Henderson County, Kentucky - Chapter 23, 1887 (part 4 of 9)

It will be remembered that at a meeting of the Council held June 6th, a tax was levied only to pay the current expenses of the city government, and for the further purpose of carrying on the public schools. No levy subsequent to that time had been passed to meet the interest of the city falling due upon her outstanding bonded indebtedness. But now matters had changed, a better feeling existed, the people, or at least one hundred and fifty-six of them, representing the general business and professional interest of the city, had become interested, and an agreement had about been concluded. The Council now determined and did pass an ordinance in relation to the levy and collection of certain taxes for 1879. This levy was exclusively for the purpose of paying interest, and was as follows: To pay the interest on railroad bonds, seventy-five cents on the one hundred dollars; to pay the interest on outstanding school bonds, ten cents on the one hundred dollars ; to pay the interest on water works bonds, thirty-five cents on the one hundred dollars. These amounts, coupled with the levy of seventy-five and thirty cents June 6th, made a grand total of two dollars and twenty-five cents on each one hundred dollars valuation, and was made upon the basis of the agreed bonded settlement.

Every citizen, with perhaps a few exceptions, was rejoiced at the long hoped for settlement, and business, which had been so distressed for many months, began immediately to assume a life both bright and cheering.

November 20th, the Council, by resolution, directed the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners to pay the past due interest upon the basis agreed upon.

In compliance with a resolution passed by the Council July 20th, 1880, inviting the Sinking Fund Commissioners and bondholders to meet the Council in reference to the bond settlement, the following named gentlemen met July 23d : Mayor English , Councilmen Kreipke, Clore, Unverzaght, Sandefur, Kleiderer, Schlamp and Lewis, and

Messrs. L. H. Lyne, S. K. Sneed, L. C. Dallam, on the part of the Sinking Fund Board and bondholdeis, and E. B. Newcomb on the part of several bondholders.

At this meeting it was agreed between the Council, Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners and bondholders represented, that the outstanding bonds should be replaced by a new bond bearing five and six per cent, interest, the only dissenting vote being that of Mr. Lewis. The following resolution was then passed, Colonel L. H. Lyne and E. B. Newcomb dissenting.

''Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that no interest should be paid on the present outstanding bonds unless the holders of said bond^ agree to accept the new bonds and conform to the provisions of the resolution heretofore adopted "

During the time this settlement was pending the City Assessor had made his assessment of property liable to taxation for the year 1880, and returned his book to the Council. The Board of Supervisors, to-wit, ex-Mayor Jacob Held, John O'Byrne and Aaron F, Kennedy, appointed to compare and correct the books, met, and, after completing their labors, returned them, together with their report. The action of the Supervisors was so peculiar, and so different from that of any previous board, the Council, or a majority of that body, at least, were amazed, and by resolution not only refused to accept the action of the Supervisors, but thereupon directed the Assessor's book and the accompanying report referred back to them. The Supervisors seemed to be imbued with the idea ot scaling property as well as bonds, arguing that if bonds had depreciated in value so iiad real estate, and no matter how low a valuation had been placed upon real estate by the Assessor, it was yet entitled to a sweeping reduction of twenty per cent. The Supervisors again met, and having matured a report, reduced it to writing, and, on the 23d day of July, 1880, returned the same to the Council. The following is a copy :

"Gentlemen - As supervisors of tax assessments the report furnished by us to your honorablr bod3 on June 30th, 1880, has been by your order recommitted to our further supervision, we beg leave to state that the duty assigned us, has this day. July 22d. 1880, been completed, which herewith is furnished for vour consideration. In the judgment of the Board there has not been furnished them facts sufficient to make any alterations in their first report.

" First. The bondholders personally appeared (at least several of them) before the Board and said that fifty cents was as much as their cash value.

-' Second. Your Board was well advised, that not long since, less than fiftv cents of their face value was the amount for which some of them were exchanged for cash.

-- Third. In 186S there was real estate taxed for the interest on said bonds to the amount of $3,066,656. Since then real estate has been in the amount of $1,000,000 added, allot which is assessed in 1880 at $1,320,702, which shows a depreciation in said real estate of $2,744 954, thus a depreciation appears in said real estate of fully sixty-seven percent As the bondholders admit, and the facts establish, this depreciation, why should your Board fix a fictitious value on the bonds, at more than double their cash value. The oath and clearest judgment positively forbids it.

*' In conclusion, since the Council cannot run the city government at sixty _ c^nts per one hundred dollars, and the fact that the bondholders insist upon property thus depreciated being taxed to pay the interest on the bonds at their face value, which are equally depreciated, the Council, if it meet their deiiiand, will be compelled greatly to increase the per cent of taxation above the amount for the year 1879, for which this Board is not responsible.

John G'Byrne

This very remarkable report was a sort of cannon shot, but nevertheless unsatisfactory to the Council. It was referred to four members of that body, namely, Messrs. Unverzaght, Kreipke, Lewis and Kleiderer, who, after having given the Assessor's book a thorough overhauling, and a scrutinizing attention to the report of the Supervisors, reported :

Whereas, Complaints have been made to this Council that the report ol the Board of Supervisors of tax for the year 1880 in decreasing the value of all real estate, as reported by the Assessor, twenty per cent , and increasing certain lists as follows, in order, as they report, to equalize the value of real estate, and decreasing other lists for the same purpose, is unjust and unfair; and

''Resolved, Second. That the tax books, or lists, as repoited by the Board of Supervisors, be changed and corrected so that the same will conform to the

Assessor's lists or books as originally returned by said Assessor, and the taxes to be levied for the year 1880 shall be levied on the basis of the return of the lists or books by the Assessor. W. H. UNVERZAGHT

From this it is quite plain that the Supervisors' report met with summary treatment and was consigned to the waste basket of " unfair " public documents. The Council once again turned its attention to the agreed settlement, and upon motion to change the depository at which the interest should be paid from the Bank of America, New York, as fixed in the original bonds, to that of the Treasury of the City of Henderson, opposition was again met, but the motion prevailed by the following vote : Ayes - Unverzaght, Kreipke, Kleiderer, Clore, Sandefur and Schlamp. Messrs. Lewis and Steele voting in the negative.

