Muhlenberg was represented in the Civil War by about one thousand soldiers. About 85 per cent of these were in the Federal army, about 15 per cent in the Confederate army. The following are brief biographies of a few of Muhlenberg's soldiers who lived in the county during all or the greater part of their lives.

General Don Carlos Buell. For portrait see page 237.

John Coombs was born January 13, 1840. He is a son of Asa Coombs, who settled in Muhlenberg in 1848, near Rockport, Ohio County. He was a sergeant in Company H, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal), and served with that company during the greater part of the war. After its close he took up farming until he was elected jailer, when he moved to the county seat. He filled that office from 1882 to 1890. He continued to live in Greenville about ten years longer, filling in the meantime various town offices, after which he returned to his farm, where he remained until he retired from active life, when he again took up his residence in Greenville. He married Mary J., daughter of B. T. Casebier, who was an influential farmer in the eastern part of the county. Their only son is Joseph Edward Coombs, a merchant of Greenville.John Coombs, Wife and Son, 1874

Captain Arthur N. Davis. For portrait see page 192.

Japha N. Durall was born on a farm in the Bethel neighborhood, northwest of Greenville, March 19, 1844, and died on the same farm July 29, 1912. He was a corporal in Company H, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal). Some of the most largely attended soldiers' reunions held in the county have taken place on his farm. He was a farmer during the greater part of his life, and also operated a sawmill for a number of years. His wife was America Jane Woodburn, a sister of Doctor J. T. Woodburn. Most of their children still live in the Bethel neighborhood, where they occupy good farms.

Francis M. Finley, a Federal soldier, and Thomas M. Finley, a Confederate soldier, were brothers, members of one of the dozen or more families in Muhlenberg that were represented in both armies. They were born in the Long Creek country on what is known as the Finley Farm, and were among the best-known farmers in that section of the county. They were sons of William H. Finley, who settled in the southern part of the county about 1830, where he died in 1852. His wife was Cynthia Wagner, daughter of a well-known local miller.Japha N. Durall, 1861

Francis Marion Finley was born April 15, 1833, enlisted in Company I, Forty-eighth Kentucky Infantry (Federal), in March, 1863, and remained with that company until it was mustered out of service in December, 1864. He married Susan S., daughter of John W. Shelton, who lived near Old Liberty and was of one of the oldest families in the county. Francis M. Finley died March 14, 1908, on his farm near Greenbriar Church, eleven miles south of Greenville. Alexander Y. Finley, of the Pond Creek country, is his only son.Francis M. Finley, 1869Thomas M. Finley, 1869

Thomas Monroe Finley was born June 17, 1835. He enlisted in 1862 in Company D, Second Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate), at Allensville, Todd County, and served with that regiment until the close of the war, when he returned to his Long Creek farm, afterward removing to Greenville, where he now lives. His wife was Nancy A., daughter of J. Jackson Robertson, who lived near the Buckner Stack. She died January 14, 1912. Mrs. Mollie C. Charles M. Shutt is their only child.

Captain Jesse Knox Freeman, sr., was born February 26, 1837, in Hancock County, where he spent his youth. In 1858 he married Kittie Ann Mason, of Breckinridge County, and shortly after removed to Bremen. He enlisted in the Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal) on September 28, 1861, and was elected first lieutenant of Company H. On April 8, 1862, after the death of Captain Isaac W. Sketo at Shiloh, he became captain of the company. For a time he acted as aide-de-camp to General William Soule Smith, and at one time served as commander of the convalescent camp of Union soldiers at Louisville; he also acted as provost marshal of Bowling Green. He was mustered out of service with his regiment on December 18, 1864. Captain Freeman moved to Central City shortly after the place was founded, and has since been identified with that town. He was postmaster of Central City from 1897 to 1905. His son J. K. Freeman, jr., is an attorney and at present the postmaster of Central City.J. K. Freeman, 1864

William S. Grundy. For portrait see page 230.

Judge S. P. Love, or, as he was more frequently called, Colonel S. P. Love, came to the county at the age of twenty-three, and after an active life here of more than half a century died in Greenville on March 26, 1903. No Muhlenberg man was more highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens than was Colonel Love. I quote in full from the Greenville Record:

"Colonel Smoloff Pallas Love died at his home at 7.15 o'clock last Thursday morning, after an illness that confined him to his bed for several weeks. He was born May 10, 1826, in Lincoln County, and was reared in Garrard County. In 1846 he enlisted as a private in Captain Donovan's command, being mustered into service at Mexico, Missouri, from which point he marched to Mexico, participating in numerous engagements during the Mexican War and being discharged from the service after the battle of Buena Vista. He had been appointed second lieutenant, but was never commissioned.

