Chapters II-VIII
Excerpts from Chapter II
pp. 33-35
When first visited by the whites, Kentucky was the favorite hunting ground of many different tribes, of Indians, but it is not known that any of them ever resided permanently within its borders. Annually, during the hunting season, the Delawares, Wyandots, Shawnees, and other tribes from beyond the Ohio, and the Catawbas, Cherokees and Creeks, from the south country came here to hunt the deer, elk and buffalo, which, in great numbers, roamed the forests, grazed upon the natural pastures, and frequented the salt-impregnated springs so common in this section.
However, their visits were periodical, and, when the hunt ended, they returned with the trophies of the chase, to their own towns. But in the coming of the pale-faces they foresaw the destruction of these beautiful hunting grounds, and determined to drive the white invaders hence. The fierce contests which occurred between them and the first white settlers were numerous, of long continuance, and often disastrous to the latter, ere the final expulsion of the savages from the territory, that, in these sanguinary struggles was re-baptized the "Dark and Bloody Ground." The heroic deeds of the pioneer fathers are inscribed upon hundreds or battlefields. Assuredly, if a community of people ever lived who were literally cradled in war, it was the early inhabitants of Central Kentucky. From the first exploration of the country by Daniel Boone up to the year 1794, they were engaged in one incessant battle with the savages. Trace the path of an Indian incursion anywhere through the great valley of the West, and it is found dyed with Kentucky's blood, and its battlefields white with the bones of her children.
The counties of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas have been the scene of some of the stirring events alluded to above. The following thrilling incident occurred in Bourbon on Cooper's Run in April, 1787. A widow, of the name of Skaggs, lived in a lonely spot with her family, consisting of two grown sons, three grown daughters (one of them married and the mother of an infant), and a daughter about half-grown. One night their cabin, which was a double one, was attacked by a band or Indians, four of the inmates killed, one of the girls carried off a captive, while one of the sons and the married daughter with her infant made their escape. The neighborhood was aroused, and at daylight the next morning thirty men well armed and well-mounted, under Col. Edwards, started in pursuit of the savages. A light snow had fallen, and they were enabled to follow the trail at a gallop. When the Indians found they were pursued, and likely to be overtaken, they tomahawked their captive and left her lying by their trail where she was found by the pursuers before life became extinct, but she died in a few minutes after they came up. They soon overtook the savages, when a fight commenced, but by a strategy on their part in leaving two of their number to hold the whites in check, the main body succeeded in making their escape; the two left behind were killed.
Another incident, and which is said to have been the last of its kind enacted in Bourbon County, was somewhat as follows: A party of Indians, about twenty in number, made all incursion into the neighborhood to steal horses. A squad of hunters followed them, and came up with them encamped upon the Stoner a few miles from Paris. They fired into their camp, killing one and wounding several others, when the Indians fled, but soon returned and a fight took place, which lasted until the ammunition of the whites gave out, and they were forced to retreat leaving their foes in possession of the field. But one of the whites were killed, a man named Frank Hickman, whose skeleton was afterward recognized by the initials on his kneebuckles.
McClelland's Station, which stood upon the present site of Georgetown, was the scene of several skirmishes with Indians, which is more fully given in the history of Georgetown. In the year 1778, a party of Indians stole a number of horses in Scott (rather what is now Scott) and were pursued by Capt. Herndon with a few companions, but they succeeded in escaping with their booty. Many such incidents as the above occurred not only in Scott, but in all the surrounding country. In 1788, three horses were stolen from Jacob Stucker by Indians, in which two of the savages were killed by the whites, who pursued them, and another wounded, and the horses recovered.
Ruddel's Station, which some authorities locate in Bourbon County, and others just over the line in what is now Harrison County, was captured in 1780 by a large force of Canadians and Indians, under the notorious Col. Byrd, a British officer. His force amounted to some six hundred men-white and red-with six pieces of artillery, said to be the first cannons that ever awoke the echoes of the Kentucky hills. On the 22d of June (1780), this formidable force appeared before Ruddel's, and Col. Byrd demanded its surrender to His Britanic Majesty's forces, at discretion. Capt. Ruddel comphed on the condition that the prisoners be placed under charge of the English instead of the savages. But when the gates were thrown open, the Indians rushed in, seized the first white person they met, claiming them as individual prisoners. When Col. Byrd was remonstrated with by Capt. Ruddel for this disregard of the conditions of surrender, he acknowledged his inability to control his savage alhes. The scenes which ensued after the capture are almost indescribable and are unsurpassed except, in savage warfare. Wives were separated from their husbands. and mothers from their young children without hope of ever being re-united. After the prisoners were secured and the booty divided, the savages proposed to move against Martin's Station in Bourbon County, but Col. Byrd refused, unless the prisoners should be given into his charge--the Indians to take for their share the property, which was agreed to. Martin's Station was then captured without opposition. The savages were so elated with these successes, that they were anxious to proceed at once against Bryant's Station and Lexington, but for some inexplicable reason Col. Byrd refused, and the expedition returned north of the Ohio River. Higgin's block-house, near where Cynthiana now stands, had its incidents of thrilling interest and border warfare. On the 12th of June, 1786, it was attacked by a large party of Indians, in which several of the were severely wounded. But upon the arrival of help from Hinkston and Harrison's Stations, the Indians fled, without being able to capture the station.
The most thrilling event that occurred within the four counties, however, transpired in Nicholas. It was on the sacred soil of Little Nicholas, that the famous battle of Blue Licks was fought, one or the most disastrous battles to the whites that ever took place in Kentucky. It was fought on the 19th of August, 1782, on the old State road, about half a mile from the Lower Blue Licks, between a large force of Indians under the infamous renegade Simon Girty, on their return from Bryant's Station in Fayette County, where they had been repulsed, and a small party of whites, from that section, which had been sent in pursuit of them. The following account of it is from Collins, which he accredits to McClung's historical sketches: Col. Daniel Boone, accompanied by his youngest son, headed a strong party from Boonesboro - Trigg brought up the force from Harrodsburg, John Todd commanded the militia around Lexington. Nearly a third of the whole number assembled were commissioned officers, who hurried from a distance to the scene of hostilities, and, for the time, took their place in the ranks. Of those under the rank of Colonel, the most conspicuous were Majs. Harlan, McBride, McGary and Levi Todd, and Capts. Bulger and Gordon. Todd and Trigg as senior Colonels took the command. A tumultuous consultation, in which every one seems to have had a voice, terminated in a unanimous resolution to pursue the enemy without delay. It was well-known that Gen. Logan had collected a strong force in Lincoln, and would join them at furthest in twenty-four hours. It was distinctly understood that the enemy was at least double, and, according to Girty's account, more than treble their own numbers. It was seen that their trail was broad, and obvious, and that even some indications of a tardiness and willingness to be pursued, had been observed by their scouts, who had been sent out to reconnoiter, and from which it might be reasonably inferred that they would halt on the way, at least march so leisurely, as to permit them to wait for the aid of Logan. Yet so keen was the ardor of officer and soldier, that all these obvious reasons were overlooked, and in the afternoon of the 18th of August, the line of march was taken up, and the pursuit urged with that precipitate courage which has so often been fatal to Kentuckians. Most of the officers and many of the privates were mounted.
"The Indians had followed the buffalo trace, and, as if to render their trail still more evident, they had chopped many of the trees on either side of the road with their hatchets. These strong indications of tardiness made some impression upon the cool and calculating mind of Boone, but it was too late to advise retreat. They encamped that night in the woods, and on the following day reached the fatal boundary of their pursuit. At the Lower Blue Licks, for the first time since the pursuit commenced, they came within view of an enemy. As the miscellaneous crowd of horse and foot reached the southern bank of Licking, they saw a number of Indians ascending the rocky ridge on the other side. They halted on the appearance of the Kentuckians, gazed at them for a few moments in silence, and then leisurely disappeared over the top of the hill. A halt immediately ensued, and a dozen or twenty officers met in front of the ranks for consultation. The wild and lonely aspect of the country around them, their distance from any point of support, with the certainty of their being in the presence of a superior enemy, seems to have inspired a seriousness bordering upon awe. All eyes wore now turned upon Boone, and Col. Todd asked his opinion as to what should be done. The veteran woodsman, with his usual unmoved gravity, rephed: 'That their situation was critical and delicate; that the force opposed to them was, undoubtedly, numerous and ready for battle, as might readily be seen from the leisurely retreat of the few Indians who had appeared upon the crest of the hill; that he was well acquainted with the ground in the neighborhood of the Lick, and was apprehensive an ambuscade was formed at the distance of a mile in advance, where two ravines, one upon each side of the ridge, ran in such a manner that a concealed enemy might assail them at once both in front and flank, before they were apprised of the danger. It would be proper, therefore, to do one of two things: either to await the arrival of Logan, who was now undoubtedly on his march to join them, or if it was determined to attack without delay, that one-half of their number should march up the river, which there bends in an elliptical form, cross at the rapids and fall upon the rear of the enemy, while the other division attacked in front. At any rate, he strongly urged the necessity of reconnoitering the ground carefully before the main body crossed the river.'
pp. 35-36
"Such was the counsel of Boone, and although no measures could have been much more disastrous than that which was adopted, yet it may be doubted if anything short of an immediate retreat upon Logan, could have saved this gallant body of men from the fate which they encountered. If they divided their force, the enemy, as in Estill's case, might have overwhelmed them in detail; if they remained where they were without advancing, the enemy would certainly have attacked them, probably in the night, and with a certainty of success. They had committed a great error at first in not waiting for Logan, and nothing short of a retreat, which would have been considered disgraceful, could now repair it. Boone was heard in silence and with deep attention. Some wished to adopt the first plan; others preferred the second, and the discussion threatened to be drawn out to some length, when the boiling ardor of McGary, who could never endure the presence of an enemy without instant battle, stimulated him to act, which had nearly proved destructive to his country. He suddenly interrupted the conversation with a loud whoop, resembling the war-cry of the Indians, spurred his horse into the stream, waved his hat over his head and shouted aloud: 'Let all who are not cowards, follow me!' The words and the action together produced ail electrical effect. The mounted men dashed tumultuously into the river, each striving to be foremost. The footmen were mingled with them in one rolling and irregular mass. No order was given, and none was observed. They struggled through a deep fold as well as they could, MeGary still leading the van, closely followed by Majs. Harlan and McBride. With the same rapidity they ascended the ridge, which, by the trampling of buffalo foragers, had been stripped bare of all vegetation, with the exception of a few dwarfish cedars, and which was rendered still more desolate in appearance by the multitude of rocks blackened by the sun, which were spread over its surface. Upon reaching the top of the ridge, they followed the buffalo trace with the same precipitate order, Todd and Trigg in the rear, McGary, Harlan, McBride and Boone in front. No scouts were sent in advance; none explored either flank; officers and soldiers seemed alike demented by the contagious example of a single man, and all struggled forward, horse and foot, as if to outstrip each other in the advance, Suddenly the van halted. They had reached the spot mentioned by Boone, where the two ravines head on each side of the ridge. Here a body of Indians presented themselves and attacked the van. McGary's party instantly returned the fire, but under great disadvantage. They were upon a bare and open ridge, the Indians in a bushy ravine. The center and rear ignorant of the ground, flurried up to the assistance of the van, but were soon stopped by a terrible fire from the ravine which flanked thein. They found themselves as if in the wings of a net, destitute of proper shelter, while the enemy were in a great measure covered from their fire. Still, however, they maintained their ground. The action became warm and bloody. The parties gradually closed, the Indians emerged from the ravines, and the fire became mutually destructive. The officers suffered dreadfully. Todd, Trigg, Harlan, McBride and young Boone were already killed.
"The Indians gradually extended their line, to turn the right of the Kentuckians, and cut off their retreat. This was quickly perceived by the weight of the fire from that quarter, and the rear instantly fell back in disorder, and attempted to rush through their only opening to the river. The motion quickly communicated itself to the van, and a flurried retreat became general. The Indians instantly sprang forward in pursuit, and falling upon them with their tomahawks, made a cruel slaughter. From the battle ground to the river, the spectacle was terrible. The horsemen severally escaped, but the foot, particularly the van, which had advanced farthest within the wings of the net, were almost totally destroyed. Col. Boone, after witnessing the death of his son and many of his dearest friends, found himself almost entirely surrounded at the very commencement of the retreat. Several hundred Indians were between him and the ford, to which the great mass of the fugitives were bending their flight, and to which the attention of the savages was principally directed. Being intimately acquainted with the ground, he, together with a few friends, dashed into the ravine which the Indians had occupied, but which most of them had now left to join in the pursuit. After sustaining one or two heavy fires, and baffling one or two small parties, who pursued him for a short distance, he crossed the river below the ford, by swimming, and entering the wood at a point where there was no pursuit, returned by a circuitous route to Bryant's Station. In the meantime, the great mass of the victors and vanquished crowded the bank of the ford. The slaughter was great in the river. The ford was crowded with horsemen and foot and Indians, all mingled together. Some were compelled to seek a passage above by swimming; some, who could not swim, were overtaken and killed at the edge of the water. A man by the name of Netherland, who had formerly been strongly suspected of cowardice, here displayed a coolness and presence of mind equally noble and unexpected. Being finely mounted, he had outstripped the great mass of fugitives, and crossed the river in safety. A dozen or twenty horsemen accompanied him, and having placed the river between them and the enemy, showed a disposition to continue their flight, without regard to the safety of their friends who were on foot, and still struggling with the current. Netherland instantly checked his horse, and, in a loud voice, called upon his companions to halt, fire upon the Indians, and save those who were still in the stream. The party instantly obeyed; and facing about, poured a close and fatal discharge of rifles upon the foremost of the pursuers. The enemy instantly fell back from the opposite bank, and gave time for the harassed and miserable footmen to cross in safety. The check, however, was but momentary. Indians were seen crossing in great numbers above and below, and the flight again became general. Most of the foot left the great buffalo trace, and plunging into the thickets, escaped to Bryant's Station. But little loss was sustained after crossing the river, although the pursuit was urged keenly for twenty miles. From the battle ground to the ford, the loss was very heavy."
