Henderson County, Kentucky Veteran


Montgomery Merritt

Hon. Montgomery MERRITT was born in Todd County, Kentucky in October 1845. His father, Daniel Ross MERRITT, a physician and farmer, was born in Williamson County, Tennessee, in the year 1800 and died in 1887. Daniel MERRITT was married three times. Montgomery's mother was the third wife and married in 1836.

In May 1861, under the huzzas of the South for separation, his hot young blood was kindled into a flame, and without regard for his tender age, enlisted in the First Kentucky Infantry, Confederate services, for one year. At that time he was only 16 years of age. He was engaged in many minor contests, and in the fall of 1861, was discharged from the service on account of physical disability. He returned to his home and remained until the fall of Fort Donnelson, when he rejoined the army, this time with General John H. MORGAN.

He accompanied MORGAN in all of his raids, and in a sanguinary engagement at Russellville, was shot by a Minie ball in the shoulder. He was with MORGAN on his Indiana and Ohio raid and was captured at Buffington's Island, July 21st 1863.

He was sent a prisoner to Camp Douglas, Chicago, and from there, in February 1865, on to Richmond, Virginia, for exchange. He surrendered at the disbandment in 1865.

History of Henderson County, Kentucky by E. L. Starling, Page 656


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Contributed by Netta Mullin, HCH&GS
Copyright 2002 HCH&GS