"In 1849 he came to this county, and on the 15th of July, 1850, was united in marriage by Rev. John N. Sharp to Miss Jane McConnell, daughter of John Henry McConnell, of this county. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel in the Eleventh Kentucky Regiment of the Federal army, under Colonel P. B. Hawkins, in August, 1861, and in May, 1863, was made colonel of the regiment. He was constantly with his command, and his bravery, fidelity and consideration for his men endeared every member strongly to him. He was in the engagements at Shiloh and Perryville and in all the skirmishes in pursuit of Bragg's army when it retreated from Kentucky. He also participated in the siege of Knoxville, in the campaign under General Burnside in East Tennessee, and in all battles in which Sherman's army was engaged on the march from Ringgold to Atlanta. He was discharged at Bowling Green, December 16, 1864.

"In 1866 Colonel Love moved with his family from South Carrollton to Greenville, and in the same year was elected judge of the county, which position he held for two terms. After the expiration of his official term he engaged in the practice of law, and was an active and successful advocate. For some years he had been a sufferer from a complication of diseases, and for the past few years had not been able to follow his profession.

"Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery Friday afternoon with full military honors, several hundred people being in attendance. Messrs. John A. Williams, W. C. Shannon, Nathan McClelland, D. E. Rhoads, John Coombs and Robert Casebier were pallbearers, and an escort of about forty men of his old command, and many other members of the G. A. R., aided in the ceremonies of last respect. Company F, Third Regiment Kentucky State Guard, under Captain R. C. McCracken, was in line and formed the firing squad, Bugler Clarence B. Hayes blowing taps that closed the service impressively.S. P. Love, 1895

"The widow survives, and the following children: Mrs. Dan Mosely, Depoy; John G. Love, Central City; Mrs. Edward L. Yonts and Mrs. Annie R. White, of Greenville; Mrs. H. F. Young, Louisville; Mrs. George Gosett, Paducah; Mrs. J. W. Vomburg, Russellville; Mrs. Henry Nunan, Gurdon, Arkansas; Mrs. George A. Hillebert, Lehigh, Indian Territory. Their daughter Mrs. H. B. Barkis died in 1884, and theirson Lucien T. Lovein 1896. Colonel Love united with the Presbyterian Church at this place in 1882. Rev. G. F. Bell conducted a short service at the home, in which he was assisted by Rev. T. C. Peters, of the Methodist Church."

The few reunions of the veterans of the Mexican War that have taken place in Muhlenberg were proposed and conducted by Colonel Love, who probably took a more brotherly interest in the veterans of the Mexican and Civil wars than any other man in the county. He helped compile the history of the Eleventh Kentucky Infantry, published in "The Union Regiments of Kentucky" (1897).R. T. Vincent J. L. Wilkins Wm. S. Grundy

Seven years after his death a poem written by Colonel Love was found among some of his personal papers. It was printed in the Greenville Record on July 14, 1910, by Orien L. Roark, who in his comment says: "His comrades in this county will recognize in this a personal appreciation of the soldier which was always manifest in their brave and true commander, who shared with the rank and file all the dangers and privations, and was first to give to the men the credit for the glories and fortunes of war."

Had Colonel Love published this poem during his life he probably would have dedicated it not only to the local veterans of the Civil War, but also to the Muhlenberg men in the Mexican War.

The Old Soldiers. By S. P. Love.

Our ranks are growing thinner Every year, And death is still a winner Every year, Yet we still must stick together Like the toughest kind of leather, And in any kind of weather, Every year.

Our comrades have departed Every year, And left us broken-hearted Every year, But their spirits fondly greet us And constantly entreat us To come, that they may meet us, Every year.

Our steps are growing slower Every year, Pale death is still a mower Every year, Yet we faced him in the battle, Amid the muskets' rattle, And defied his final edict, Every year.

We are growing old and lonely Every year, We have recollections only Every year, That we bled for this great nation On many a field and station And with any kind of ration Every year.

Many people may forget us Every year, And our enemies may fret us Every year, But while onward we are drifting, Our souls with hope are lifting To heavenly scenes, still shifting, Every year.

In the May-time of the flowers Every year, We shall live in golden hours Every year, And our deeds be sung in story Down the ages growing hoary-- With a blaze of living glory Every year.

Colonel Robert M. Martin. For portrait see page 319.