Such was the fatal battle of Blue Licks, which for the small number engaged, is one of the severest recorded in Indian warfare. Like the defeat of Braddock three-quarters of a century before, the disaster was attributable to a refusal to accept good counsel and sensible advice. Had the counsel of Boone been followed, instead of the example of the hot-headed McGary, and the little army have fallen back on Logan, with this re-enforcement they would have been strong enough to have defeated the Indians instead of themselves being defeated. Of the one hundred and eighty two whites engaged in the battle, sixty were killed, and three were taken prisoners, who after a long and dreary captivity were exchanged and liberated, and returned to their homes. When the battle was over and the pursuit ended, the Indians, fearing the whites might rally and with re-enforcements turn upon them, collected the spoils as quickly as possible, and continued their march to the Ohio River, which they crossed without further molestation from their enemies. Col. Logan arrived at the battle ground the second day after the battle, but the enemy had disappeared, and he did not deem it prudent to pursue. He performed the sad and melancholy duty of burying the dead, after which he disbanded his men and returned home.
The foreging incidents are illustrative of the life our pioneer ancestors lived in this country. All their adventures, hair-breadth escapes and narrow risks, would form a large volume of thrilling interest. Only a few have been given, however, to embellish these pages, and show what it cost to make the blue grass section a paradise.-Perrin.
Chapter III--Settlement of Bourbon County By the Whites--Their Early Trials and Hardships--Organization of the County--Its Name, County Seat, Public Buildings, Etc.--County Officers--The Census From 1790 To 1880--Division Into Precincts
pp. 36-37
From across the ocean, the colonists of a new and powerful people came and effected a lodgment at isolated spots on the Atlantic coast. They achieved in time their independence, but could not pay their soldiers for their long and faithful service in the war for liberty. As a partial remuneration, wild lands were donated to them in the distant territories of the "far west," of which Kentucky was then the frontier. These Revolutionary land grants brought many adventurous individuals hither, and Kentucky became at once the center of attraction. More than a century ago the whites took possession of the territory now embraced in Bourbon and the surrounding counties. The lands were wrested from the savages with little regard for hereditary titles. The Indians sought to hold their favorite hunting-rounds, and for years held in check the tide of immigration. The story of this long and sanguinary struggle is "an oft told tale." The line of settlements firmly established along the Ohio, from Pittsburgh to the Falls, began to advance, and, with every step, slowly pressed back the Indian race to extinction.
Settlements were made in Bourbon County as early as 1776, but were not permanent. Collins says in his history of Kentucky, that the first corn raised in Bourbon County was by John Cooper, near Hinkston Creek, in 1775. That he lived alone there in his cabin, and was killed by the Indians on the 7th of July, 1766; also, in the same year, Michael Stoner, Thomas Whitledge, James Kenny, and several others, "raised corn, a quarter of an acre to two acres each." Thomas Kennedy built a cabin on Kennedy's Creek, a short distance south of Paris, in 1776, but left in the fall, going back to Virginia, where he remained until 1779, when he returned, and settled permanently on the little creek which still bears his name. While upon his first visit, he assisted Michael Stoner. who owned a large body of land on what is now Stoner Creek. to clear a piece of ground and build a cabin. During the time they were thus engaged, they lived for three months without bread or salt. Stoner was a man of some prominence and wealth, and was among the very first settlers of the county.
Hon. James Garrard was among the early settlers of the county, and a man of considerable prominence. He was twice Governor of Kentucky, and held other important positions, with honor and credit to the people whom he represented. The following is inscribed upon the monument erected to his memory by the State: "This marble consecrates the spot on which repose the mortal remains of Col. James Garrard, and records a brief memorial of his virtues and his worth. He was born in the county of Stafford, in the colony of Virginia, on the 14th day of January, 1749. On attaining the age of manhood, he participated with the patriots of the day in the dangers and privations incident to the glorious and successful contest which terminated in the independence, and happiness of our country. Endeared to his family, to his friends, and to society, by the practice of the social virtues of Husband, Father, Friend and Neighbor honored by his country, by frequent calls to represent her dearest interests in her Legislative Councils, and finally by two elections, to fill the chair of the Chief Magistrate of the State, a trust of the highest confidence and deepest interest to a free community of virtuous men, professing equal rights, and governed by equal laws; a trust, which for eight successive years, he fulfilled with that energy, rigor and impartiality which, tempered with Christian spirit of God-like mercy and charity for the frailty of men, is best calculated to perpetuate the inestimable blessing of government and the happiness of Man. An administration which received its best reward below, the approbation of an enlightened and grateful country, by whose voice, expressed in a resolution of its General Assembly, in December, 1822. THIS MONUMENT of departed worth and grateful sense of public service, was erected, and is inscribed."
Gov. Garrard died at his residence, "Mount Lebanon," near Paris, on the 19th of January, 1822, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was all exemplary member of the church, and a man of great practical usefulness. His death was sincerely mourned, not only by the people of the county but by those of the State at large.
James Douglass, probably the first surveyor in this region, and who visited Central Kentucky as early as 1773, finally settled in Bourbon. He is said to have been a member of the first Grand Jury, of the first Court of Quarter Sessions held after Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a State. A colony, consisting of the Millers, McClellans, Thompsons, McClintocks and others settled in the neighborhood of Millersburg in 1778; but like many of the early settlers of this section, they were forced to leave on account of Indians. They returned, however, the following year, and erected a block-house where Millersburg now stands. John Martin built a cabin, which was afterward changed into a block-house. about three miles south of Paris. Ruddel's Station, of historic fame, is supposed by many to have been in what is now Ruddel's Mills Precinct, but Collins says it was situated just over in Harrison County. Houston's cabin, on the present site of Paris, was also fortified, or changed into a block-house, the better to afford protection to the scattered settlers. Thus, amid dangers and hardships, the whites obtained a foothold in what now forms Bourbon County. In the chapters devoted to the towns, villages and election precincts, additional facts and particulars will be given of the settlement of each neighborhood.
pp. 37-39
Every age and land and country have had their great men, whose names have been enshrined in poetry and soug, in history and romance. Britain boasts of Alfred the Great, and France of Henry the Fourth; America sings the praises or Washington, Franklin and Jefferson, and why should not Kentucky embalm the name of Daniel Boone? The laurels that bloom around the tomb of this old pioneer should never fade from the minds of Kentuckians. Though it is not known that he ever had his abode in either of the counties treated of in this volume, yet there is not a spot of Central Kentucky but he was familiar with, and in one of the precincts of Bourbon County sleeps a brother of the old Kentucky Indian fighter. We deein it highly appropriate in this work to give a brief sketch of the man, who, without violence to the subject, might be termed the discoverer, as well as the first settler of Kentucky. He was born in Pennsylvania February 11, 1731, and was the first white man who ever made a permanent settlement within the limits of the present State of Kentucky. But little is known of his early life, or of his career prior to his emigration to Kentucky. His father removed to North Carolina when he was but a boy, and there Daniel remained until forty years of age. The glowing descriptions that reached the pine barrens of North Carolina, of the rich lands beyond the Cumberland Mountains, excited in him a desire to visit this "favored clime." In 1769, he left his home, and with five others, of whom John Findlay was one, he started to explore the country of which he had heard so favorable in account. They built a cabin on the banks of Red River, to shelter them from the rigor of winter, and spent their time hunting and trapping. Boone, in company with a man named Stuart, was surprised and captured by the Indians, in December, but they effected their escape after seven days captivity. On regaining their camp, they found it deserted. The fate of its inmates were never fully ascertained. A few days after this, they were joined by Squire Boone, a younger brother of Daniel, and a companion, who had followed them from North Carolina. In a second excursion, Boone and Stuart were again assailed by the Indians, when the latter was killed, but Boone was fortunate in making his escape. Their only remaining companion, becoming disheartened at the perils by which they were surrounded, returned home, leaving the two brothers alone in the wilderness. Their ammunition finally running short, Squire Boone was sent back to the settlements for a fresh supply, and for months Daniel was left alone to battle with the wild beasts and Indians. In July, 1770, the younger Boone returned, with ammunition, and together they continued to range the forests until the spring of 1771, when they retraced their steps to North Carolina. For nearly three years, Boone had been absent from his family, and, during that time, he had not tasted bread nor salt, nor seen the face of a white man, except those of his brother and friends who had been killed.
Boone was so well pleased with the country he had seen that he determined to sell his farm and remove, with his family, to Kentucky. Disposing of his property, he started for his El-Dorado, on the 25th of September, 1773. At a place called Powell's Valley, he was joined by five other families and forty men, well armed. With this addition to his force, he proceeded on his journey with confidence. When near the Cumberland Mountains, the party was attacked by a large force of Indians, and, though the savages were defeated, it was not without a loss to the whites of six men killed and wounded. This so discouraged them that they retreated to the settlements, on Clinch River, where they remained until 1775, when Boone, in company with a few men, made another visit to Kentucky, in the service of Col. Richard Henderson, leaving his wife and family at the settlements on Clinch River. They arrived on the 25th of March, and, on the 1st of April, they commenced building a fort, which was afterward called Boonesboro. Here they were several times attacked by Indians and lost some five or six men, killed and wounded. As soon as the fort was completed, Boone removed his family hither. "From this time, the little garrison was exposed to incessant assaults from the Indians, who appeared to be perfectly infuriated at the encroachments of the whites, and the formation of settlements in the midst of their old hunting-grounds. The lives of the emigrants were passed in a continued succession of the most appalling perils, which nothing but unfailing courage and indomitable firmness could have enabled them to encounter. They did, however, breast this awful tempest of war, and bravely and successfully, and in defiance of all probability, the small colony continued steadily to increase and flourish, until the thunder of barbarian hostilities rolled gradually away to the north, and finally died in low mutterings on the frontiers of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois." In these exciting times, Boone stood the central figure in that band of hardy pioneers, who bore the shock of the dreadful struggle, which gave a yet more terrible significance and a still more crimson hue to the history of the old dark and bloody ground.
In July, 1776, Boone's daughter was captured by the Indians. They were pursued by Boone, with eight men, and, on the third day, were overtaken, and his daughter rescued, uninjured. During this period, they lived in constant peril and anxiety. The fort was attacked, in April, by an overwhelming force of Indians, but were finally defeated and driven off. In July, it was again attacked by 200 warriors, and again they were defeated, with loss. Boone himself was captured in January, 1778, at Blue Licks, where he had gone to make salt for the garrison. He remained a prisoner until June following, when he contrived to make his escape and returned to Boonesboro. After his escape from the Indians, the fort was attacked by a large force of savages, commanded by Canadian officers well skilled in modern warfare. But, after a siege of nine days, they gave up the matter, and retired, having sustained quite a heavy loss. From this time, he enjoyed a period of peace and quiet, until August, 1782, a time rendered memorable by the disastrous battle of Blue Licks, in which Boone participated, and in which a son was killed. He almost miraculously escaped the slaughter of this ill-fated battle. He accompanied Gen. George Rogers Clark on his expedition against the Indian towns, but of his service in this affair little is known, except that he was one of the number engaged in it.
