My Genealogy Hound

JOHN B. CASTLEMAN, one of the honorable citizens of Louisville, and one of her prominent business men, is a native of Fayette County, Ky., and was born June 30, 1842. He is a son of David and Virginia (Harrison) Castleman, the former born on the old Castleman homestead near Versailles, Ky., the latter a native of Fayette County. The subject of this sketch was reared in Fayette County, where he was educated. After the advantages of the lower schools, he entered Transylvania University, but at the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, quietly left school, and volunteered in Morgan’s cavalry as a private. He afterward organized and commanded Company D, of Morgan’s squadron, and after the promotion of Morgan to brigadier-general, he became a major in his old regiment, then commanded by Gen. Basil Duke. Major Castleman commanded the regiment in several important engagements, in which he displayed soldiership highly satisfactory to his superior officers and the men he led to battle. He was detailed, with Chief Justice Hines, on an expedition against Northwestern Missouri, to release the Confederate prisoners confined there, during which expedition he was captured. He remained a prisoner until the close of the war, when he was released and ordered to leave the country. He went to Europe, where he remained until President Johnson revoked the order, when he returned to America, and in 1867 came to Louisville. He graduated from the law department of the University of Louisville, in 1868, but did not enter into practice. He opened an insurance business, in which he is still engaged, and in which he has been very successful, winning an honorable reputation among the business men of the city by his unimpeachable integrity. Upon the re-organization of the Louisville Legion, First Regiment, Kentucky State Guards, in 1878, he was made its colonel — a position he still holds, and in testimony of his soldierly qualities, and his ability for the important position, it is only necessary to say that he is idolized by his soldiers. When Hon. J. Proctor Knott was elected governor, he appointed Col. Castleman adjutant-general of the State, and, as in all positions held by him, he discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all with whom he came in contact officially or otherwise. Upon the expiration of his term as adjutant-general, Gov. Knott publicly presented him a sword, and in his presentation speech, characterized Col. Castleman as “Trusted adviser and faithful friend.” The Courier-Journal editorially said: “Gen. John B. Castleman’s services as adjutant-general are no more highly appreciated by Gov. Knott than by the people of the State at large. He has infused a new spirit of pride into the State Guard, and he has at the same time subjected it to severe, but needed, discipline. The expiration of Gen. Castleman’s term of service restores him to all the rights, privileges and duties of a citizen of Louisville. If he had refused to serve our people as mayor, he would have been just in the position to be selected as Gov. Buckner’s successor. In office or out, Gen. Castleman is a good citizen, and Louisville knows that he is always in her service.” Gen. Castleman was urged to become candidate for mayor of Louisville in 1887, but declined the honor. Under the new mayor, Hon. Charles D. Jacob, he was offered the responsible place — chief-of-police — but this office he also declined, preferring the position of a private citizen and business man.