(1) Name: Elizabeth Davis EWALT
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Birth: April 29, 1818 Paris, Bourbon, Kentucky
Death: March 4, 1897 LaBelle, Missouri Age: 78
Burial: Labelle Cemetery, Lewis County, Missouri
Father: John EWALT (1789-1857)
Mother: Elizabeth “Betsy” RAVENSCRAFT (1793-<1827)
Misc. Notes
Elizabeth was the mother of a son when she was sixteen years old and unwed. The child was John Milton Sharp, borne 1834. The father was George Riddle Sharpe of Kentucky.
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LaBelle Star March 12, 1897
Obituary
Miss Elizabeth Ewalt was born in Bourbon County, Ky., April 29, 1818. When about 20 years of age her parents moved to Indiana where she married Mr. David H. Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson then resided in Indiana until the spring of 1843, when they came to Northeast Missouri, which has ever since been their home. To this union were born eight children; four boys and four girls, Five of these children are living, being well known in this community. Besides these children there are twenty-nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Mrs. Wilson was a faithful member of the Christian Church from twenty-four years of age when she accepted the Savior, and in her death the congregation here loses one of its best members; she was a widow for over thirty years, her loved companion being taken from her by death Jan. 27, 1869.
On March 4, 1897, at 10: 15 p.m. this noble woman at the age of 78 years, 10 months, and 5 days fell asleep.
Mrs. Wilson belonged to the class of sturdy pioneer people who settled in this country years ago, and who have made the bone and sinew of our citizenship. She was a kind friend and helpful neighbor. She was a model mother as can be seen in the lives of her children who are numbered among our most respected citizens. Above all she was consecrated christian, having as her supreme desire the spiritual welfare of her family and the extension of the church and died in the triumphant hope of immortality. In this may the bereaved find supreme comfort. The following lines were found in her pocket book:
"I would not live always,
So welcome the tomb;
Since Jusus has laid there,
I will enter its gloom.
There sweet be my rest,
'Till he bids me arise:
And hail flim in triumph,
Ascending the skies."
Funeral services were conducted at the Christian Church, March 5, at 3 o'clock p.m., after which interment was made in LaBelle Cemetery. [Lindsey3.ftw]
Spouses
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1: George Riddle SHARPE II
Birth: September 22, 1808 Harrison County, Kentucky
Death: January 10, 1884 Harrison County, Kentucky Age: 75
Father: George SHARP (~1760-1846)
Mother: Elizabeth RUDDELL (1763-1840)
Misc. Notes
History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, ed. by William Henry Perrin, O. L. Baskin & County, Chicago, 1882, pp. 680-681
G. R. SHARPE, farmer; P. O. Lair's Station; is a native of Harrison County, and son of George and Elizabeth (Ruddel) Sharpe; he was born in 1810. His father was one of the early settlers of Bourbon County; was born in Virginia, and at the age of twenty, in the year 1779, he moved to Bourbon County, Ky., where he remained till the time of his death, which occurred in 1846. His wife was the daughter of Arch Ruddel, of Virginia; she died in 1840, aged seventy-seven years; they were the parents of nine children, one of whom is our subject, G. R. He was born and raised in the same house in which he now resides. In 1844, he married Miss Caroline Eales, a native of Harrison County, and daughter of James Eeles; by this union they have had six children, two of whom are now living, viz : George R. and James E. His wife is a member of the Christian Church at Ruddel's Mills. He is the owner of 120 acres of land, called "Spring Farm." He is a Democrat. He was at one time a magistrate, and President of the Harrison County Agricultural Society. Mr. Sharpe has always taken a very active part in the progress of his native county, and today bears a name and reputation which is beyond reproach, and is most respected by those who best know him.
Marriage: unmarried
Children: John Milton (1834-1910)
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2: David Hamilton WILSON
Birth: July 15, 1815 Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: January 27, 1867 LaBelle Missouri Age: 51
Burial: Labelle Cemetery, Lewis County, Missouri
Father: William H. WILSON (1789-1865)
Mother: Deborah CUSTER (~1789-)
Misc. Notes
1850 Lewis Co. Census
Wilson David 35 m Ky
Elizabeth 32 f Ky
Hamilton 10 m Iowa
Martha J. 8 f Indiana
Deborah 6 f Mo
Wm 4 m Mo
John H. 1 m Mo
[Lindsey3.ftw]
Marriage: 1838 Rush County, Indiana
Children: Martha Jane (1842-1917)
Hamilton Conrad (1840-1901)
Deborah (1844-1887)
William John (1846-1933)
Annie (1851-1867)
Margaret Mack (1855-1936)
James (1858-1937)
(2) Name: Henry EWALT
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Birth: January 27, 1754 Palatinate, Pfalz, Bavaria
Death: September 1829 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 75
Father: John EWALT (1707-1792)
Mother: Sarah (1726-1809)
Misc. Notes
Henry Ewalt b. 27 JAN 1755, Palatinate, Pfalz, Bavaria, ref: 3N2L-BV, m. Elizabeth Frye, b. 1757, Frederick Co., VA, (daughter of Abraham Frye and Agnes.Ann Young) ref: JJOQ-1T,S1T d. 1837, Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky. Henry died Sep 1829, Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky. Henry Ewalt , Commissioned 16 dec 177?, Revolutionary War:6th Co. 1st Bat of Bedford Co.,Pa ( DAR Patriot Intex P226).
Source: KENTUCKIAN-CITIZEN, Paris, Kentucky, Wed. July 11, 1934, Page Two
EARLY HOMES IN BOURBON: THE EWALT HOME, 5 1/2 MILES NORTHWEST of Paris, at Ewalt’s Crossroads
Compiled by Miss Elizabeth Ewalt Grimes for State Historian’s Report, Jemima Johnson Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
The Ewalt home 5 1/2 miles northwest of Paris, at Ewalt's Crossroads, was established in 1788 by Henry Ewalt, who purchased from John Haggin 200 a. of land for 110 pounds sterling. Here he built a two story frame house before 1800. A stone chimney, seven feet wide and three feet deep at the base, is built on each end of the house. The interior is finished in ash and walnut, the walls being paneled and the ceiling moulding in one room is hand carved. About 1815 a stone ell of four rooms was added, the walls 22 inches thick. This house is in a perfect state of preservation. A complete water system and other conveniences have been added, but few changes have been made in the original house.
Henry Ewalt, the founder of this home, is buried in a family burying ground near his home which has been owned continuously by a descendant since his death. It is now the home of Joseph Hedges Ewalt a great-grandson, who was born in this house.
Henry Ewalt was born Jan. 27 1754, in Palatine on the Rhine, Germany, and died in 1829. He was a Revolutionary soldier. The record of his service in the office of the State Librarian of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, Pa., shows that he was commissioned Dec. 10, 1777, ensign in the 1st battalion of Bedford Militia, 6th Co.
He was the' son of John Ewalt born 1707, died Nov. 12, 1792, settled in Bedford township about 2 miles northeast of Bedford, Pa., on Dunning's Creek, in 1765. This district was then Cumberland Co., Pa. The farm on which he lived is now known as Colfelt Farm. John Ewalt and his wife are buried on this farm. Their tombstones are still standing, surrounded by a small enclosure near where the public road forks. The family of
R. D. Barclay, of Philadelphia, have the Bible of John Ewalt, printed in German. Two brothers, Richard and Henry, came to Penn. with him.
The children of John Ewalt, b. 1707, d. 1792, and Sarah (his wife), b. 1726, d. Jan. 10, 1809, were:
Samuel, b. July 22, 1750.
Mary, m. George Funk.
Henry, born Jan. 27, 1754, m Elizabeth Fry (widow Keller).
Rebecca.
Esther, m. Martin Riley.
John.
Anna, m. Jacob Barnett.
Sarah, m. Robert Spencer.
Richard, b. July 3, 1772.
The Bedford, Pa., Inquirer, of Dec. 17, 1897, writing of the family, says: "The three daughters of John married prominent citizens in the early history of Bedford. Richard Ewalt moved to Schellsburg; he had two sons, Wm.' and Henry, who moved west, and a daughter who became the wife of Gen. James Burns. Charles Riley, for many years treasurer of Bedford Co.' was a great-grandson of John Ewalt."
The children of Henry Ewalt, Rev. soldier, b. Jan. 27, 1754, d. 1829, and Elizabeth Fry (widow Keller), died 1837, were:
1. Sarah, b. April 16, 1793, d. Sept. 13, 1837, m. 1800, Joseph Shawhan, b. Sept. 12, 1781, d. Sept. 15, 1871.
2. Mary S.,` born Aug. 28, 1785, m. Sept. 10, 1806, Hugh Miller.
3. Rebecca, m. John Ravenscraft, moved to Missouri to live.
4. John Ewalt, m. 1st Elizabeth Ravenscraft on June 30, 1809, 2nd Polly Haley on Nov. 6, 1833, 3rd Mrs. Sarah Flowers on June 27, 1844.
5. Samuel Ewalt, b. Aug. 12, 1792, d. Aug. 28, 1878, m. 1st Cynthia Pugh, b. March 30, 1795, m. Dec. 24, 1817, d. Sept. 28, 1833, m. 2nd Eliza Smith.
6. Richard Ewalt, b. 1795, d. Oct. 15, 1833, m. Maria Stamps, b. Feb. 24, 1784, m. Sept. 9, 1821, d. Dec. 12, 1871.
7. Henry Ewalt, m. Katura Stamps on Nov. 23, 1820, b. Feb. 3, 1799 moved to Missouri to, live.
Elizabeth Frye, wife of Henry Ewalt, was the dau. of Abraham Frye, Sr., born 1750, in Frederick Co., Va., died April 4, 1801.
The children of Abraham Frye Sr., were:
Benjamin Frye, m. Nancy Keller James.
Abraham, Jr. b. June 4, 1764.
Margaret.
Christine.
Elizabeth, m. 1st Keller 2nd .
Rebecca, m Jos. Forman.
Catherine.
Nancy m Noah Spears.
Abraham Frye, Sr., was born in Frederick Co., Va., where he built a stone house in 1747. (Mr. Jos. H. Ewalt and other descendants have pictures of this house and of the tombstones of Benjamin Frye and others of the family.) Abraham Frye, Sr., moved to Fallowfield, Washington Co., Pa., in 1768. While living there he served as in in Captain Charles McClay's Co. of the 1st Battalion of Cuberland Co. Militia—Carlisle April 18, 1778. See p. 845, Vol. 23, Penn. Archives, 3rd Series; for further service see p. 396 Vol. 6 Penn Archives, 6th Series. Abraham Frye, Sr., was the son of Benjamin Frye, d. 1753, Christine, his wife, died Aug. 27, 1752.
Their children were:
Abraham, Sr.
Henry.
Joseph.
Jacob.
Samuel, b. 1729, d. 1814, m Christine Speers, b. 1752, d. 1841
Benjamin, m. Speers.
Christine.
William.
Elizabeth.
BB-46
Ewalt's Crossroads, Henry Ewalt House; 1788, 1815.
Paris-Cynthiana Road
Still owned by descendants of the eighteenth century builder, this interesting early dwelling has appropriately been known as Ewalt's Crossroads since at least the Civil War. It consists of a two-story frame section with huge stone end chimneys, believed to have been built in 1788, and a two-story stone ell facing to one side with a one-story stone addition at the end of the ell. The frame portion has characteristic woodwork of the earliest type found in Kentucky, with panelled overmantel and the very rare original crown molding. The stone ell has typical Federal woodwork, suggesting a date of about 1815. Although somewhat remodelled in the early 20th century, the house remains one of the most convincing early dwellings in the county. A stone barn and the Ewalt family cemetery (BB-80) are located near the house.
