Daviess County, Kentucky - Biographical sketches (8 of 8 so headed), 1883

Biographical sketches

George W. Birk, son of the late J. A. Birk, for whom Birk City was named, was born in Cloverport, Ky., Dec. 22, 1852, and came to this county with his parents in 1857. He was educated in Birk City, Owensboro select schools, and Evansville, Ind., business college. In 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business in Owensboro. In 1872 he returned to Birk City, and was employed in the store of his brother, J. F., till 1875. In 1876 and 1877 he engaged in the tobacco business, and in 1878 went to Grissom's

Yelvington Precinct

Landing and renaained till 1879. In 1880 he went to Owensboro, and engaged with his brother, F. J., in the grocery business. In June, 1881, he sold out and came to Yelvington, where he is now engaged in the general mercantile business, including drugs and medicines. He also owns an interest in the grocery and provision store of Birk & Pool. July 17, 1877, h& married Sue M. Hawes, daughter of Edwin Kawes, a native of Virginia. Slie died Dec. 24, 1878. May 30, 1882, he married Mary A., daughter of Richard "W. Hawes, a native of this counJt:y. Mr. Birk has been Postmaster of Yelvington since March 16, 1882. IT 3 is a member of the Baptist church.

Samuel Bise, born in Coshocton County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1837, is a son of Henry Bise, a native of Knox County, Pa. His parents removed to Scioto County, Ohio, in the fall of 1837, where he was reared and educated. In July, 1862, he went to Eockport, Ind., and in 1867 came to Daviess County, and now owns 103J acres of land three miles northwest of Yelvington. He was married in 1851 to Jemima Derrough. Of their four children but two are living - "William and Samuel. His wife died in 1867, and in October, 1873, Mr. Bise married jS'eoma, daughter of Daniel Hall. They have had six children, five now living - David, Elizabeth, James, Barney and Robert.

Elijah Boards son of James and Permelia (Cummings) Board, was born in Breckinridge County, Ky., March 15, 1844. His grandfathers, Elijah Board and Presley Cummings, both came from Virginia to Breckinridge County, Ky., in an early day. Mr. Board came to Daviess County in 1867 and settled in Yelvington Precinct. He was married in the fall of 1871 to Mrs. Laura Hicks, daughter of Cyrus Hill. Her grandfather, John Hill, is now nearly 100 years old. He came up the Ohio on the first steam-boat that ever ascended that river. Mr. and Mrs. Board have two children - Francis A. and Ethel. Mrs. Board has one child by her former marriage - Edith Hicks.

George TF. Boswell was born in Trimble County, Ky., June 20, 1830. His father, Henson Boswell, a native of Virginia, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died when George W. was quite small. The family afterward, in 1834, came to Daviess County. When be was eleven years old tliey went to Montgomery County, Tenn., and all the schooling George W. ever had was nine months in the subscription school taught by John D. Tyler, of that county. He removed to Hancook County, Ky., in 1850, and in 1878 re- turned to Daviess County. When nine years old he was sent to the horse-mill, a distance of eight or nine miles, starting and returning in the night. He was married in 1851 to Susan E. Estes. Of their four children but one is living - Hardin N. Mrs. Boswell died, and in 185S Mr. Boswell married Lettie Morgan. Eleven children have been born to them, ten living - Ann E., Kate E-, Jeffersou D., George O; M., Martha M., Sallie E., Sudie M. and Mary Carrie (twins), Robert W. Q. Hud David K. During tlie late war Mr. Boswell enlisted in Company G, Ninth Kentucky Confederate Cavalry; was with Morgan on hia raid as far as Brandenburg.