Thereupon the ordinance directing the issuing of the funding bonds as per the agreement, was placed upon its final passage and adopted by the following vote : Ayes - Unverzaght, Kreipke, Kleiderer, Clore, Sandefur and Schlamp. Nays - Lews and Steele, This ordinance directed to be issued the bonds of the City of Henderson to the amount of four hundred and ninety-six thousand eight hundred dollars. Three hundred and ninety-eight bonds of one thousand dollars each. One hundred and eighty-nine bonds of five hundred dollars each, and forty-three bonds of one hundred dollars each, to be numbered serially as issued, commencing with number one, and to be designated as series A,^B, C and D, to be payable to bearer, and fall due in thirty years from the date thereof, but redeemable at any time after the expiration of five years at the option of the City Council and to bear interest at the rate of 5 and 6 per cent, per annum. It was directed that the new bond to be issued in exchange for the outstanding railroad bonds, be designated as series "A" and entitle the holder to the same liens and priorities as were given the holder of the original bond. That the new bond to be issued in exchange for the outstanding school bonds, be designated as series " B " and entitle the holder to the same liens and priorities as were given the holder of the original bond. That the new bond to be issued in exchansfe for the outstanding bonds issued for city purposes, be designated as series " C" and entitle the holders to the same liens and priorities as were given the holder of the original bonds, and mat the new bond to be issued in exchange for the water works bonds, be designated as series "D" and entitle the holder to the same liens and priorities as were given the holders of the original bond. It was further directed that the bonds designated as series " A " should bear 5 percent, interest, pay able semi-annually, on the first day of May and November. Series " B " to bear 6 per cent, interest payable semi-annujilly, on the first day of May and November. Series " C " (with the exception of thirteen thousand five hundred dollars, which originally bore 8 per cent, interest) to bear 6 per cent, payable semi-annually, on the first day of September and March. The thirteen thousand five hundred dollars to bear 5 per cent, interest, payable semi-annually, on the same days. Series " D" to bear 6 per cent, interest, payable semiannually, on the first day of March and September. Upon the adoption of the new bond and ordinance levying the tax for 1880 was read and adopted by the following vote : Ayes - Unverzaght, Kreipke, Kleiderer, Clore, Sandefur and Schlamp. Messrs. Lewis and Steele voting in the negative.

The tax levy as fixed by this ordinance was as follows: An ad valorem tax of 60 cents on the one thousand dollars valuation as returned by the Assessor for city purposes, for defraying the current expenses of the city. An ad valorem tax of 30 cents for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the public school, and an additional tax of 10 cents for the purpose of paying the interest on the the school bonds. An ad valorem tax of 70 cents for the purpose of paying the interest on the bonds issued for railroad purposes, and an ad valorem tax of 30 cents for the purpose of paying the interest on the water works bonds, making a total of two dollars tax levy, ninety cents less than 1878 and twenty-five cants less than 1879. This levy was made upon the following assessment : for city purposes, $1,980,864, for water works, $2,021,989, for railroad the same, for school, $1,980,864.

I have endeavored to give a full and complete history of the long to be remembered settlement of the bonded indebtednes of the city of Henderson, which had its beginning in May 1877, during the administration of Hon. John C. Atkinson, and finally settled in August 1880, during the administration of Hon. F. M. English.

To sum up this long contest in a few words it amounted to this : It was evident to a majority of the bondholders that the interest was too much for the city to bear up under, and that by funding their bonds at a lower rate of interest, the investment would certainly become a much safer one. They knew full well, better, in fact, than others, that the interest was too great and that it should be reduced.

They were willing, in fact, more than willing, that such should be done, but upon a just and equitable basis. As to what this basis should be, the bondholders, and Council elected upon the heavy scaling idea, failed to agree. That"^ they were willing to give more than the Council ultimately demanded, is surely proven by comparing the proposition made by the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners, January 16th, 1869, with the final settlement. To make this plain, the outstanding bonded indebtedness of the city at the time the settlement was made consisted of the following bonds : One hundred and ninety-four railroad bonds of $1,000 each, bearing seven per cent, interest; twenty-seven city bonds for water works extension, of $500 each, bearing eight per cent, interest; fifty -six school bonds of $500 each, bearing ten per cent, interest; twenty-nine city bonds of $1,000 each, bearing ten per cent interest ; fifty-six city bonds of $500 each, bearing ten per cent, interest; forty-three city bonds of $100 each, bearing ten per cent, interest; seventy-five water works bonds of $1,000 each, bearing ten per cent, interest, and fifty water works bonds of $500 each, bearing ten per cent, interest, making a to.tal of six hundred and thirty bonds bearmg seven, eight and ten per cent, interest and representing $496,000.

January 16th, 18/9, the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners, representing a large majority of the bondholders, proposed to the City Council to receive in lieu for the $194,000 of seven per cent, railroad bonds, new bonds bearing six per cent, interest and representing $155,200 or twenty per cent, off of the face of the original bond. For the $100,000 eight per cent, railroad bonds, and $13,500 eight per cent city water works extension bonds, new bonds bearing six percent, interest and representing $102,150, or ten percent, off of the face of the original bonds. For the $189,300 school, water works and city ten per cent, bonds, new bonds for the same face value, but bearing six per cent, interest. Under this agreement the total value of the new bonds would have been $446,650, bearing six per cent, interest, in place of $496,800 bearing seven, eight and ten per cent.

