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

Born a slave in Anderson County about 1846, Hamm remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states that were openly hostile toward the Union. Since Kentucky refrained from secession, slaves within its borders remained in bondage. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of Colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom; many slaves therefore threw down the tools of forced labor and walked away from the fields to a nearest enlistment point.

One who chose to become a soldier was Edward Hamm,who made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 28, 1864 was enrolled as a private in CompanyA of the 6th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment. At that  time he testified he was born in Anderson County about 1846.

Hamm's service was short; by November 1, 1864, he was listed as a deserter.