Hev. William H. Dawson^ Pastor of the Baptist church Yelvington, was born in Upper Town Precinct, Daviess Co., Ky., Nov. 30, 1841, and was a son of Gibson Dawson, a native of Ohio Countj^, Ky. liis early life was spent on a farm, his education being received in the common schools and at a select school in Owensboro. Feeling that he was called to the ministry he studied to that end, and in 1867 began his labors in the Macedonia Church. In 1870 he went to Hawesville and had charge of the First Baptist Church fn- five years. He then took charge of the Southampton church, Daviess County, and remained there till 1881. In 1878 lie came to Yelvington and took the pastorate of the church here, having both churches under his care. While in Hawesville Mr. Dawson had a four daj's' discussion with Geo. G. Taylor, a Reformer, or Campbellite; in Southampton he had a six days' discussion with Rev. J. M. Lawson, Presiding Elder of the Owensboro District, M. E. Conference, and in Yelvington had a six days' discussion with Rev. B. F. Orr, a Methodist clergyman. He was married Nov. 12, 1866, to Nettie W., daughter of A- Gallatin Howard. Six children were born to them, only four now living - John C, George W., Cora and Arthur W.

William B. Duncan (deceased), born in Daviess County, Ky., May 1, 1816, was a son of Robert Duncan, an early settler of this county. His education was received in the primitive log schoolhouse. He was reared a farmer, and always followed that occupation. Dec. 12, 1841, he married Celia Head. To them were born six children, five living - Elizabeth, Henry J., Robert F., Jennie and John B. His wile died Aug. 29, 1856, and Nov. 11, 1857, he married Mrs. Anna Haygood, a widow lady with two children - Kate and Georgia. Three children were born to them - William N., Rosa Lee and Clinton C. Soon alter his first marriage Mr. Duncan settled in this precinct on the farr.i where his cliildren now live, and where he died June 1, 1882. His wife preceded liim Dec. 10, 1867. lie was a member of the Metliodist Episcopal church at Bethlehem, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity. Ilis son, John B., is a subscriber to "Daviess County History."

P. S. Graves was born in Amherst County, Ya. , Aug. 9, 1844. His father, Eice Graves, was also a native of Virginia, and came to Kentucky when P. S. was an infant, locating in Breckinridge County. He came to Daviess County in 1847, and settled in this precinct. Mr. Graves has always been a farmer, and for twelve years ran a thresher in connection with his other work. He was married in 1872 to Laura J. Schenk. They have had three children - Mary A., Lizzie E. and Alice B. Mr. Graves owns a good farm of 120 acres, three miles southwest of Yelvington.

Taylor H. Graves^ born in Yelvington Precinct, Nov. 28, 1847, is a son of Eice E. Graves, a native of Goochland County, Ya. He was reared a farmer and now owns eighty acres of the old homestead. His education was received in this precinct. In 1878 he married Nancy C. Shadric, daughter of James Shadric. They have four children - Will T., Frank, Yirginia N. , and Bill E. "When Mr. Graves's father left Yirginia he intended going to Missouri. They came down the river on the steamer Star of the West, and when opposite Captain Oglesby's farm, just below Cloverport, their boat was run into and sunk by the steamer Hathaway. The family were all saved, two of his brothers, James F. and Yarland, by jumping astride a barrel of whisky. They were afterward carried ashore by Captain Lamb, who swam ashore with first one and then the other on his back. He also cut the horses loose and all were saved except one that he could not reach.

Jolin 0. Hathway (deceased) was born in Owensboro, Ky., Nov. 16, 1832. He was a son of John Hathway, a native of Maine and an early settler of this county. He received his education in Owensboro, and on reaching manhood chose the occupation of a farmer. He was married Nov. 5, 1868, to Mollie E. Davis, daughter of Edmimd Davis, now of Missouri. One son was born to them - John Murray, now thirteen years of age. Mr. Hathway died Aug. 8, 1881. He owned a farm of 200 acres, where his wife and son now reside. He was a kind husband and father, charitable and kind-hearted, always ready to assist in building schools and.all public improvements, and wasconstantly endeavoring to make others happy.

Benjamin W . Hawes, Sr. (deceased), was born in Virginia in 1809, and was brought by bis parents, Kichard and Glara ("Walker) Hawes, to Kentucky in 1810. His education was received in the early subscription-schools, he being reared to the life of a farmer. He was an enterprising man and a successful farmer, owning at the time of his death several hundred acres. He married Mary A. Taylor, daughter of Hon. Samuel M. Taylor. Of their ten children bat seven are living - Samuel T., Mildred, Catharine, Benj. W., Susan, Edwin and Hettie. Mr. Hawes died in 1861.

