederate Army or had supported the Southern cause.

Posted are the names of the election officers for each precinct, followed by the names of Confederates as they were given, for Wolfe County, KY.


Cliffty Precinct No. 1
Wm. P. Lawson – election judge
J. B. Haulsey – election judge
Stephen Swango – clerk of elections
Isaac Nickell

(rumored to be in arms with the rebels and most of them in the rebel army)
James Osborn
John Lackey
Jefferson Brewer
T. P. Collinsworth
Taylor Trimble (reputed guerrilla)


Hazel Green Precinct No. 2
James C. Stamper - election judge
J. J. Swetnam - election judge
Jahiel Fallen - clerk of elections

James C. Stamper
… acted with the rebel party during the whole time of the war, and up to the present, and said Fallon, at the beginning of the war, set out to act with the Union party, and advocated Union principles until about the time of the flight of Breckenridge, though Eastern Kentucky. saw him in a day or two after that, and he told me he could no longer act with the Union party, for Lincoln had violated the Constitution seventeen times, and our interest were with the South, and he was in favor of Kentucky going with the South. I heard him advocate the doctrine of starving out the army by furnishing them no more men nor money, so that the southern confederacy might succeed and be settled by compromise, for he said it would have to be done that way.
(Joseph D. Graham, p. 286)

Jahiel Fallen/Fallon
For a short time he (Fallen; MP) advocated the cause of the Union party. He then changed and advocated the cause of the rebel party bitterly. He changed, I think, a shot time after the victory of the rebels at Bull Run. He has, from that time to the present, advocated the rebel cause, so far as I know.
I never heard it denied or questioned that he was a rebel after the battle of Bull Run.
(J. J. Swetnam, p. 286)

(Known to be rebel soldiers)
George W. Cox
William F. Elkins
C. C. Hanks
A. H. Quillen
John E. Drake
J. M. Oliver
William Chambers
Preston Holland
Elisha Holland
Martin Hallam
William H. Tutt
Brocker Brewer
John Dobson
John F. Pocton
William Christian
Henry G/C Spencer
Granville Allen

(in the rebel army or in arms with the rebels)
G. B. Swango
James Cox
Edmund Little
Fielder (Fielding) Cox
James M. Kash

(rumored to be in arms with the rebels and most of them in the rebel army)
Calvin Swango
John Cox
Frank Coldiron
A. B. Landrum
William A. Beaver
William Brewer
Thomas Asberry

(not in the army but in arms with the rebels)
William Buchannon
L/J. B. Combs
George Asberry

Reputation says that when General Nelson came into Wolfe County with his army, in 1863, that Combs, Asberry and Buchanan, as soon as they heard it, gathered their guns, went up into Perry County, and formed or attached themselves to an armed company of about two hundred men; then said company and said men marched back to the town of Jackson, in Breathitt County, and a large number of the company broke open the store of Thomas Sewell, a Union man, and robbed it, robbed Sewell's bee gums and killed some of his hogs, and waylaid the road to kill Union soldiers, if any should come along. Reputation says they so staid in arms a week or two, and reputation further says, that afterwards J. B. Combs waylaid the road with a band of armed rebels to kill the Union home guards.
(W. L. Hurst, pp. 216/217)



Campton Precinct No. 3
Harvey D. Spradling – election judge
G. W. Long – election judge
C. W. Stamper - clerk in election
George Cook – sheriff

To my knowledge, I never knew any of them to have been in the army; my cause for calling them rebels was that they were all accused of feeding and harboring rebel guerillas during the war, except C. W. Stamper.
(Stephen Tolson, p. 210)

C. W. Stamper
Stamper acted with the rebels from the beginning of the war up to January, 1864, and was a rebel during the war; he then quit them and joined the Union army; and since he quit the Union since he has acted with the rebel party, since the war... There was a guerilla in that neighborhood called Stricklin; he, Stricklin, stole so much from the rebel citizens in the neighborhood that he, Stamper, with others, arrested Stricklin and delivered him to the Union forces, and Stricklin was shot by the Union forces and Stamper had to leave on account of it, and when he left he joined the Union army; I cannot answer why he returned to the rebel party again after the war.
(Stephen Tolson, pp. 209/210)

G. W. Long
I know G. W. Long. The general rumor of the country was that he was a rebel. I know not what party he belonged to during the war of my own knowledge. He was deputy sheriff of said county (Wolfe, MP) since the war. I heard a few Yankees say that they did not like to be dunned by a rebel that was opposed to law and order during..... The intimation was that if he came into our neighborhood collecting taxes, they would bushwack him. It was general rumor that he had harbored Henry Wells and red James Spencer, that murdered Miles Kincaid, at his rock house in his bed. This was in the same neighborhood where the threats were made. The general rumor was that they murdered Kincaid; and I know that wells and Spencer were rebel guerillas.
[Thomas J. Treadway, p. 189)