Henry C. McCracken was born May 28, 1838, in Pulaski County, Tennessee, and emigrated to Muhlenberg in 1856. He enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal), at Calhoun in 1861, and lost his right arm at the battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862, shortly after which he was honorably discharged. In August, 1888, he was elected magistrate and served for two years. In 1896-97 he represented Muhlenberg in the Legislature. He was engaged in farming near Murphy's Lake until 1902, when he moved to Greenville. No man in the county has taken more interest in the local G. A. R. Post than Mr. McCracken. In 1866 he married Laura E. Green, daughter of William J. Green. Among their children are Captain Richard C. McCracken, contractor, and A. Elmer McCracken, jeweler, of Greenville.Henry C. McCracken, 1861

Captain Isaac Miller was born in Tennessee in 1810 and came to Muhlenberg about 1832. He lived on a farm west of Bremen the greater part of his life, and died in South Carrollton in 1887. He was captain of Company F, Third Kentucky Cavalry (Federal), until he was wounded at Murfreesboro, when he resigned and was succeeded by Captain Elisha Baker, of Greenville. Captain Miller was for many years connected with the old militia musters. He married Bettie Crumbaker, daughter of Jacob Crumbaker. Among their children were: William T. (who was jailer from 1897 to 1905); James, who was a member of Company F; Alfred and Simon Miller; Mrs. Nancy (William) Short, Mrs. Malty (Anderson) Miller, Mrs. Mary (Wesley M. [son of N. B.]) Little, Mrs. Jennie (Jacob) Gish, and Mrs. Katie (Wm. G.) Whitmer--Mr. Whitmer also being a member of Company F. One of Captain Miller's brothers was James M., the father of John Simon Miller, who was jailer of the county from 1874 to 1882 and Greenville's postmaster from 1898 to 1912.Isaac Miller, 1861

Captain Joseph Mitchell was born in North Carolina, December 14, 1809, and came to Muhlenberg from Tennessee in 1846. He served as a colonel at many of the old militia musters. In the fall of 1863 he organized Company I, Forty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry (Federal), of which he was made captain. He lived in the upper Pond Creek country and was one of the well-known farmers of the county. He died November 12, 1863. Among his children are Mrs. W. T. McWhirter and Mrs. Saluda A. Pace, who was the second wife of Edward O. Pace. Judge Richard O. Pace is a son of Edward O. and Saluda A. Pace. Isaac Mitchell, who was killed in the battle of Sacramento, was Captain Mitchell's brother.Joseph Mitchell, 1861

Joseph F. Richardson was born in Logan County in 1840 and died at his home in Central City on April 26, 1912. He was buried in his Confederate uniform in Elmwood Cemetery, Owensboro. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Kentucky Infantry (Confederate), one of the regiments belonging to what was later known as the Orphan Brigade. He received a wound during the first day's battle at Shiloh which necessitated the immediate amputation of his left arm. He moved to Muhlenberg in 1864 and taught school for a number of years. In 1874 he was elected county superintendent of schools. In 1885 he moved to Daviess County, and seven years later returned to Central City. In 1900 he served as doorkeeper of the State Senate. Joseph F. Richardson, 1861 He represented Muhlenberg in the House of Representatives from January, 1910, to January, 1912. In January, 1912, he was chosen doorkeeper of the House of Representatives. In 1871 he married Jennie H. Morgan. Mrs. S. A. Burns, of Daviess County, and Miss Lulu Richardson, of Central City, are daughters of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Richardson. "Uncle Joe," as he was called by his many friends, young and old, was a unique character, and one of the most highly respected men in the county.J. L. Roark, 1863M. J. Roark, 1863

Lieutenant James Louis Roark, son of John R. Roark and grandson of pioneer William Roark, was born in Muhlenberg County April 14, 1840, and died in Greenville on April 5, 1893. In 1861 he enlisted at Calhoun and was elected first lieutenant of Company K, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal), which office he held until his regiment was mustered out. On account of disabilities received in service he did not re‰nlist. He was in his day the best-known funeral director in the county. J. L. Roark married Jennie E. Morgan, daughter of Wm. K. Morgan. Their children are: Orien L., Cecil E., and Charles W. Roark of Greenville, and Doctor J. Louis Roark, now of Seattle, Washington.