Benjamin W. Hawes, Jr., son of Benjamin W. Hawes (deceased), was born in Daviess County, Oct. 9, 1845. He is engaged in farming, having been reared to that occupation, and owns 140 acres of well-improved land two miles northwest of Telvington. He was married in 1876 to Hannah Bright, daughter of Geo. M. Bright, of Shelby County. A few months after their marriage Mrs. Hawes died, g,nd in December, 1881, Mr. Hawes married her sister, Minnie S. Bright. They have one child - George B. Mr. Hawes is a member of the Baptist church. -

Richard Hawes (deceased), a native ot Virginia, came to Kentucky in 1810, locating first in Fayette County. He soon after removed to what is now known as the Burke farm, near Louisville, and resided there till 1820, when he came to Daviess County, settling in Yelvington Precinct. He bought large tracts of land in this and Hancock counties and donated the land for the town site ol Hawesville. He was an energetic man and amassed a fortune, being one of the wealthiest men of the county at the time of his death. He gave employment to many and was well and favorably known in Daviess and Hancock counties, both as a kind employer and a respected citizen. He died in 1829. His wife was Clara Walker, and to them were born ten children, but two now living - "Walker, of Saturia, on the island of Matagorda, off the coast of Texas, and "William R, of Owensboro. Samuel, Ann (Mrs. "William Coleman), Eichard, Hon. Albert G., Dr. Aylett, Edwin, Benj. "W., and Susan E. (Mrs. J. G. Taylor) are deceased.

MoTGus D. Hoard was born in "Woodford County, Ky., March 12, 1801. His father, Edwin Hoard, a native of Virginia, came to "Woodford County, Ky., when a young man; was a soldier in the Indian war, under General Anthony "Wayne; removed with his family to Mason County, Ky., when a young man. Edwin Hoard was engaged in one of the most remarkable law suits in the history of America, lasting forty years. It was with General Bodley, Mr.

Hughes and Alex. Marsliall, concerning some land in Mason County, Ky ., then in Virginia, patented by William Coghill. Mr. Hoard finally gained the suit. Marcus Hoard was married in 1840, to Mary W. Parker. Of their seven children three are now living - William E., Jane (now Mrs. I. W. Whayne) and Mary L. Mr. Hoard came to Daviess County in 1851. Prior to coming here he worked at the carpenter's trade, buthas been a farmer since coming to this county. He owns a farm of sixty acres two miles northeast of Yelvington. Mr. Hoard has served as Justice of the Peace seven years, and Deputy Clerk of Daviess two years. He, politically, was a Whig before the war, but since then he has affiliated with the Democratic party. Mr. Hoard has been a member of the Baptist church fifty-two years. He is a nephew of the Hon. J. J. Crittenden, who so distinguished himself in Congress.

William E. Hoard, son of Marcus D. and Sarah W. (Parker) Hoard, was born iu Mason County, Ky., Jan. 2, 1844, and came to this county with his parents in 1851. He was married Nov. 3, 1870, to Hester A., daughter of Daniel Colbert. They have four children - William, Marcus, Francis T. and Jesse M. During the late war Mr. Hoard enlisted in Company C, First Kentucky Confederate Cavalry, under General Wheeler. He was at the battles of Chickamauga, Perryville, Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, Look out Mountain, Peach-Tree Creek, Jonesboro and others. Surrendered on Savannah River, near Washington, Ga., in 1865. He received but two flesh wounds and was not sick a day during his service in the army.