In the treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, in 1783, Boone saw the standard of civilization planted in the wilderness. "He had laid out the larger part of his little property to procure land warrants, and, having raised about $20,000, on his way from Kentucky to Richmond, he was robbed of the whole, and thus left destitute of the means of procuring more. Unacquainted with the technicalities of the law, the few lands he was able afterward to locate, were, through his ignorance, swallowed up and lost by better claims. Dissatisfied with these impediments to the acquisition of the soil, he left Kentucky, and, in 1795, he was a wanderer on the banks of the Missouri, a voluntary subject of the king of Spain." The remainder of his life was devoted to the society of his children. He died at the house of his son-in-law. Flanders Callaway, at Charette Village, on the Missouri River, September 26, 1820, aged eighty-nine years. The Legislature of Missouri was in session when the event occurred, and resolved that, in respect to his memory, the members would wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and voted an adjournment for that day. On the 13th of September, 1845, his remains were, according to a resolution of the Kentucky Legislature, brought to Frankfort and interred in the State Cemetery. and there they repose, awaiting the final resurrection.
pp. 39-40
The early pioneers of Bourbon and the surrounding Counties were a hardy, fearless and self-reliant people; they were a quiet people, simple in their habits and accomplishments, and devoid of all reckless extravogance. Fresh from the scenes of the Revolutionary struggle--a free people--their manhood elevated, they shrank from no difficulty, but, with a stern, unflinching purpose, they went forth to subdue the wilderness and subject it to the use of man. They lived in comparative social equality, the almighty dollar did not form a Chinese wall between the rich and poor; a man was esteemed, not for his money bags, but for his actual merit. Aristocratic distinctions were left beyond the mountains, and the first society lines drawn were to separate the very bad from the general mass. No punctilious formalities marred their social gatherings, but all were happy and enjoyed themselves in seeing others happy. The rich and poor dressed alike, the men generally wearing hunting shirts and buck-skin pants, and the women attired themselves in coarse fabrics, the produce of their own fair hands. Silks, satins and fancy goods that now inflate our vanity and deplete our purses, were then unknown. The cabins were furnished in the same style of simplicity. The bedsteads were home-made, and often consisted of forked sticks driven into the ground, with cross poles to support the clap-boards or the cord. One pot, kettle and frying-pan were the only articles considered indispensable, though some included the tea-kettle. A few plates and dishes, upon a shelf in one corner, was as satisfactory is is now a cupboard full of china, and their food was as highly relished from a puncheon-slab as it is it the present day from an oiled walnut table. Some of the wealthiest families had a few splint-bottomed chairs, but, as a general thing, stools and benches answered the places of lounges and sofas, and, at first, the green-sward or smoothly-leveled earth, served the double purpose of floor and carpet. Whisky toddy was considered good enough for the finest party, the woods furnished an abundance of venison and corn-pone supplied the place of every variety of pastry.
The credit of subduing the wilderness and transforming it into an Eden of loveliness was not the work of man alone. The women did as much, in their way, as the men the themselves. They were the help-meets, as well as the companions, of the men, and bore their part, uncomplainingly, in all the hardships of border life. They assisted in planting, cultivating and harvesting the crops, as well as attending to their household duties. They were happy and contented, and, we dare to say, yearned far less for the frivolities of fashionable life than do their fair descendants. A hundred years, however, have brought with them marvelous changes, not only in the face of the country, but in the usages of society and grand improvements have been made in our manners and customs. We have grown older, in many respects, if not wiser, and could not think of living on what our ancestors lived on. The corn-dodgers and wild meat they were glad to get would appear to us but a frugal repast, and would cause our Grecian noses to go up in lofty disdain. But this is all age of progress and improvement, and these observations are made by way of contrasting the past and present. The pioneers who bore the brunt of savage warfare, and made this country an earthly paradise, have long since passed to their final account, but their trials and hardships are remembered, and their names deserve to be "written in characters of living light upon the firmament, there to endure as radiant as if every letter was traced in shining stars."
The rich lands of Central Kentucky were settled rapidly after the close of the Revolutionary war. The influx of emigrants brought hither by the extravagant reports of the first visitors to this "land of corn and wine," and military land warrants of Revolutionary soldiers soon served to people the Licking and Elkhorn country. So rapidly did the country settle up that the fast-increasing population required increased civil rights and more perfect territorial organization.
Kentucky was, originally, a part of Fincastle County, Va. It was afterward made an individual county of the Old Dominion, and so remained for several years. But its territory was large, and its citizens remote from the seat of government, and, as soon as the number of inhabitants required it, changes were made, by a division of the unwieldly county. In the month of November. 1780, by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, the county of Kentucky was divided into three districts, which were designated, respectively, Fayette, Lincoln and Jefferson Counties. The next county formed was Nelson, in 1784, from a part of Jefferson. In the following year (1785), Bourbon was formed from the territory of Fayette, thus being the fifth county erected in what now comprises the State of Kentucky, and was created seven years before Kentucky became a member of the Federal Union. Bourbon, at the time of its formation as a county, extended north to the Ohio River, and covered a large area since divided into a number of counties. The first division of her territory occurred in 1788, when Mason was set off; in 1793, the formation of Harrison took off a large slice, and, in 1799, Bourbon and Mason contributed jointly to the formation of Nicholas. Thus liberally has Bourbon given of her territory for the creation of new counties, until the frequent drafts made have brought her down to her present area. As now bounded, Harrison lies on the north, Nicholas and Montgomery on the east, Clark on the south, and Fayette and Scott on the west. The county was named in honor of the House of Bourbon, whence had descended the monarch of France, reigning at the time of our Revolution and at the time the county was organized, and Paris, the seat of justice, received its name, doubtless, from France's gay capital.
pp. 40-42
The formation of a county, a hundred years ago and the organization of its different departments--judicial, civil and political--is a somewhat interesting study to the readers of the present day. Rumaging through the old records at the court house, we, with the assistance of Judge Turney, unearthed the first book of the Bourbon County Court in which is recorded the proceedings of that august body. The first entry bears the date of May 16, 1786, and is in a plain, old-fashioned hand, still perfectly legible, though the book is old, musty and stained with age. As a matter or interest and curiosity to our readers, we copy some of these early proceedings, "in the original," as we might say, no effort being made to improve the phraseology. The first record of the Court proceedings is as follows:
MAY COURT. 1786.
At Colonel James Garrard's in Bourbon County Tuesday the sixteenth day of May Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six and in the tenth year of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A new commission of the peace dated the twelfth day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six to this county directed to James Garrard (afterward Governor of Kentucky) Thomas Swearington John Edwards Benjamin Harrison John Hinkson Alvin Mountjoy Thomas Warring Edward Waller and John Gregg Gentlemen was produced and read whereupon the said James Garrard took the oath of fidelity and the oath of a justice of the peace which were administered to him by John Edwards (first United States Senator from Kentucky) Named in the said Commission And then the said James Garrard Gent. administered the aforesaid oathes to Benjamin Harrison John Hinkson Alvin Mountjoy Thomas Warring Edward Waller and John Gregg Gent. who took the same respectively.
A Majority of the Justices Commissioned being present John Edwards is appointed Clerk to the Court of this County who thereupon entered into Bond with his securities in the penalty of one thousand pounds for the execution of his office and took the oath required by Law.
Absent John Hinkson Gent.
A Commission from his excellency the Governor of this State (Virginia) to Benjamin Harrison (for whom Harrison County was named) Gent. to be Sheriff of this County was produced by the said Harrison who took the oath of fidelity and the Oath of Office and together with John Edwards and John Hinkson his securities entered into Bond for the due performance thereof according to Law. Present John Hinkson Gent.
The Court being then opened by the Sheriff proceeded to business.
At a Court held for Bourhon County at the house of James Garrard Gent. on Tuesday the Sixteenth day of May one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six in the terith year of the Commonwealth.
Present James Garrard John Hinkson Alvin Mountjoy Thomas Warring Edward Waller & John Gregg Gent.
On the motion of John Edwards Clerk of this Court John Machir is admitted as Deputy Clerk who took the oath prescribed by law.
John Allen Esquire produced a commission of his fitness to act as an Attorney at Law and had the oath prescribed by law administered to him whereupon he is admitted to practice as an Attorney at Law in this Court.
On the motion of William Bennet administration of the Estate of Joshoway Bennet deceased is granted to him whereupon he took the oath required by Law and together with David Hughes his security entered into and acknowledged Bond in the penalty of two hundred pounds for his due admin of said decedants Estate.
Ordered that John Strode John Constant Edward Wilson and Van Swearingen or any three of them being first sworn before a Justice of the peace for this County appraise in Current money the Slaves (if any) and personal estate of Joshua Bennet deceast and return the appraisement to the Court.
Absent James Garrard Gent.
Ord' James Garrard Gent. is by the Court recommended to his excellency the Governor as a proper person to act as Surveyor of this County.
Absent Alvin Mountjoy Gent. present James Garrard Gent.
On the motion of Benjamin Harrison Gent. Sheriff Robert Hinkson was admitted and sworn as deputy Sheriff.
James Garrard John Hinkson Thomas Warring Edward Waller and John Gregg Gent. are sworn Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for this county.
Absent James Garrard Gent.
James Garrard Gent produced a commission from his Excellency the Governor to be surveyor of this County whereupon he took the oath required by Law and together with William Routt and John Edwards his securities entered into and acknowledged Bond in the penalty of three thousand pounds for the due performance of said office.
Present James Garrard Gent.
Ordered that Edward Waller John Waller Miles Conway and Henry Lee or any three of them be appointed to examine the fitness of those persons nominated by James Garrard Gent. as deputy surveyors.
Ordered that court be adjourned till to morrow morning ten o'clock. The minutes of these proceedings were signed thus--James Garrard.
Such is a complete record of the proceedings of the first day of the first court ever held in Bourbon County. Without encumbering our pages with the proceedings in detail, we will make a few extracts by way of illustrating the past and present in court matters as well as in the general history of the county. On the second day of court, Edmund Lyne, Henry Lee, Miles Conway, Andrew Hood, John Grant, William Routt, George Reading, Sr., Abraham Bird and John Waller were recommended in a petition to the Governor "as proper persons to be added to the commission of the peace of this County." Upon the same "Benjamin Harrison, Sheriff of the county, protested to the court that he would not be answerable for the escape of any prisoner for want of a gaol--ordered that it be certified." Also upon the same day, Miles Conway, Edward Dobbins and Henry Lee were appointed to view "the best and most convenient way for a road from the mouth of Limestone on the top of the Hill," etc.
The second session of court was held at the house of John Kizer, beginning on the 20th of June, 1786. Among the proceedings we notice that it is "Ordered that Edmund Lyne Gent be appointed overseer of the road from the Lower blue licks to Johnson's Fork of Licking, and that the titheables residing at the Licks assist him in keeping the same in repair." It was also "Ordered that Thomas Warring Gent take in a list of the titheables north of main Licking, that John Hinkson Gent take in a list of the titheables between main Licking and Hinkson's fork, and on the water's of Stoner's fork below Cooper's Run, John Gregg Gent in the forks of Stoner and Hinkson, Alvin Mountjoy Gent on Houston's fork and Cooper's Run ; and James Garrard Gent east of Houston's Fork and southeast of the main road, leading from Lexington to Limestone, and return their respective lists to the court." And the following : "The court proceeded to fix the rates of Liquors, Diet and provender as follows (to Wit): West India Rum at twenty-four shillings per gallon, Continent rum at fifteen shillings per gallon, Brandy at fifteen shillings per gallon, Whiskey at ten shillings per gallon, Wine at twenty-four shillings per gallon, for a warm Dinner one shilling and six pence. For a could dinner one shilling, Breakfast with Tea, Coffie or Chocolate one shilling and three pence, breakfast without Tea, Coffey or Chocolate one shilling, for corn per gallen six pence, Pastrage for twenty-four hours six pence, Stablage and Hay or fodder for twenty-four hours one shilling, Lodging in Clean Sheats six pence. Ordered that the Ordinary Keepers in this County take pay according to the above rates and no more."
The third session of court, commencing July 18, 1786, was held at John Kizer's; the fourth session, beginning August 15, 1786, was held at Fairfield; the September and October terms were likewise held at Fairfield. At the November term, the place of meeting was established at the mouth of Houston, under the following order, which forms a part of the records of that session:
Ordered that the place for holding Court for this County be established at the Continence of Stoner and Houston forks of Licking, and that Alvin Mountjoy, John Grant and James Matson, Gentlemen, be appointed to procure two acres of land at said place for the purpose aforesaid, and also that they let to the lowest bidder the building of a Court house, which shall be a frame, thirty-two by twenty feet, with a shingle roof and finished in the necessary manner, and a jail sixteen feet square, of hewn logs twelve inches square.
Teste, JOHN EDWARDS, C. B. C.
The next records we fished up after this old book, were a little different in their character. The followins is a specimen:
For value received I promise to pay to Mr. Hugh McClintock bearer, fifteen pounds current money of Virginia, on or before the first day of April next, as witness my hand and seal at Limestone the third day of February 1786.
Signed, EBENEZER PLATT. [Seal.]
Teste, DANIEL BOONE.
Attached to the note is the following in Daniel Boone's own hand writing:
Sir as capt platt hath Left his store house and all other conserns on My hands in order to Rase the cash I Will oblige myself to pay the cash at the time the note seacifies or before witness my hand this 3 Day of febury 1786. DANIEL BOONE.
It seems the old pioneer did not "Rase the cash," at the time the note "seacifies or before," and, that it was finally sued on, judging from the following "verdict," which is recorded on the back of it:
We, the jury, do find for the plaintiff sixteen pounds and eleven pence damages. Signed,
AQUILLA STANDERFORD, Foreman of Jury.
