From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Garrett was a former slave born about 1842. A soldier during the Civil War, he was a Private in Company F of the 116th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment.

The 116th was organized between June 6-July 12, 1864 and was attached to the Military District of Kentucky. It remained on duty at Camp Nelson until September of that year, setting up defensive positions at Nelson and Hickman Bridge against Forest's attack.

On September 27, 1864, the 116th reported to General Butler's Army of James River in Virginia and saw duty in the Siege of Petersburg and Richmond (see #13 on the linked page) from October 23, 1864 - April 2, 1865, and was also at the Battle of Hatcher's Run March 27-28 and the Fall of Petersburg on April 2, 1865. The 116th was active in pursuit of General Lee and was at the Appomattox Court House for the surrender of Lee's army on April 9.

The regiment was then dispatched to Texas, arriving there May 25, 1865, serving garrison duty in Texas and Louisiana till January 1867, when it was sent back to Kentucky and mustered out of service at Louisville on January 17, 1867.

Garrett appears on the 1880 Anderson County Census as a 38-year old man living with his wife's parents.