Joseph Kelly (deceased), a native of Kentucky, born June 13, 1804, was a son of Joseph Kelly, a native of Yirginia, but an early settler of Kentucky. When Joseph was a small boy the family removed to Henry County, Ky., where he was reared and educated. In the spring of 1836 he came to Daviess County and bought 1,000 acres in the forks of Panther Creek, and cleared about 500 acres of it. In 1853 he came to this precinct and purchased 700 acres, afterward buying still more. He was one of the largest land-owners in this county. He owned a saw and grist mill which he carried on several years. Sept. 23, 1834, Mr. Kelly married Nancy J., daughter of Abraham Smith. Five children were born to them, four now living - Abraham, Mary E., Joseph S. and Araminta D. Josephine II. was married and at her death left a family. Mrs. Kelly died Oct. 7, 1845. Oct. 2, 1849, Mr. Kelly married Harriet C, daughter of Christopher Junes. Of their ten

William H. Mills, born in Logan (then Simpson) County, Ky., Sept. 17, 1809, wa^a son of John Mills, a native of Georgia. He was educated in the early log-cabin subscription school, his time being mostly spent at work on the farm. He also worked at the carpenter's trade with his father, and after reaching manhood piloted ilatboats to New Orleans several years. In the fall of 1825 he came to Daviess County and has since resided here with the exception of nine months spent in Hancock County. He owns a farm of 110 acres four miles north of Yelvington. He was married in 1835 to Sally A. Estes. Six children we.re born to them, but fonr now living - Monroe L., Ferdinand C, Kobert J. and Paulina. Mrs. Mills died in 1855. In August, 1859, Mr. Mills married Mrs. Cynthia Forbis, daughter of Kev. Hiram Kallam. They have had two children, but one now living, a son twenty years of age. Mrs. Mills has one son by her former marriage, James jj. Forbis.

Worden Riddle was born in Nelson County, Ky., Nov. 11, 1825, son of Thomas Kiddle, a native of Frankfort, Ky. He came to Daviess County in 1848, and located in Yelvington Preeinct, where he now owns ninety-seven acres of good land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Just prior to coming here he married Ann, daughter of Charles Nettle. Five children have been born to them, but three now living - John, William and Laui'a Bell. Mr. Riddle and family are members of the Macedonia Eaptist church.

ColuTnbus C. Roberts was born in Yelvington Precinct, July 30, 2842. His father, Willis Roberts, is also a native of this precinct, born Sept. 8, 1814. His grandfather. Merry Roberts, was a pioneer of Yelvington. He had eight children, six living - Willis, James M., Ferguson, George W., Lafayette and Minerva A. Willis married Nancy J. Hudson, and to them were born nine children, eight now living - Elizabeth, Columbus C, Sarah, Elinor, Viola, Edwin, Alfred and Mary. Columbus 0. was married in 1872 to Selina J, Estes, daughter of William L. Estes. They have live children - Arlevie, Allen M., William F., Charles C. and Mary J. Mr. Roberts owns a good farm of about ninety-seven acres three miles from Yelvington .

early settler of Daviess Coanty. Mr. Roberts still lives on the old homestead, in what is known as the Iron Kill settlement, thirty acres of his farm being on the hill. He owns a farm of 180 acres. He was married in 1850 to Mary N. Potts. Of their six children but fonr are living - Minerva E. (Mrs. Price), Martha O. (Mrs. Wells), William S. and John M. One son, Thomas, died at the age of fourteen. Mrs. Roberts died, and Mr. Roberts afterward married Lutitia V. Hollingsworth. Seven children have been born to them, but six now living - Seymour, Gilmore, Josephine, Jennie, Myrtie and Maud W.

J. D. Russell, M. D., born in Muhlenburg County, Ky., Jan. 22, a 846, is a son of F. J. Russell, a native of the same county, who removed with his family to Fayette' Coanty, Ky., when J. D. was small. He was reared in that county and educated at the Georgetown (Ky.) College. He graduated from the old Kentucky school of medicine at Louisville in the spring of 1870, and settled in Yelvington immediately afterward, where he has built up a large practice. In the spring of 1871 he married Clara, daughter of Edwin Hawes. Two children have been born to them, only one livino- - James D. A daughter, Mary, died at the age of five years.

Nelson B. Schenk, born in Kanawha County, W. Va., Mirch 21, 1831, is a son of Richard F. Sclienk, a native of Albemarle County, Va., who moved with his family to Kentucky, and located in Jefferson County. Nelson B. Schenk came to Daviess Countv in 1861. That same year he married Fannie Beauchell. They have two children - Mary A. and James E. Mr. Schenk's nncle, John Schenk, was a soldier in the Mexican war, under Colonel Thompson.