This proposition was rejected, although the Council was repeatedly importuned and urged by Mayor Atkinson and others to adopt it as a basis of settlement. Meetings were held week after week, and night after night, and yet no conclusion could be arrived at. Finally, on the 24th day of Oct/ober, over nine months after the proposition made by the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners had been rejected, the proposition to fund the bonded indebtedness at its ori.

ginal face value, the seven and eight per cent, bonds to bear five per cent, and the ten per cent, bonds to bear six per cent., was submitted by the Council to the bondholders, and by a very large majority of them accepted.

The difference between the propositions of January 16t4i and October 24th, 1879, which it took the Council nine months of laborious work and study to harmonize, settles down to this : The bondholders proposed to receive, January 16th, $50,150 less of principal and $66 more of interest than was voluntarily given them October 24th, nine months afterwards, as the following statement will show :

Thus the city had, after a settlement, a bonded indebtedness of $496,800, bearing five and six per cent, interest, when she could have had nine months before a bonded indebtedness of $446,500, bearing six per cent, interest.

What was the loss in valuation and business during this long unnecessary, and almost ruinous, settlement, it is not the purpose of this work to investigate. That it was immense, maybe safely inferred. Since the settlement property has advanced faster than the assessor, and the whole city resounds with the ring of trowel and hatchet.

On the twenty-first day of January, the weather being intensely cold, with every p/ospect of a long cold spell, the Henderson Coal and Mining Company, with commendable liberality, donated twelve hundred bushels of coal to be delivered gratuitously to the suffering and destitute of the city. This liberal contribution of one of the greatest comforts of life was distributed by the Mayor and a committee of the Council, and it is not surprising to know that many persons.

far from belonging to the unfortunate class for whom this charity was intended, were importunate applicants, and had to be watched closely. _j.

May 15th the annual conclave of the Knights Templar of Kentucky held its meeting in Henderson and was largely attended. The city was beautifully bedecked with flags, and altogether the grand occasion was one long to be remembered. A sumptuous and magnificent banquet was given the Grand Commandery at Marshal's warehouse on Third, between Main and Water Streets.

This ordinance made it a penalty for any railway company or other persons operating or controlling any railway or trains leading into Henderson to transport over such road any cars, freight, passengers or baggage coming from south of Guthrie to within less than five miles of the city before obtaining permission of the city. No steamboat coming from a point on the Ohio River south of Paducah was permitted to land passengers, freight or baggage within less than five miles of the city without permission. This was the year of the frightful fever epidemic at Memphis and still further up the Mississippi River at Hickman, Kentucky. It will be remembered that Dr. John L. Cook, of this city, a brilliant young physician, husband and father, volunteered his services, went to Hickman and soon became himself a victim of the terrible scourge. Dr. Pickney Thompson, of this city, as President of the State Board of Health, also visited the plague-stricken city. Surely Henderson contributed liberally to the comfort^and health of the Hickman people.

The Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Knights of Pythias, held its annual meeting in this city in September. At the same time the Henderson Fair Association was holding its meeting; the city was alive with flags and music, and a general good cheer pervaded the town. There were a large number of Knights from different portions of the State, and their handsome bearing was noticeable. A competition drill was given in the ring of the Fair Association, and Ivy Lodge lost, Evansville winning the prize. An unsurpassable banquet was given the Grand Lodge at Marshal's warehouse. Altogether, 1879 was a gala year for Henderson and will be remembered with infinite pleasure for years to come. W. VV. Blackwell, of this city, was elected Grand Chancellor at this meeting. He is the youngest member ever elected to that exalted position, being only thirty years of age at the time of his election.

February 27th, an act of the General Assembly of Kentucky was passed, incorporating the " Henderson Female Seminary," Miss Mary McCullogh, principal, Hons. John Young Brown and H. F. Turner, James R. Barret, Ben C. Redford, Dr. W. M. Hanna, Thomas Soaper, James Alves, David Clark and A. S. Winstead, incorporators and trustees. This magnificent institution of learning deservedly ranks among the first in the State.

The city purchased during this year her two fine horses " Jumbo " and " Dido " and shut up the market house by converting its rear end into a stable.

An ordinance was passed on the fifth day of May granting the Henderson Bridge Company the right to bridge the Ohio River, together with all other privileges thereto appertaining.

February 23d an ordinance was passed reducing the price of gas from $S to $2.25. This ordinance was bitterly fought and only passed by the vote of Mayor English. Upon its passage a motion was made to shut off the street lamps. Mayor English opposed it. The vote stood : For shutting off - Unverzaght, Clore, Kleiderer and Sandefur. Opposed - Schlamp, Steele, Kreipke and Lewis.

Cairo Precinct

^Z! HIS precinct is bounded by the Corydon, Hende'rson and Ro- ^-^ bards Station Precincts and Webster County. For many years, from the earliest times of voting, the voters living in all that territory, with Green River to a point far beyond Petersburg, Webster County, including all of the precinct of Cairo, voted at Petersburg and John Harvey's, living at the junction of the Henderson and Madisonville, and the Smiths', afterwards McFadden's ferry roads. Years afterwards the voting place was changed from Harvey's to Isom Seller's, and here the elections were held until a growing population clamored for a change, which was made from Seller's to David Sights'. Here the elections were held for a number of years, when the voting place was changed to William Sutton's. In 1851, after the new constitution having been adopted, and the population having greatly increased, two voting places were established, one at Randall Osburn's, the other at Corydon.

