Dr. William Emory Pedigo, born July 7, 1842, son of Charles Tarpley and Matilda Ann Pedigo, of Metcalfe County, Kentucky. In the 1860 Census Emory is living with his parents, the oldest son, 17, a carpenter’s apprentice. Charles Pedigo was 39, Matilda, 36. Six other children were in the family – Mary, 14; John T., 12; Charles, 10; Louisa, 8; Issac R., 6; and Sarah C., 4.
Emory joined the Union Army in Capt. Estes’ Co., 13th Regiment Kentucky Infantry, September 26, 1861, and mustered in December 30, 1861, for a period of three years.
The Company Muster Roll of December 30, 1861, to February 28, 1862, lists Emory as transferred to staff as Drum Major. He must have been a very good musician.
By August 18, 1862, Pedigo was in hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. The 13th Regiment participated in Buell’s Campaign in Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee June to August. Perhaps it was at one of those battles Emory Pedigo was injured? Or was he ill? The notice is not specific of why he was in hospital. The August 31 to December 31, 1862, Field and Staff Muster, under present or absent, says ‘not stated.’ Was he still in hospital?
May and June 1863 find Emory present, music listed as his job. As well as for January through June 1864.
July and August he was present and listed as transferred to N. C. S. as chief musician to date, from August 1, 1864. His rank of the September and October list is C.M. Emory mustered out in Louisville, Kentucky, January 12, 1865. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a musician noted as much as Emory Pedigo.
Emory started receiving a pension – as a musician – November 2, 1891.
After the Civil War Emory lived in Metcalfe County, with the S. S. Murray family. In the 1870 Census Murray, 56, was a jailer. In addition to his wife Mary, 54, son Thomas H., 23, was a saddler. Four other brothers and sisters also lived there. Emory was 26, a house carpenter. William Polston was a retailer in whisky. Henry Jones and William Cox were prisoners, and M. H. Crawford worked in a saddle shop. An interesting and varied household!
In September 1870 Emory Pedigo married Melissa Louisa Murray. In the 1880 Census Emory is 37; Melissa is 27; son William D. is 9; and two daughters, Mary L, 5; and Melissa L., 3/12, lived in the household. Emory was a doctor.
Since the 1890 Census was lost in a fire we have no information for that year.
By 1899 Dr. Emory Pedigo is suffering from Bright’s Disease, from which he died August 11, 1899. The Glasgow Daily Times gave a glowing tribute – ‘one of the best men of Metcalfe County, and a brother of Mrs. John Huff, of this place. He was one of the foremost physicians of his county, a splendid citizen, a gentleman of the highest order, and his entire life was one of usefulness and charitable deeds.” He was buried in Edmonton Cemetery.
The Glasgow Daily Times, Glassgow, Kentucky – September 14, 1899
A month after her husband’s death Melissa Pedigo,’ rented the Mustain House at Horse Cave and will manage that popular hotel.’ I tried to find information on this house, but to no avail.
Categories: Family Stories