Jerry King
I have just examined the poll-books, and I find the name of Jerry King set down as voting for Barnes, on the Campton precinct poll-book. King is generally reputed to have been in the rebel army during the early part of the war, and he is generally reputed to have been in the Union army during the latter part of the war, under the command of Captain F. M. Vaughn, and he is reputed to have received an honorable discharge from the Union army, and to have served out his time in said Union army, and he has claimed to be a Union man and acted and voted with the Union or republican party ever since the war, so far as my knowledge extends.
Reputation says he was a very desperate fellow, and very wild and outbreaking, while in arms with the rebels; and general reputation says he was equally fierce and ferocious against the rebels after he joined the Union army, and by reputation; I don't now remember how he came to leave the rebels or join the Union forces.
(W. L. Hurst, p. 216)

Edmon Collins
I know only that Edmon Collins, one of the persons I have named as rebel soldiers, told me that he had joined and was in the rebel army, and got his thumb or finger shot off in battle while in said army, but my recollection is that he told me that while he was in the rebel army the Union soldiers took him prisoner, and to get released from them he joined the Union army and served with them some time. (voted for Adams. MP)
(W. L. Hurst, p. 216)

Elisha Chambers
I remember that reputation says that Elisha Chambers was not in the rebel army, but was frequently in arms with the rebels and frequently piloted rebels when passing through his neighborhood.
(W. L. Hurst, p. 217)

(in the rebel army)
W. F. Elkins
C. C. Hanks
A. H. Qillin
William Christian
Edmon Collins *
C. L. Byrd
William Chambers
J. H. Patton

(rumored to be in arms with the rebels and most of them in the rebel army)
Robert Taylor
E. Chambers
J. M. Oliver
Preston Hollon
W. H. Tutt
John Cox
Brack Brewer
J. T. Tutt
A. Congleton
Joht. Dobson
Granville Allen



Precinct No. 4
Ira G. Profitt – election judge
David S. Spencer – election judge
James A. Spencer – clerk of election
Lycurgus Kincaid - sheriff

James A. and David S. Spencer
The two Spencers were rebels. The other two officers were radicals, and served with Colonel Barnes in his regiment (8th KY Inf. MP). Profitt and Kincaid were Union men during and since the war. The other two were rebels during and since the war. David Spencer was in the rebel army and James Spencer was a rebel sympathizer. I saw him (David Spencer) while he was a prisoner, wearing the rebel uniform, and he told me he had been in the rebel army. He went back to the rebel army after he was captured... I have heard David Spencer talk a good deal about the war. He told me he had been in several battles and skirmishes. I do not recollect the names of them. James Spencer had but little to say about it any way, but lived out in the cliff and run with the rebels and guerrillas a good deal.
(Thomas J. Treadway, p. 188)

(claimed to be in the rebel army)
John Bush
J. G. Spencer
G. W. Spencer
Elijah Wells
Z. N. Wells
S D. Cox
Cornelius Moore
Isiah Spencer
Allen Spencer
John W. Spencer
Levi Gilley

(rumored to be in arms with the rebels and most of them in the rebel army)
J. G. Spencer
John Gilly
Livi Gilly



General Wolfe County

(known rebel soldiers)
John Bush
J. G. Spencer
E. Wells
G. N. Wells
Levi Gilly
Jefferson Brewer
G. B. Swango
Calvin Swango
James Cox
John Cox
Frank Coldion
A. B. Landrum
Thomas Asburry
Fielding Cox


Levi Cash
(Justice of the Peace in Morgan Co. KY before the Civil War. County judge of Wolfe Co. KY during the 1868 elections)

Rebel sympathizer, in sentiment a rebel, and wished the rebellion to succeed.
(Hurst, p. 214)

I have heard it rumored and reported that he lived in a rebel neighborhood, where bands of guerillas used, roamed, and harbored, and staid, and I have heard it rumored that he did not give the Union men or Union forces any information of the whereabouts and conduct of said rebel guerillas or rebel soldiers. (W. L. Hurst, p. 215)

The rumor is that he was a rebel. This is the general rumor.
(Thomas J. Treadway, p. 189)





Information transcribed from the original documents by Marlitta H. Perkins. Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January 2012. Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.

The Killing of James Patterson

Osborne's Little Holler
Known as Patterson Creek today
Toward the end of the Civil War, shots rang out in Osborne’s Little Holler, near Flat Gap in Johnson County, Kentucky. The victim of this shooting was James T. Patterson, a former 2nd Lieutenant in Co. K, 5th KY Mounted Infantry, CSA.