In 1851 Cairo Precinct was established and the town of Cairo made the voting place. Among the earliest settlers of this part of Henderson County were John Leeper, the slayer of Big Harpe, Jacob Newman, John Christian, James Worthington, Abraham Saunders, Rowland Hughes, Joseph Worthington, William Black, Sherwood Hicks, Nevil Lindsay, John McCombs, John Lock, William Hughes, David Hughes, Eneas McCallister, John Luttels, John and Martin Kates, Joel Sugg, Andrew Black, Andrew Agnew and Micajah Hancock. These early settlers cleared the country, opened the first roads, built the first churches and school houses, and reduced the wild woods from a state of semi-barbarism to green fields and woodlands, dedicated to the culture of fine crops of cereals, tobacco, and the raising of horses, cattle, sheep and swine. Educational facilities in those early times were provided, and the boy or girl who could learn so much as the multiplication table and to spell, was fortunate indeed. A large majority of the second and the third generations grew up in almost absolute ignorance. It is a well known fact that where positive illiteracy controls the populace, there too is to be found riotous living, debauchery and vice in all its multiplied phases. Ignorance pays no homage to law, save only so much as is compelled from a natural fear existing in the brute as well as the human. Owing to this state of ignorance a greater part of the population indulged their time in horse racing on the Sabbath particularly, but any other day when the boys could be notified to come forward with the necessery shekels.

Rowdyism reigned supreme, drinking, debauchery and fist mills occupied the chief attention of this large class, and, altogether, it was a most lamentable state of affairs, but between 1807 and 1812 Salem Church was built near Sellers, and during the week a school taught in the building. This pioneer building was ot course a small log affair with puncheon seats and no desks or tables, yet it was sufficient for all purposes at the time. It was owned and used by what is known as the Regular Baptist, a minature congregation at that early date, and was presided over by Rev. John Street, a man of ordinary religious training, but an earnest worker in the faith. He was succeeded by Rev. John Dorris, a preacher of considerable power, but sadlv deficient in education. Rev. John Grantham preached for a time for this little congregation also. In those days settlements were few and very far between, therefore it was no unusual occurrence for members, both male and female, to ride fifteen, twenty and even twenty-five miles to preaching. It was a general rendezvous on Sunday for the young enthusiasts and lovers, and thus became the means of doing greater good than was expected in the beginning. Great revivals were held and numbers of those whose lives had been devoted to the sins of the world united with the Church and became active in securing others to do likewise. During the time a school was taught by Rev. John Street, afterwards by William Frazier. The children for miles around attended as best they could, most of them being necessarily compelled from the scarcity of horses and limited means of their parents, to walk day after day through by-paths for miles in search of knowledge denied their parents.

The country at this time was alive with wolves, yet they confined themselves mostly to those woods unfrequented by the traveler. The trials and dangers incident to that time, may be appreciated by the young of this day when ^ey remember that little children, wholly unable to offer resistence, flocked along wood paths with nothing but the rustling of leaves and the chirps of birds to cheer their lonely way. Seeking an education was accompanied by fears and trials at every turn of the paths, j^et they braved all dangers and searched that precious prize, a primary training, which eventuated in bringing the country from a wild horse racing, gambling, drinking set of ignorant hoodlums to a community of God-fearing, honest, laborous people. Salem Church, Salem school and the influence of Christian men and women gradually moralized the country until its rapid growth brought other blessings. Neighborhood roads were opened, more schools were taught, land was gradually cleared up, houses were built, law respected and thus the people became more thrifty and more intelligent.

Eighteen hundred and eighty-three dawned upon this precinct populated by a people noted for honesty of purpose, moral training, hospitality, social culture, laborious living, and, in fact, all the characteristics of worth to be possessed by any similar body of people in the country at large. Most of the lands lying in this precinct are rolling lands, some low lands. While there are some poor lands in the precinct, yet it is a fact that the larger part of it is rich and very productive. The principal products are corn, wheat and tobacco. A great part of this precinct is yet heavily timbered, all of the forest growth congenial to this climate is to be found in great abundance, including the oak, hickory, ask, elm, gum, poplar and walnut.

The tenth United States census gives this precinct a population of sixteen hundred souls, but the estimated population at this time, from what may be considered accurate, gives it twenty-five hundred. The Baptist still have a church where old Salem stood and the Methodist have a church at Union Hill.

Cairo

The town of Cairo is located in the southwest part of Henderson County, eleven miles from the City of Henderson, and seven miles west from Robards Station on the Henderson & Nashville branch of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The first person known to have settled in business upon the ground where the town is located, was William H. Hancock, who established a blacksmith shop for the convenience of the surrounding country. Albert G. Walker settled a few years afterwards, and when, in 1848, a mail and stage line was established between Henderson and Hopkinsville, Mr. Walker was appointed first postmaster. The town or station at that time had no name, and in order that the office might have a designated appellation by which it should be known at Washington, as well as throughout the delivery offices of the country, Mr. Walker sent in a name which the government declined to ratify, from the fact the same was on another post route in the State of Kentucky. Mr. Walker then sent on the name of Cairo, which was ratified by the Postoffice Department.

In 1873 the town was incorporated, and under the act Isom Cottingham, John McMullin, Albert A. Niles, Dr. W. B. Floyd, U. N. Swope and A. Kohl appointed trustees. The boundaries of the town were described, the election of trustees regulated, that is to say, the act directs the election of six trustees in the month of May annually, who are to serve one term of twelve months or until their successors qualify. These Trustees must select one of their own number who shall be permanent chairman of the Board. Power is given the Trustees to enact ordinances and all needful laws and regulations for the government of the town and to annex fines for their violations not exceeding magisterial jurisdiction, power to levy and collect taxes, etc.

The act of incorporation was amended February 4th, 1874, extending the power of the Trustees. Under this amendment all males over the age of sixteen and under fifty years of age, who pay into the town treasury the sum of two dollars, are exempt from paying poll-tax for road purposes.

The town of Cairo has one church building, the property of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. The building is used also by the Methodist congregation. There is also within the town limits one district white and one district colored school.

Tobacco Stemmeries

N. B. - Since the foregoing was written Cairo has had a big fire and safe robbery. Business has materially increased and many changes have taken place. It was near Cairo that Dr. W. T. Sutton killed young Alderson, for which offense he was cleared by a jury of the court.