The original portion of the house was constructed by Henry Ewalt, a Revolutionary War veteran. Ewalt emigrated to Bourbon County from Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1788, and purchased a 200 acre tract of land north of Cooper's Run from John Hagin of Mercer County.
After his father's death, the farm was inherited by Samuel Ewalt, Sr. who not only enlarged and developed the farm, but also was active in public affairs. A farmer by vocation, he also operated a distillery near the small community of Shawhan. In both 1861 and 1877 the farm is identified as the property of William and Joseph Ewalt, two of the sons of Samuel, Sr. The former seems to have inherited another of his father's properties, Cedar Grove, on the Cynthiana Road near the Harrison County line (BB-83), while the latter, a prominent stockraiser, remained at Ewalt's Crossroads.
Whitley; Perrin, pp. 67, 462-63, 678-79; Johnson, 111, 1357-60; Kerr, 111, 487-88; Elizabeth E. Grimes, "Ewalt's Crossroads," Kentuckian Citizen, 7/7/1928, p. 53; 7/11/1934.
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Daniel Boone and James Fry(e)
While the encounters between the Boones and John, Jacob and William Fry(e) are a matter of historical record, a connection with James is only circumstantial at best. While it is quite possible that James may have met Boone face to face, there is slim chance of ever proving it at this point. Despite that lack of physical evidence, Boone undoubtedly had a great impact on him.
James Fry(e) was born in Frederick County, Virginia sometime around 1750, and moved with his parents, Abraham and Agnes-Ann (Young) to southwestern Pennsylvania somewhere between 1769 and 1772 (see Journal, Aug. 1993). He was a resident there when Washington County was created in 1781, having paid taxes that year on 200 acres, two horses, four cattle and four sheep (PA Archives Series 3, V22, p 731). He was apparently living near the farms of his parents and two brothers in Fallowfield Township. He was married to Nancy Spears, daughter of Henry and Regina (Froman) Spears, and although the date is not certain, it must have been Just prior to 1775. It might be noted that Henry Spears and Paul Froman migrated to western Pennsylvania from Frederick County, Virginia as well, and it is quite possible that they and the Kellar, Crist and Frye families may have migrated together. Nancy was born apparently in Virginia on March 17, 1759 (Spear-Fry Cemetery, Bourbon County, Kentucky).
In 1784, immediately following the end of the Revolutionary War, James served as a 4th Class in the Washington County, Pennsylvania militia in an Indian Spy Company under Lt. Thomas Crook. Two years later, James was involved in a controversy with the U.S. government, and on April 27, his home and improvements were burned on land settled contrary to regulations set forth by the U. S. Congress. He had, at this point, been located some thirty miles downstream (southwest) of Pittsburgh on the Virginia side of the Ohio River adjacent to the present state of Ohio. This was probably in what is now Ohio County, West Virginia, and although the specifics are not known, it is speculated that he may have built a cabin or shelter across the river, perhaps grazing cattle, thus defying a treaty with the Indians. Also involved in the controversy, was John Kellar. Perhaps we can look at this in more detail at another time.
James Fry(e)'s arrival into central Kentucky is thought to have been sometime between mid-1787 and early 1788. At any rate, he is not on the list of taxpayers for 1787, but is the following year. This is also true of the party that appears to have migrated with him. In all probability, James and Nancy migrated to Kentucky along with Henry and Elizabeth Ewalt, and Jacob and Elizabeth Spears. (Elizabeth Frye Kellar Ewalt was a sister to James, and Jacob Spears was a brother of Nancy, James' wife. Thus these three families were closely related.) If they arrived late in the summer of 1787, they may easily have missed the tax assessments for that year, for the Virginia legislature had passed a law in October of 1786 decreeing that tax collecting operations in the Kentucky counties were to begin on March 10 of the following year. Although greatly scattered out over a large area, with such a small number of residents then living in Bourbon County, it would seem reasonable that those in the Fry(e) party may have arrived late enough that year to have missed the taxation process for 1787. Furthermore, various legal records, including tax lists, for Washington County Pennsylvania, give witness that Jacob Spears and Henry Ewalt were in Washington County in 1786, but show no evidence of their presence the following year. In addition, James Jr. is said to have been born in Kentucky in 1787. This information comes from the research of Robert Excell Fry of Pike County, Missouri, who did a very scholarly research through court house records etc., back in the 1920s. He is a descendant of James Fry Jr. Unfortunately, his source is at this point. Nevertheless, James Jr.'s brother Abraham was born there the following May (1788).
In an article written by Josephine H. Ewalt, the following notation is written concerning her great-great- grandfather, Henry Ewalt:
"When he was mustered out (from service during the Revolution) and returned to Western Pennsylvania, he found that his neighbor had been killed in the War and had left a young son and widow, she (being) Elizabeth Frye Keller.* In 1782, Henry married the young widow. Two little Ewalt girls and an Ewalt boy came along in due time. And now Henry had to take a look at the economic future.
"He had brothers older than he. The English primogeniture laws still prevailed in the Colonies during this pre- Constitutional period. Henry was most certainly not going to inherit the Bedford County land. So he decided to try his fortunes in the newly opened Kentucky County of Virginia. A flat boat down the Allegheny and into the Ohio to the landing place at Limestone (now Maysville) carried Henry and his family to the land of opportunity. The step-son, Abraham Keller. thus came to Kentucky and was the progenitor of many Kellers in this county." (From "Henry Ewalt and the House He Built").
Indeed, the party must have followed the Old Buffalo Trail, for it crosses Cooper's Run almost immediately behind the tract the Fry(e)s were to settle on. There to the north side of the Old Buffalo Trail, the Spears, Fry(e)s and Ewalts were to settle on adjacent tracts almost within shouting distance of each other. To the south side had been Cooper's Fort, built a dozen years before by John Cooper who was the first in the area to clear land and raise a corn crop, from which he sold seed to migrating settlers until Indians killed him. In between Cooper's Fort and the newcomer's tracts, ran Cooper's Run Creek.
The decade of the 1780s had seen numerous incidents between Indians and the few who dared to encroach upon their hunting grounds there in Bourbon County. These reached a peak in 1788 with the Shanks Massacre along Cooper's Run, a very short distance from where the Spears, Fry(e)s, and Ewalts had chosen to settle. "A small band of Indians had attacked the frontier house, and set it aflame to force out the victims, mainly the widow Shanks and her children. They terrorized the family, killing five, and kidnapping a girl whom they later scalped. The Indians stole some of the horses, and retreated. Neighbors pursued them and killed two of the Indians)" (Everman, p 4). It is likely that James Fry(e), Jacob Spears and Henry Ewalt were among the neighbors that pursued the Indians. Everman mentions that Jacob Spears was one of the prominent officers of the militia in those early years (p 16). As for James, he is listed as a lieutenant in the Bourbon County Militia as of July 29, 1789, and by November 5th of the following year, has risen to the rank of captain. Although the Indian threat abated, settlers remained cautious, as Indians continued to raid along the overland routes.
*Her first husband, Jacob Kellar, died in 1781. She remarried very soon afterward, and their first child was born in 1782.
**John Keller stated in a deposition dated 1806 that he came in the year 1776 with a party including Patrick Jordan, Reuben Wats (Waits), James Thompson, John Irvin and others. He made an entry for his brother, Jacob Keller. He stated that Abraham Keller was the son of Jacob Keller, deceased" (Ardery, p 12). This Jacob Keller (Kellar) is Elizabeth Frye's first husband.
For the new arrivals, this location may have made more sense in 1787/88 than it perhaps would a decade later. In 1787, there was no town of Paris. Indeed, one of the first structures there was Duncan Tavern, built in 1788. Yet a short distance from our settlers at Cooper's Run, was the Johnson Inn, located strategically along the Buffalo Trail. Built also in the 1780s, it was a favorite stopping place for travelers in their journey between Limestone and Lexington. While the area was chosen as the county seat for the newly formed Bourbon County (1786), court was held at first in the homes of prominent settlers (John Kiser's home on Cooper's Run was chosen that year). It must have seemed in 1787/88 that a community might well spring up near where they had settled. This would change with the selection in 1789 of Hopewell (Paris) by the Virginia legislature to be the county seat (see Jacob Fry).
Our party of settlers undoubtedly lived in rude shelters at first, as attested to by Josephine Ewalt:
"In 1788, Henry bought 200 acres of land North of Cooper's Run for the amazing sum of 110 pounds sterling (about $1.50 an acre). On that land, he built first a small temporary house, while he and his neighbors cleared the land of the thick virgin forest so that they could plant crops. They finally built the ‘big house,’ the two story frame front part of today's structure with stone chimneys at each end."
While there is some controversy as to exactly when the structure was built, it is estimated that construction occurred during the early to mid-1790s. It still stands today at what is appropriately known as Ewalt's Crossroads. Of it, Everman states, "This Revolutionary War veteran possessed one of the most elegant homes with paneled walls (ash and walnut) and molded ceilings, and decorated with exquisite hand carvings" (p 19).
Perhaps during this same time, Jacob Spears began construction on his house, "Stone Castle". It is featured in the book, Historic Architecture of Bourbon County, Kentucky, which states, "The house was built for Jacob Spears shortly after his arrival in Bourbon County in 1787 or 1788. It has the characteristics of the work of builder John Metcalfe, who had travelled to Kentucky from Virginia with a group under the guidance of Simon Kenton in the same year" (Langsam, p 38). Whether the Spears, Fry(e) and Ewalt party came in from Limestone with this group may never be known. Yet it is interesting that attempts were made at such an early point to establish the trappings of civilization, though the conditions upon their arrival were far from that.
While the Spears home was perhaps, chiefly the work of John Metcalfe, undoubtedly Jacob's sons and slaves helped with the labor. It features a spiral staircase and cherry paneling in the front room, and is considered a county historical landmark today. Jacob Spears was to make his money in the distillery business, one of 128 listed in the Bourbon County Census of 1810. Across the lane on the Fry(e) side, the Spears built a warehouse for their distillery operation, and this also still stands. While James undoubtedly dabbled in the same business at times, he was certainly never to become the successful entrepreneur that the Spears were. It is likely that much of his labor was put into farming, although Langsam tells of James' son Abraham, "Fry was an early settler in this area, and operated a distillery on his farm. His son, I. N. (Isaac Newton) Fry, continued to occupy the farm, and his name appeared on both the 1861 and 1877 maps" (p 39).
As for James Fry(e), he was to purchase his 200 acres from the Jacob Spears tract on July 20, 1790. Unfortunately, his home no longer survives as do the other two. Undoubtedly their first structure was also a crude cabin, but as was the case with the others, this was replaced by a more permanent home. However, unlike the others, we have no surviving clues as to when it may have been built. The fact that it was brick, has led some to question the possibility of an early date. Yet Ardery notes that, "More permanent buildings of brick began to replace those of log by 1796" (p 7). This may come as a surprise, but Langsam says much the same. Since James didn't seem to prosper on the scale of his neighbors, we may surmise that his was probably the last of the three to be built. Nor did it share the elegance of the others. Even the fact that the Fry(e) homestead was called "Musk Rat Valley" fails to compare with the more sophisticated "Stone Castle" of the Spears estate. This is the same estate that James willed to his son Abraham in September of 1809. The fact is that other than in the 1810 census, we hear very little about James during the next decade, although we know that Nancy continued to live there at the homestead with her son until her death in 1839 (Mar. 25).
