Born in Louden County, Va., May 22, 1824; occupation, Farmer. Enlisted in Co. G, 52nd Reg't., O. V. I., August 14, 1862, for three years. Whatever is related as to the military service in the 52nd Reg't., O. V. I. of Co. G, or any one member thereof, is the personal history of all the boys up to the time of their respective discharges. Comrade Polen did not go for fun. He believed it his duty to go, and with him believing is acting, and we all know him well enough to know that in whatever place, under whatever duty he is placed, the full measure required will be given or performed. Hence when John was on picket we were certain no rebel passed his post or any other one without the countersign and a full account of himself. John's gun was always loaded, and he meant business and with him "Halt" once was enough. His military service was complete as far as he went. Always ready for his share of duty, he was with the company and regiment in all its joys and sorrows, its hardships and sufferings, its days of battle and blood, its heavy as well as light duties, in its march to Richmond or Big Hill, also Peter's Hill, its fighting march of a hundred miles to its place at Perryville and on through to Nashville, Mill Creek, Edgefield and was discharged for disability March 23, 1863.