Who was Patterson and what led up to this incident? He was born circa 1827 in Tennessee, possibly in Hawkins County. Nothing is known about his parents and his early years are shrouded in mystery. Before he reached the age of 20, Patterson married Nancy Chase, who was the daughter of Ambrose and Sarah Chase of Ryecove, Scott County, Virginia. 12 years Patterson’s senior, Nancy had been previously married for a brief time to Canaday Carter, who had died within a few short months after their marriage in 1838.

About 1847, the Pattersons moved to Greenup County, Kentucky, where James may have found work in one of the local furnaces. A number of Nancy Patterson’s family members had made the move from Scott County, Virginia to Greenup as well. Only a few households away, two of Nancy’s nephews, William and Henry P. Estep, were living with Edward Osborne.

In 1850, the family included three young children, James, age 9, Serena, age 7 and Francis Melvin, age 4. The Pattersons remained in Greenup until 1853, when they moved to Johnson County, Kentucky. Three years later, on October 27, 1856, Patterson bought a 40 acre farm on Osborne's Little Creek of Mudlick Creek from James E. Williams for $40. It was here where Patterson settled with his family. During the same year, Patterson and his nephew William Estep had 160 acres surveyed at Osborne Branch in Johnson County, KY, not far from Andrew J. Osborne’s residence. In 1857, Patterson added another 50 acre tract to his land holdings which was located on Mud Lick. He farmed, grew corn, and kept a cow and hog – things were progressing well for the Patterson family.

Osborne's Little Hollow/Patterson Creek
Near where James T. Patterson settled
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, James T. Patterson was still in possession of his 40 acre property, the value of which had increased $25 over the past four years, possibly by improvements made to the land. As before, the family kept a cow and hog. Corn was planted and raised and by early fall, 18 bushels of corn were harvested which would help sustain the family during the coming winter months.

During this time, Kentucky ended her neutrality and sided with the Union. Patterson, whose heart was with the South, knew it was time to act and made the decision to join the Confederate Army. Accompanied by Henry P. Estep, Patterson made his way to Prestonsburg and joined Captain Andrew J. May's Company, 5th KY Mounted Infantry. He was sworn into the service at West Liberty in Morgan County, KY, on October 21, 1861. Only two days later, the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, part of General "Bull" Nelson's Union force, captured the town and sent May's men fleeing back to Prestonsburg. On November 8, 1861, Captain A. J. May’s men took position on the heights above the narrows of Ivy Creek and awaited the federal forces under Gen. Nelson who were moving up the Big Sandy Valley in order to clear out any Confederate troops. When the Federals discovered and began shelling May’s position, Nelson ordered a regiment up the mountain to attack, and the Confederate line erupted with fire. Eventually outflanked, the Confederates withdrew from their position and escaped. This became known as the Battle of Ivy Mountain.

On Nov. 17, 1861, Captain May was promoted to Lieutenant -Colonel of the 5th KY Infantry. His company became Company A, under the command of Capt. Mynheir. On December 14, 1861, at Camp Recovery, on Middle Creek in Floyd Co. KY, Patterson joined Co. K, 5th KY Mounted Infantry and was elected 2nd Lieutenant. The company was commanded by Captain Daniel Blevins and many of his men, such as Tandy Jones and William Seagraves, Jones’ brother-in-law, as well as his own brother-in-law Andrew J. Osborne, were recruits from Flat Gap and surrounding areas.

Flat Gap area
On January 10, 1862, the 5th KY Infantry participated in the Battle of Middle Creek. Defeated by Colonel James A. Garfield, future president of the United States, the 5th KY Infantry, as part of General Humphrey Marshall’s force, withdrew to Virginia in early February, after a brief stay at Whitesburg, Letcher County, KY. On May 16 and 17, 1862, the 5th KY Infantry was engaged in the Battle of Princeton, present day West Virginia. Subsequently, the regiment returned to their camp on the William Peery farm, east of Jeffersonville (now Tazewell), in Tazewell County, VA.

Change was in the air. It was here that Patterson decided to leave the Confederate army, perhaps as a direct reaction to General Humphrey Marshall’s decision to resign his command on May 22, 1862. Marshall’s adjutant E. O. Guerrant noted that the Kentuckians in Marshall’s brigade declined to reorganize. Additionally, changes had taken place in the 5th KY Infantry and Capt. Blevins’ and Capt. Ratcliff’s companies were consolidated. Consequently, James T. Patterson tendered his resignation on May 25, 1862. It was recommended and accepted by Gen. Humphrey Marshall three days later.