James may have been in and out of the county during this, period as he was in February of 1804 when he and Jacob Spears brought litigation against one Abner Reeves over a debt (Common Pleas Ct., Knox Co. Indiana Territory Minutes 1800-1806, p 171). He probably set up the original distillery on his farm - the one his son Abraham operated (Langsam). Perhaps this was the reason for his less than settled life style. Although we have no record as to how much he produced, or how he disposed of his stock, his nephew Solomon Spears (Jacob's son) floated barrels by boat down to New Orleans, and then walked back home up the Natchez Trace, making the trip 13 times during that early period (Everman, p 37). Although James' age may have prevented a trip of that magnitude (to New Orleans), his business dealings may still explain his apparent absences. He certainly seems to have possessed a restless spirit. Ultimately however, it may have been Daniel Boone that ignited his desire to move on into Missouri.
In 1799 Boone had become discouraged enough with his debts and failed business dealings, that he left for Missouri, although he is said to have given the following reason officially, "Too many people. Too crowded! Too crowded! I want more elbow-room" (Steele, p 393). Nearing his 65th birthday in 1799, Boone set out for the Femme Osage District of Spanish-owned Missouri. As Boone made the trip on foot, crowds gathered all along the way to see this famous hunter. Within a year, Spanish officials appointed him magistrate of the district. whose duty was to keep law and order, and occasionally judge law cases. Though possessing no legal experience, he, nevertheless, gained a reputation for wisdom and fairness. When the territory passed from Spanish into French and then American hands in 1803, Boone again lost most of his land claims, since they had been registered with Spanish officials. Finally, in 1814, a year after the death of his wife Rebecca, a small portion of his claims were restored to him by the U. S. Congress in appreciation for his role in the opening of these two frontiers. 'As a result, Boone became financially able to return in 1817 to Kentucky to pay off debts. Some of the earliest records in Bourbon County concern suits against Boone and Simon Kenton for not "paying their debts promptly". Boone was, in fact, quite conscientious despite the losses he had repeatedly suffered regarding land claims.
Having said he would never return to Kentucky, Boone mellowed in his latter years. Like a returning hero, wherever he went, people turned out to get a glimpse of him, as "...aging companions came to see him and brought their children and grandchildren so that in years to come they could say that they had once shaken the hand of Daniel Boone" (The Long Hunter; Elliott, p 199). Boone reportedly reached home with but 50¢ left.
Could it be that James was one of those that sought out Boone's attention? Did he listen to Boone's accounts of Missouri? Perhaps! Perhaps not! Yet sometime in his late 60s, James began planning for his final adventure - into Missouri. Yet even more remarkable, Boone returned home that year to prepare for his final hunting trip - this time west to Kansas and the Dakotas, following the Platte River to the Rockies, and spending the winter season trapping in the Yellowstone region. But what made this so remarkable was that Boone was well past his eightieth birthday. Back in Missouri, he was sought out in 1819 by the American artist Chester Harding who is thought to have made the only portrait of Boone painted from life. And Finally, on September 26, 1820 at the age of 86, Boone died while visiting the home of his son Nathan.
According to research done by Robert Excell Fry, James and some of his family came to Pike County Missouri in the spring of 1819. He noted that James Jr. was in Kentucky early in 1819 but not in 1820. In addition, of James Sr.'s other children, Jacob, Benjamin, and possibly Nancy also went out to Missouri. However, there is no evidence that their mother Nancy ever went west. This has left family researchers with some glaring questions. Nancy would have been 60 at the time, but still younger than her husband. When James willed his farm to his son Abraham, Nancy continued to live there with him, and was there when she was named on a summons on October 4, 1820 that she was an heir to part of the estate of Solomon Spears, deceased. In fact, she died there twenty years later on March 25, 1839, and was buried in the Spears-Fry Cemetery behind the Jacob Spears mansion in Bourbon County. Why did she not join her husband in Missouri? He appears to have been in Missouri for possibly two and a half years before his death in Pike County, where he made out and recorded his last will on September 1, 1821. In this he gave his son Jacob "all my lands in this county... ," (as well as) "my mulatto woman, named Matilda and her child named Lewis, together with all my other estate both real and personal...." He acknowledged that his other children had already received their inheritance and would receive no more. Had James and Nancy been estranged (receipts do exist that show she did send money to Missouri territory), or did she plan to join him after living quarters had been adequately prepared? To this and other questions we may never have an answer. Yet James, like Boone, had lost a considerable sum of money in a land sale deal, and had few personal effects at the time of his death. (See Journal July 1992.) Whether James ever personally met Boone we'll probably never know. Yet Boone's influence on the restless spirit of James Fry(e) certainly seems strong to say the least. (A great deal more can be said of James Fry(e) -a fascinating man we plan to feature again.)
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
"All Who Are Not Cowards Follow Me!" Pamphlet, Pub. by Kentucky Dept. of Parks, Frankfurt, KY, 1993.
Andery, Mrs. William Breckenridge. Historical Scrapbook. Bourbon County, KY: Produced by Bourbon Co. Sesquicentennial Commission, Inc. 1939.
Blanton, Alice Rogers Clay. Historical Map of Bourbon County, KY. 1934.
Bourbon County Taxpayers, 1787-1799. Miami Beach, FL: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1992.
Brookes-Smith, Joan E. Master Index, Virginia Surveys and Grants 1774-1791. Frankfurt, KY: Kentucky--Historical Society, 1976.
Bryan, William S. and Rose, Robert. Pioneer Families of Missouri. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1984.
Carpenter, Stephen J. "Roster of 'First Kentucky Ancestors' - Adam Carpenter" Kentucky Ancestors. Kentucky Historical Society, Vol. 24 #2, 1988: p 121.
Cavan, Seamus. Daniel Boone and the Opening of the Ohio Country. New York: Chelsea House-Publishers, 1991.
Clift, G. Glenn. The History of Maysville and Mason County Vol I. Lexington, KY: Transylvania Printing Co., 1936.
Cook, Michael L. Fayette County Historical Records Vol. I. Evansville, IN: Cook Publications, 1985.
Cook, Michael L. Fincastle and Kentucky Counties, Virginia - Kentucky Records and History Vol. I. Evansville, IN: Cook Publications, 1987.
Cook, Michael L. Kentucky Pioneer Genealogy and Records Vol. 11 (1). Hartford, Ky: Cook and McDowell Pub., Jan. 1980. p 18.
Elliott, Lawrence. The Long Hunter. A New Life of Daniel Boone. New York: Readers Digest Press, 1976.
Everman, H. E. The History of Bourbon County 1785 - 1865. Paris, KY: Bourbon Press, 1977.
Ewalt, Josephine Hedges. "Henry Ewalt and the House He Built." Bourbon County KY: An
unpublished work, 1986.
Fackler, Colvin M. Early Days In Danville. Louisville: The Standard Printing Co., 1941.
Fothergill, Augusta B. and Nangle, John M. Virginia Taxpayers 1782-1787. Self Published, 1940.
Frye, Archie S. Personal conversations. Georgetown, KY, 1995-96.
Gilbert, Bil. God Gave Us This Country. New York: Atheneum, 1989.
Harding, Margery H. George Rogers Clark and His Men - Military Records 1778 -
1784. Frankfurt: The Kentucky Historical Society, 1981.
"Highway Marker Placed in Memory of John Fry Who Served in the American Revolution." Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine. Washington D.C.: December 1966. p 886.
Hughes, Nicky. "Battle of Blue Licks." The Kentucky Encyclopedia. Ed. John Kleber. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1992.
Jillson, Willard Rouse. The Kentucky Land Grants Vol I. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1971.
Langsam, Walter E. and Johnson, William G. Historic Architecture of Bourbon County, Kentucky. Bourbon County: The Kentucky Heritage Council, 1985.
Nickell, Joseph. "Daniel Boone." The - Kentucky Encyclopedia. Ed. John Kleber. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1992.
Norris, J. E. History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. Chicago, IL: A. Warner and Co., Publishers, 1890.
Pennsylvania Archives. Series 3, Vol. 22. Ed. Egle, William Henry. Harrisburg, PA: William Stanley Ray - State Printer, 1897.
Rockenfield, Sarah Ridge. Our Boone Families, Daniel Boone's Kinfolks. Evansville, IN: Whipporwill Publications, 1987.
Rone, Sr., Wendell H. An Historical Atlas of Kentucky and her Counties. Mayfield, KY: Mayfield Printing Co., 1965.
Selby, John E. The Revolution in Virginia 1775-1783. Williamsburg, VA: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1988.
Spraker, Hazel Atterbury. The Boone Family. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1982.
Steele, William 0. "Daniel Boone." World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 2 Chicago, IL: Scott Fetzer Co., 1976.
Thwaites, R. G. Kellogg, L. P. "Dunmore's War (1774)." Dictionary of American History. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1940.
Zumwalt, Solomon. "Biagrapha of Adam Zumwalt." Missouri Historical Review Ed. Brownlee, Richard S. Columbia,, MO., April, 1954. pp 252-257+.
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Ewalt Genealogy By JOSEPH HEDGES EWALT [1]
John Ewalt, Senior, was born in Palatine on the Rhine, Germany, in 1707, and emigrated to Amerlca In 1765 with his wife, Sarah, born In 1726, and two brothers, Richard and Henry.
They settled on a farm about two miles east of Bedford, Pennsylvania, then known as Cumberland County, which was a vast wilderness of woods, located on Dunnings Creek, and cleared a farm known as the Colfelt farm, which was less than one-half mile from, and in plain view of an Indian settlement in the lowlands and near this small stream. Indian arrowheads have been gathered there by the hundreds. The celebrated Ewalt apple originated on this farm.
John Ewalt, Senior, died upon this farm November 12, 1792, at the age of 86 years, and his wife, Sarah, died January 10,1809, at the age of 83 years.
They are burled about one-eighth mile east of the home on said farm, and just east of the forks of the roads, and about 25 feet from the road, and about 25 feet above the road surface, on a natural elevation or hill.
Their graves are enclosed in a lot about 11 feet square, surrounded by a solid stone wall three feet high, and two inches thick at the head and 18 inches thick at sides and foot, and laid with masonry of concrete and flint stone.
There are two tablets inside this enclosure on marble 20 inches wide and two inches thick and about 30 or more inches high, with very pretty scroll tops. On one is the followling inscription "In memory of John Ewalt, Senior, who departed this life November 12, 1792, aged 85 years." On the other, "In memory of Sarah Ewalt, consort of John Ewalt, Senior, who departed this life January 10th 1809, aged 83 years." Each also have foot stones with just the initials. The remarkable thing about same is fact that the lettering is just as plain as though placed there very recently.
John Ewalt, Senior, and Sarah Ewalt were the parents of the following named children: Samuel, Mary, Henry, Rebecca, Esther, John, Anna, Sarah and Richard. The dates of their birth were from July 22, 1750 to January 3rd, 1772.
Henry, the second son, was born January 27, 1754. He rendered gallent service as a soldier in the Continental line during the "War of the Revolution." On the 10th. of December 1777, about one month prior to his 24th. birthday, he was commissioned an Ensign of the Sixth Company of the First Battalion oI Pennsylvania Militia. His command played an important part throughout the memorable conflict to gain our independence.
He married Mrs. Elizabeth (Frye) Keller, widow of Jacob Keller. She was born in Frederick County, Virginia, the daughter of Abraham Frye, Senior, and Agnes Ann Frye.
Abraham Frye, Senior, was a member of Captain Charles McCluy's Company of First Battalion Cumberland County, Pennsylvanla Militia during the Revolutionary War.
Several years following that was Henry and Elizabeth (Frye) (Keller) Ewalt removed from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, while the latter was still under the Jurisdiction of Virginia.
On the fourth of August 1788, John Haggin of Harrodsburg located in the same territory, deeded to Henry Ewalt, 200 acres of land north on Coopers Run Creek (now in Bourbon County) for a consideration of 110 pounds sterling, amounting to a little in excess of $500.