Benjamin /ShadwickwAS born in Nelson County, Ky., May 13, 1824. . His father, Thomas Shadwick, was a native of Virginia and an early settler of Nelson County. His early education was iinited to the log-cabin subicription schools, he having to work on the farm. His parents came to Daviess County in 1824, and lie lias always lived here with the exception of six years spent in Hancock County, just across from Blackford. He now owns a farm of 1 56 acres three miles northeast of Yelvington. He was married in August, 1850, to Martha Oliver. Four children were born to them, only three now living - Milly, Thomas and Barbara. Mrs. Khadwick died in August, 1S6U. In 1861 Mr. Shadwick married Elizabeth Edwards. They have eight children - Lydia, Benjamin, Nancy, Josephine, Mary, Palestine, Elizabeth and Horace D. S.

Harold Smeathers, born in Yelv^ington Precinct, Oct. 27, 1828, is a son of Asa Smeathers, also of tliis precinct. He received his education in the subscription schools of this locality, and was reared to work on a farm, wiiich vocation he still pursues. He owns a farm of 145 acres three and a half miles east of Yelvington, where he is engaged both in farming and stock-raising. He was married in February, 1858, to Sarah M., daughter of Stephen Thornberry. Eight children have been boi-n to them, only iive now living - Catharine, Ella, George C, Alonzo and Jerome H. Mr. Smeathers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William N. Spilnvan was born in Henry Countj^ Ky., Dec. 8, 1836. His father, Henry Spilman, came from Virginia to Kentucky in 1832. William N. was reared and educated in Henry County. His father was a tailor, and he clerked in his store at different times. He came to Daviess County in December, 1863. He served as School Trustee about ten years, and superintended the building of Chestnut Grove school-house. He is a member of the I. O. G. T., and was Master of the Grange at Chestnut Grove, when it existed. In 1859 Mr. Spilman married Martha L., daughter of Jonathan Dean, of Henry County. They liave two children - Jonathan D. and William H.

Alfred Thrustoii, born in Marshall, Texas, Aug. 20, 1S48, was a son of Hon. Algernon S. Thruston, a native of Louisville, Ky. , born in 1801. He raised a company in Louisville, and went to Texas and assisted her to gain her independence. He was a Colonel under General Scott, and was afterward a member of Gov^ ornor Huston's cabinet in the '- Lone Star " State. He left Texas in 1850, and lived a while in Florida, tiien in Illinois, and in l^bi-. came to Daviess County, where he died in Marcii, 1K63. After leaving Texas he engaged in agricultural ])ursuits. He married Harriet C. Jacques, a native of St. Louis, Mo., and a daughter of Benjamin Jacques, an early settler of Texas. Nine children were born to them, only four now living - Alfred and Mr#. S. T. Speed (twins), Mrs. C. P. Tood, and Mrs. 0. Ai. Tood. Alfred Thruston owns 160 acres of good land, and is an enterprising firmer of this precinct. He is a member of the Knights of Pytliias.

Josephus Tnrnlmm (deceased), sun of Jcilin Turnhatn, was born in Shelby County, Kj., in J SOS. He was mairied Jan. 8, 1840, to Emily J., daughter of James Vecch. Three children Mere born to them, all deceased. Two died in infancy, and one daughter, Marietta, grew to maturity and married Frank Roberts. She left a son, Josephus, who, since his mother's death, has re-^ided with Digitized by Microsoft® his grandmother. He is now twenty-four years of age. He married Ella HoUis. Mr. Turnham at one time owned 480 acres of land, bnt portions of it have been sold, till now Mrs. Turnham owns but 280 acres. Mr. Turnham died in 1869.