James T. Patterson's resignation from the 5th KY Infantry
By June 6, 1862, Patterson was on his way home to Johnson County, with more than $300 pay in his pocket. During 1862, the Johnson County tax lists show that Patterson’s property decreased by 15 acres and was now valued at $25, which may indicate that Patterson began disposing of his property and was ready to pull up stakes and leave Kentucky. Nevertheless, the family planted and raised another crop of corn and managed to harvest 12 bushels.

Much of Patterson’s subsequent actions during the war remain a matter of speculation. He and his family disappeared entirely from the tax lists in 1863 and thereafter. It appears that Patterson and his family went back to Virginia, quite possibly Rye Cove, sometime after the 1862 harvesting season was over. This may have occurred before the winter set in or in the spring of 1863, when an increase in Union patrols were making it unsafe to remain in Eastern Kentucky. It may have been the final blow when, on April 3, 1863, Henry P. Estep was arrested at his home by William Sparks of the 14th KY Infantry, who also lived in the Flat Gap area. Estep was taken under guard to Union headquarters at Louisa, Lawrence County, KY and charged with being a spy.

While in Virginia, Nancy Patterson gave birth to another child, Martha J., in 1863. At some point, however, the family returned to Johnson County and Patterson is rumored to have joined or formed his own irregular local Confederate home guard unit at Flat Gap. In late 1864, as the war was seemingly turning in favor of the Union and things were beginning to look rather bleak for the Confederates, several members of Patterson’s unit deserted and changed their sympathies toward the Union.

One of these men was Tandy Jones who had served with Patterson in Captain Blevins’ company of the 5th KY Infantry. The company rolls indicate that he deserted his unit on January 9, 1862 and may have been accompanied by his brother-in-law William Seagraves. Jones, who was not in arms, was arrested on Jan. 10, 1862, by the 14th KY Infantry under command of Col. Laban T. Moore, the day of the Battle of Middle Creek and promptly forwarded to Camp Chase. Federal troops caught up with Seagraves at a later date and, after being taken to Camp Buell, Colonel James A. Garfield's headquarters at Paintsville, Johnson County, KY, he was conveyed to Camp Chase as well. On April 8, 1862, by order from General James A. Garfield, Jones and Seagraves were discharged from Camp Chase after taking the oath of allegiance on April 7, 1862.

Oath of Allegiance, Tandy Jones
By all appearances, Jones kept the terms of his oath and never served officially in another Confederate unit although it is rumored that he temporarily joined Sid Cook’s 7th Confederate Cavalry and subsequently, by all indications, was a member of Patterson’s home guard unit.

If Jones, indeed, changed his allegiance in favor of the Union it may have been partially motivated by the fact that his brother served in the 14th KY Infantry, ironically the very unit that arrested him at Middle Creek. Another contributing factor may have been that he lived in a more Union dominated area at Flat Gap. No less than 17 Union soldiers, all members of Co. D, 14th KY Infantry, lived in his neighborhood, including William Sparks, as well as John Wesley Witten who was a member of the Capitol Guards, a State unit primarily engaged in pursuing bushwackers and guerrillas.

At any rate, Tandy Jones’ decision to join the Union side angered many of his former Confederate comrades. A concerted effort was made to keep him in line. A group of about 15 men led by Hayden Ferguson of Morgan County, a lieutenant in Co. F, 5th KY Infantry, (and a nephew of John T. Williams, Captain of Co. A, 2nd KY Mounted Rifles) decided to arrest Private Jones for desertion. The group went to the top of the hill above Jones' house and found him as he was returning from a nearby sulfur spring. While in the army, Jones contracted dysentery and, believing that drinking water from a sulfur spring would cure his disease. Jones made an effort to escape and crossed a rail fence. When he had reached the top, he was shot in the back where his gallowses crossed. He died instantly. Among those who participated in this incident, aside from Lt. Hayden Ferguson, were James T. Patterson, Andrew J. Osborne and William (Will) Jayne. The names of the other participants have remained unknown to this day.

Tandy Jones’ death created a disturbance among his family, friends and neighbors, as well as among some of the members of the home guard unit, the effects of which could be felt for years after. According to one local historian, the emotional temperature arose to such a great magnitude that a group was organized "for the purpose of safety and to execute the executor."

The first target was James Patterson. According to accounts, one afternoon, a stranger arrived at Flat Gap and inquired in the community as to where “Mr. Patterson” lived.

Patterson was up the hollow near his home on the south west side of the hill, skinning bark from a hickory tree to make shoe laces when the man appeared. According to a second account, he was accompanied by a group of men who confronted Patterson, with full intensions of torturing him to death. Weapons were drawn and Patterson pleaded for forgiveness and mercy and begged for his life. In disgust they shot him and left Patterson for dead.