About 1795, he built a two story frame house with lower and upper halls and a small ell. The original front is still in an excellent state of preservation. During the period of the second war with England (1810-1812), the ell was torn away to make room for a two story stone addition to the original two story building above mentioned. The walls are 22 inches thick, and the masonry is still as solid as when built, now over 130 years ago.
In this substantial building were reared seven children of this couple, who were endowed with the pioneer strength and industry. They spent their declining years in this home made possible by youthful activities and superior foresight, until the final summons. His death occurred in 1829 , and his companion closed her eyes to things material in 1837.
Their remains are interred in the family burying ground, enclosed by a well constructed stone wall on the old homestead, located at a point where two highly improved macadamized roads cross, six miles from what is now known as Paris; the county seat of Bourbon County, on the road leading to Cynthiana, Harrison County, bearing the appellation of "Ewalt's Crossroads."
The names of the seven children of Henry Ewalt (1754-1829) and Elizabeth (Frye) (Keller) Ewalt were as follows: Sarah, Mary, John, Rebecca, Henry, Samuel and Richard.
Samuel, the third son, served with Captain Brasfield's company in the quartermaster's department under the supervision of General James Taylor and Thomas Bodley of Paynes Brigade of Kentucky Militla, War of 1812.
By his frugality and business acumen, he accumulated a sufficient acreage of land, making it possible for him to ride "horseback" (a method of transportation so universal in pioneer days ) upon his own land, covering a distance of over two miles, extending from Coopers Run Creek to Townsend Valley Creek, the border stream between the counties of Bourbon and Harrlson.
For a period, he was engaged in flatboating livestock and merchandise on the Ohio and Mississippi river from the then growing center of Cincinnati to New Orleans.
He married Cynthia Pugh (born March 30, 1795) on December 24, 1817 (died September 28, 1833). She was the daughter of Joseph Pugh (1753-1820) and Elizabeth (Hunt) Pugh (1763-1829). Joseph Pugh was comissioned a lieutenant in the 14th. Virginia Regiment upon Continental establishment, Revolutionary War.
They were the parents of eight children, viz: John Hunt, Elizabeth, Ann Wllliam Pugh, Elizabeth Ann, Joseph Henry, Mary Susan and Sara Smith. Samuel Ewalt's (1782) second marriage was to Ellza Porter Smith (born August 27,1799) on June 7,1834 (died February 28, 1863).
The issue by that union were Samuel, Ann Smlth and Cynthia Pugh.
At the advanced age of 86, the long and useful career came to an end on August 28, 1878. His remains, together with the two wives and two children (the second and third of the first marriage dying in infancy), also the father-in-law, Joseph Pugh (1753-1820), and mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Hunt) Pugh (1763-1829) are interred in the burying ground near Mount Carmel Christian church, a short distance from the home where he resided during his closing years.
On March 1st., 1853, William Pugh (1825-1896) and Joseph Henry Ewalt (1828-1877), second and third sons of Samuel Ewalt (1792-1878) and Cynthia (Pugh) Ewalt (1792-1833) were deeded by their parents, the ancestral Ewalt Home (known as Ewalt Crossroads) with 380 acres of land surrounding it. Besides general farming by these brothers, a specialty was made of dealing in mules, breeding and training pedigreed horses. The partnership continued with success until the death of the junior in 1877. The land was then divided; the homestead with 215 acres was allotted to the widow and two children of Joseph Henry (1828).
Joseph Henry Ewalt (1828) and Sophia M. Spears (born September 6, 1838) were married on December 18, 1868. Her ancestors emigrated from Virginia before Kentucky was admitted to statehood, June 1st. 1792. There was no issue from this union. She died August 27, 1857
He then married Henrietta Hedges (born August 6, 1839) on December 10, 1863.
Her ancestors were of English descent, who came to Kentucky from Maryland and Virginia prior to 1800. Her immediate grandfather, Joseph Hedges (1750-1805) served in the Revolutionary War with Captain John Combs Company (also known as Captain James Wards Company ) in the Regiment on Foot, Contlnental Troops, commanded by Col. Oliver Spencer, from September 1777 to December 1780. The enlistment was for the duration of that war.
There were four children born to Joseph Henry (1838) and Henrietta (Hedges) Ewalt (1839), viz: Joseph Hedges, born July 16, 1866; Rebecca Anne, born January 11, 1867; died Septembor 17, 1867; Lily, born April 20, 1869, died November 15, 1886, in Brooklyn, New York of typhoid pneumonia and Letty Clay, born December, 31, 1870, died April 16, 1874 following an illness of 10 weeks of spinal meningitis, an epidemic of that disease for several months.
The father, Joseph Henry (1828), found interest in democratic politics as a diversion.from an active business career. The mysteries of the age old fraternity, Masonry, were unveiled to him in the middle of eighteen fifties, completing the first two branches the symbolic and capitular rites, attaining the seventh degree, known as the Royal Arch.
A firm advocate of pregressiveness, ever ready to promote what was beneficial to his county—the community spirit strongly prevailed.
A protracted heart affectation was fatal, passing to "that realm from whose borne no traveler has returned" on August 1, 1877, in his 49th. year.
The widow, Henrietta (Hedges) Ewalt (1839) survived her companion nearly 40 years. Without experience she exhibited marked business ability in successfully administering the winding up of a complicated estate. Charity figured largely in her life; rendering assistance where it was needed. While in youth she joined Old Cane Rldge Christian Church, and reluctantly removed membership to be affiliated nearer later residence. The final summons came March 10, 1917, following a two years illness.
Joseph Hedges Ewalt, born July 15, 1865, after the passing of his father was a student at Lexington two years with Threlkeld Select School in the old Masonic Temple, corner Walnut and Short Streets, now the site of the Central Christian church; then three years at Transylvania University. After completing a commercial course at Eastman's National Business College, Poughkeepse, New York, he was employed as bookkeeper by the Delaware Wagon Company, Delaware, Ohio. Severing his connection with that company, he returned to Bourbon County, March 1, 1887, to take charge of the old homestead in conjunction with his mother, where general agricultural pursuits with stock raising have been the main features for more than half a century.
In the historic home of Mr. and Mrs. Williiam Garrard Talbot at Mount Lebanon in Bourbon County, on the 19th. of November 1903, a solemn ceremony was performed by Reverend Cary E. Morgan, pastor of the Paris Christian church, uniting the destinies ot Joseph Hedges Ewalt (1866) and Nancy Clay Thomas born July 17, 1876, the daughter of Keller (1845-1914) and Martha (Anderson) Thomas (1844-1902). She is lineal descendant of Moses Thomas, John Hinkson, John Strode, Andrew Lair, Thomas Pope and Abraham Frye, Senior, veterans of the Revolutionary War. Owing to their service, she holds membership in the Jemima Johnson chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
The father enlisted in the Confederate Army at the age of 16, rendering valliant service under that gallant and intrepid leader, General John Hunt Morgan. Membership in the Richard Hawes chapter, No. 287, United Daughters of the Confederacy, for Mrs. Ewalt (1875) was made available by her father's activlty in behalf of southern cause.
The union of Joseph Hedges Ewalt (1865) and Nancy Clay Thomas Ewalt (1875) has been blessed with two attractive and self reliant daughters, viz; Ann Thomas born October 13, 1904 and Josephine Hedges Ewalt, born July 4, 1906. Their primary education was under the tutelage of Mrs. Fanniebelle Sutherland a noted instructor of Paris, for two years. Finished the four remaining years of graded school at Kiserton in Bourbon County. Had a four years course in Paris high school, graduating in June 1922, under the supervision ot Professor Lee Kirkpatrick, who merits a state wide reputation as a ranking superintendent.
The college courses of freshman and sophomore were taken at Randolph Macon Women's College at Lynchburg, Virginia. The last two years of the classical course were completed at Northwestern Univerelty, Evanston, Ill. The younger sister had the distinction of attaining the honorary scholastic fraternlty, Phi Beta Cappa, and ranking highest in scholarahlp of the 1926 graduating class, before attaining the age of 20 years. Chicago has been their home since college careers, "merely using the ancestral home as a parking place."
The elder sister taught school until her marriage to Cloyde Edwin McKinley, born Septomber 6, 1894, of Chicago, but native ot Nebraska. After five years of wedded happiness, the husband was called suddenly to his reward on August 20th, 1938.
The younger sister had a year's course in Journalism—plying that vocation until 1930, when she became associated with the United Savings and Loan League of Chicago, of which she is now publicity director.
It is the pride of their parents, that they are happily situated in the adopted home.
The home life of Joseph Hedges Ewalt (1865) has been all the pleasanter by the cooperation of his companion, who has made his interest, her interest.
Masonry has figured conspicuously in the life of the fifth proprietor of the pioneer homestead since the purchase from John Haggin on August 14, 1788.
Upon attaining his majority, he evidenced an interest in this ancient order. The fundamental principle portraying the beauties of the "brotherhood of man", were first unveiled to him on the 12th.of August 1863, at Hiram Lodge No. 18, Free and Accepted Masons, at Delaware, Ohio. Membership waa transferred to Paris upon his return to permanent residence at the place of birth. There have been activities in the local and state bodies.
The honor of being selected the presiding officer of Kentucky's four grand bodies has been conferred upon only eight during the 150 years of the State's Masonic history. Joseph. Hedges Ewalt is the sole survivor of those having been the recipient of such a distinguished achievement.
The last preferment was the coronation to the 33rd. and highest degree in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, conferred in "The House the Temple" Washington, District of Columbla, on a large clas__ representing every section of the vast territory.
He has been a member of the Kentucky Society, Sons of the American Revolution since March 26,1909, being a lineal descendant of seven ancestors who rendered service to establish American Independence, viz Henry Ewalt, Joseph Hedges, Joseph Pugh, Samuel Clay, Dr. Henry Clay, William Moran and Abraham Frye, Senior.
Mr. and Mrs. Ewalt have been communicants of the Paris Christian church for more than one-third of a century.
Spouses
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1: Elizabeth FREY/FRYE
Birth: 1757 Frederick County, Virginia
Death: 1837 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 80
Father: Abraham FRYE (-1807)
Mother: Agnes Ann YOUNG
Marriage: 1782 Pennsylvania
Children: Sarah "Sallie" (1783-1837)
Mary S. “Polly” (1785-1868)
Rebecca (1787-1861)
John (1789-1857)
Samuel (1792-1878)
Richard (1795-1833)
Henry D. (1796-1846)
Sources
1. “Early Bourbon Families”
(3) Name: John EWALT
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Birth: October 13, 1822 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: November 27, 1900 LaBelle, Lewis, Missouri Age: 78
Father: Henry D. EWALT (1796-1846)
Mother: Ketturah STAMPS (1799-1855)
Misc. Notes
John Ewalt, [1] county judge of Knox County, was born in Boarbon County, Ky., October 1, 1822. He is a descendant of two well-known and respected families of that State. His parents were natives of Bourbon County, and he and his father were born in the same house. His father, Henry Ewalt, was engaged in farming and stock raising the greater part of his life, and in 1845 immigrated to Lewis County, bringing a fine family of twelve children with him. After a short residence in this county he died, at the age of forty-nine years. In politics he was a Democrat. His widow continued to reside in Lewis County until her death, in 1854. Both were members of the Christian Church. Our subject, Judge Ewalt, was reared in his native county, and at the age of twenty-four went to Lewis County, when that part of the county was still in a wild and uncultivated condition. Previous to his residence in Lewis County, he sojourned a time in Wabash County, Ind., where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Lockhart, a native of that State, and a daughter of Triplit Lockhart. He then went to Lewis County, with his bride, where he remained from 1846 until 1865. He served in the army four years, enlisting in Company B, First Regiment Missouri State Guards, Harris' division. He was tit Athens, Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry, Pleasant Hill, Elkhorn, and participated in the siege of Corinth. He then joined his family, who had moved to Knox County, Mo., where he has since been engaged in farming. He now owns a good farm of 210 acres, well improved and well stocked. He is an active and enterprising man, of more than ordinary business ability, and in 1886 was elected judge of the Eastern District of Knox County. Judge and Mrs. Ewalt have had seven children, six of whom are living and married. They are Mary C., Henry C., Eliza J., Edward T., Sarah E. and John E. The judge is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
Spouses
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1: Sarah LOCKHART
Birth: August 22, 1822 Owen County, Kentucky
Death: February 9, 1908 LaBelle, Lewis County, Missouri Age: 85
Marriage: April 18, 1843 Wabash, Indiana
Children: Mary Catherine (1844-)
Henry Clay (1845-1894)
Eliza Jane (1847-)
Edward Triplett (1850-)
Sarah Elizabeth (Ellen?) (1851-)
infant
Mary K.