The following is another interesting specimen :
The Commonwealth of Virginia to the Sheriff of Bourbon County Greeting. You are hereby Commanded to take Thom Theobold if be be found within your Baliwick and him safely Keep so that you have his body before the justices of aforesaid County at the Court House thereof on the third Tuesday in November next to answer John Troutman of a Plea Trespass on the Case, Damages, two hundred pound, and have then there this Writ. Witness,
On the back of this ironclad document is the following indorsement:
Executed on Thos Theobold and he has not give security, because he run in a house and armed himself with a shot gun after the writ was served. GEORGE MOUNTJOY.
It seems that this service of a writ was not altogether satisfactory to the majesty of the law, as it is crossed out and the following entry made just below it:
Executed and broke Custiday. GEORGE MOUNTJOY.
An old note was also found given by Simon Kenton to John Nichols for "three pounds, thirteen shilling's and eight pence," dated July 12, 1786. Upon the back of this note is the indorsement
To dangerous to go where Kenton is.
It seems the note became due when Kenton was out among the Indians, and the valiant officer concluded it to dangerous " to go after him.
The machinery of the courts and the new county was, at length, with the aid of the lubricating oil of frontier wisdom, fully put in motion, and, in a short time, the different departments were running smoothly. As we have seen, John Edwards was the first Clerk. He was a man of considerable prominence, and was afterward, upon the admission of Kentucky as a State. the first United States Senator. Benjamin Harrison was the first Sheriff, James Garrard the first surveyor, and John Allen the first attorney admitted to the bar. But without going into further details of these early proceedings and early officers, we will give the first county officers elected under the present Constitution. They are as follows : William M. Samuels, County Judge; Richard Brown, County Clerk; James M. Arnold, Circuit Clerk ; Joshua Irvin, Sheriff; W. W. Alexander, County Attorney; Joseph Porter, Jailer. John M. Taylor, Assessor; W. W. Fothergill, Coroner; William Garth, Surveyor, and A. M. Brown, School Commissioner. The present officers of the county, and of the different courts are as follows ; Circuit Judge, Hon. B. F. Buckner; Commonwealth's Attorney, Hon. C. J. Bronston; Clerk, Joseph M. Jones; Master Commissioner, R. H. Hanson; Sheriff, John B. Nortthcott. Criminal and Chancery term second Monday in January. Regular terms, third Monday in April and October. Judge of Court of Common Pleas, C. S. French. First Monday in March and July. Judge of County Court, Hon. Matt. Turney; County Attorney, Ben. G. Patton; Clerk, James M. Hughes; Sheriff, John B. Holladay; Assessor, Claude Paxton; Surveyor, L. B. M. Bedford; Jailer, Joseph MeCarney; Master Commissioner. R. H. Hanson; Circuit Clerk, Joseph M. Jones; Treasurer, C. V. Higgins, Jr.; School Commissioner, W. H. Sockhart. Bourbon Quarterly Court, Hon. Matt Turney Judge; Clerk, P. M. Miller; Constable, J. M. Taylor.
pp. 44-45
The first court house of the county, and which we have already alluded to, by giving the original order of the court for its erection, was built according to the specifications given in that order, viz. a frame, thirty-two by twenty feet," etc. It stood on the "Court House Square," and after years of service was replaced by a commodious building. It was sold to John Allen, when the new one was finished, who moved it to his farm a short distance from town. It was first occupied by the court, October 16, 1787. At a term of the court held in February, 1797, an order was made for the new court house as follows :
"The Commissioners appointed to draft a plan for a court house have proceeded to sketch out the present one, which they now offer for the consideration of the court, and have fixed on the center of the Public Square as the most convenient spot for the house to stand on. Given under our hands this 20th day of February, 1797. Signed, John Allen, John Metcalfe, Charles Smith and David Hickman, which is accepted by the court. And it is ordered that Charles Smith, Jarnes Duncan and Thomas Jones, gentlemen, be appointed commissioners to let out, and superintend the building of the same to the lowest bidder after the time and place has been advertised three weeks in the Kentucky Herald."
This building was commenced immediately and was finished and occupied during the year 1799. The stone foundation was built by Thomas Metcalfe, afterward Governor of the State, and who lived in Nicholas County, but his uncle, John Metcalfe, built the superstructure. Collins says of Gov. Metcalfe :
"As a mason, he built of stone several court houses at West Union, Adams Co., Ohio; at Greensburg, Greene Co., Ky., and others, and laid the foundation of that at Paris, Bourbon Co., which was burnt down May 8, 1872. From his trade and his great earnestness afterward as a public speaker, he received the sobriquet of the 'Old Stone Hammer,' by which he was familiarly and proudly known for forty-five years."
As we have said, John Metcalfe, an uncle of the Governor, built the edifice, the carpenter's work being done by a Mr. McCord. The history of Paris, published by Keller & McCann, a few years ago, says:
This house was built to rival the great stone temple of justice at Lexington. For years it was the pride and boast of the Bourbons, and, in 1816, when the little box cupola was removed and in its stead the magnificent spire that went down in its ruins in 1872 was erected, the heart of the nation was supposed to be happy. Those of our citizens whose memories carry them back to that day, inform us that the boys stood and gazed upon this imposing structure with awe, and only ceased to look and wonder when their necks seem to break with pain, and their heads swim with the floating clouds. The bell that hung in this steeple was purchased in Philadelphia by Hugh Brent, Esq., for $50. It had seen service on the high seas, and bore the date of 1730.
pp. 45-46
The present courthouse, which, Phoenix-like, has arisen from the ashes of the old one, is a model of beauty and elegance. It was built in 1873-74, the first session of court being held in it in October, 1874. An act was passed by the Legislature, empowering the County Court to issue $100,000 in bonds, for the erection of the building. The bonds were issued by the court, and Joseph Mitchell, William Shaw and George C. White, appointed Commissioners to superintend the work, which was begun early in the year 1873. The supervising architect was A. C. Nash, of Cincinnati; the carpenter's work was done by Thomas Pollock; the foundation and stone work by McGrain, Woods and Farrell, the stone was furnished by Collins & Stevenson, from the Cane Ridge quarry the brick was made by J. M. Thomas and J. H. Bradshaw, and laid by G. W. Sidener and Robert Ransdall the freestone work was done by Finnigan & Son, of Cincinnati the galvanized iron and slate by Dunn & Witt, and the wrought and cast iron by M. Clements, of the same city; the plastering was done by William Haye, of Paris; the plumbing was done by T. F. Donnelly, of Lexington the painting and graining by Charles A. Daugherty, of Paris; the tiling by M. Finnigan & Son. The clock was made by E. Howard & Co., of Boston, Mass., and the bell by Meneely & Kimberly, of Troy, N. Y. The benches of the circuit court room were furnished by J. T. Hinton, the chairs by George W. Davis, and the registers and furnace by J. J. Shaw, all of Paris.
The following description from the Western Citizen, of October 30,1874, is an appropriate conclusion to the sketch of this model structure : "The architecture is chaste and tasteful, surpassed by few public buildings in this country, and reflects great credit on the architect, Mr. A. C. Nash, of Cincinnati who also ranks it as one or his most successful specimens. The style of architecture is French renaissance. The building is of brick, and elaborately and tastefully trimmed with freestone. The cornices are of iron; the roof covered with slate, and gracefully topped out with an elegant and symmetrical tower, one hundred and thirteen feet above the ground line, in which is placed the clock and bell. The building is three stories, and contains rooms for circuit court, county and Circuit Clerk's and Sheriff's offices; and also offices for County Judge and County Attortney, jury rooms, etc. Also, the necessary fire and burglar proof vaults for the safe keeping of all State and county papers. The ground plan is one hundred and fifteen feet from front to rear, and eighty-two feet across the wings, having a large and spacious hall from front to rear, the county offices being on each side. The hall floors are of iron, concreted and laid with the best Euo-lish tiling, in neat and appropriate patterns, the base being in Egyptian marble, The hall is fifteen feet and four inches in width, and is spanned at intervals with neat, plain arches, resting upon appropriate corbels, etc. The stairways are of wrought iron, spacious. and of handsome design.
"On the second floor is situated the Circuit Court room its dimensions sixty-two feet by sixty-eight feet, with a gallery sixteen by sixty-two feet; the ceiling being twenty-eight feet six inches above the floor, and neatly ornamented with a large ventilating center piece of stucco; also the angles, with walls and ceiling, coved and neatly finished--the walls blocked and colored in imitation of stone work. The Judge's stand, platform and canopy are or handsome design; gallery front railing around the bar, the furniture, gas-fitting and heating are all in keeping with the design. The room is, without exception, the handsomest court room in the State."
The total cost of the building, including furnishing, interest on bonds, etc., is not far short of $125,000.
The first jail or county prison was erected in the winter of 1786-87. It was built of logs, hewn twelve inches square, which made a very formidable structure one hundred years ago, and which was considered a rather safe lodging for evil-doers, but at the present day it would not long hold "boy-burglars," much less our more experienced criminals. This was superseded in a few years by one built of stone, which stood upon the corner of the square, opposite the Northern Bank building." The present jail building was erected in 1878-79, and is a substantial edifice. It is of Stone, and cost about $15,000, though according to estimates, the cost was not to exceed $12,660. The plans were designed by H. P. McDonald, and the building was erected by Peter Pfeiffer. It is built on the modern prison style, and fitted up with the latest and most approved "furniture," and everything necessary for the safety or boarders and occupants.
The county farm and poor house comes rightly under the title of public buildings, and in this connection will receive a few words. "The poor ye have with ye alway," we were told, and their care is a sacred duty of the county. To the shame of the wealthy, grand old county of Bourbon be it written, that she is lamentably careless and negligent in the care of poor. A gentleman said to us: "I would die before I would go the county's poor house; it is a shame and disgrace, to a county of the wealth this possesses to provide no better than it does for the poor." We have visited a number of such institutions in Ohio and Illinois, and have usually found them a home for the poor and helpless--institutions creditable alike to the counties in which they are located and the people who support them.
The Bourbon County Poor Farm consists of about one hundred and fifty acres of land near Ruddel's Mills, on Hinkston Creek. The improvements are a Superintendent's house, frame, two stories high, with an L, and five houses for paupers, which are cheap, two-room cottages. John Reynolds is Superintendent; John Current, Commissioner of the Poor. The county gives the Superintendent the use of the land, pays him a salary, and furnishes everything to run the institution. The buildings will accommodate about fifty persons, and the care of the paupers cost about $100 apiece annually. James Ingles managed the farm for twenty years, and the cost of running it is said to have been much less than now, the cost now being about $5,000 a year. It is divided into two departments--white and colored, and at the present time there are eighteen whites and sixteen blacks being cared for. The colored department has accommodations for about thirty persons. This was originally a separate institution, but both whites and blacks are now under the same management. All of the inmates dependent on the county for support do no labor on the farm. The farm is in excellent repair, having a good stone fence nearly all around it. In the past there has been an average of about forty inmates per year.
Incidents of some interest occur occasionally within the unenviable precincts of the place. As, for instance, about the year 1870, it marriage took place in it, and the high contracting parties are still inmates. A man named Shields has been in inmate for fifty years. Henry Towles, who once owned several thousand acres of land in the county, and could ride for seven miles in a straight line upon his own land, died, it is said, as keeper of the poor house. Richard Samuels, now an inmate, is a son of Judge Samuels, first County Judge under the new constitution of the State.
pp. 46-47
The population of Bourbon County for the several decades since its formation is as follows: In 1790, when its territoral limits were almost limitless, its population was 7,837; in 1800, 12,825; in 1810, 18,009; in 1820, 17,664; in 1830, 18,436; in 1840, 14,478; in 1850, 14,456; in 1860, 14,860; in 1870, 14,863; and in 1880, 15,958. [NOTE: the population is now almost the same as is was in 1830-the 1990 census listed the population at 19,260-Bob Francis] The difference in population is attributable to the change of territoral limits. We find from an old record that the county was assessed for £550 sterling in 1790. Its annual assessment has increased since then. At the time of its organization, the county, although of large dimensions: had but few inhabitants, and hence did not require many divisions of its territory. As the poplation increased, however, for the sake of convenience, the county was divided into a number or districts, for election and other purposes, necessary to facilitate its business, and aid in the administration of its affairs. But, without going into a discussion of these divisions and subdivisions made from time to time, it is only necessary to add, that, at present, the county is divided into eight election precincts, as follows, viz.: Paris, No. 1; Millersburg, No. 2; Flat Rock, No. 3; North Middletown, No. 4; Clintonville, No. 5; Hutchinson, No. 6; Centerville, No. 7; and Ruddel's Mills, No. 8. Each of these precincts has two Magistrates and a Constable, before and by whom the petty business of the county is transacted. The magistrates from the different precincts form the County Court, and at present the board is composed of the following gentlemen: Paris (No. 1), John M. Daniels and Thomas Isgrigg; Millersburg (No. 2), J. W. Miller and Y A. Jameson; Flat Rock (No. 3), T. M. Squires and B. F. Wilson; North Middletown (No. 4), James W. Mitchell and W. P. Schooler; Clintonville (No. 5), John Cunningham and George W. Morrow; Hutchinson (No. 6), J. S. Kenney and J. W. Beatty; Centerville (No. 7), James M. Barlow and H. Hawkins; Ruddel's Mills (No. 8), George W. Wyatt and W. B. Smith.