Despite being gravely wounded, Patterson was still able to move. In desperation to survive, he made his way down Wolfpen Branch where he was found by some of his soldier comrades and conveyed by sled to the house of Ferdinand Ferguson. Blood stains on the porch bore a visible testimony of the violent incident for many years later. Surrounded by friends, Patterson seemed to be in a safe place, for the time being.

Ferdinand Ferguson House

Frontsteps of the Ferdinand Ferguson House
The bloodshed continued. A few days after the assault on Patterson, three strange men passed by the house of Andrew J. Osborne and shot him while he was working in his garden. It is believed by some that his death was directly related to his involvement in the killing of Tandy Jones and was an act of revenge.

According to local lore that has been passed down in the Flat Gap area, Patterson died three days after the attack, despite efforts to save him, and was buried in an unmarked grave on the ridge back of Beech Branch overlooking both Laurel Creeks. From that day on until the present date, Osborne's Little Hollow became known as Patterson's Creek. Patterson's wife Nancy and her children immediately departed Johnson County and returned to Ryecove, Scott Co. VA. They were escorted by Ephraim Salyer, who lived on Jack's Creek, near Flat Gap.

Surprisingly, James Patterson’s story does not end here, however. Subsequent records show that Patterson in fact survived the attack on his life or that his son James was the victim of mistaken identity and was shot on that fateful day at Osborne's Little Hollow instead of his father and later died. No records exist of him after the Civil War.

Whatever the case may be, James T. Patterson was very much alive. On August 30, 1866, he married Olly (Olivia) Scarbury, a daughter of David Scarbury (Scarborough/Scarberry) and Sarah Mullins. The ceremony took place at the house of Olly’s brother-in-law, William Fraley and his wife Sarah, in Lawrence County, KY.


James T. Patterson and Olly Scarbury Marriage Record
Shortly after the wedding, the couple left Kentucky and moved to Hawkins County, TN. By 1870, their place of residence was in the 5th District, New Canton Post Office. The household included two young daughters, Sarah Ann, age 3, and Laura Alice, age 1, both born in Tennessee, as well as Martha J., Patterson, who was seven years old by now. Patterson’s second marriage, as well as the fact that Martha was living with James and his new wife, may indicate that Nancy had died since the incidence at Osborn's Little Hollow. After 1870, James Patterson disappears from the records without a trace, suggesting he may have died before reaching 50 years of age.

Subsequently, his wife Olivia married an unknown Thompson, but this union was short lived. By 1878, Olivia had returned to Lawrence County, KY, where she tied the knot for the third time, with John Jordan, on April 14, 1878. Her two daughters Sarah Ann and (Laura) Alice Patterson were listed as Jordan’s stepdaughters in the 1880 census.

Sadly, the fate of Nancy and James Patterson’s children James, Serena, Francis Melvin, and Martha J. remain up to this day, unknown.


Article compiled, researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins © 2012
Images © 2012

Eastern Kentucky Prisoners at Mclean Barracks in Cincinnati

In November 1862, the District of Eastern Kentucky was created as part of the Military District of Kentucky which belonged to the Department of the Ohio. It included the state's nine easternmost counties of Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike.

District of Eastern Kentucky Commanders

Col. Jonathan Cranor, 40th OVI, Nov. 17, 1862 - Feb. 5, 1863




Brig. Gen. Julius White, Feb. 5, 1863 - Aug. 1863





Col. George W. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, Aug. 15, 1863 - Nov. 6, 1863


On Nov. 6, 1863, the district's designation changed to the Sub-District of Eastern Kentucky. Colonel George W. Gallup retained command until April 10, 1864, at which point the sub-district was abandoned.

In order to maintain control over such a relatively large area of mostly rugged terrain, which also included a nearly 200 mile long border with Virginia as well as a number of mountain passes, the Union troops engaged in frequent scouts throughout the counties in their district. On some occasions, the union troops operated in areas outside their district when necessary, such as neighboring Wayne and Logan counties, VA or Morgan and Breathitt Counties, KY.

As a rule, most of the captured prisoners were brought to Louisa, held for a short time and then transported by steamboat and train to Camp Chase, Ohio.

Beginning late August 1863, prisoners were taken to McLean Barracks in Cincinnati, a newly established military prison which was only intended for the transient reception of pows. McLean Barracks was located at 264 West Third Street, between Western Row (now Central Ave.) and John Street, near the main downtown area of Cincinnati. It consisted of a large three-story brick building, which, until 1861, had housed the females of the German St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum.