John Edward (1861-1951)
Sources
1. History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri, originally printed in 1887, re-printed by the Stevens Publishing Company, Astoria, Illinois, pp. 1034-1035.
(3) Name: Joseph Hedges EWALT
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Birth: July 16, 1865 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: January 4, 1956 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 90
Father: Joseph Henry EWALT (1828-1877)
Mother: Henrietta HEDGES (1839-1917)
Misc. Notes
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY AND KENTUCKIANS, E. Polk Johnson, three volumes, Lewis Publishing Co., New York & Chicago, 1912. Common version, Vol. III, pp. 1357-1360. [Bourbon County]
JOSEPH HEDGEs EWALT.-In view of the nomadic spirit that has grown to animate the American people to so great an extent, it is pleasing to find in any community representatives of old and honored families whose names have been long and prominently identified therewith and to find such scions worthily and successfully carrying forward the industrial enterprises of the sections in which they were born and reared. This is significantly true of Mr. Ewalt, who is numbered among the essentially representative agriculturists and stock-growers of Bourbon county and who owns and resides upon the fine old homestead plantation which figured as the place of his nativity.
Joseph Hedges Ewalt, an honored representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of Bourbon county, was born on his present homestead in Centerville precinct, that county, on the 15th of July, 1865. He is a son of Joseph Henry and Henrietta (Hedges) Ewalt, both likewise natives of Bourbon county, where the former was born November 27, 1828, and the latter, August 6, 1839. Joseph Henry Ewalt was a son of Samuel and Cynthia (Pugh) Ewalt, both of whom were natives of Bourbon county, where the former was ushered into the world August 12, 1792, and the latter on the 30th of March, 1795. Samuel Ewalt was a son of Henry Ewalt, who was born in Germany, on the 27th of January, 1754, and who was a lad of eleven years at the time when his parents, John and Sarah Ewalt, severed the ties that bound them to their fatherland and emigrated to America. They established their home in what is now Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and there they passed the residue of their long and useful lives. Henry Ewalt was reared to maturity in the old Keystone state, and it was his to render gallant service as a soldier in the Continental line in the war of the Revolution. On the 10th of December, 1777, about one month prior to his twenty-fourth birthday, he was commissioned ensign of the Sixth Company of the First Battalion of Pennsylvania Militia, and it was with this command that he played well his part in the great conflict through which oppression was hurled back and the boon of liberty gained. He married Mrs.. Elizabeth (Frye) Keller, widow of Jacob Keller and daughter of Abraham, Sr., and Agnes Ann Frye. Abraham Frye, Sr., was born in Frederick county, Virginia. He was a member of Captain Charles McClay's company of the First Battalion of Cumberland county (Pennsylvania) militia during the Revolutionary war.
In 1788 Henry and Elizabeth Ewalt removed from Pennsylvania to Kentucky and numbered themselves among the pioneers of Bourbon county. Their original homestead was that now owned and occupied by their great-grandson, Joseph H. Ewalt, whose name initiates this article. Here Henry Ewalt and his wife continued to reside until they were summoned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," and they contributed their quota to the development and upbuilding of this now opulent section of the Blue Grass state. On the 4th of August, 1788, John Hagin, of Mercer county, deeded to Henry Ewalt two hundred acres of land north of Cooper's Run, Bourbon county, for a consideration of one hundred and ten poundsabout five hundred dollars-and on this homestead Henry Ewalt died in September, 1829. Elizabeth Ewalt died in 1837. Their remains are interred in the family burying ground on the old homestead. The property has never passed out of the hands of the Ewalt family, by which it has thus been retained for nearly a century and a quarter.
Samuel Ewalt was born and reared in Bourbon county, and he contributed his quota to the reclamation and development of the home farm, while his educational advantages were limited to the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch. He became the owner of a large and valuable landed estate in Bourbon county and was one of the most successful planters of this section of the state, where he was influential in public affairs. He married Cynthia Pugh December 24, 1817. She was the daughter. of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hunt) Pugh. Joseph Pugh, in Bedford county, Virginia, in the spring of 1777, was commissioned a lieutenant
in the Fourteenth Virginia Regiment, upon Continental establishment. Cynthia (Pugh) Ewalt died September 28, 1833. His second marriage. was to Eliza Porter Smith, of Harrison county, on June 7, 1834. She was born August 27, 1799, and died February 29, 1852. Samuel Ewalt died August 28, 1878.
Joseph Henry Ewalt, the sixth in order of birth of the children of Samuel and Cynthia (Pugh) Ewalt, was reared to maturity on the old homestead plantation and was afforded such advantages as were offered in the common schools of the locality and period. On the 18th of December, 1856, was solemnized his marriage to Sophia M. Spears (born September 6, 1838), who died August 27, 1857. On the 10th of December, 1863, he wedded Henrietta Hedges, a daughter of Samuel (see sketch of Joseph Hedges on other pages of this work) and Rebecca (Moran) Hedges, members of well known pioneer families of Bourbon county. Rebecca (Moran) Hedges [born August 26, 1815, died February 9, 1893,] was the daughter of Edward B. and Letitia (Clay) Moran and granddaughter of Samuel and Nancy (Winn) Clay. Samuel Clay enlisted in the Revolutionary war in 1777, when less than sixteen years old, and followed General Greene throughout the campaign of the Carolinas.
Joseph Henry Ewalt well upheld the prestige of the family name and continued to be numbered among the representative agriculturists and stock-growers of his native county, until his death, which occurred on the 15th Of August, 1877. He was a man of strong character and most generous impulses,-direct. kind-hearted and sincere,-and no citizen commanded a fuller measure of popular confidence and esteem. His wife still survives hill' and has attained to the venerable age of seventy-one years (1910). She resides on the old homestead with her son Joseph H., and this place is endeared to her by the gracious memories and associations of the past. Her husband lived until his death, and virtually his entire life was passed on the ancestral estate, of a considerable portion of which Ile became the owner. The homestead, as now constituted, comprises two hundred and fifteen acres, and is one of the well improved an" valuable farm properties of the county Joseph Henry Ewalt was a staunch adherent of the Democratic party and ever manifested a lively interest in public affairs, though he never desired or held political office. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. Hiswidow has been a devoted adherent of the Christian church for over fifty years. Concerning the four children the following record is entered: Joseph Hedges, the eldest of the number, was born July 15, 1865, as has already been noted in this context; Rebecca Ann, who was born January 11, 1867, died on the 17th of the following September; Lily, who was born April 20, 1869, died November 15, 1885; and Lettie Clay, who was born December 31, 1870, died April 15, 1874. Thus the subject of this review is the only surviving child.
Joseph Hedges Ewalt found his early experiences compassed by the scenes, incidents and work of the home farm, and after duly availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of his native county he continued his studies for three years in the Kentucky University, now known as Transylvania University, at Lexington. Later he completed an effective course in the celebrated Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, in which institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1884. He then went to the city of Delaware, Ohio, where for the three ensuing years he held the position of bookkeeper for the Delaware Wagon Company, one of the leading industrial concerns of that place. In March, 1887, Mr. Ewalt returned to the fine old homestead, and here be has since been actively and -successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, in which latter department he has gained special prominence as a breeder of high-grade Short-horn cattle and Southdown sheep. He is progressive in connection with his business activities and avails himself of the best modern facilities in carrying forward the various departments of his farm industry. Everything about the attractive old homestead bears evidence of thrift and prosperity, and he has every reason to find satisfaction in the fact that he has not wavered in his allegiance to the vocation under whose influences he was reared, as his success has been of unequivocal order, the while his course hag been such as to retain to him the high regard of the community in which virtually his entire life has been passed.
As a man of strong intellectuality and well fortified opinions, Mr. Ewalt has been influential in public affairs of a local character, and lie is ever ready to lend his co-operation in the promotion of enterprises and undertakings that tend to advance the general welfare of the community. Though showing no predilection for official preferment, he clings to the faith in which he was reared and is a stalwart in the camp of the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are earnest and liberal in the support of the various departments of its work.
This review would stultify its consistency were there failure to make special note of the prominent position held by Mr. Ewalt in the time-honored Masonic fraternity, of which he is one of the most influential members in his native state. He has completed the circle of both the York and Scottish Rites, in which latter he has attained to the thirty-second degree, being affiliated with the Grand Consistory, A. A. S. R., in the city of Louisville, Kentucky. He has not only passed the various official chairs in each of the four subordinate bodies of York Rite Masonry, in which his maximum affiliation is with Cynthiana Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar, at Cynthiana, Kentucky, but he has also been called to high official station in the state organizations of these bodies. Thus it may be noted, that he is at the present time Grand Senior Warden of the Kentucky Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, and thus in line of advancement to the supreme office, that of Grand Master. He is Past Grand High Priest of the Kentucky Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; Past Grand Master of the state Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters; and Past Grand Commander of the Kentucky Grand Commandery of Knights Templar.' In 1912 he will, in course of regular events, succeed to the exalted office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the state, the highest position in the gift of the ancient-craft Masons of this jurisdiction. Upon his advancement to this position he will be one of only eight persons who have served as head of each of the Grand Bodies of York Rite 'Masons in the state of Kentucky. He is also affiliated with the adjunct bodies, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in which he is identified with Oleika Temple, at Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Ewalt has been a close and appreciative student of Masonic history, traditions and both the esoteric and exoteric phases of its work, and few are better fortified in such knowledge. He holds membership also in the Knights of Pythias and the Kentucky Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Five of his ancestors served in the Revolutionary war.
In the historic home of William Garrard Talbot, at Mount Lebanon, Bourbon county, on the 19th of November, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ewalt to Miss Nancy Clay Thomas, who was born in this county on the 17th of July, 1875, and who is a woman of culture and most gracious personality, being thus a charming chatelaine of the beautiful home over which she presides.
Mrs. Ewalt is the daughter of Keller and Martha (Anderson) Thomas, both of whom were born in Kentucky, the former on the 12th of October, 1845, in Bourbon county, and the latter on the 20th of February, 1844, in Harrison county, both being representatives of old and honored families of the Blue Grass state. Mrs. Thomas died in Bourbon county on the 29th of August, 1902, and Mr.Thomas now resides in the home of his son Henry A., in the city of Pontiac, Michigan. They became the parents of five children: Henry A., Anna, William, Nancy Clay and George, and of the number, William and George are deceased. Anna is a resident of Bourbon county, the wife of William Garrard Talbot, of whom mention is made on other pages of this work. Mrs. Ewalt is the great-great-granddaughter of Moses Thomas, one of the 1779 pioneers of Kentucky. Keller Thomas, her father, enlisted in the Confederate army at the age of sixteen years and served under General John Hunt Morgan. His daughters, Mrs. Ewalt and Mrs. Talbot, are enthusiastic members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The latter served two years as president of the state organization. Mr. and Mrs. Ewalt have two charming little daughters, Anne Thomas, born October 13, 1904, and Josephine Hedges, born July 4, 1906.