In the early history of Bouibon County, as at the present time, there was more or less of party strife. Bourbon County was formed just after the close of the Revolutionary war, when the people had for some time been divided into Whigs and Tories. Afterward came the "Old Court," "New Court," "Federal" and "Republican" or "Democratic" parties. These parties had their day, and then had their time to--die. The war of 1812, and the accompanying events, wiped out the old Federal party that had so bitterly opposed Mr. Jefferson. The war measures of Mr. Madison, and the then Republican party in Congress were strongly supported by the citizens generally. But as time passed on, and politicians became better educated to the business of wire-pulling, partyism grew, "and waxed strong." The Presidential election of 1824 was attended with unusual excitement. It was more exciting, perhaps, than any election that had ever taken place in the country. At this election the Presidential candidates were Henry Clay, Gen. Jackson, of Tennessee, John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, and William H. Crawford, of Georgia. These candidates had each his friends, who supported their favorite from personal motives, as well as from party consideration and party discipline. Mr. Clay carried his State but was overwhelmingly defeated for the Presidency. Neither of the candidates had a majority of the votes in the Electoral College, according to the constitutional rule, but stood, Jackson in the lead, Adams second, Crawford third and Clay fourth, the latter being dropped from the canvass when it came to the count. Upon the House of Representatives devolved the duty of making choice of President. Each State, by its Representatives in Congress, cast one vote. Mr. Clay was Speaker of the House of Representatives, and, it is supposed, that, through his influence, the Kentucky delegation cast the vote of its State for Mr. Adams, instead of for Gen. Jackson. By this little stroke of policy, Mr. Clay was instrumental in organizing political parties that survived the generation in which he lived, and ruled, in turn, the destinies of the republic for more than a quarter of a century. At the next Presidential election, party lines were closely drawn, between Mr. Adams and Gen. Jackson, and the result of a hot and bitter contest was the election of the hero of New Orleans, by both the electoral and popular vote. For several years after the political power and official patronage had passed into the hands of Old Hickory, parties were known throughout the country as Jackson and anti-Jackson parties. These, with some modification and changes, finally became the Whig and Democratic parties, the latter of which has retained its party organization down to the present day, and is still one of the great political parties of the period. In 1856, upon the organization of the Republican party, in which organization, the Whig party lost its identity, the county has been Democratic. Notwithstanding the great number of negroes added to the voting population, by virtue of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the national Constitution, the county still rolls up Democratic majorities.-Perrin.
Chapter IV--Pioneer Christianity--Early Meetings And The Building of Churches--The Cane Ridge Revival--Educational History--State Aid to Schools--Extracts From State Superintentent's Report--Colored Schools--The Press, Etc.
pp. 48-49
"And lifted up our hearts in prayer To God, the only Good."-- Gallagher.
It is to the credit of the early settlers of the county that they were a moral and God-fearing people, and that the introduction of the Gospel was coeval with their settlement in the wilderness. There were no churches, but each settler's cabin served as a temple of worship, and when the weather permitted, their
Often on the Sabbath Day, the scattered settlers would congregate at the most conveniently located house, when some one accustomed "to lead in meetin'" would read a chapter from the Bible, and after a hymn, offer prayer. The services, though simple in character, were fervent and sincere, and no doubt found favor with Him who declared that "where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in their midst." When chance brought a minister to the neighborhood, the people were notified for miles around, and came to hear "the glad tidings of great joy." As their numbers increased and their means permitted, church buildings were erected, church societies were organized, and preachers engaged to point out to the sinner, as well as the believer, the way unto eternal life.
It is not possible, at this day, to designate the spot on which stood the first church building ever erected in Bourbon County, or the denomination to which it belonged. The Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists established churches in an early day, and several church buildings were erected in the county prior to 1800. The minister came "as one crying in the wilderness," gathered the lost sheep into the fold, and organized churches in the different neighborhoods. To the honor and credit of the county be it recorded, that she has liberally supported the claims of the Gospel, as evidenced in the number of handsome church buildings to be found in her midst. If is not inappropriate in this connection to give a brief sketch of the Cane Ridge meeting mentioned in religious history in connection with what is known as the "Great Kentucky Revival." It took place in 1801, at the Old Cane Ridge Church, in the east part of Paris Circuit, under the ministrations of the Rev. Barton W. Stone, a preacher widely known, and esteemed throughout Central Kentucky, and who was Pastor of the Cane Ridge Church at the time. The sketch is taken from an old work published in 1848, by Elder Levi Purviance, and will recall to the minds of many still living an incident that is fast fading away with the rolling years, and that would soon be forgotten. It is as follows :
"The great meeting at Cane Ridge commenced on Friday before the third Lord's Day of August, 1801. From the commencement the roads were literally crowded with wagons, carriages, horsemen, and people on foot, all pressing to the appointed place, until by the Sabbath Day the grove that was then open near Cane Ridge meeting-house, was filled with wagons, tents and people. It was supposed that there were between twenty and thirty thousand people present. Elder Stone in his journal remarks : 'A particular description of this meeting would fill a large volume, and then the half would not be told.' For the sake of the present and future generations, I will attempt a faint description: From the very commencement, an uncommon solemnity appeared to rest on the countenances of the people. Not unfrequently several preachers would be speaking within the bounds of the encampment without any interruption to each other. Wagons, stumps and logs were used for stands. The preaching and exhortations were interesting and impressive. Salvation free to all mankind was proclaimed, and the willingness of Jesus to save all that would come was urged universally by the speakers. 'The Word of God was quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.' Many sinners were cut to the heart, and fell prostate under an awful guilt and condemnation for sin. This was not confined to any one class. The moral, genteel and well-raised; the giddy and profane, the wicked, the drunkard and the infidel; the poor and also the rich, as well as the proud and vain, with all their gaudy attire, were brought down by the spirit of the Almighty, and they appeared to have forgotten everything in this world in view of their souls' eternal salvation.
"I recollect having seen a small girl, not more than ten or eleven years of age, held up by a friend that stood in a wagon, while she invited sinners to the Savior. All who heard her seemed to be astonished at her eloquence and Judgment manifested in inviting sinners to God. It appeared that from the months of children 'God had ordained strength; He took the weak things of the world to confound the mighty,' and by this means the most stubborn sinners were brought to bow to the Savior. At this meetting, and in this revival, there was a most solemn and interesting spirit of prayer manifested. In crowds, tents and wagons, you could hear fervent prayer. I have gone from the camping-ground into the woods, and it was difficult to getaway from prayer. For more than a half mile, I could see people on their knees before God in humble prayer.
pp. 49-50
"This was not a sectarian meeting, although it was held at a Presbyterian mpeting-house. Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians were simultaneously engaged. Perfect friendship, unanimity and brotherly kindness prevailed. They had come together, to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and 'Zion was terrible as an army with banners.' The meeting lasted six days-the last sermon that was delivered on the occasion was by a Methodist preacher by the name of Samuel Hitt. It is known only to God how many were converted at this meeting. There were no means by which even to ascertain how many professed religion. The object of the meeting was not to build up any sect or party, but to bring sinners to the Savior. When the meeting was over, the 'people returned to their homes and friends. There were many there from Ohio, and some from Tennessee, and the excitement spread with the people, and the young converts' joined the churches of their choice. The good work of reformation went on with irresistible force, and appeared like carrying everything before it. Many were persuaded that the glorious millennial day had commenced, and that the world would soon become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. But alas! That enemy of God and man, SECTARIANISM, raised its hydra head, and 'made war upon the saints of the Most High God and overcame them,' and the fair prospects of Zion were in some degree blasted. A cruel jealousy began to show itself among the leaders; some concluded that the spoils were not equally divided; others, that their craft was in danger. Notwithstanding the pride and selfishness of little-minded men raised a barrier in the way of the work, and in some degree obstructed it, yet, where the people continued humble and devoted to God, the good cause advanced, and sinners were converted to the Christian religion. But the bodily exercise, as it was called, seemed to change its manner of operation. The falling exercise became not so common, and the jerks succeeded. These, if possible, were harder to account for than the former, and it is impossible for me fully to describe them. The first I saw affected with them were very pious, exemplary persons. Their heads would jerk back suddenly, frequently causing them to give a yelp, or make some other involuntary noise. After this, nearly all classes became subject to them. The intelligent and the ignorant ; strong, athletic men, and weak, effeminate persons were handled &like by them. Sometimes the head would fly every way so quickly that their features could not be recognized. I have seen their heads fly back and forward so quickly that the hair of the females would be made to crack like a carriage whip, but not very loud. A stranger looking on would have supposed that they would be killed instantly. Some wicked persons have taken them, while ridiculing them, and have been powerfully operated upon by them; others have taken them while trying to mimic them, and had them in good earnest. One thing that appeared almost miraculous was, that among the hundreds I have seen have them, I never knew or heard of one being hurt or injured by them."
Such is an historical sketch of one of the greatest religious revivals, perhaps, on record. It was not confined alone to the Cane Ridge Church, but extended all over Central Kentucky, and into Ohio and Tennessee. The same writer says: "I have no doubt many of my readers will pronounce it a delusion. Some of that day called it so; others called it the work of the devil, and some witchcraft." Another writer, William Rogers, of Cane Ridge, says of this same revival: "When, early in the month of April of the year in question (1801), a phenomenon in the religious history of the West, made its appearance in the south of Kentucky, more than one hundred miles from Cane Ridge. It was, in the language of that day, styled-'The falling exercise.' The accounts of it narrated were wondrous to our ears. In the month of May, the strange work was witnessed in the two churches of Cane Ridge and Concord, the former in Bourbon, the latter in Nicholas County, and both at the time under the pastorate of the Rev. Barton W. Stone, a young man of much purity, and high respect for learning, for talent and amiability of manners, in the Presbyterian ranks. The exercise in question soon spread in all directions, and meetings for public worship were kept up with but little intermission, not only in these two churches, but throughout the great West. The Rev. Stone was a regular and distinguished actor in many of them. The interest and the exercise was truly astounding, and thousands were the converts of that summer. Many a tall son and daughter of worldly pride was made to bear submission to Prince Messiah."
A few words of Barton W. Stone. one of the most remarkable preachers of his day, in Kentucky, is a fitting conclusion to the history of this wonderful revival. He was born in Maryland December 24, 1772, and was a son of John Stone, who died when he was very young. His mother, after her husband's death, removed to Virginia, and settled in what was then termed the backwoods, in Pittsylvania County, eight miles below the Blue Mountains, where the future great preacher received his early education in the private schools of the neighborhood, and which he afterward completed at Guilford Academy, in North Carolina. While pursuing his studies he was converted, and in 1793 became a candidate for the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, in Orange County, North Carolina. Before he was licensed to preach, however, he became discouraged, and determined to give up the idea of the ministry and engage in some other calling. Under this determination he visited his brother in the State of Georgia, and, while there, was chosen Professor of Languages in the Methodist Academy, near Washington, in 1795. In the following spring, he resigned his professorship, returned to North Carolina, attended the Orange Presbytery, and received his license to preach. Soon afterward he went to Tennessee, and finally made his way through the wilderness to Kentucky, and commenced preaching at Cane Ridge and Concord, in Bourbon County. He continued to labor in these churches until 1798, when they gave him a regular call, which he accepted, and was installed as their pastor. He preached for them several years, and during his pastorate occurred the great revival already noticed. But the liberality of his doctrine was at length complained of by the more rigid and Calvinistic, and, in 1803, the matter was brought before the Synod at Lexington. Foreseeing that the Synod would most likely decide against him, he, and four others, withdrew from its jurisdiction, and sent in their protest to the proceedings. The Synod, however, proceeded to pass on them the sentence of "suspension," for the crime of departing from the doctrines of the Confession of Faith. Upon this action of the Synod, he severed his connection with his congregations, and with his companions, formed what they termed the "Springfield Presbytery," but soon gave it up, as it savored of partyism, and then took the name of CHRISTIAN-the name given by divine appointment first at Antioch. Having divested themselves, to use his own words, "of all party creeds and party names, and trusting alone in God, and the words of His grace, we became a by word and laughing-stock to the sects around us; all prophesying our speedy annihilation."
Mr. Stone continued to live a useful life. He finally became identified with the Christian Church (called, in derision, sometimes, Campbellites),and was one of its faithful ministers until his death. In the fall of 1834, he moved with his family to Jacksonville, Ill. In October, 1844, he made a visit to his children, relatives and friends living in Missouri, from which he never returned. He died on the 9th of November, at the residence of Capt.. Samuel A Bowen, in Hannibal, Mo., at the age of 71 years. Thus passed away an able minister, a zealous Christian, and an exemplary man.
