Historical Residents
Muhlenberg County is known for producing some of the world's most renowned thumbpickers. There are numerous other historical figures, however, who were either born, lived, or died here in the county.
Simon Bolivar Buckner Sr.
Simon Bolivar Buckner Sr. was born April 1, 1823. Buckner graduated in 1844 from the United States Military Academy, and he fought during the Mexican-American War. Buckner lived in southern Muhlenberg County up until the 1840s. Buckner was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and it was to Buckner that Grant issued his famous "Unconditional Surrender" at Fort Donelson. Buckner was governor of KY from 1887-1891.
Don Carlos Buell
James Best
James Best was born Jewell Guy on July 26, 1926, at Powderly in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Best played in numerous westerns starting in the late 1940s, but his most notable role as an actor was playing Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Ephraim Brank
Don Carlos Buell was born March 23, 1818, in Ohio. When Buell was an infant, his father died, so Buell was sent to live with his uncle. Later, Buell attended the United States Military Academy. Buell fought valiantly during the Mexican-American War, and when the Civil War erupted in the 1860s, Buell was sent to train the Army of the Potomac. Buell was then transferred to command the Army of the Ohio, and he was hailed as the "Hero of Shiloh" because his men came in time to aid Grant. After the war, Buell came to live at Airdrie in Muhlenberg County.
Ephraim Brank was born in 1791, and he is the Muhlenberg County War of 1812 hero. Brank is largely credited with helping America win the Battle of New Orleans. Brank's statue, which was erected in the early 2000s, still stands today outside of the Greenville Courthouse.
Don and Phil Everly
Don and Phil Everly were the sons of Ike Everly, a Muhlenberg County coalminer who was friends with Merle Travis. Don was born in Brownie, in Muhlenberg County, and Phil was born in Chicago, Illinois. Don and Phil, like their father, became musicians. One of the Everly Brother's fan-favorite songs, "Wake Up Little Susie," became a number one hit in 1957.
Warren Oates
Warren Oates was born July 5, 1928, at Depoy, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Oates became an actor, and he was known for his roles in many western television shows and movies. Some of the biggest shows that Oates appeared in was "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," and "The Virginian." He also played a role in the 1973 movie, "Tom Sawyer."
Mose Rager
Moses Rager, simply called Mose Rager, was born April 2, 1911, to Bobbie Sue Shelton and Joseph (Joe) Rager in Muhlenberg County. Rager is credited with introducing Merle Travis to thumbpicking, and Rager knew Ike Everly, father of The Everly Brothers.
Merle Travis
Merle Travis was born November 29, 1917, in Rosewood, Kentucky. Travis quickly became fascinated with the Muhlenberg style of thumbpicking, and he was taught this art by Mose Rager and Ike Everly. Travis soon became famous for his singing, songwriting, and guitar playing. Travis's hits include "No Vacancy" and "16 Tons," which was written by Travis but re-recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1977, and Travis's house is on display at Muhlenberg County's Paradise Park in Powderly, Kentucky.