Spouses
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1: Nancy Clay THOMAS
Birth: July 12, 1875 Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: March 3, 1939 Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 63
Father: Keller THOMAS (1845-1914)
Mother: Martha M. ANDERSON (1844-1902)
Misc. Notes
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume
106
Mrs. Clay Thomas Ewalt.
DAR ID Number: 105955
Born in Bourbon County, Ky.
Wife of Joe H. Ewalt.
Descendant of Abraham Frye, Maj. John Hinkston, John Strode, Moses
Thomas, and Thomas Pope, as follows:
1. Keller Thomas (b. 1844) m. 1866 Martha Anderson (1844-1902).
2. William Henry Thomas (1818-1900) m. 1838 Nancy Keller (1821-86); John
Miller Anderson (1795-1866) m. 1829 Helena Pope (1808-91).
3. George Thomas m. 1817 Susanna Strode; Abraham Keller (1777-1834) m.
1799 Margaret Anderson (1784-1866); William Pope (b. 1785) m. Mary Fair
(1788-1839).
4. Moses Thomas m. Elizabeth Whaley; Jacob Keller m. Elizabeth Frye (d.
1837); James Strode (b. 1765) m. 1791 Margaret Forman; Thomas Pope m.
Phyliss Ann Bland.
5. Abraham Frye m. Agnes Ann Frye; John Strode m. Mary Bayles (b. 1739).
Abraham Frye served, 1778, as private in the 1st battalion of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania militia, Capt. Charles McClay's company. He was born
in Pennsylvania; died in Fallowfield, Pa.
John Hinkston (1740-1810) served in the warfare of Kentucky. He was
captured by the Indians, but made his escape. A station is named after
him. He was born in Virginia; died in Kentucky.
Also No. 82512.
John Strode, a patriot, built Strode's Station, which, in 1780, was
besieged by Indians. He was born in Virginia; died in Clarke County, Ky.
Moses Thomas (1756-1821) was a private in Capt. John Payton Harrison's
company, 2nd regiment of Virginia troops. He was born in Loudoun County,
Va.; died in Bourbon County, Ky.
Thomas Pope served in the navy as a mariner. He was born in Virginia;
died in Lancaster County, Ky.
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ROBERT THOMAS (b. ca 1690 d. 1768 Fairfax Co., Va.) AND HIS DESCENDANTS with special emphasis on the descendants of [5] MOSES THOMAS (b. 1740 Prince William Co., Va. d. Dec. 1818, Bourbon Co., Ky.), Betty Jane Gilbert (1922 - ), Published 1981. THE ANUNDSEN PUBLISHING CO. 108 Washington Street Decorah, Iowa 52101, Copyright 1981, Betty J. Gilbert, Republished 1983, p. 380.
"Nannie" Nancy Clay Thomas b. 17 July 1875 d. 3 March 1939 Bourbon Co. Ky. buried Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ky. m. 19 Nov. 1903 Bourbon Co. Ky. Joseph Hedges Ewalt b. 15 July 1865 Bourbon Co. Ky. d. 4 Jan. 1957 Bourbon Co. Ky. buried Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ky. son of Joseph Henry Ewalt and Henrietta (Hedges) [wait. GrandH Master Mason of Kentucky, Educated Threlkel Private School, Transylvania College and Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. From 1877 — 1887 he was bookkeeper Delaware, Ohio. Farmer, 1888 till death residing Ewalt Crossroads, Bourbon Co. Ky., residing on land owned by the Ewalt family since 1788 (Honorary Paper: Grand Lodge of Kentucky, 1957). Children:
Anne Thomas Ewalt b. 13 Oct. 1904 Ewalts Crossroads d. 2 May 1966 Chicago, Ill, buried Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ky. m. #1, 15 April 1933 Chicago, Ill. Cloyde Edwin McKinley b. 5 Sept. 1894 d. 20 July 1938. No children. m. #2, 23 March 1957 Glenview, Ill. Frederick James Smith d. 31 May 1966 Northbrook, Ill. No children.
Josephine Hedges Ewalt b. 4 July 1906 Ewalts Crossroads, Bourbon Co. Ky. Worked Washington, D.C. until retirement. Now living Ewalt Crossroads where she was born (see account of [574] Robert Martin Thomas for picture of her home).
Marriage: November 19, 1903
Children: Ann Thomas (1904-)
Josephine Hedges (1906-1996)
(4) Name: Josephine Hedges EWALT
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Birth: July 4, 1906 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: February 18, 1996 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 89
Father: Joseph Hedges EWALT (1865-1956)
Mother: Nancy Clay THOMAS (1875-1939)
Misc. Notes
The House That Henry Ewalt Built
by Josephine Hedges Ewalt, his great great granddaughter
In 1792 Henry Ewalt built the front six rooms of this house. He was forty years old; and his first forty years had been fraught with almost constant change--from his childhood" in Germany to his pioneering venture on the American frontier. By contrast, his last forty years were placid and settled. He lived here--in the house he had built--all the rest of his life. And he was buried on his own land, in a private plot (diagonally across the road from the house).
The First Forty Years
Born in the Rhineland Palatinate, young Heinrich (the proper German rendering of his name) sailed from Rotterdam, Holland when he was eleven years old. On the month-long journey by sailing ship he was accompanied by his parents, John and Sarah Ewalt, two uncles (brothers of John) and several of his own brothers and sisters.
They sailed up the Delaware River to land in Philadelphia, a Colonial city which already had a sizable German population. A year or so later, the parents, John and Sarah, took their family West to Bedford County where they had bought land on the frontier. There John Ewalt succeeded in making his farming knowledge from the Old World apply well and profitably in the New.
Heinrich (already getting used to being called Henry, since Penn's was a predominantly English speaking colony) had every reason to expect a settled adult life there on the farm. But the American Revolution changed all that. he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Militia to help the Colony resist British tyranny. The day before his twenty fourth birthday he was commissioned an Ensign.
When he mustered out and returned to Western Pennsylvania, he found that his neighbor, Jacob Keller, had been killed in the War, leaving a young son and widow (she was Elizabeth Frye Keller, whose grandfather like Henry was German born). In 1782 Henry married the young widow. Born to them in Pennsylvania were two little Ewalt girls and a boy.
The economic future of this family of six now became the basis of Henry's planning. His decision to leave Pennsylvania was partly based on the fact that he could not expect (as a younger son) to inherit the Ewalt acres in Pennsylvania under existing laws of promogeniture. He decided to try his fortune in the now open- to-settlers Kentucky County of Western Virginia. A flat boat down the Allegheny and into the Ohio brought the family to the land of opportunity. (The step-son, Abraham Keller, thus came to Kentucky and was progenitor of many Kellers, especially in Bourbon and neighboring counties).
In 1788 Henry Ewalt bought 200 acres of land North of Cooper's Run in Bourbon County. The cost was 110 pounds sterling. (About $1.50 an acre!). On that land, Henry Ewalt first built a small temporary house. With the help of neighbors (two or three families were already living in the area) he cleared the land of the walnut, ash, locust, wild cherry and sugar maple trees which constituted a fairly dense forest. This had to be done first in order that they might plant crops; then after a year or two the family could think about building the kind of home they aspired to.
They built, in 1792, --also the year Kentucky became the fifteenth state of the U.S.--the "big house." It was a two-story frame structure, two rooms on either side of a large hall, on first and second floors. The ceilings downstairs were ten feet high; the upstairs around seven and a half. Two stone chimneys were placed at each end; and a small "ell" in the back finished off the first stage of construction. This is basically the structure (minus the "ell") which is the front part of the 1991 house.
Several more children were born to Henry and Elizabeth after the move to Kentucky. At least five of the present members of Jemima Johnson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, are descended from Henry Ewalt. Even more numerous on the rolls of the Cynthiana Chapter, DAR, are his descendants. Among the Bourbon County descendants was Wade H. Whitley (Edna Talbott) who researched much of the Ewalt history.
After the War of 1812, in which Henry is son, Samuel, fought, the patriarch and his sons arranged for--and doubtless helped in the building of--a stone "ell", the back portion of the present house. It now comprises the dining room, with a full story room above, and two one-story rooms back of it, the kitchen and a spare room which has been put to various usages over the 175 years since. The stone walls are 23 inches thick.
Henry died in 1829, Elizabeth eight years later. (Since they died before even the most rudimentary photography was invented--and they did not have the wherewithal to get portraits painted in their day-we have no idea what they looked like). Both were buried in the family burial plot. Their son, Richard, who died relatively young even for those times, is also buried there. His grave was marked. Several unmarked graves surround them. A century after the death of Henry and Elizabeth, no one knew which of the two graves, side-by-side, was his and which hers; so when Jemima Johnson Chapter, DAR, marked the final resting place of Ensign Henry Ewalt, they placed the marker between the two graves. Both faced Eastward, as was the never failing custom in accord with the universal belief in the resurrection of the body.
HENRY'S DESCENDANTS and the Land
The land descended first to Henry's oldest son, Henry II. In 1840 he moved with his family to Missouri and sold the land to his younger brother, Samuel, whose India-ink portrait hangs over the sofa in the living room here. He was my great grandfather. lie deeded the land to his son, Joseph Henry Ewalt, my grandfather, in 1853, and he himself went to live two miles North on the Cynthiana Road with a still younger son, Sam. Samuel Ewalt, Sr., increased the patrimony substantially, having been said to be able to ride on his own land from Cooper's Run in Bourbon County to Townsend Creek on the Harrison County Border. This larger heritage was divided among several children so that the present farm includes roughly the-original two hundred acres.
On the death of Joseph Henry Ewalt in 1879, the land passed to his widow and thence to my father, Joseph Hedges Ewalt. From him and my mother (Nancy Clay Thomas, herself a descendant of Abraham Keller, the stepson of Henry Ewalt) the land and house passed to me.
6/27/1991
(5) Name: Keturah EWALT
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Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
Father: Richard T. EWALT (1838-1921)
Mother: Adaline MARTIN
Misc. Notes
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 124: Mrs. Keturah Ewalt Mendenhall. DAR ID Number: 123861 Born in Lewis, Mo. Wife of J. E. Mendenhall. Descendant of Ensign Henry Ewalt, as follows: 1. Richard Ewalt (b. 1838) m. 1859 Adeline Martin (b. 1841). 2. Henry Ewalt, Jr. (1790-1846), m. 1812 Keturah Stamps (1792-1856). 3. Henry Ewalt m. Elizabeth Frye Kellar (b. 1756). Henry Ewalt (1754-1829) served as ensign in the 6th company, 1st battalion, Bedford County, Pennsylvania militia, 1776. He was born in Germany; died in Bourbon County, Ky. Also No. 108579.
