from Oldham County, Kentucky – Biographies

Lt. Col. Charles C. Haefling, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was born May 14, 1835, and is the son of Simon and Martha (Peterman) Haefling.  He came to the United States in 1855, and in 1858 joined the regular army at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, served five years as a non-commissioned officer, and received his discharge in Tennessee December 14, 1863.  He at once recruited the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, at Nashville, acting first as adjutant, then as major, and in August, 1864, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, serving as such until the close of the late war.  He took part in all the engagements under Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas; was wounded at Springhill (shot through the right arm), and at Harbor Shoals, Tennessee; when near Nashville, Tennessee, had his horse shot from under him, and in the fall was permanently injured in his left arm.  After the war he went to Louisville and engaged in contracting, building, etc., until 1879, when he engaged in farming.  In March, 1887, he also took a one-half interest in a woolen mill, and sixty-two acres, adjoining La Grange, Oldham County, his present residence.  In March, 1865, he married Miss Mary Anna Shank, of Louisville, who has borne for him four children:  Charles L., Joseph, Christopher C. and Mary V.