From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)
Pernel[l], John
(born: c. 1844 - died: December 19, 1864) John Pernel was born a slave in Anderson County about 1844, but at some point in time prior to 1860, he was taken from his native Anderson County and transported deeper south. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Later in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.John Pernel therefore made his way to a recruiting station at Elk River, Tennessee and volunteered for service September 29, 1863 as a private in Company C of the 12th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. At the time of his enlistment John gave oath that he was born about 1844 in Anderson County, KY.
He was placed on duty at various points in Tennessee and Alabama guarding railroad lines. He also engaged in the Battle of Johnsonville, repulsing attacks on November 2, 4, and 5, 1864, and later saw action at Buford's Station in Illinois on November 24. He was also involved in a skirmish in Clarksville, Tennessee on December 2 and in the main Battle of Nashville December 15-16, 1864, when he was wounded in action by an artillery shell, resulting in his death December 19, 1864 as a result of a chest wound. He is buried in Nashville National Cemetery. [Last name spelled with two L's on his gravestone.]