Inspection reports by A. M. Clark, Surgeon and Acting Medical Inspector of Prisoners of War, provide us with a glimpse of the living conditions at McLean Barracks.
The first floor was used as quarters and kitchen for the guard. The second floor contained the office and a room about fifteen by twenty by twelve feet in dimensions, for the detention of prisoners. This room had three windows, and was well heated by a large stove. Bunks for twenty-four men were arranged in three tiers around the room. On this floor was also the prisoners' kitchen, containing a large cooking-stove and an apparatus for heating water. Water was abundant which was supplied by the city water-works. The cooking was done by a detail from the prisoners.

A large room on the third floor, about twenty-five by thirty-five by ten feet in dimensions, provided additional prisoners'quarters. The room was well lit and ventilated by windows on three sides and warmed by two large stoves. Since no bunks were provided, the prisoners spread blankets on the floor to sleep. The sink was located in the small back yard which was a deep vault and very foul smelling. The privy building was in similar filthy condition.

Hospital accomodations were not provided but a medical officer visited the prison daily and attended to patients who required temporary care. More severe cases were transported to Cincinnati's Marine Hospital.

Food was in good supply but nothing extraordinary beyond the standard military rations. Those of more refined tastes were allowed to purchase articles under supervision of the commanding officer.

McLean Barracks had the capacity to house 150 prisoners but rarely did this number exceed half that many. The largest influx of pows occured during the month of November 1863, when 137 prisoners were taken to Mclean Barracks. These arrived daily, in small squads. In general, most of the prisoners did not remain for long - as soon as fifty or seventy-five were collected they were sent off to Camp Chase or some other permanent prison.

Below is a list of prisoners who were captured in Eastern Kentucky and taken to McLean Barracks.

List of prisoners of War confined at McLean Barracks, Cincinnati, O.

Given are first and last name of prisoner, rank and unit, place and date of capture, name of arresting officer, date of confinement, additional remarks.
It may be noted that "released" does not mean the prisoner was free to go. It simply indicates that he left McLean Barracks and was transferred to another prison.

MR = Mounted Rifles
Cav = Cavalry

Oliver A. Patton, Patton's Rangers, Morgan Co. KY, Aug. 15, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Aug. 22, 1863, escaped by some unknown means on the night of Aug. 28, 1863

John ?, private, Co. D, 10th KY Infantry, Lawrence Co. KY, July 20, 1863, by. Col. Dills, confined Sept. 13, 1863, released Sept. 17, 1863, by Special Order

Lemuel Mead, private, Co. A, 3rd KY Cav, Floyd Co. KY, July 25, 1863, by Col. Dills, confined Sept. 13, 1863, released Sept. 17, 1863, by Special Order

Strother Vaughn, private, 5th KY Cav., Floyd Co. KY, Aug. 22, 1863, by State Militia, confined Sept. 13, 1863, released Sept. 25, 1863, claims to be a citizen

James Taylor, private, Col. Breckenridge's Brigade (VA), Logan Co. VA, Sept. 7, 1863, by Capt. Leffingwell, 14th KY, confined Sept. 16, 1863

Lytle Rowan, Lt. (?), Co. C, 4th KY CAV., Louisa, KY, Sept. 18, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 25, 1863, by Special Order

Daniel Parsons, private, Co. H, 16th VA MR, Ironton, OH, Aug. 23, 1863, Capt. Haley, 45th KY, Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 25, 1863, by Special Order

Edgar C. Elliott, Co. A, 19th VA Cav., Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 8, 1863, Sergt. James George, 14th KY Infantry, Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

Charles Burk(t?), private, Col. Breckenridge's Brigade, (VA), Wayne Co. VA, Sept. 3, 1863, Capt. Bartram, 14th Ky Infantry, Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

Talton J. Manning, private, Fields' Rangers, McGoffin Co. KY, Sept. 7, 1863, Capt. Patrick, 14th KY Infantry, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

James F. Adams, Co. A, 63rd VA Infantry, Louisa, Sept. 5, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

Wm. P. Adams, private, Co. A, 63rd VA Infantry, Louisa, Sept. 5, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

John S. Eastland, private, Co. G, 1st TN Infantry, Louisa, Sept. 6, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

George Weaver (?), private, Co. D, 1st TN Infantry, Louisa, Sept. 5, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Sept. 16, 1863, released Sept. 26, 1863, by Special Order

Joseph Atkins, Captain, Co. B, 5th KY Inf., Morgan Co. KY, Aug. 20, 1863, Lt. Elam, Co. I, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 10, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Levi Wheeler, private, Co. G, 1st KY MR, Lawrence Co., KY, Sept. 20, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 10, 1863, released Nov. 4, 1863, by Special Order