The sketches of the great revival of religion, and of Mr. Stone, are given as a part of the history of Bourbon County. In the chapters devoted to the city of Paris, and to the different villages and election precincts, a fall and complete history will be given of all the churches and religious denominations existing in the county, or that have existed since its settlement, so far as can be obtained. Hence, we only allude to the subject here in general terms, and pass to other matters claiming our attention.
pp. 50-51
The common schools should interest every individual, not only of this county, but of the whole State. It is by education that communities attain civilization and reflnement, and the child of the poor man rises to honor and greatness. In our own free country, and under the influence of our free schools, the poorest may become eminent and renowned. Without education, Henry Clay, the "mill-boy of the slashes," never could have become the leader of statesmen, nor James A. Garfield have risen from the canal-boat to the Presidential chair.
In the early settlement of this section, there were a great many drawbacks in the way of general education. The people were mostly poor, and money, or other means of remunerating teachers scarce; there were no schoolhouses, nor was there any public school fund. All persons, of both sexes, who had physical strength enough to labor, were compelled to take their part in the work of securing a support, the labor of the female being as heavy and important as that of the men; and this continued so foryears. In the last place, both teachers and books were extremely scarce. Taking all these facts together, the wonder is that they had any schools at all. But the pioneers of Central Kentucky deserve the highest honors for their prompt and energetic efforts in this direction: Just so soon as the settlements would justify, schools were begun at each one. The teacher or pupil of today has no conception of getting an education under difficulties. There are, perhaps, however, a few aged people still living in Bourbon County who may remember some of the early difficulties that stood in the way of learning.
The first steps of Kentucky to extend the fostering aid of State patronage to the interests of general education, were taken more than three-quarters of a century ago. On the 10th of February, 1798, an act was approved by the State Legislature donating and setting &part of the public lands of the Commonwealth 6,000 acres each for the benefit and support of Franklin, Salem and Kentucky Academies, and for Lexington and Jefferson Seminaries. Similar acts were approved December 21, 1805, and January 27, 1808, embracing like provisions, and extending them to all the existing counties of the State. "Within twenty years," says Collins, "from the passage of the act of1798, the following additional academies and seminaries were endowed with the grant of 6,000 acres each: Shelby, Logan, Ohio, Madison, New Athens, Bethel, Bourbon, Bracken, Bullitt, Fleming, Hardin, Harrison, Harrodsburg, Lancaster, Montgomery, Newport, Newton, Rittenhouse, Stanford, Washington, Winchester, Woodford, Somerset, Transylvania, Greenville, Glasgow, Liberty, Rockcastle. Lebanon, Knox, Boone, Clay, Estill, Henry, Greenup, Grayson, Warren, Breckinridge, Caldwell, Gallatin, Henderson, Union, Adair, Allen, Daviess and Pendleton."
Chapter V--INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS--TURNPIKES AND MACADAMIZED ROADS--THE MAYSVILLE AND OTHER TURNPIKES--STAGE COACHES--RAILROADS--KENTUCKY CENTRAL--PROJECTED ROADS--AGRICULTURE IN THE COUNTY--FAIR ASSOCIATIONS AND OFFICERS--CATTLE SHIPMENT--DISTILLERIES, ETC.
pp. 55-56
THE roads and highways of a county or State constitute an important part of their internal improvements. Those of Bourbon County and of Central Kentucky are unsurpassed in any country. Turnpikes and macadamized roads pass in every direction and to every point of importance. Collins gives the origin of turnpikes in Kentucky as follows: "A turnpike road, or road on which turnpikes (i. e., toll-gates) are established by law, and which are made and kept in repair by the toll collected from travelers who use the road--the road itself being formed by throwing the earth from the sides to the center in a rounded form--usually confounded with the modern macadamized or artificial road (invented by Macadam) of broken stone. No such road as the latter was made in Kentucky until 1829. By act of March 1, 1797, Joseph Crockett was appointed to erect a turnpike at some convenient place, and purchase as much land as may be necessary for that purpose, not exceeding two acres, or the road leading from Crab Orchard to Cumberland Gap, beyond where the road from Madison Court House intersects said road. The turnpike (toll-gate) was to be farmed out to the highest bidder, who should give bond and security, payable to the Governor of the State, for the faithful payment of his bid. He should 'have the right and privilege to receive the following tolls: For every person (except post-riders, expresses, women, and children under the age of ten years) 9 pence (121 cents); for every horse, mare or mule, 9 pence; two-wheel carriage, 3 shillings; four-wheel carriage, 6 shillings ($1); and for every head of cattle going to the eastward, 3 pence (4 1/2 cents). The surplus tolls, after paying for repairing the road, were to belong to the keeper of the turnpike (toll-gate).' Thus turnpike originally meant toll-gate, but now generally means the road itself on which the turnpike or toll-gate is established." From this small and insignificant commencement has originated as fine a system of roads as may be found anywhere. The limestone of this region has proven its value beyond controversy in the matter of road-bailding. Owing to the nature of the soil, the roads of the county, before they were macadamized, became almost impassable in winter. Limestone soil is more easily washed and out into gullies by heavy rains than soil where the limestone does not exist. Hence, it became necessary to adopt some means of preserving the roads and preventing them from washing into gullies. No successful plan was invented until that of covering them with limestone. No amount of rain affects this covering, but on the contrary the rain assists in smoothing and leveling the surface and otherwise adding to its durability.
pp. 56-57
The first turnpike road ever built in the State passed through Bourbon County, and is still a popular highway, and also a road of almost unparalleled excellence. It was chartered as the Maysville & Lexington Turnpike Road. The career of this pioneer road was somewhat checkered and eventful, and were its history fully written it would form a rather readable narrative. It was chartered on the 4th of February, 1818, under an act "for the purpose of forming artificial roads," but years passed before it was built. It was incorporated anew January 22, 1827, with a capital stock of $320,000, to which, at any time within three years, the United States Government was authorized to subscribe $100,000, and the State of Kentucky the like sum. Ged Metcalfe, afterward Governor of the State, then a Representative in Congress from the Maysville District, brought before Congress the subject of an appropriation for the proposed turnpike, but too late in the session to get the measure through. He, however, induced the Secretary of War to order a survey for the location of a "great leading mail road from Zanesville, in Ohio, through Maysville and Lexington, in Kentucky, and Nashville, Tenn., to Florence, Ala., en route to New Orleans." On the 12th of May following, Col. Long and Lieut. Trimble, of the United States Engineer Department, began the survey at Maysville. By a resolution of the Kentucky Legislature, adopted February 13, 1828, Congress was recommended to extend a branch of the National Road from Zanesville; Ohio, to Maysville, Ky., and thence through the States of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, to New Orleans; and instructed her Senators in Congress, and requested her Representatives to use their utmost exertion to effect this object. A bill with an appropriation for this purpose passed the House of Representatives, but was defeated in the Senate in the spring of 1828. While the matter was thus delayed, Maysville took an initiatory step toward building this important road, procured from the Legislature, January 29, 1829, a charter for the Maysville & Washington Turnpike Road, which was but four miles in length. The necessary amount of stock was at once subscribed, and the "first spade of earth dug amid great rejoicing on the 4th of July following the passage of the act." The road was steadily pushed forward until its completion in November, 1830. This road was afterward finished through to Lexington, and became the "Maysville & Lexingtua Turnpike Road." Under this title, a bill passed the Lower House of Congress, on the 29th of April, 1830, "authorizing and directing the Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe, in the name and for the use of the United States, for 1,500 shares ($150,000) of the capital stock of the Maysville, Washington, Paris & Lexington Turnpike Road Company." It passed the Senate May 15, and, twelve days later (May 27) was vetoed by President Jackson. Kentucky, however, aided the enterprise, and took stock at different intervals, until her subscription amounted in the aggregate to $213,206, one-half the cost of the entire road. A new impulse had been given to the building of artificial roads, as "the only kind which can be permanent on Kentucky soil," in the winter of 1826-27. In his annual message to the Legislature, December 4, 1826, Gov. Desha took strong ground in favor of the road from Maysville to Louisville, "through the most important towns of Paris, Lexington, Frankfort, etc., etc."
This, as we have stated, was the first macadamized road through the county, and was built at a cost of $426,400, "including thirteen toll-houses and six covered bridges." Since its completion, a number of others have been built, until the county is a perfect network of pikes, diverging from Paris and connecting it with all important points. The following are the titles of some of them: Georgetown and Paris; Paris and Winchester; Paris and Clintonville; Paris and Flat Rock; Mount Sterling Pike; Bethlehem and Paris; North Middletown Pike; Paris and Jackstown; Cane Ridge Pike, and others. These roads are built on the general macadamized plan--the stone broken, usually, so as not to exceed six ounces in weight, and laid upon the road, according to probable wear, nine to ten inches deep, and one to three inches deeper in the center. Substantial bridges span many of the large streams where they are crossed by these roads, thus rendering high water no impediment to travel. The county has several iron, and a number of wooden bridges, and still there is room for a few more. The only objection that can be urged to the turnpike roads of the county, is the tax imposed upon those traveling over them, in the way of toll. The paying of toll is a nuisance that should be abated, and Paris and the county would do well, and find it to their interest, too, to take the matter into their own hands and make their roads all free.
The stage coach of the old regulation pattern seems almost a part of the turnpike road, and in the early days was the common mode of travel. The old vehicles were usually painted a kind of fawn color, ornamented profusely with red. The body was swung high above the wheels on heavy leather springs, so that every lurch of the coach seemed to threaten sure destruction to the passengers. While in the zenith of their glory, their arrival in town created far more of a sensation and a greater interest than the railroad trains do now. Everybody rushed out to see the stage and hear the news, and to catch a glimpse, if possible, of that great man, the driver. What a hero he was! In the innocency of our youth, he is the only man we ever remember having envied. Mark Twain gives an excellent pen portrait of him in his trip across the plains, but he had his day, and now he is laid on the shelf. The turnpike was not complete without a stage coach, nor the stage coach without a driver. Both are now gone with other relies of the olden time, and we are away on the "fast train" of internal improvement and development.
pp. 57-58
Railroads-The railroads of Bourbon County are soon written. The history of the roads already built is brief and somewhat uninteresting; to projected roads more interest attaches, perhaps, than to those already in operation. The introduction and building of railroads form an interesting part of our history, and unquestionably hold the first place among the social forces of the present day. There is not a single occupation of interest which the railroad has not radically affected. Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, city and country life, banking, finance, law, and even government itself, have all felt its influence. But especially has it been a potent influence in providing the material organization for the diffusion of culture among the people, and thus preparing the conditions for a new step in social progress. Wholly unknown three-fourths of a century ago, the railroad has become the greatest single factor in the development of the material progress, not only of the United States and of the other civilized nations of the earth, but its blessings are being rapidly extended into the hitherto semi-civilized and barbarous portions of the globe.
Our progress and improvement in the building of railroads has kept pace with our advancement in everything else. None but a prophet could have foreseen the improvements that would be made in their construction in the first half century of their existence. As we travel over the great trunk lines in palace coaches, we may well wonder at the perfection of railroads, for certainly there is nothing more wonderful in our history. As we contemplate the subject, we are ready to exclaim, "What further improvements can be made in railroads!" Who can answer the question? The railroad system is the most stupendous monument to man's enterprise ever erected. It forms a perfect network of iron and steel in every portion of the country, running daily and nightly and continuously, thousands of locomotives and tens of thousands of freight and passenger cars, loaded with tons and tons of the products of the country, with valuable merchandise from every part of the world, and with an almost innumerable number of precious human beings, dashing with lightning speed from city to city, and from State to State from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Lakes to the Gulf, representing a capital of at least $5,000,000,000. Ah, where is there another such (to quote from a circuit bill) colossal combination? and we may add-monopoly?
The first railroad built in the West, and one of the first in the United States, was built on the present line from Lexington to Frankfort. It was originally chartered as the Lexington & Ohio Railroad, January 27, 1830, and was to extend from Lexington to Portland on the Ohio-River, a village now included in the corporate limits of Lousville. This pioneer road, in its "primitive purity and innocence," was somewhat unique in its mechanical construction. The iron rails were soldered upon stone sills, which were laid lengthwise, instead of being spiked upon wooden cross-ties, as railroads are now built. It was finished at Frankfort in December, 1835, and its completion celebrated in a manner becoming so important an event. Although ranking as one of the oldest railroads of the United States, it was not fully completed through to Louisville until 1851 and by a consolidation of the two divisions of the road--that between Lexington and Frankfort, and between Frankfort and Louisville--in 1857, it became one road and company.