Captain Martin Jefferson Roark, son of pioneer William Roark, was born in Muhlenberg County June 26, 1833, and died in Greenville on October 22, 1908. He enlisted at Calhoun in 1861 and was elected captain of Company K, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal). He was severely wounded at Shiloh on April 7, 1862, and afterward was honorably discharged. Shortly after his return home he was made deputy provost marshal of Greenville. While a young man Captain Roark taught school in the county. In 1866-67 he represented Muhlenberg in the Legislature, after which he devoted his time to the practice of law and to the duties of the various county offices to which he was elected. Captain M. J. Roark and his wife Nannie W. (Davis) Roark were the parents of Professor R. N. Roark

Captain Washington Columbus Shannon was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, October 4, 1838, and moved to Muhlenberg in 1854. On October 1, 1861, he enlisted at Calhoun as a private in Company K, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal), and after the battle of Shiloh became first sergeant of his company, which place he held until July, 1863, when he was commissioned first lieutenant and served in that capacity until December, when upon the death of Captain C. H. Martin he succeeded to the captaincy. On December 16, 1864, his term of enlistment having expired, he was mustered out at Bowling Green. He immediately re‰ntered the army and was commissioned captain of Company K, Seventeenth Kentucky Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, since which time he has lived in the Pond River country. Captain Shannon at various times has served the county as deputy assessor and deputy sheriff.W. C. Shannon, 1864E. E. C. Shull, 1862

Lieutenant Euclid E. C. Shull was born at Paradise, October 29, 1842. He is a son of Peter Shull, jr., and a grandson of pioneer Peter Shull. On September 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-sixth Kentucky U. S. V. I. He filled a number of regimental positions. On February 26, 1865, he became first lieutenant of Company G, U. S. Cavalry. He was mustered out of service September 28, 1865, since which time he has conducted the hotel in Paradise. During his more active years he was extensively engaged in farming. Few persons have visited Paradise within the past forty-five years without having had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Shull.

William H. Smith was born near Paradise, September 30, 1841. He is a son of Leonard Smith and a grandson of pioneer Aaron Smith. He was a member of Company I, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal). His farm on Green River below Airdrie is one of the best preserved of the old farms in the county. Few men living along Green River are better known than "Billy" Smith, as he is called by his many friends. One of his nearest neighbors was General Buell, under whom he had fought during the first part of the Civil War and after whom his youngest son, Don Carlos R., is named. Mrs. Mary E. Humphrey, one of the most progressive women in the town of Paradise, is one of his daughters.William H. Smith, 1862

John L. G. Thompson was born in Clermont County, Ohio, August 15, 1836, and removed to Muhlenberg in 1858. While visiting in Illinois he enlisted in Company G, Second Illinois Cavalry (Federal). After the close of the Civil War he returned to his farm in Muhlenberg, and has ever since ranked among the best farmers in the county. His wife was Anna Woodburn, daughter of J. T. Woodburn, sr.

R. W. Wallace was born near South Carrollton, October 5, 1829, and died at Paradise on July 13, 1876. He was a son of Jared and Polly (Dearing) Wallace. His grandfathers, Coulston Wallace and Bayless Dearing, came to Muhlenberg about 1808. He was a Confederate soldier--a member of Company C, Ninth Kentucky Infantry. Although a cripple, he took part in a number of battles. He had a store in Paradise, and at the time of his death was one of the leading merchants in the town. In 1866 he married Mary E. Kirtley, daughter of Elias V. Kirtley, R. W. Wallace and wife were the parents of Mrs. Gertrude W. (J. B.) Hocker of Owensboro, and R. E., J. E., and H. A. Wallace, well-known Muhlenberg merchants.John L. G. Thompson, 1861

R. T. Vincent. For portrait see page 330.

Colonel E. R. Weir. For portrait see page 61.

John K. Wickliffe For portrait see page 256.

J. L. Wilkins, For portrait see page 330.

Lieutenant Joseph Davis Yonts was born near Paradise, October 25, 1841, and died in Greenville June 9, 1896. When the Eleventh Kentucky Infantry (Federal) was organizing he enlisted as a private in Company H, and after the battle of Shiloh became first lieutenant. Although he was wounded a number of times, he remained with his company until the close of the war. Immediately after the war he removed to Greenville, and for more than thirty years took an active interest in the business affairs of the town. In 1865 he became a clerk in the store of Edward R. Weir, sr., and continued in that work until the Greenville Grange Store was organized. He and Joseph G. Ellison managed this co”perative store during the few years of its existence. In the latter part of the seventies he and his brother, Edward L. Yonts, began rehandling tobacco in Greenville, and continued in that business until 1880, when they opened a drug store on the northeast corner of Main and Main Cross streets. A few years later he bought his brother's interest in this store, and remained in the drug business until the time of his death. Joseph D. Yonts was a son of Philip Yonts and his wife Adaline Davis Yonts. In 1872 he married Delia L. Kingsley, daughter of Edward Kingsley of Rochester and his wife Mary Susan Myers, daughter of David Myers of Myers' Chapel. Their only son is Morton K. Yonts, now of the Louisville bar.R. W. Wallace, 1865Joseph D. Yonts, 1864