Corydon Precinct

This precinct was established on the 20th day December, 1851, and a voting place appointed at a house built upon the ground now within the limits of the beautiful little town of Corydon. The precinct at that time was a wilderness of wild woods, inhabited by droves of wolves and other wild animals known to Kentucky for many years anterior to that date.

It is true there were a number of settlers, yet their places of habitation were so remote, neighbors seldom visited and seldom saw each other. The mode of traveling was extremely irksome and subjected to pioneer dangers. Corydon at that time was known only as a " woods settlement " of perhaps two or three log cabins.

The aged and respected Dr. John N. Dorsey settled in 1848 where the town of Corydon is now situated, and built the first cabin, a little log hut of a concern, in the forest upon the hill now ornamented by the handsome residence of Charles L. King.

In 1850 or '51, William L. Dorsey, a brother of Dr. Dorsey, laid off a few lots, using a grapevine for measuring distances. Some of them he sold for five dollars per lot, others for a less amount. Land at that time was valued from four to five dollars per acre. Dr. Dorsey, in 1868 and '69, purchased land for four dollars and fifty cents per

A weekly mail was established and brought on foot or horseback by some of the settlers from the Point, now Smith's Mills. Dr. J. N. Dorsey was the first postmaster, and when, some years after, finding further service incompatible with his large and growing practice, gave up the position. A box was then fixed in the middle of the village, where the mail was deposited.

Mrs. Dorsey suggested the name of Corydon and that name was adopted by the settlers. Dr. J. N. and William L. Dorsey established the first store at Corydon. The first school was taught by Baxter Cheatham, the great talker, at a place two miles in the direction of Smith's Mills. Another school was taught at the Rock Spring. The first church was built in 1820 at a point opposite and near the residence of Mrs. Norwood. It was a Baptist church. Rev. McMahon occasionally preached, as did Methodist circuit riders

The greater part of the lands in this precinct are very fertile and productive. The principal crops consist of tobacco, corn and wheat. The farmers, as a general rule, are thrifty, intelligent, industrious and well to do. The raising of beef cattle has become one of the aims of many farmers in this precinct, and no better lands for grazing purposes are to be found in the county.

There is no prettier territory to be found in Kentucky than that lying between Corydon and Smith's Mills. The average value per acre of lands in this precinct is now from twenty-five to thirty dollars.

The town of Cor3'don is located upon two gently sloping hills, and is second in population and commercial importance to Henderson The population of the Corydon Magisterial District, including the town as given in the Tenth United States Census, was 2,789. Population of the town, 544. Since that time the population has materially increased. There are a number of handsome and comfortable houses in Corydon. So there are a number of manufacturing and mercantile enterprises.

On the tenth day of March, 1884, Corydon was visited by a fire that swept away a dozen business and dwelling houses. This natur ally, of course, cast a gloom over the good people, but they soon rallied and rebuilt their burned property. Business revived and all was bright for the time.

The Ohio Valley Railroad was built to and beyond the town, a better and cheaper outlet was furnished, telephone and telegraph offices were established, a daily ^ail soon became another blessing, and the future of Corydon seemed bright indeed. But the fire fiend had not yet completed its wicked work ; it seemed that the town was doomed beyond peradventure, for on the ninth day of April, 1887, early in the morning when all were asleep, a fire broke out and before it could be checked sixteen stores and other buildings had succumbed to its merciless temper. This then was a most terrible calamity, and in every way calculated to demoralize the community, but it did not. Those who were the sufferers took renewed courage and determined to rebuild. There are now seven new houses in course of building and many more to follow so soon as building material can be had. Instead, then, of the fire being a curse, it has proven a blessing in bringing about the building of better houses and destroying traps that are always and at all times dangerous.

In the town of Corydon there are four white churches, to-vvit : Christian, Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist, with large, intelligent congregations. There is a coal mine - supplying the town and surrounding country - which costs its stockholders $9,000 ; one planing mill ; one large flouring mill supplied with the latest and most improved machinery and capacity of one hundred barrels per day ; eight firms engaged in merchandising and three tobacco stemmeries of large handling capacity. In addition to the churches before mentioned, there are also three colored places of religious worship.

In addition to all that has been said, Corydon glories in the possession of one of the best graded public schools to be found in the State. To the enterprise, good taste and liberality of that people, (and praised be their names), the youth, not only of the precinct but of the county, are offered and given a first-class High School education at a very moderate expenditure. All of the branches studied in ordinary colleges are taught in this school, except the Greek language. The act of the Legislature, creating this school was passed on the 25th day of March, 1872, Wm. H. Hancock, John R. Wilson, Green W. Pritchett, Dr. John N. Dorsey, Charles L. King, Dr. James N. Powell, Dr. H. S. Jones and George W. McClure, incorporators.

This also directed a district vote to be taken, and the levying and collecting of a tax of sixty cents upon the one hundred dollars' valuation, and a poll tax of six dollars. The election was held and the proposition carried by a handsome vote. The bonds, one hundred in number of one thousand dollars each, were issued and quickly disposed of at a premium in Corydon and Henderson. The original bonds bore 10 per cent, intereest, but since that time have been redeemed at a lower rate.

As soon after the sale of the bonds as possible, a magnificent two-story brick building was commenced at a cost of ten thousand dollars. This building was completed and occupied for the first time on September 1st, 1873. There were five teachers, 1st primary, 2d primary, intermediate, preparatory and high school. There was a board of eight trustees, which, at the time this sketch was written, was composed of the following named : John A. Stapp, Hon. Jos. V. Owen, Green W. Pritchett, Charles L. King, E. G. Powell, J. T. Head, H. H. Lawrence and John R. Wilson. Professor William Johnson, of Cincinnati, was the first superintendent. The first year the number of pupils enrolled aggregated 325 to 340 ; average daily attendance 230. There were fifteen or more non-resident pupils and from this source alone the school has annually received a benefit of siy or seven hundred dollars. The salaries were fixed at from ?30 to $45 per month for teachers, superintendent $90 per month. This school has invariably employed the best instructors and has graduated some of the brightest minds in the county. The location is healthy and never has the school been demoralized by sickness or trouble by the taxpayers.