One of the first railroad projects that excited special interest in Paris and Bourbon County, was that known as the Charleston & Cincinnati Railroad. This trunk line was to extend from Charleston, S. C., to Cincinnati, Ohio, on from Cincinnati to Charleston (as might appear to it friends most convenient and practicable), passing through Lexington with diverging lines from the latter place to Louisville, Paris, Maysville, Newport, Covington, etc., etc, and almost every other town that wanted a railroad. The people took a lively interest in the matter, and flattering hopes were entertained of its successful and early completion. For several years, the agitation of the enterprise was kept up. Companies were formed and chartered by the Legislature, lines were surveyed, terminal and intersecting points suggested, and wind and gas enough expended to build several railroads. But it all amounted to nothing, and the interest in the project "grew smaller by degrees, and beautifully less," until finally the Charleston & Cincinnati Railroad died a natural death.
pp. 58-59
The Kentucky Central Railroad. This road, so far, is the only culmination of railroad enterprise Bourbon County enjoys. Of all the railroad projects that have been agitated by her people, this, and its Maysville branch, are all that have been carried through to completion. These are much better than no railroad at all, but in the system, the experienced railroad man discovers vast room for improvement. The agitation of building a railroad from Paris to Covington, and from Paris to Lexington commenced as early as 1848. The county gave originally $150,000 in private subscriptions, and, afterward voted $100,000 more. In 1853, the road was completed from Lexington to Paris, under the title of the "Lexington & Covington Railroad," and the first train passed between Lexington and Paris on the 22d of December of that year. In the fall of 1854, it was finished from Covington to Paris, and trains ran through from Covington to Lexington. The building of the entire road cost near $5,000,000.
The early years of the Kentucky Central were somewhat checkered, like many other railroad enterprises of that day. It was sold in 1859 by a decree of court, and bought by Boulder & Co. for $2,225,000. Afterward, the stockholders resisted the sale, and the matter was submitted to the United States Court at Covington, and the sale decided valid. A number of the old stockholders, John Bedford, Dr. Perrin and others then carried it to the Court of Appeals, which tribunal reversed the whole thing. Boulder & Co. next made an application to the Court of Appeals to have the case remanded back to the Court at Covington for a new hearing. In the meantime, however, a compromise was effected at 75 cents on the dollar for a new road. The title was also changed from "Lexington & Covington" to "Kentucky Central Railroad," by which it is still known. In 1880, the company sold out to M. E. Ingalls & Co., at 40 cents on the dollar. Recently, it was purchased by Mr. C. P. Huntington, of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, at 60 cents on the dollar, who is the present owner. C. Alexander, one of the directors, owns most of the stock now held in Bourbon County. The present directory is composed of the following gentlemen: C. P. Huntington and George Bliss, of New York; Gen. John Echols, Virginia; C. Alexander, Paris, Ky.; E. H. Pendleton, B. S. Cunningham and M. E. Ingalls, Cincinnati, of whom M. E. Ingalls is President and Gen. Echols Vice President.
The Maysville Railroad.-This is now a division of the Kentucky Central and was commenced about the same time of the Lexington & Covington Railroad, and was originally known as the "Lexington & Maysville Railroad." Bourbon County contributed $200,000 to its building; Fayette and Mason voted alike amounts. After passing through various changes, full details of which will be found under the head of Nicholas County, it was purchased by the Kentucky Central, and is now operated as a division of the latter road. It should be a good paying line, but seems rather to always have been a somewhat poor investment to its owners.
The Kentucky Central Extension appears now to be a settled fact. It diverges from the main line at Paris, and passes through Winchester and Richmond, tapping the Knoxville Branch of the Louisville & Nashville system at or near Livingston, Ky., making the Kentucky Central proper about 170 miles in length. The estimated cost of the extension is $1,915,000. The following is from the last report (January, 1882) of President Ingalls, of the Kentucky Central: "The right of way was donated by Bourbon County, and exemption from taxation for twenty years was guaranteed by Clark County, and what was equivalent to $125,000 voted by Madison County in aid of same. The work is now in progress, and the board hopes to have the line in operation by July 1, 1883. At the same time the extension was resolved on, it was decided to at once rebuild the main line and equipment, so as to be ready for the increase of business that was expected from the new line. The increase in gross earnings has been very satisfactory. They net all we could expect in the condition of the property and the extensive improvements we were making. After this current year, the property will be in such fine condition it can easily be operated for less than 60 per cent of its gross earnings."
This extension, when completed, will render the Kentucky Central one of the most valuable roads in the country, as the new line passes through coal fields and mineral regions, the best in the State, and hitherto with little or no railroad facilities. As work is now in rapid progress upon the different divisions of the extension, its completion may be expected at no distant day.
The Paris, Georgetown & Frankfort Railroad. This is a project that has been agitated somewhat in this county, but as there is considerable opposition to the enterprise, its final completion, or building rather, for so far nothing has been done but the "wind work," seems just a little problematical. As a gentleman informed us, "The road begins nowhere, ends nowhere, and there are no stations between." If built, the most it can ever be is a local feeder to some other road. Under the first proposition to build a road from Paris to Frankfort, the county agreed to give $400,000; it failed, and under the new order of things the county, we believe, proposes to give $100,000. The project is still being agitated, but time only will show to what result.
p. 64
[NOTE: I moved ahead to the section on cattle and the fairs in case some of you are wondering about the abrupt transiton in subject matter--Bob Francis]
As showing something of the size and weight of Bourbon County cattle, a carload was shipped from Paris, consisting of twelve head, December 15, 1874, by Bedford, Kennedy & Ferguson, which averaged 2,515 pounds. They were shipped to New York, and taken altogether are said to have been tile largest ever received in a single lot in that market-the lightest weight being 2,150, and the heaviest, 2,995 pounds. They were thoroughbred Durhams, of the "1817 importation," were bred and raised by Alexander Brand, Esq., and sold by John A. Merrett and H. F. Burchard. The item went the rounds of the press at the time and was highly commented.on throughout the country. So much interest did the shippers take in it, they had each steer photographed and grouped into a sort of portrait gallery.
Fairs.-The progress and growth of agriculture in the county, is more fully shown by a sketch of the fairs and associations that have existed, and are now in existence. Collins tells us that the first agricultural fair in Bourbon County was held in 1818. and that the present association held its first fair in 1836, and regularly every year since, except two years during the war, but another authority (Keller and McCann) takes issue with Mr. Collins, and says that if a fair was held in 1818, the proverbial "oldest inhabitant" knows nothing about it. Nor have we found anything nor learned anything of a fair held in 1818. There is little to be learned in regard to the early fairs of the county, as most of the early records have been destroyed. We find in an old copy of the Citizen, published in 1838, an address delivered by Gov. Garrard before the Bourbon County Agricultural Society, several extracts from which we have already given in the preceding pages. Without attempting to follow the association through all of its eventful history, from its organization to the present time, we will give a list of the officers and directors since the close of the war, which is as far back as we have been able to obtain reliable data. Beginning with the year 1866, the officers and directors were as follows: B. J. Clay, President; James Hall and Horace Miller, Vice President; W. W. Mitchell, Treasurer, and B. F. Pullen, Secretary. Directors, James A. Cunningham, W. A. Parker, J. D, Butler, George M. Bedford, F. P. Clay, Val Hildreth, Joseph Ewalt, Jacob Spears and Joseph Mitchell.
In 1867, the following officers were elected: B.J.Clay, President; James Hall and George M. Bedford, Vice Presidents; W. W. Mitchell, Treasurer, and B. F. Pullen, Secretary. Joseph Mitchell, Horace Miller, James A. Cunningliam, Val Hildreth, J. D. Butler, H. W. Rice, E. G. Bedford, J. W. Ferguson, John Cunningham, Dr. W. Fithian, were elected Directors. In 1868, B. J. Clay was re-elected President, and Joseph Mitchell and James Hall, Vice Presidents; B. F. Pullen, Treasurer, and J. A. Howerton, Secretary. Directors: J. A. Cunningham, Horace Miller, J. W. Ferguson, J. D. Butler, H. W. Rice, J. H. Ewalt, G. M. Bedford, E. G. Bedford, B. F. Bedford and E. B. Bishop. Annual membership was fixed at $4. In 1869, the same officers were elected, with the exception of J. W. Ferguson, who was elected Vice President in place of James Hall. Several changes were made in the directory, as follows: H. J. Rice, J. D. Butler, Horace Miller, B. F. Bedford, F. J. Barber, J. A. Cunningham, J. S. Kenney, Abram Renick, Joseph Ewalt and M. M. Clay.
pp. 64-65
In 1870, the annual meeting was changed from the second Saturday in April to the second Saturday in February, and the following officers elected: Same as last year, except James Hall was elected Vice President in place of Ferguson; J. W. Ferguson, H. M. Rosenberg, H. W. Rice, Joseph Scott, E. G. Bedford, F. J. Barber, J. D. Butler, J. S. Kenney, G. M. Bedford and James A. Cunningham, Directors. In 1871, B. J., Clay, President; Joseph Mitchell and J. W. Ferguson, Vice Presidents; B. F. Pullen, Treasurer, and James A. Howerton, Secretary. Directors: J. D. Butler, F. J. Barber, B. F. Bedford, Jr., E. G. Bedford, J. A. Cunningham, M. M. Clay, Joseph Ewalt, James Hall, J. S. Kenney and H. M. Rosenberg. In 1872, the old officers were re-elected, and a few changes made in the directory.
The same result followed the election of officers for 1873, and J. S. Kenney, E. G. Bedford, M. M. Clay, B. F. Bedford, S. P. Kennedy, James Cunningham, W. H. Renick, Harmon D. Ayres, H. O. Hutchcraft and Joseph Scott were elected Directors. In 1874, James Hall took the place of Joseph Mitchell as a Vice President--other officers were re-elected. A few changes were made in the directory. Same officers in 1875, with a few changes in.the directory. In 1876, B. J. Clay was re-elected President; Joseph Mitchell and J. A. Howerton, Vice Presidents; Mr. Pullen was re-elected Treasurer and W. A. Parker, Secretary; a few changes were made in the directory. In 1877, J. W. Ferguson took the place of J. A. Howerton as Vice President, and T. P. Muir was elected Secretary in place of Mr. Parker, with a few changes in the directory. The old officers were re-elected in 1878, except C. M. Clay, Jr., who the place of Ferguson as Vice President, with the following directory: F. Gano Hill, H. C. Hutchcraft, G. W. Morrow, J. Smith Kenney, B. F. Bedford, M. M. Clay, William Bedford, J. B. Kennedy, W. H. Renick and W. A. Parker. In 1879, C. M. Clay, Jr., was elected President; r. W. Ferguson and Joseph Mitchell, Vice Presidents; B. F. Pullen, Treasurer and W. A. Parker, Secretary, with but few changes in the directory. The old officers were all re-elected in 1880, and a few changes made in the directory. The same result was had in 1881, and in 1882, the following gentlemen were elected, viz.: J. W. Ferguson, President ; B. F. Bedford and F. Gano Hill, Vice Presidents; B. F. Pullen, Treasurer; W. A. Parker, Secretary; and Brent Hutcheraft, H. C. Hutchcraft, M. M. Clay, John E Hinton, John B. Kennedy, W. H. Renick, J. T. Hughes, H. C. Smith, George W. Morrow and J. W. Bedford were elected Directors.
p. 65
Distilleries.-The manufacture of whisky is one of the most extensive and valuable interests, not only of Bourbon County, but of the entire Blue Grass Region. Indeed, the blue grass seems to have a beneficial effect on whisky, as it has on everything else that comes in reach of it. William Warfield, Esq., of Fayette County, tells us that the "peculiar suitability of blue grass pastures for beef-making" is unsurpassed- Mr. Ben Bruce, editor of the Live Stock Record, says: "No portion of America is so highly favored for the breeding and rearing of fine horses" as the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky. Dr. Peter, chemist to the State Geological Survey, is of the opinion that "even men take on a higher development," in this favored section; we all know that the beauty of the Blue Grass ladies has become proverbial; then why should not Blue Grass whisky be better? It is the universal opinion abroad, that all the Bourbon whisky shipped to every point is not only made in the Blue Grass Region, but is the product of Bourbon County alone, whence it receives its name. That whisky is a valuable commercial interest in this part of the State, and that the revenue derived from its sale and manufacture is large, is a fact beyond dispute -- that it is a foe, bitter and relentless to Christian civilization, is a fact equally Palpable.
It is not our province, however, as a historian, to discuss the evils of whisky, but to view it from a commercial standpoint. We were informed by a gentleman in Ohio, some time ago, that whisky would be sold as long as there was 8 cents profit on a 10-cent drink, and we have no doubt that so long is it is extensively sold, as it is now, it will be manufactured. Commercially then, it is one of the great business interests of this portion of Kentucky next to tine stock, the most important, perhaps, and the most valuable.
From the very earliest settlement of the country, the manufacture of whisky has been numbered among its industries. The pioneers made whisky for the purpose of finding a market for their surplus grain. Since the day of the little log distillery, with a capacity of a few barrels per week, tile business has grown and increased with the growth and development of the country. It is a significant fact, that of all the early manufacturing industries of Paris and Bourbon County, that of whisky alone has kept pace with the time. The hemp factories, the cotton mills, etc., are gone, and few of the present generation can point out the sites where first they stood, but the distilleries are more flourishing than ever before.
