Biography

William K. Goodman, Company F, joined the regiment December 6, 1862, at Peach Orchard in Lawrence County Kentucky for 3 years. He was 24 years old. He was captured by the rebels in Floyd County on February 10, 1863, but returned by November 23, 1863. He deserted at Louisa on August 11, 1864 when the 39th was brigaded with a regiment of black soldiers. A spontaneous battle occured between the blacks and the mountain men of the 39th in which 15 black soldiers were killed. 133 members of the 39th deserted in the next few days, including William K. Goodman. In March 1865, President Lincoln issued a proclamation which allowed deserters to return without prosecution. So, on March 23, 1865, Goodman returned to his regiment at Paintsville. He remained in the service until discharged at Louisville, Kentucky on September 15, 1865.

Information given by John B. Wells III and provided by James Goodman Jr.