W.m. (O.P.B.) Carpenter (?), private, Co. F, 3rd KY Cav, Lawrence Co. KY, Sept. 20, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 10, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

James Banks, private, Co. A, 3rd KY MR, Louisa, Sept. 26, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 10, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Fielden Adams, Co. B, 3rd KY Mtd, Rifles, Magoffin Co. KY, Sept. 28, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

R. M. Allen, private, Co. A, 3rd KY MR, Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 27, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Henry Buckner, private, Co. A, 5th KY Infantry, Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 26, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Jeremiah Barker, private, Co. B, 5th KY Infantry, Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 29, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

R. E. Bosly, private, 2nd KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 30, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

C. P. Carter, Sergt., Co. B, 5th KY Infantry, Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 29, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Stephen Fitzpatrick, private, Co. A, 3rd KY Cav, Floyd Co. KY. Sept. 27, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

David Feely, private, Co. B, 5th KY Infantry, Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 28, 1863, Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Marquis Fraley, private, Co. B, 5th KY Inf., Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 28, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

A. C. Fraley, private, Co. B, 5th KY Inf., Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 28, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Francis Gillion, private, Co. D, 5th KY Cav., Big Sandy, Sept. 20, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

W. B. Harman, private, Co. A, 3rd KY Cav., Louisa, KY, Sept. 16, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

John Howard, private, Co. B, 5th KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 27, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

David Hanna, private, Co. B, 5th KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Sept. 26, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Ira Jackson, private, Co. E, 16th VA Cav., Louisa, Sept. 13, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

William Jones, private, Co. E, 10th KY Infantry, Louisa, Sept. 27, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

James Lafferty, Sergt., Co. A, 3rd KY MR, Louisa, Sept. 21, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Hugh Marshall, private, Co. A, 3rd KY MR, Louisa, Sept. 16, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

James Murphy, private, Co. C, 3rd KY MR, Pike Co. KY, Sept. 16, 1863, by Col. Dills, 39th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Alex Murphy, private, Co. C, 3rd KY MR, Pike Co. KY, Sept. 16, 1863, by Col. Dills, 39th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Isaac Ratcliff, private, Co. D, 2nd KY Cav., Lawrence Co. KY, Sept. 1, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Fountain King, private, Co. D, 10th KY Inf., Pike Co. KY, Sept. 28, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

W. H. Russell, private, Co. C, 1st KY Cav., Magoffin Co. KY, Oct. 3, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

James P. White, private, Co. A, 8th KY MR (?), Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 22, 1863, by Col. Dills, 39th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

W. C. Barnto (?), private, Co. I, 48th Miss. Inf., Louisa, Oct. 4, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

D. R. Howell, private, Co. I, 48th Miss. Inf., Louisa, Oct. 4, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Nov. 4, 1863

A. B. Muirhead (?), private, Co. B, 48th Miss. Inf., Louisa, Oct. 4, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, sent to hospital Nov. 5, 1863

Gilmore Justice, private, Co. C, 3rd KY MR, Pike Co. KY, Oct. 1, 1863, by Col. Dills, 39th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Nov. 11, 1863, by Special Order

Isaiah Coburn, private, Co. F, 3rd KY MR, Buckhannon Co. VA, Sept. 27, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

D. J. McCarty, private, Co. C, 5th KY Inf., Louisa, Oct. 5, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Nelson Hayes, private, 5th KY Inf., Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 26, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

John Hail, private, Co. A, 3rd KY MR, Floyd Co. KY, Sept. 22, 1863, by Col. Gallup, 14th KY Infantry, confined Oct. 11, 1863, released Oct. 16, 1863, by Special Order

Oliver A. Patton, Lt. Col., Pattons Rangers, Morgan Co. KY, Oct. 8, 1863, by Lieut. Nelson, 5th OVC, confined Oct. 15, 1863, released Jan. 27, 1864, sent to Camp Chase

John Keller, private, Co. D, 2nd KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Oct. 8, 1863, by Lieut. Nelson, 5th OVC, confined Oct. 15, 1863, released Oct. 21, 1863, by Special Order

John McWhirter, private, Co. H, 2nd Cav., (IC?), Morgan Co. KY, Oct. 8, 1863, by Lieut. Nelson, 5th OVC, confined Oct. 15, 1863, released Oct. 21, 1863, by Special Order

John Gillibaw (?), bushwacker, Morgan Co. KY, Oct. 8, 1863, by Lieut. Nelson, 5th OVC, confined Oct. 15, 1863, released Nov. 11, 1863, by Special Order

John Goodpasteur, private, Co. I, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 16, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863, released Jan. 14, 1864

James Sharp, private, Co. A, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 16, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 8, 1863, released Jan. 14, 1864

