Veterans of Clark County

Silas Month Brock Submitted by James G. Faulconer Silas Jonathan Brock was born on Sept. 5, 1826, in Clark County, Kentucky. He was the son of James William Brock and his wife Jane Brooks Brock, who both died suddenly in 1843. When the Mexican War began, Silas and several others from Clark County joined the Second Kentucky Infantry, Company L., led by Captain John S. Williams. Many soldiers never returned. For every one that was killed in action, at least two more died of disease. Silas wrote this letter home in 1846: "I wish to put in a few words to let you know that I am still with the boys of old Clark two hundred miles or more in Mexico and we calculate to take up our line of march in a few days. Agane (sic) I hope these lines may find my relations and friends in good helth (sic). I am in as good helth (sic) as could be expected for we have hard times and rough fare. We get but little to eat. We have had no wages paid to us. It is not nessary (sic) for to say any thing about our hard times. William has given you a description of our fare. Tell Brother that I would be proud to have written him a letter but had no oppertunity (sic). I had hardly time to write these few lines. We have neither pen ink or paper. You need not expect to here (sic) from us often. My calculation is that we will not return for home until June 1847 if then for life is uncertain. Tell Grand pa and ma that I still think of them and would be proud to see them both. I wish I had paper pen and ink and the time I would wish one day and night. Be sure to tell little Emily howdy and tell her to be a good little girl. I must close. I hope to see you all again if it is God's will." Silas J. Brock Dated 8 Nov. 1846 Written from Monclovia, Mexico Silas died near Monteray, Mexico on January 11, 1847. He left behind his brother, Simpson William Brock and his sister Emily Jane Brock. His grandparents, referred to in the letter, were John Tinne Brock, Sr., and Frances Wright Brock.

James Oliver: Submitted by Jim G. Faulconer James Oliver, son of Joseph Mourning Oliver and his wife, Milly Bybee Oliver, was born in 1832. When the Civil War began, many young men from Clark County were recruited, including James Oliver. He served as a private in the 11th Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Walter Chenault. James was in Company A, 2nd Corp. James and many others were captured by the northern troops, taken to Chicago, and imprisoned at Camp Douglas. Simpson William Brock, who had married James Oliver's sister, Elizabeth Jane Oliver, kept a small notebook which contains an entry saying that James owed him some money for clothes sent to him while he was in prison. James died of dysentery on August 26, 1864. Simpson noted the death in his notebook, and also that he had sent money so that the body could be returned to Paris, Kentucky. Simpson was also named executor of the estate.