William T. Walker^ of Yelvingtoii, was born in this county May 7, 1838. IJis father, Richard Walker, was an early settler in Daviess County, coming from Virginia. Mr. Walker's boyhood days were spent on the farm, and he received a common-school education. For six years he was engaged in ranniiif logs to Evansville. He then bought a half interest in a portable saw-mill, which he ran for three years. He has been constantly engaged in the lumbering and saw-mill business since 1872. His mill is now located on the land of Bowlds and Higdon, in Kuottsville Precinct. The mill is of the Blandy make. Mr. Walker was married March 18- 1860, to Margaret, daughter of Harry Eoberts. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living - Josephine, Martha H., Samuel T., Strawther D., William H., Lena, Ernest ani Eichard. One daughter, Lizzie, died at the age of iive years. Mr, Walker is a Mason, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Simeon D. Webier, born in Wilson County, Tenn., Oct. 9, 1837, is a son of James J. Webber (deceased), a native of Virginia. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and now owns 204^ acres of valuable land, all made by his own industry and good management, three miles northeast of Yelvington. During the war of the Eebellionhe enlisted in Company B, Seventh Tennessee Regiment, and served four years. He was in the battles of Seven Pines, Gaines's Mills, Jirst Bull Run and others. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Webber went to Hancock County, Ky., and in 1870 came to Daviess County. Nov. 16, 1867, he married Bettie SuUi, van. Tliey have eight children - James M., William H, Robert H., John T.,Mary E., Sarah J., Irene H. and George B.

Emmett Wells was born in Daviess County, Ky., June 8, 1852. His father, James C. Wells, now of Knottsville Precinct, was born in Shelby County, Ky., and came to Daviess County in 1842, and married Sallie A. I3ell. Of their four children but two are living - Emmett and William D. Emmett was reared a farmer, and is now engaged in that occupation, owning a farm of sixty acres, two and ahalf miles southeast of Yelvington. He received a commonschool education. Oct. 28, 1874, he married Laura Bell, daughter of Worden Riddle. Three children have been born to them, but two now living - Charles and James Worden. Mr. and Mrs. Wells

Appendix

Cornelius T. Cain^ the leading photographer of Owensboro, west side of Fiederica, between Third and Fourth streets, is a native of Indiana, born in Danville, Hendricks County. When a child lie removed with his parents to Miami County, Ind., and attended the graded and high sohools of Peru, until seventeen, when he began to learn ihe art of pliutograpliy. In 1868 be went to Louisville, Ky., and in Deeembtr, 1873, located in Owensboro. He is not only the best artist in Owensboro but is one of the leading photographers of the State. He has a iirst-class studio, and is prepared to do any kind nt photography known to modern artists. His father was Coi-nelius Cain, a native of Virginia, where he married Miss Anna Keplinger, also a native of Virginia. His mother w^is a member of the Baptist church, and his father of the JEethodlst Ejtiscopal church. They had a family of five sons and three daughters, of whom C. T. was the youngest. His grandfatlter, Clorneliiis Cain, was in the war of the Revolution, and at one time owned the land where Owensboro, Daviess Co., Ky., now stands.

Ron. Clinton Gri-ffith, of Owensborci, born one and a half miles southwest of Owensboro, Daviefs County, Oct. 18, 1832, is a son of Wm.R. and Arrie(Moseley) G-riflith. His father was a native of Maryland and came to Hartford, Ky., about 1800, with, his father, Joshua Griffith, when a child. He came to Daviess County and settled iiear Lewis Station, before Daviess County was cut off from Ohio. Jlis m<)ther was born in Virginia, a daughter of Captain Tom Moscley, a very old settler of Daviess Countj'. lie was one of the tirst sottlers of Owensboro, and his old residence is still standing oil Main street, in the ujiper ])art of town, a part of the Dunla)) ]iio\v property. The house is a two-story frame, and is in a goi.d st.itc. (if preservation. Tliis is about the oldest house in town, and when tirst built was in the woods. Mrs. Moseley was a Miss AVarkins, cousin of(Teneral Watkins, of Missouri. .Mr. iiidgely OrirHth, fathei- of the sub'eet of our sketch, wa.i elected several times as a Representative from Daviess County to the Senate and Lower House. He died in December, 1848. Mrs. Griffith died in 1832. They had four son?, two living - Daniel M., real estate agent, and Clinton. Clinton attended tlie Hartford schools until sixteen, when he entered college at Lexington, and graduated at the Transylvania College in 1849. He was elected as Director of the old Southern Bank before twenty-one years of age. In August, 1869, he was elected a Kepresentative to the Lower House of the Kentucky Legislature; re-elected August, 1871, and elected Senator ill August, 1877. He is an extensive land owner and resides on the old homestead of his father, one and a half miles southwest of town. He married in November, 1853, Mary Crawford, a daughter of James Crawford. She died in 1865. They bad three children, two now living - Elizabeth S., wife of John G.Weir, and Wm. R. attorney of Owensboro. Mr.' Griffith married Miss Anna Belle "Weir, in November, 1868. She was the daughter of James and Susan (Green) Weir. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have five children - Susan, James W., Allen, Arria and Clinton J. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Old School Presbyterian church. The family is of Welsh and English descent. The first Griffith settled in Baltimore, prior to the Revolutionary war. He had three sons; one settled in North Carolina, one in Baltimore and one in Philadelphia. The first Griffith settled in Baltimore when quite young, leaving, as be supposed, a barren waste, which afterward became very valuable in coal and minerals, and is now supposed to be in the possession of Welsh claimants, the American Griffiths having made no attempt to recover it, through the advice of John J. Crittenden, who was U. S. Senator from Kentucky.