Corydon is located in a fine section of country, and with such public spirit and liberality as characterizes the citizens must eventually come to the front in commercial importance. There is no community to be found anywhere possessing a greater share of social culture and broad and liberal intelligence.

Corydon was incorporated many years ago and has a police judge, marshal, police, &c. Among the early settlers of this precinct were : Dr. J. N. and Wm. L. Dorsey, John R. Wilson, William J. Powell, Baxter D. Cheatham, James Powell, Berry Gibson, Pressley Pritchett, Jack Pritchett and Albert Jones. Among the oldest now living are : Dr. J, N. Dorsey, Green W. Pritchett, Jno. R. Wilson, Thomas Ash, Herbert A. Powell, W, B. Pentecost and Jno. Trigg.

Geneva Precinct

Prior to 1880, the voters of this precinct, in order to exercise the right of elective franchise, were compelled to go either to Smith's Mills, Corydon or Henderson. The distance was an uncomfortable and fatiguing one. It was so with their court matters, and in order to remedy this, a petition, largel}' signed, was presented to the Court, and upon its hearing, on the 24th day of May, 1880, a precinct was established with two magistrates. This precinct was formed from portions of Smith's Mills Corydon and Henderson, and Geneva made the voting place. Originally Geneva was known as " Walker's," then the " Cross Roads," and is situated at the crossing of the Henderson and Smith's Mills, and Diamond Island and Corydon roads. The precinct lands are generally level and of a fine producing quality. The farmers are thrifty and intelligent. Diamond Island bend is included in this precinct, and for the production of corn and tobacco no better land is to be found in the county. It is in this bend where sportsmen find the greatest pleasure in the fall, winter and spring months, duck and goose shooting. There are a great number of sloughs and ponds, and with the coming of cold weather these are literally taken possession of by wild ducks and geese. The village of Geneva consists of a postoffice, four or five stores, a blacksmith shop, a grist mill, and several residenc.es. Mr. J. T. Sandefur, one of the most successful and intelligent raisers and handlers of bees, has his apiary near Geneva, where he collects annually a large amount of honey.

On the twenty-fourth day of September, 1864, a company of negro soldiers, returning from a recruiting (or negro stealing) expedition to Corydon, passed through Geneva, and while there discovered that one of the men was afflicted with the small pox. They determined to leave him, and did leave him, only to meet the savage vengeance of a party of rebels close on their heels. This unfortunate soldier was captured and taken to a woods near by and there hung and left dead. The sequel to this hanging will be found in the brutal murder of young Wathen, of Union County, published in the history of the county.

Hebardsville Precinct

This precinct was formed on the twentieth day of December, 1851, with voting place at Hebardsville. It borders on Green River, and consequently the greater portion of the precinct is hilly. Very many of the finest tobacco and corn farms to be found in the county are located in this precinct. In addition to this, fruit can be more successfully grown on the hills adjacent to Green River than elsewhere in the county. There is an abundance of the finest timber known to this country. The tenth United States census gives this precinct a population of 2,280.

The early history, as written of other precincts, apply to this. Early settlers had the same embarrassments and difficulties to contend with, although the first road established in the county ran through this precinct. Mr. Craven Boswell, was one of the earliest settlers, and at one time owned pretty much all the land adjoining and adjacent to the town of Hebardsville. A great portion of this land he donated to others in order to induce immigration and build up the country. The town of Hebardsville was named for Mr. Charles Hebard, who in very early times opened and carried on a blacksmith shop at that point. One of the first grist and saw mills known in the county was built in this precinct and operated by George McCormick. This mill was an undershot concern, located on Lick Creek, and built in 1808 or 1809. The lumber used in building the old Johnson House, in the town of Henderson, was sawed at this mill in 1809. In 1830 Mr. McCormick sold the mill to Philip Vanbussum, who operated it a few years and sold to Richard Hazelwood. In 1848 or 1849 Mr. Boswell, after having disposed of a quantity of his lands, died, leaving six children, only two of whom are now living, William, and Mrs. Catharine McFarland.

Hebardsville is the leading village or town in the precinct, and as a commercial point offers many inducements. It is surrounded by a magnificent tobacco and corn territory and a thrifty, well to do population of planters. Hebardsville has a number of merchants and business men, all of whom are accumulating slowly but surely. C. W. Johnson, R. S. Hart, Boswell Bros., George Willingham, George Reed, John Abb Johnston, Saunders Biggs, Joe Robertson, Oliver and Jack Malone, are among the number of merchants; George Negley operates a coal bank one and a half miles from Hebardsville and supplies the entire country surrounding with coal of the best quality. There are three churches at and near Hebardsville, the Cumberland Presbyterian, Baptist (Bethel) and Methodist. The Cumberland and Baptist are among the oldest known to the county. James Carroll operates a saw mill and turns out the best lumber for building purposes. There is one district school presided over by a competent teacher. Bluff City, a few miles below on Green River, is also in this precinct. It has a post office, saw mill and store. It is prettily located and ought to become a fine shipping point. Among the early settlers of Hebardsville were Craven Boswell, Charles Hebard,