Spouses
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1: J. E. MENDENHALL
(6) Name: Sarah "Sallie" EWALT
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Birth: April 16, 1783 Bedford, Pennsylvania
Death: September 13, 1837 Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 54
Father: Henry EWALT (1754-1829)
Mother: Elizabeth FREY/FRYE (1757-1837)
Misc. Notes
Nicknamed "Sally." Sarah Ewalt b. 16 APR 1783, Bedford, PA, ref: HJZ5-LD, m. 6 Sep 1803, in Bourbon County, Kentucky,S2T Joseph Shawhan, b. 12 SEP 1781, (son of Daniel Shawhan and Margaret Bell) ref: HJZ2-S1,S1T d. 15 SEP 1871, Bourbon Co. , KY. Sarah died 13 SEP 1837, Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Spouses
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1: Joseph SHAWHAN
Birth: September 12, 1781 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Military: 1812 Colonel Indiana War of 1812 Age: 30
Death: September 15, 1871 Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 90
Occupation: Whiskey distiller and horse owner
Father: Daniel SHAWHAN Jr. (1738-1791)
Mother: Margaret Fry BELL (1742->1830)
Misc. Notes
This old stone house on the Edgewater Pike six miles from Cynthiana, was built by Joseph Shawhan. In 1788, at the age of seven, he came to Kentucky from Pennsylvania with his parents. His father, Daniel Shawhan, stopped at the spring back of Mt. Carmel Church, decided it was the best water he ever tasted and that he would build a distillery on the spot, which he did.
Daniel settled near Mt. Carmel, where he lived with his wife and eight children. He died before his children were grown, and Joseph and John came into Harrison County when quite young, both later becoming vast land owners in the county. (John was the great-grandfather of Mr. Jim Shawhan, now one of Cynthiana's most venerable citizens).
Joseph married Sarah Ewalt in 1800, fought in the War of 1812, then built this old house in 1816. His children were: Henry (who later became the first president of The National Bank), John, Daniel, Margaret (Mrs. Pugh Miller), Rebecca (Mrs. Wesley Hoggins) and Sarah (Mrs. John Lail). The old house had three separate doors and three stairways, a convenient arrangement when several of his married children lived with him for a time.
Joseph was quite a boy, according to Collins History which says, "He was the largest landholder of fine and costly lands in cultivation, reckoning by the number of acres, in Kentucky, and probably in America. He used to take flat boats with produce from the mouth of the Beaver on Licking River to the foreign port of New Orleans and travel back on foot through the Indian nation and wilderness with proceeds of the boat and cargo in Spanish doubloons and 'milled dollars' jingling in the pouch slung from a stick on his shoulder."
He was a self-made man with little if any formal education. He said that he began supporting himself when he was nine years old. Like his father, he was one of the first makers of "Bourbon County" whiskey, and during his lifetime operated a large and profitable distilling business in addition to his vast land holdings. He was a small, stockily built man very shrewd, energetic and alert, and not much inclined to take orders. One of his favorite sayings was, "Believe nothing you hear and damn little you see." Once during the Civil War, when he was riding home from Paris, he was stopped near the town by Federal troops stationed there to maintain martial law, and ordered to take off his spurs. He rude on, ignoring the order, but the officer in charge told the men not to shoot "the old fool," and he went on home without further interference.
He was always keenly interested in all the details of his business operations, and his great-grandson said that it was his habit when he was a very old man to climb up on a stack of straw he was buying and tramp it to be sure it was sound.
He represented Harrison County several times in the Legislature.
Besides his business interests, he was a great reader of the newspapers and all the books he could collect. He liked oil lamps with no chimneys which he placed between himself and his paper or book on a small table when he read.
He died in 1871, aged 90 years and 3 days. He was a most inveterate lover of horses and horse racing, having gone to the Lexington races, both spring and fall meetings, whenever held, since 1800. For 71 years, since his 19th year, this passion for racing and witnessing races had grown upon him; and he lost his life from an accident while returning from the great race won by the horse Longfellow. He was driving a young, nervous horse, and when he reached a woods not far from his home a storm came up and his horse became frightened. He unhitched it and mounted it to ride, but the horse was so frightened it threw him, injuring him fatally.
A handsome portrait of the old gentleman hangs in the home of Mrs. Agnes McDowell, his great-great-granddaughter. His only other direct descendants in the county are Elizabeth and Agnes McDowell, Susan Miller, Mrs. Dewey Kuster Jr., Mrs. Anna Sue Waits and Margaret Waits. Mr. Jim Shawhan is a great-nephew and Mrs. C. L. Robinson of Cynthiana and Miami Beach, is a great-great-niece.
After the death of Joseph Shawhan, the old house was owned by the following: John Snell Shawhan, his son, (1871-1882), Mrs. Thomas Worthington (1882-1923), R. D. Worthington (1923-1928), Mrs. Robert Lyne (1928-1935), Charles Bova (1935-1938), John Lang (1938-1942), Noah Florence (1942-1943), Ross Pepper Jr. (1943-1957). Mrs. Worthington, a widow, reared her children, Bessie and Robert D. in the old place.
After the Worthingtons, so far as we know, none of the owners lived in the old house, but lived instead, in the present Ross Pepper Jr. home on the New Lair Pike about half a mile away on the same farm.
Ross Pepper Jr. has recently torn down the log section of the house, the fireplace of which shows in the picture.
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He came to Kentucky with his father, Daniel , in 1788; and after his father's death in 1791, made his home with his widowed mother, his brother John and his unmarried sisters. In 1816 he was in Harrison County, first having been in Maysville. {Madsen, p. 26; NDN, p. 64}
"He was a member of the Kentucky Legislature in 1844-7 and 1857-61. The assessment books of Harrison County show that he owned 2500 acres of the blue grass land, 3500 acres in all, in Harrison and Bourbon Counties. He was a great lover of [racing] horses, as were all male members of his family, and attended the Lexington races since 1800; for 71 years this passion for racing had grown, and the last race he attended was in 1871…the race of "Longfellow" (Collins History of Kentucky, Volume II). Returning home, he was thrown from his horse and killed. Collins History of Kentucky Volume I/217 states: 'September 15, 1871, Joseph Shawhan; death by being thrown from his horse while returning from the Lexington races, aged 90 years and 3 days, the oldest turfman in Ky., and a farmer of 3600 acres of bluegrass land in Harrison and Bourbon Counties. He and his father emigrated from western Pennsylvania, and were the first among the makers of whiskey that was given the name "Bourbon" for Bourbon County. He used to take flatboats with produce from the mouth of the Beaver on Licking River to the foreign port of New Orleans and travel back on foot through Indian nations and wilderness with proceeds of the boat and cargo in Spanish doubloons and "milled dollars" jingling in his pockets and from a pouch slung from a stick on his shoulder.'" (See also Armstrong's Biography and Encyclopedia of Kentucky, 1876, p. 278; and Alleghany County, Pa., Volume II/426, Warner). {Madsen, pp. 26-27}
NOTE: The town of "Shawhan" (originally known as "Shawhan's Station" after a railroad shipping point of the Kentucky Central Railroad through land donated by Joseph and his son Daniel) is still occupied and shown on maps as of this writing (1983). When recently visited by the author, it consisted of about 10 homes, a General Store under the proprietor, Lucius Moreland, and the "Shawhan Baptist Church" with a cornerstone dated 1859. The town still lies across a railroad feeder line and can be reached by driving north from Paris, Ky., for a few miles on U.S. Route 27, then taking a road intersecting from the right (east). {R.T. Shawhan, p. 8}
Excerpt from "Kentuckian," a Paris, Kentucky, newspaper: "Jo Shawhan Sr., has laid out a mile track on that portion of his 2,800 acres of land, lies in this county whereupon the Cynthiana News says: "Jo Shawhan has now 2,800 acres in Bourbon. We only claimed a portion, as the reader can see. Uncle Jo is here as we write this and says that he has now 3,370 acres of land; that 2,450 acres lie in Harrison, 500 acres in Bourbon and 360 in Scott. His home place lays on either side of the Bourbon and Harrison line, his residence being in Harrison within a few yards of the line. His lands lands with the exception of 200 or 300 acres below Cynthiana, are among the best in the three counties. He recently exchanged Bourbon land for Scott land in order to get clear of our railroad taxes. April 27 1870."
Article from the "Kentuckian," a Paris, Kentucky newspaper:
About 1796 Daniel Shawhan with a large family traveled from Pennsylvania in a covered wagon bringing his copper still and settled in Shawhan. His harvest was great and he manufactured the "Bourbon" whiskey. He located on the Townsend Valley Road and later his still was near Shawhan, the old railroad from here. He died and two sons Joseph and Daniel carried on the trade. His property value grew to around a quarter of a million dollars. His partner was H.C.Bowen and T.E. Moore who later married his grand daughter.
In Pennsylvania they called whisky "Monougahela," it being called after the county in which it was manufactured. SHAWHAN, following the same example, called the whisky manufactured by him after the county in which his new home was situated, "Bourbon."
It was the first whisky ever manufactured in Kentucky or in the Mississippi Valley.
The third year out the father died, and it then devolved upon his son Joseph to carry on the business. He being industrious, their little farm was soon extended, and assumed respectable size. The excellency of his whiskies soon gave him a wide reputation, and the large emigration kept up a heavier demand than could be supplied. He though, bent his energies to his work, increased his capacity as a distiller, and "Bourbon" soon became a household word.
Joseph Shawhan recently died at the age of 85. He left property valued at upwards of a quarter of a million of dollars.
The emigrant from Pennsylvania was Daniel Shawhan, father of the late Joseph Shawhan, who died at the age of 90 years, from being thrown from a horse. At the time of receiving the injury he was quite vigorous, and in the enjoyment of good health, looking as if he might live many more years. His relatives still produce the same quality of hand-made fire copper and Bourbon as originally.
T.E. Moore who married Joseph Shawhan's granddaughter, in connection with his partner, H.C. Bowen, is largely engaged in the distilling business at Shawhan, Bourbon County, Ky, as is also Mr. J. Snell Shawhan, a grandson of Joseph Shawhan, and many others in Bourbon, which still maintains their reputation for distilling pure Bourbon and Rye whiskies. Editor Kentuckian, November 25 1885.
DANIEL SHAWHAN born 1738 and Died 1791.
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The following description of the little town of Shawhan, Ky., was sent to me by Ms. Patty Biddle, from the Duncan Tavern Historical Library, Paris, Ky. Ms. Biddle included the original hand-written document (author ). Reference to "James" Shawhan is obviously Daniel Shawhan (1738-1791).--Bob Francis
James Shawhan, his sons Joseph and Daniel carried on the whiskey trade. His property value grew to a quarter of a million dollars. His partners were H.C. Bowen and T.E. Moore. The George Pugh distillery on the edge of Harrison and Bourbon Counties was down the L & N R.R. Bridge near the Townsend and Licking River.
Shawhan had toll gates at the Larue Road, Ruddles Mills, and Cynthiana and Paris Roads. Other improvements were two railroads, built by L & N. Improvements were a R.R. crossing signal, a wooden bridge overpass, and finally a concrete bridge. Shawhan had three stores (W.O. Crombie, H.H. Kriegel, Ed Ralls, George Tate, Joe and Leila Smith, Lucius Moreland), a barber, garage, depot with services (ticket agents John Kiser, V.E. Price), a post master (EdRalls) and P.M. Mistress (Mrs. Joe Smith), a telegraph operator, 2 coal operators, (Arthur Hendricks, R.R. Lail), section foremen (J.W. Farmer, Harrison Dean, and Bill Owens), telephone exchange (Mrs. McClure and Mrs. Menmae), doctors (J.W. Ferguson, Knox, Smith, G.Rankin and H.B. Anderson), school house, church, and loading chutes for shipping stock, and slaughter pen (at Lail's) and blacksmith shop (Dick Doty).
Shawhan Masonic Lodge and Grangers met upstairs at one store. The community at one time had a small dance pavillion in the woods with gasoline lights and music furnished by banjo and violin. There is an old cemetery. There were three black families, Russell Bland, Frank Lindsay and Mr. Ayres. There are beautiful historical homes. Population now is 200. First church was small wooden structure costing $600 and organized by Bishop Forsythe in 1863 called "The Shawhan Presbyterian Church". Later a stone church donated by Mrs. J.W. Dazelle was built by members in Gothic style with stained windows depicting Bible scenes. These are in memory of Davis heirs, and completed in 1937. Mrs. Woodford Clark, of Shawhan, who sent this information, is a descendant of the Davis family.