J. Howard, private Co. E, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 8, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863

L. W. Shanagan, private, Co. A, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 8, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863

David F. Lee, private, Co. B, Owens VA Batt., Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 16, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863, released Dec. 22, 1863

Gilbert Speedwell, private, Co. A, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 17, 1863, Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863

Wm. Murphy, private, Co. B, ? VA Batt., Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 10, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 28, 1863, released Dec. 22, 1863, by Special Order

Jordan Hordly/Handby (?), Co. G, ? Va Batt., Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 10, 1863, confined Nov. 28, 1863, released Jan. 14, 1864, by Special Order

John J. Nickell, private, KY Guerrilla, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 28, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Dec. 10, 1863

Abel Pennington, Lieut., KY Guerrilla, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 16, 1863, by Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Dec. 10, 1863, sent to Camp Chase Jan. 27, 1864

Wesley Callahan, private, Co. B, 10th KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Jan. 21, 1864, confined Feb. 12, 1864, released Feb. 15, 1864

John W. Day, private, Co. B, 10th KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Jan. 21, 1864, confined Feb. 12, 1864, released Feb. 15, 1864

Granville Fugett, Sgt., Co. B, 10th KY Cav., Morgan Co. KY, Jan. 21, 1864, confined Feb. 12, 1864, released Feb. 15, 1864

Henry C. Ferguson, private, Co. E, 16th VA Cav., Wayne Co. VA, Feb.5, 1864, confined Feb. 12, 1864, released Feb. 15, 1864

Gilbert Speedwell, private, Co. A, 2nd KY MR, Morgan Co. KY, Nov. 17, 1863, Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Nov. 24, 1863

S. Humphreys, private, 2nd KY MR, Rowan Co. KY, Nov. 28, 1863, Major Ijams (5th OVC), confined Dec. 10, 1863


Aside from military prisoners, Mclean Barracks also housed a number of civilians who had been arrested by the military authorities. The list of names is by no means complete.

Provost Marshall records from McLean Barracks in Cincinnati, OH.
Muster Roll of Prisoners, Citizens - March 31, 1864

Given are the first and last name of prisoner, name of arresting officer, date and place of capture, date of confinement and additional remarks.

Joel Gibson, T. D. Marcum, June 7, 1863, Pike Co. KY, conf. June 17, 1863

Isaac Lewis, Col. Swaine, Dec. 24, 1863, Carter, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

W. D. Mays, Col. Swaine, Jan. 8, 1864, Morgan Co. KY, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

Thomas Martin, Col. Swaine, Jan. 8, 1864, Morgan Co. KY, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

John Rigsby, Col. Swaine, Nov. 1863, Johnson Co. KY, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

Thomas Rigbsy, Col. Swaine, Nov. 1863, Johnson Co. KY, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

George Stevens, Jan. 8, 1864, Morgan Co. KY, conf. Jan. 12, 1864

Harvey Skaggs, Col. Swaine, Nov. 1863, Carter Co. KY, conf. Feb. 12, 1864

William Carr, per Maj. Iressell, Oct. 30, 1863, Morgan Co. KY, conf. Oct. 31, 1863; released



Provost Marshall records from McLean Barracks in Cincinnati, OH.
Muster Roll of Prisoners, Citizens - March 31, 1864

Provost Marshall records from McLean Barracks in Cincinnati, OH.
Muster Roll of Prisoners, Citizens - May 31, 1864

Given are the first and last name of prisoner, place of residence and capture (identical unless noted) date of capture, date of confinement, name of arresting officer, and additional remarks.

Joel Adkins, Morgan Co. KY, Jan. 6, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine

John Conley, Carter Co. KY, Dec. 24, 1863/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, guerilla

Wm. Conley, Carter Co. KY, Dec. 24, 1863/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, guerilla

Joel Gibson, Pike Co. KY, June 17, 1863/June 17, 1863, T. D. Marcum (14th KY Inf.), violation of oath

Isaac Lewis, Carter Co. KY, Dec. 24, 1863/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, guerrilla

W. D. Mays, Morgan Co. KY/arrested in Carter Co. KY, Jan. 8, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, guerrilla

Thomas Martin, Morgan Co. KY/arrested in Carter Co. KY, Jan. 8, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, guerrilla

John Rigsby, Johnson Co. KY, Jan. 12, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine

Thomas Rigsby, Johnson Co. KY, Jan. 12, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine

George Stevens, Morgan Co. KY, Jan. 12, 1864, guerrilla

Harvey Skaggs, Carter Co. KY, Jan. 12, 1864/Feb. 12, 1864, Swaine, spy


Records transcribed from original records on microfilm, and article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins. © 2012