It is not known at the present day, with any degree of certainty, perhaps, who started the first distillery in the county, or in what year the business was begun. Collins has the following upon the subject: "The first distillery in Bourbon County was near where the manufactory of W. H. Thomas stood in 1869, and was erected about 1790, by Jacob Spears, and others from Pennsylvania. Two negroes cut down the trees and hauled them to the distillery, while Mr. Spears cut the timber into suitable sizes, distilled, went to mill, and also attended a fine stallion he had brought with him. Others claim that Capt. John Hamilton, who run away from Pennsylvania on account of his participation in the 'whisky insurrection,' distilled in this region before Spears." We do not know if this is true, but no doubt it is, that the business commenced at least that far back. Emanuel Wyatt operated a small distillery in a very early day on land now owned by C. M. Clay; Benjamin Bedford also had a distillery very early. Robert Owen built a small distillery in the present precinct of North Middletown in 1806; and in what is now Centerville Precinct there were several distilleries built in early times. Thus the business was inaugurated in different parts of the county, and has increased and expanded to its present dimensions. An old gentleman informed us that those were the days of "honest whisky," when a bushel of grain would make two gallons of whisky that would retail at 25 cents a gallon. Then there was not so much red tape connected with making whisky as there is at present; "Uncle Sam" was not an interested partner as he is now, and anybody and everybody who felt a desire to do so were permitted to make it in the light of the sun, instead of having his operations veiled in "moonshine." But without dwelling longer upon the early manufacture of the article, we will devote a little space to the business as conducted at the present day.
pp. 66-67
There are seven distilleries in Bourbon County, now in successful operation, (and several others standing idle, owing toscarcit.yofarain the pastyear),owned andlocated as follows: White's Distillery at Paris; the Paris Distillery in Paris Precinct; Davies' Distillery at Millersburg; W. H. Thomas' in Paris Precinct; Ford & Bowen's at Ruddel's Mills; George Pugh's and Gus Pugh & Co.'s in the north part of the county.
White's Distillery, No. 14, Seventh District, is located in East Paris, on Stoner Creek. It was commenced by a man named Foley in 1855, but not completed until the following year. James A. Miller bought out Foley, and started it in operation in 1856, continuing the business until his death in the summer of 1860. In the following fall, Tarr, Hibler & White took charge of it and operated it for two years. Hibler sold out in 1863 to Tarr & White, and, in 1868, C. Alexander bought Tarr's interest. G. G. White bought out Alexander in 1877, and, in 1880, Mr. Ferguson bought a half interest in the concern, since which time the firm has been G. G. White & Co. The capacity of this distillery is four hundred bushels every twelve hours , the brand, "Chicken Cock," and there is a ready demand for the article; the manufacture of which amounts to about 9,000 barrels yearly. The storage capacity of the establishment is now 2,400 barrels, and the firm contemplate building a new warehouse soon of 1,800 to 2,000 barrels capacity. The article manufactured is "Sweet Mash Bourbon, Fire Copper," and all modern appliances are used, and thirty-five men are employed. The capacity for stock-feeding is 500 cattle and 800 hogs. Until the years 1880-81, all the grain used was purchased in the county : since that time most of it has been received from abroad. The main distillery building is 40x48 feet ; boiler shed 42x5O feet. The concern is now mashing 600 bushels daily, though the usual quantity is 400 bushels. In 1881, the average yieldwas 4.14 gallons; in 1882, nearly 4 1/2 gallons to the bushel. A cooper-shop is attached to the establishment.
Paris Distillery. No. __, Seventh district, is located in Paris Precinct, on the North Division of the Kentucky Central Railroad, and on the Paris & North -Middletown Turnpike, one mile from Paris. It was built in 1868, and commenced operation in January, 1869, W. T. Buckner and George M. Bedford, proprietors, under the firm name of Buckner & Bedford. They continued until the summer of 1880, when they were bought out by Samuel Clay, Jr., & Co., who have since operated it. Under the proprietorship of Buckner & Bedford, it made "sweet mash," but under the new firm it has changed to a "sour inash" establishment. The brand is "Paris Distillery-Hand Made." The capacity is 412 bushels; feed about 300 head of cattle, and employ in distillery proper some thirty hands. Storage capacity is about 15,000 barrels.
The Millersbura Distillery in the Seventh District was completed February 1, 1882, and was built by William Davie. It is hand-made sour mash; with all the modern conveniences, has a daily capacity of 500 bushels, and annual product of 6,000 barrels. The distillery building proper is 70x145 feet, and was completed ready for business at an expenditure of about $40,000. Thirty hands are employed at an average of $2 per day wages. It is located on the Maysville Division of the Kentucky Central Railroad, in the village of Millersburg. Bonded capacity of the warehouse is 15,000 barrels, and the necessary corn-cribs, cooper-shops, etc., are attached. Pure water from wells, 24 to 30 feet, is used. Everything is complete, about the establishment, and the reputation of Bourbon whisky will be fully maintained. It is expected to use the products of the surrounding country in the manufacture of whisky. At the present writing (February, 1882), it is just getting down to business.
Ford & Bowen's Distillery is located at Kiser's Station, on the Kentucky Central Railroad, north of Paris. It was originally built by Mr. B. Bowen in 1857, the father of H. C. Bowen, and was run by him until 1867, with the "Bowen Brand," and is the second oldest sweet-mash distillery in the county. The building was formerly a cotton and woolen factory. B. Bowen first took in his son George, and son-in-law Thomas Duvall, as partners, which continued for three years, when the Bowens bought out Duvall, and in 1867 Mr. Bowen sold to his son George. The latter took George W. Wyatt into partnership, under the firm of Bowen & Wyatt. He afterward bought out Wyatt, and sold an interest to H. C. Clay and James K. Ford, when the firm became H. C. Clay & Co., and so remained until 1880, since when it has been as above, Ford & Bowen. The brand is "Peacock," which was established when the firm became H. C. Clay & Co. Capacity, 600 bushels of sweet mash every twenty-four hours. Capital invested, $50,000. Warehouse, built in 1880; capacity, 4,000 barrels; and brick house, built in 1881, of 8,000 barrels capacity; amount now in bond 6,000 barrels; cooper-shop attached, and about twenty hands altogether are employed.
H. C. Bowen's Distillery, No. 102, of the Seventh District, is located at Ruddel's Mills, on Stoner Creek, and was built by Howard & Bowen in 1868-69. About a year afterward, Mr. Howard died, and after several changes in firm in 1879, Mr. H. C. Bowen became sole proprietor. The warehouse was erected by the present owner, and has a capacity of 8,000 barrels; made in 1881, 3,400 barrels; now in bond 5,500 barrels; capacity, 444 bushels per day.
The distillery is located about two miles from Shawhan's Station, on the Kentucky Central Railroad, from which most of the shipments are made. Most of the grain is purchased in the county; cooper-shop attached, which makes from thirty-five to forty barrels per day. About twenty hands are employed, at an average of $2.00 per day wages. Capital invested, $50,000 brand, " H. C. Bowen," and is sweet-mash make.
W. H. Thomas' Distillery is five miles north of Paris, and three miles west of Kiser's Station. This is an old establishment, dating back to 1836-38, and was built by Jacob Spears, and has been owned and operated by several parties; has stood idle, and then been started up again, finally becoming the property of W. H. Thomas, the present proprietor. It makes pure copper whisky, and has storage capacity for about 2,500 barrels a cooper-shop is attached, which makes the barrels used in the distillery. The brand of whisky made is "W. H. Thomas;" capacity, 54 bushels per day and during the year 1881 there were made 900 barrels, it being a small establishment.
George Pugh's Distillery, is No. 13 of the Seventh Internal Revenue District of Kentucky, and was built by Jacob Wilson about 1800, and is the oldest distillery in the county now in operation. It was washed away during a time of high water, and re-built by John Ewalt. It lay idle for several years, and in the fall of 1856 George Pugh bought and re-built it and he and his sons have since run it. It is operated by water-power, and is a very small establishment, making only about one hundred and fifty barrels annually. It is in Ruddel's Mills Precinct, at the mouth of Townsend Creek, about eight miles from Paris. Has storage room for 700 barrels, and about 400 barrels in bond.
The distillery of J. S. Shawhan is a small establishment, located on the pike, about one and a half miles west of Shawhan Station, on the Kentucky Central Railroad. It was built by Mr. Shawhan in 1874, and made in 1881 only 232 barrels, and is at present standing idle.
Gus Pugh & Co.'s Distillery is No. 44, and is located about a quarter of a mile east of Shawhan Station. It was built in 1858 by Samuel Ewalt, and remodeled in 1872 by Gus Pugh--bought by him in 1870 of Ewalt. The brand is "Gus Pugh;" amount in bond, 300 barrels capacity, 30 bushels per day; about 250 barrels annual production. The establishment is run by steam, and the production is the "hand-made sour mash." Like the last mentioned, it is a small establishment, doing but little business.-Perrin.
(Skipped Chapter VI which deals with cattle)
CHAPTER VII--WAR HISTORY OF BOURBON COUNTY--THE REVOLUTION AND INDIAN TROUBLES--OUR SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN--CAPT. GARRARD'S COMPANY--TROUBLE WITH MEXICO--A COMPANY MADEUP BY CAPT. SIMMS--THE LATE WAR--INCIDENTS, ETC., ETC.
p. 75
-- Carleton
THE first knowledge the Anglo-Saxon had of Kentucky was intermingled with "wars and the rumors of wars." When the pioneer, Boone climbed
a mighty war with the mother country was upon the eve of breaking forth--a war that led the American people to freedom and liberty. Many of the Kentucky pioneers were soldiers who had fought in the Revolutionarv army and when they arrived in their new homes--homes that had been given them for gallant service-they were forced to fight the savages for their possession, often to the death. These contests between the white and red men are more particularly described in a preceding chapter. How many of the early settlers of this section were Revolutionary soldiers is not known, but it is believed that a large majority of them had taken part in the struggle for independence. According to Collins, there were known to be still livinig, in 1840, within the limits of Bourbon Countv, the following soldiers of the Revolution : Archibald Bell, William B.Branham, John Brest, Sr., George Bryan, Isaac Clinkinbeard, James Davis, John Debinler, Nathaniel Harris, Andrew Harves, Thomas Hays, Benjamin Henniss, John Hinkston, Joseph Jackson, Edward McConnell, William Scott, Sr., Abner Shropshire, Michael Smith, Joseph L. Stevens, Henry Towles, Henry Wilson and Henry Wiggington. This was quite an array of soldiers to be living sixty years after the scenes of their campaigns, and gives a pretty good idea of the number that must have been among the original settlers. After their settlement here, it was one long-continued struggle, as elsewhere mentioned, almost up to the beginning of our second war with England. Considering her population at the time, Kentucky furnished, perhaps, twice as many men during the War of 1812 as any other State in the Union , without it was Virginia. Not a battle nor a skirmish was fought during the whole period of the war in which Kentucky was not well and fully represented.
As in the war of the Revolution, so in the war of 1812, it is impossible to say how many soldiers Kentucky did furnish. This we do know that where life was to be risked and glory won, Kentuckians were always found. Collins gives the following list of a company that went from Bourbon County: "William Garrard, Captain; Edmund Basye, First Lieutenant; David M. Hickman, Second Lieutenant; Thomas H. McClanahan, Cornet; Charles S. Clarkson, First Lieutenant; William Barton, Second Sergeant; John Clark, Third Sergeant; Benjamin W. Edwards, Fourth Sergeant; James Benson, First Corporal; William Walton, Second Corporal; Jesse Todd, Third Corporal; John S. Bristow, Fourth Corporal; Joseph McConnell, Farrier; Ephraim Wilson, Trumpeter; William Davis, Saddler.
pp. 75-77
"Privates (War of 1812)-John Finch, William Beneer, David B. Langhorn, John Wynne, William Mountjoy, Samuel Henderson, Henry Wilson, William Jones, John Terrell, Walter Woodyard, Moses Richardson, Jacob Shy, Lewis Duncan, Robert Thomas, Jacob Counts, John Snoddy, Thomas Bedford, James Finch, Walker Thornton, Thomas Eastin, Gerrard Robinson, William M. Baylor, Alexander Scott, William Scott, James Clark, Roger P. West, Frederick Loring, Thomas Barton, Samuel J. Caldwell, John Baseman, Jesse Bowlden, John Funston, James Johnston, John Layson, William B. Northeutt, Jonathan Clinkinbeard, Thomas Webster, Abel C. Pepper, Beverly Brown, Edward Waller, Gustavus E. Edwards, Stephen Barton, Stephen Bedford, John M. Robinson, Jacob Sharrer, Isaac Sanders, James Brown, Henry Towles, John Metcalfe, Stephen Owen, James Conn, Jacob Thomas, William Allentharp, Nathaniel Hil