Turner Denton, Benjamin L. Hicks, Samuel Pirtle, Caleb Hall, Edward D. Bennett, Robert McFarland and John B. Davis. Among the oldest inhabitants now living"mre Benjamin L. Hicks, Rev. Abram Hatchett, William Boswell, Arthur Hicks, Richard Roach, Wash. Butler, James Willingham, Stark Haynes, and others. Hebardsville, and the precinct bearing its name, is peopled by a law-abiding, intelligent class of citizens. The society in and around the town, in a social sense, is fully up with the times, well educated, intelligent and hospitable. At Mason's Landing, on Green River, Thomas Hust has a stemmery, where annually he purchases and handles the great bulk of the tobacco grown in that portion of the precinct. It was in this precinct, and near Hebardsville, that Colonels Adam Johnson and Bob Martin, during the war, 1863 or 1864, captured Dr. Kimbly, of Owensboro, while en route behind a dashing team to Henderson. Miss Shelby, now Mrs. John Folden, was in the buggy with the doctor at the time. Colonel Martin relieved the doctor of the reins and saw her safely to her uncle, John McCormick, while Colonel Johnson took charge of the prisoner. About the same place and time old man Solomon Oberdorfer, so well known throughout this county, was arrested, together with a drove of mules which he was taking to Evansville for Government purposes. He was taken to Slaughtersville and there released and given his mules. The guerrillas made frequent raids into Hebardsville and were a source of great annoyance to the resident business interest. There was an incident in the life of Thomas McFarland, who lived in this precinct, three miles from Hebardsville, in the direction of Henderson, unsurpassed by any of the recollections of that bloody period.

In July, 1862, he and his old maid sister, who had lived together since the birth of the younger, and were yet fighting life's battles as brother and sister, side by side, on the old homestead, were awakened in the dead hour of the night by a call at the gate, only a few feet from the house. It was a beautiful night, the moon was shining in all of its glory, its shimmering, silvery rays making gloriously bright the whole face of the earth. Closely and snugly slept the subject of this sketch in one room of the log building, while his sister slept in the other, just across the hall. Twelve well armed and determined men had now surrounded the house, watching every approach and awaiting the command of their leader. McFarland lay unconscious of his terrible surroundings, while his sister, who had awakened at the first call, and was arising to know what was wanted, little thought of the frightful ordeal through which she was soon to pass, and thus it is with man. He passes more frequently than he ever dreams of through startling dangers. He treads upon the brink of eternity, and wanders close by his opening tomb, and yet he is none the wiser and none the more thoughtful. In his most pleasant moments, and when he least imagines, death is often grinning close at hand, and sorrow treading hard upon his heels. Thus it was with Thomas McFarland, while at every avenue of approach or escape stood a remorseless soldier only awaiting developments to give the signal of death. Another call from the gate and he arose, approached the little window and asked what was wanted.

" We are home guards from across the river in Daviess County, and want our suppers and horses fed," was the significant and unmistakable reply.

It was now after midnight, a curious time to want supper. His sister, hearing the reply and apprehending that all was not safe for her brother, approached his room and asked of him what should be done.

" Take them something to eat," was his quick reply, for he had never been known to turn a hungry man from his door. He partook of his sister's uneasiness, and placing himself at the door leading from his room to the hall or passage way through the building, determined to defend his life and home at any cost. His sister secured a ham and some bread and quietly unbolted the front door, when three or more horrid men, armed to the teeth, pushing her aside, exclaimed : " Clear the way, that is not what we want ; it's your brother Tom, and him we intend to kill in spite of hell."

The poor sister, frightened beyond understanding, sunk to the floor in piteous screams for mercy, but there was no mercy there. At this moment Mr. McFarland barred the door to his room and stood with the weight of his body against it. Several attempts were made to force it in, but without effect. The leader then called to six men to burst in the door, but in this they yet failed. Seeing this, the leader yelled a loud " Clear the way, I'll get him," and with this announcement fired sixteen buckshot through the door. Fortunately, as he said " Clear the way," Mr. McFarland anticipated his meaning, and he too cleared the way by stepping back to the wall of the house, the sixteen buckshot passing directly under his arm and in uncomfortable proximity to his body. With the firing the leader, so certain was he that he had killed his man, called at a loud voice, "Damn him, I've got him." At that the outer guards left their posts and rushed to the hall. Mr. McFarland, taking time by the forelock, and realizing that now was his only chance, leaped from a back entrance, master of the situation, and trimmed for '* out-^vinging" even the air piercing messenger of death sent after him. He was unincumbered, no bopts or shoes, coats or pants, retarded his progress, his garment was light and frail, of a pure white and fine texture, its tail fluttered in the breeze as though it were propelled by an arrow, and in this make-up he made three jumps from the door to an eight rail fence, over which he skipped as though it were one rail, and without halting. He was not troubled with a shortness of breath, but, as he progressed, seemed to accumulate wind and power of endurance. He in a moment more reached the woods, and there secreted himself to await the exit of his midnight visitors. Shortly after his successful escape, his would-be murderers broke in the door to his room and fired promiscuously into his bed and a trundle bed standing close by, but the bird had flown. The wads from the pistols set the bed clothing on fire, and but for the intercessions of his sister the house and contents would have been burned to the ground. At her request, some of the men threw the bed clothing out of the window, where it was permitted to burn unmolested. They then robbed the premises, getting some thirty-five dollars in money and all the good clothes he had. They then took what little money his old sister had and vacated the house, sadly disappointed at their failure to capture and kill the object of their visit. Two negro men were then pressed into their service, and with them, two men of the command went to the pasture and tok therefrom two very fine young horses, one of which belonged to the sister. The command then left, going in the direction of Hollow Port, and passing but a few yards away from where Mr. McFarland was concealed in the brush. He had witnessed the taking of the horses, and the two negro men had witnessed his exit, which they compared to the flitting by of some spiritual apparition. After it was well believed that the midnight murderers had gone for good, the negro men approached the woods and at a signal called their master to them. He came tremblingly, yet satisfying himself that all was well for^him. Once there he delivered his orders, one of which was to bring him some suitable garments and the news from the seat of war. This was soon done, and ajl evidence of his safety being fully assured he began to take an invoice of himself to see if he was all together, and, strange as it may appear, his feet were not scratched, nor was a hem of his garment torn, and, stranger still, an old chronic crick which had set in his neck, and had been pronounced incurable by his phy-

For this, of course, he was thankful, and as a solace for all that had passed thanked Providence for the cure, even though such terrible means had been used to produce the result. Having dressed himself in all that was left him, he made silent tracks, not to his home, but through the lonely woods in the direction of town. He pursued his journey with both eyes piercing in every direction and both ears sensitive to every rustle of the leaves. He came into the public road at John McCormick's just at daylight and followed it from there into the city.

