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

Pompey Washington was born about 1840. No mention can be found concerning where he came from or who his parents were. He is listed on the 1880 Anderson County Census as a 40-year old widower, living alone. He worked as a stonemason.

Pompey was listed as a soldier during the Civil War, serving as a private in Company F of the 84th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. The troops of this regiment were initially enlisted at Port Hudson, Louisiana in September 1863 as the 12th Regiment Corps De Afrique and were attached to the garrison at Port Hudson, but on April 4, 1864 the unit was re-designated as the 84th Colored Infantry Regiment. It was then detailed for duty during the disastrous Red River Campaign under command of General Nathaniel P. Banks.

The 84th Regiment took part in the advance on Alexandria, Louisiana, but after the Union Army was defeated at Sabine Cross Roads (also called the Battle of Mansfield) on April 8, 1864 (a battle in which the 84th was not engaged), the Federals were forced to retreat. During the retreat, the regiment fought in the Battle of Mansura in Louisiana on May 16 and the Battle of Yellow Bayou, Louisiana on May 18, 1864. A small skirmish was fought at Morganza, Louisiana on May 23, but the ill-fated campaign had ended.

The 84th remained on duty at Morganza until May 1865, when it was transferred to the Department of the Gulf until March 14, 1866, when it was mustered from service.