First school was started in this precinct in a log cabin on Henry David's place and taught by James Lafferty. Later a school was built near the church. Children walked or drove ponies and - used stalls at the school. There was a 30 day summer school with paying pupils.
There were 2 small pox cases. The church was closed as few attended and they shared ministers with Millersburg Presbyterian Church. The Baptists have reopened it with Bro. McCauley. The school was moved to Ruddles Mills, then divided among the schools at Millersburg, Paris, or Bourbon County. There used to be a Volunteer Fire Department but they now have a fire siren and depend on Paris Fire Department.
For amusement, there used to be camp meetings in tents, circuses from the Chatauqua, ice skating, candy pulling parties, dances, card games, such as Euchre, Rook, and checkers. It is still a nice friendly neighborhood. We have had many people leave as ministers, Doctors, nurses, teachers, mechanics, electricians, construction workers, and bankers. We had no street names, but nick names such as "Tin Can Alley," "Frogtown," and "Cedars".
Shawhan has a Constable, School Board Member and a Magistrate.
Uncle Joe Shawhan told of a Spears Distillery in 1790.
Shawhan was settled about 1796.
Boundary of Shawhan was from near Rudd1es Fort to the Mt. Carmel Road. (This must mean Shawhan precinct). The settlement of Shawhan is near the present day Harrison County line, and many residents are on Harrison County mail routes. An errly church which was the hub of the cammunity has been revitalized and is located along the old Kentucky Central Railroad, later acquired by the L & N R.R.
SHAWHAN was named for the James (Daniel) Shawhan family who traveled fram Pennsylvania in a covered wagon bringing his copper still. The corn harvest was great and he manufactured the "Bourbon" whiskey. He settled on the Townsend Valley Road and later had his still near Shawhan up the old railroad.
Marriage: September 6, 1803 Bourbon County, Kentucky
Marriage Memo: Married by Martin Hitt
Children: Joseph (~1798-<1860)
Henry Ewalt (1805-1882)
Sarah Elizabeth "Betsey" (1807-)
John (1811-1862)
Margaret (1812->1888)
Rebecca (1817-)
William B. (1821-1859)
Daniel (1823-)
(7) Name: Samuel EWALT [1]
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Birth: August 12, 1792 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Military: Veteran, War of 1812
Death: August 28, 1878 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 86
Burial: Joseph Pugh Graveyard, Paris-Cynthiana Turnpike
Father: Henry EWALT (1754-1829)
Mother: Elizabeth FREY/FRYE (1757-1837)
Misc. Notes
Marriage date: June 16, 1834 {Vitasek descendancy chart}
Bourbon County, Kentucky Will of Samuel Ewalt, Will Book ___pp. 569-570:
I Saml. Ewalt Senr. of Bourbon County Ky. do hereby publish the following as my last Will & Testament, to wit:
I have heretofore given and advanced to my son John H. Ewalt deceased in property and money worth four thousand dollars and tho said John H. Ewalt is indebted to me as Administrator the sum of fifteen hundred dollars due to me on settlement I have paid his children’s schooling of said John H. Ewalt and I surrender and release said $1500 due me on settlement of his estate and it is my will that the advancements heretofore made to my son John Ewalt & his children shall be held equal to his heirs with my other children who have advancements. I have advanced to my sons William P. Ewalt & Joseph H. Ewalt, who live together & have not divided their property three hundred acres of land in Bourbon County on which they reside & for which they have a deed at $50 per acre & two Negro men & other property it is my will it shall be held as equalizing my two said sons with my other children in advancements.
I have also advanced & deeded to Daughter Elizabeth Wornell one hundred & fifty acres of land on which she resides at $50 per acre and have gave her a negro girl and other property which is to equalize her in her advancements with the other children. I have also advanced and deeded to my daughter Mary S. Bedford one hundred and fifty acres of land at $50 per acre on which she resides on & gave her a negro girl and other property which is to equalize her in advancements with the other children. I have also advanced and deeded to my daughter Sally S. Adair one hundred and forty five & 3 poles at $50 per acre, and also two negro girls and other property which is to equalize her in advancements with the other children.
I devise to my son Sam B. Ewalt at my death one hundred & fifty acres of land on which I reside on the lower end and including the improvements the said one hundred & fifty acres of land is for the benefit of his family and cannot be sold for his debts. I also give him a negro man and other property which is to equalize him in advancements with the other children.
I have 20 shares of Turnpike stock in Paris & Townsend Turnpike Company which I give to my three daughters & daughter-in-law Nanny Ewalt, Elizabeth Wornell, Mary S. Bedford & Sally S. Adair to be equally divided between them. I also devise at my death to my daughter Sally S. Adair twenty five acres of land adjoining her land including the improvements where my son Samuel B. Ewalt formerly lived--said Sally S. Adair is to have no more of my estate, than the above devise of twenty five acres of land and what heretofore has been given her. I also devise to my sons Wm. P. Ewalt & Joseph H. Ewalt the small meadow on this side of Townsend Creek adjoining the land they own. The balance of my land on the other side of Townsend at my death I wish to be sold and equally divided between John H. Ewalt’s children, Elizabeth Wornell, Mary S. Bedford, and Samuel B. Ewalt, what money & personal property I may have at my death I wish it to be equally divided amongst my children John H. Ewalt’s children to have equal share.
I constitute and appoint my son Joseph H. Ewalt my Executor and do not wish him to give ant security--as witness my hand and this 21st day of March 1874.
Sam’l Ewalt senr
signed and acknowledged in presence of
Matt Turney
J.M. Hughes
Bourbon County Court, September Term, Sept. 5th 1878.
This last Will and Testament of Samuel Ewalt senr. deceased was this day produced and proved in open court by the oath of Matt Turney and J.M. Hughes witnessed thereto and ordered to record. Witness Jas. M. Hughes clerk of said Court the date above.
J.M. Hughes clerk
BB-83
Drover's Inn, Cedar Grove, Joseph Pugh/Samuel Ewalt, Sr. House; possibly ca. 1790 and 19th century
Cynthiana Road
Although considerably rebuilt and given an inappropriate colossal portico shortly before World War II, this two-story brick residence forms part of the group associated with the Ewalt family along the northern part of the Cynthiana Road in Bourbon County. Despite the alterations, the Federal characteristics are evident in the Flemish bond brickwork of the facade and the use of jackarches over the bays. Like the Ewalt homestead (BB-46), it has "German" horizontal panelling under the stairs.
The house originally was constructed as a tavern for Joseph Pugh who paid tavern tax here in 1794 and 1795. Known as Drover's Inn, it was advantageously situated on the main road between the central Kentucky region and Cincinnati. Pugh's daughter, Elizabeth, married Samuel Ewalt, Sr. who was listed here on both the 1861 and 1877 maps. It is possible this was the property on Townsend Creek occupied by their son-in-law Perry Wornall and his bride Elizabeth Ewalt from 1845 until 1852 when they exchanged farms with Samuel Sr.
Whitley; Perrin, pp. 462, 498.
Spouses
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1: Cynthia PUGH
Birth: March 30, 1795 Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: September 28, 1833 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 38
Death Memo: Cholera
Burial: Joseph Pugh Graveyard, Paris-Cynthiana Turnpike
Father: Joseph PUGH (1753-1820)
Mother: Elizabeth HUNT (1763-1829)
Misc. Notes
Marriage: December 24, 1817 Bourbon County, Kentucky
Children: John Hunt (1818-1853)
Ann (1823-1824)
William Pugh (1824-1877)
Elizabeth Ann (1827-1902)
Joseph Henry (1828-1877)
Mary Susan (1831-1900)
Sarah “Sallie” Smith (1832-1900)
Elizabeth (1820-1820)
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2: Eliza P. SMITH
Birth: August 27, 1799 Harrison County, Kentucky
Death: February 29, 1852 Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 52
Burial: Samuel Ewalt Graveyard, Paris-Cynthiana Turnpike
Marriage: June 16, 1834
Children: Ann Smith (1838-1864)
Cynthia Pugh “Tinnie” (1842-1870)
Samuel B. (1836-1923)
Sources
1. Some information for the line of Samuel Ewalt and wives was provided via e-mail on October 14, 1999, by Mary Bishop (mbishop@kih.net)
(8) Name: John EWALT
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Birth: 1789 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: August 21, 1857 Bourbon County, Kentucky Age: 68
Burial: Ruddle’s Mills Cemetery
Father: Henry EWALT (1754-1829)
Mother: Elizabeth FREY/FRYE (1757-1837)
Misc. Notes
FAMILY HISTORY: The only record of marriage for this John Ewalt and Elizabeth was the following Bond: (Sent by County Clerk) Harrison County Record CYNTHIANA, Harrison Co. , KY.
INDEX TO MARRIAGES
620, John Ewalt to Elizabeth Ravenscraft, issued July 3, 1809 No return
BOND:
Know all men by these presents that we John Ewalt and Benjamin Fry are held and firmly bound unto Charles Scott Exqr. Governor of Kentucky in the Just and Full sum of Fifty pounds Current Money of Kentucky & for payment well and truly to be made & done to our sd Governor his successors &c. we bind ourselves and every of our Heirs, Exors & Admrs jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated 3rd day of July 1809.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas a marriage is shortly intended to be Solemnized Between the above bound John Ewalt and Elizabeth Ravenscraft, now should there be no Lawfull cause to obstruct sd marriage then the above obligation to be void Else to remain in force &c.
John Ewalt (seal)
Benjamin Frye
att. Andrew Moore D.C.H.C.
State of Kentucky
County of Harrison
I, Margaret B. Duffy, to hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the marriage bond of John Ewalt and Elizabeth Ravenscraft as fully as the same appears on record in the office of the Clerk of the Harrison County Court.
Given under my hand this the 23rd., day of January, 1956.
seal
(signed) Margaret B. Duffy
Subscribed and sworn to before me by Margaret B. Duffy this the 23 day of January, 1956.
(signed) W.M. King Clerk
(signed) B.C. Penn D.C.
L.B. (Lenora Brakke) As there was no return recorded for this bond, I wrote to several other counties and churches the ceremony might have been performed as and never found where this marriage was ever recorded is having taken place. It must have - as we know they lived together and had a family.
L.B. Ruth Thayer Ravenscroft compiled a book on the Ravenscroft Family and I have a copy of this book. Anyone wishing further data on Ravenscrofts, write and I will help as best I can.
Spouses
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1: Elizabeth “Betsy” RAVENSCRAFT
Birth: 1793 Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky
Death: before May 15, 1827 Age: 34
Father: Thomas RAVENSCRAFT (1756-1827)
Mother: Margaret “Peggy” HINKSON (~1770-)
Misc. Notes
Reference to Betsey Ravenscroft, daughter of Thomas Ravenscroft, married to John Ewalt. [1]
Marriage: July 3, 1809 Harrison County, Kentucky
Children: Henry (1810-)
Margaret (1813-1873)
Juliana (1815-)
Elizabeth Davis (1818-1897)
Rebecca (1820-1878)
Nancy Ann (1822-)
Samuel (1826-1868)
Sallie
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2: Polly HALEY
Death: 1841
Marriage: November 6, 1833
Children: John R. (1840-1915)
Sallie
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3: Sarah FLOWERS
Marriage: June 24, 1844
Sources
1. “Minute Book G,” 1832-1835, Harrison County, Kentucky.