J. F. Hager, bookkeeper for F. T. Gunther & Co., Owensboro, was born in Owensboro, March 23, 1853. He was the fifth child of a family of four sons and two daughters of Henry and Sophia Hager. He was educated in the public and private schools of Owensboro and business college of Evans ville, where he graduated. He is a member of K. of P., Star Lodge, No. 19, Owensboro. In politics he is a Democrat.

W. J. Lucas, jailer, was born in St. Mary's County, Md., a son of William and Alice (Sparks) Lucas. Soon after his birth they removed to Virginia. His parents both died when he was very young, and at an early age he was apprenticed to the carriagemaker's trade. He afterward learned the painter's trade. At the outbreaking of the late war he was one of the first to enlist in the

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Confederate service, remaining in the service until the close of the war. lie enlisted as a private and was promoted to Lieutenant- During his service as a soldier lie acted as a scout and spy, and was entrusted with many offices and duties that required courage and shrewdness. In all instances he performed his duties with perfect satisfaction. At one time he captured his own brother, Luther W. Lucas, who was in the Federal service. Mr. W. J. Lucas was wounded, a bullet passing through his left cheek and lodging in his windpipe, and for a time his life was despaired of. In 1872 he came to Owensb')ro and worked at the painter's trade until 1882, when he was elected to his present position. He was married to Mildred Summers, Oct. 4, 1865. She was born iu Fairfax County, Va., and is a daughter of Wm. F. and Mariana (Johnson) Summers. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have six children - Thomas M., A. Blanch, G. Summers, Forrest F., Eegina B. and Anna B.

M. V. Monarch, President of the Sour-Masli Distilling Company, Owensboro, was burn in Daviess County, Ky., March 10, 1842- His parents, Thomas and Susan (Daveiss) Monarch, had a family of ten children, only six now living - William H., Thomas J., Kichard, Miranda J. (wife of Thomas J. O'Bryan), M. V., and Sylvester. M. V. attended private schools in Owensboro till twenty - two years of age, and then entered Cecilian College. After leaving school he engaged in the tobacco business till 1868. Since then ho has been manufacturino; his celebrated hand-made sourmash whiskies. Commencing life with limited means he went bravely to work, and by industry and business integrity has placed himself among the leading distillers of the country, his brands of whisky being sold in most of the States and Territories. IJe has offices in New York and Louisville, and agents in Chicago, 111., and Galveston, Te.xas, and employs three or four traveling salesmen. Mr. Monarch was miirried Sept. 20, 1869, to Elizabeth A. O'Brj'an, a native of Meade County, Ky., and a daughter i>f ¥7illiara and Mary A. (Vowels) O'Bryan. Six children have been born to them, live now living - Henry L., born May 11, 1872; Daniel, Aug. 14, 1874; A. Ermenie, June 11, 1876; M. V., Jr., Sept. 14, 1S78; Bineta, May 23, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Monarch are members of the Catholic church. He is President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In pulitics he is a Democrat.