Duane,

There was a near epidemic of measles throughout the Confederate forces in south-central Kentucky during the fall and winter of 1861. Many soldiers died before they ever saw combat. Most of these died (and were buried) in Bolwing Green, because that's where the army was concentrated.

I would say it's a pretty safe bet that your ancestor died of disease in a hospital in Russellville. I doubt very highly that he was KIA - there were no battles or even large skirmishes in the area at that time. Although there *were* some small actions, producing some KIA among KY troops (that I know of).

The soldier graves in Bowling Green are mostly known (the area anyway - the individual grave IDs have mostly disappeared over the years), in Fairview Cemetery. Russellville, I don't know.

Hope this helps,

Geoff Walden