From that time to November, 1865, three years therafter, Mr. McFarland slept away from his house. The attack was made upon his home a few days before General Adam Johnson captured Newburgh, and when that distinguished commander was pursued through Henderson County by Captain Union Bethel with thirty-eight mounted men from Newburgh and Col. Gavin with a regiment of infantry, Mr. McFarland accompanied the expedition with the hope of capturing some of the disturbers of his peace and happiness, and regain if possible his lost property. When John Patterson, one of Johnson's most daring soldiers, was shot through both eyes in the end of the lane of the old Samuels place, this side of Slaughtersville, McFarland was riding in the rear at the time and was the only man in the whole command who volunteered to get Patterson to some house where he could be carefully and comfortably provided for. He took him to the house of Mr. Samuels and there left him. At the time of Patterson's wounding he thought Bethel's men were rebels from the manner in which they were dressed, and laboring under this mistake, he with others, dashed into the road between the advance guard and the command, and at a loud voice gave the command '* right and left face about." Seeing this Captain Bethel, Dr. McGill and Private Root dashed at him, but McGill's horse being the fleetest footed gave him the advantage and it was him who fired the shot that shut out the world to Patterson forever. Patterson's comrades escaped

On the first night out Bethel's command captured Willis P'ields at his house on the old Knoblick Road near Robard's Station, and recaptured many of the guns, blankets, etc., ta)len by Johnson's command at the Newburgh surrender. Mr. McFarland was present just after the killing of Lieutenant Braydon, an account of which will be found under the head of Robards Station Precinct. He returned to Henderson with the remains of the dead lieutenant and was never again out with a scouting party. He has ever believed that he knew the men who were at his house on that terrible eleventh of July, 1862, and as the intelligence of each one's death reached him he was rejoiced of course.

It is said, with one or two exceptions, perhaps, the whole gang has been swept from the face of the earth, each one meeting a horrible death. After the war Mr. McFarland returned to his farm and labored hard to repair the loss incurred by lost time until last January, when he, as before stated, removed into the city. Unexpectedly to him he succeeded during the war and just after its close in securing his long lost horses.

Robard'S Station Precinct

This precinct as now known was originally a part of District No. t, with voting place in the town of Henderson. A few year thereafter it became a part of District No. 2, with voting place at Gafloway's, now in the Hebardsville Precinct. In 1851, after the adoption of the present constitution, a part of Robard's Station Precinct, as now known, voted at Randall Osburn's, and a part at Achilles Norment's, then at Tillotson's, then at Charles Leig's. In 1875 the present district was formed.

At the formation of this precinct the voting place was established at George Rudy's old school house near McMullin's chapel. A short time thereafter it was changed to the Station. The eastern part of this precinct is rather hilly and rocky, the western level and very productive. Even the hilliest part of the district produces finely. The Green River hills produce the finest tobacco brought to this market. The district, as a general thing, is peopled by a thrifty, intelligent class of farmers, who are keeping step with this progressive age by building substantial plank fences in place of the old rail, and otherwise improving and enhancing the real and producing value of their realty. The improvement since the completion of the railroad has been very marked.

First Church And School

George Rudy's school house, near McMullin's chapel, is the oldest in the district and is yet standing. This building has been used not only for school purposes but for church purposes also. Washington Sale was the first teacher, and was followed by David Cowan, Frank Davis and Joseph C. Norman, between the years 1840 and '48. McMullins Chapel was the first house built exclusively for religious worship, known to have been built in the district since its formation.

This house was built by the Methodist denomination, and was dedicated and consecrated in 1853 by Rev. William Edmunds. At Cherry Hill the regular Baptists have a church to which Rev. Spaurlin, of Caldwell County, makes regular visitations.

Coal Mines

Within the last few years three surface mines have been opened, and a very fine article of coal taken therefrom. These mines are located one, two and three miles from the L. & N. R. R., and are owned respectively by A. J. Denton, L. M. Cheaney and Enoch Eakkins.

Fruit Nursery

Near the station is where Parsons & Sandefur operated their large nursery, growing large stocks of fruit trees of all kinds indigenous to this climate. They also grew all of the grape varieties.

The War

This precinct was kept at fever heat during a good portion of the war. Many of its citizens volunteered under Colonel Adam Johnson, and, during the time the recruiting service was executing its mission, many little skirmishes were had in and near its borders. Likewise, a number joined the Federal forces, and they were anxious that their homes should remain unmolested ; in other words, that the Confederates keep out of their territory.

In the summer of 1862, Colonels Johnson and Martin, on their return from the Newburg raid to headquarters at Slaughtersville, Ky., were pursued by Captain Union Bethel and thirty-eight mounted Newburgers, supported by Colonel Gavin's regiment of infantry. Near the old Samuel's place, above Robard's Station, Captain Megill, of Bethel's command, shot John Patterson, of Sebree City, through both eyes. Patterson was one of Colonel Johnson's most daring soldiers and his shooting, of course, greatly enraged the Confederates. They then determined to punish the enemy in every way possible, and to this end ambushed them at every turn in the road Colonel Gavin's commissary supplies running low, he dispatched Lieutenant Braydon and a few men with wagons to Henderson for the purpose of getting fresh supplies. Gavin accompanied Lieutenant Braydon, wearing an ordinary linen duster, while the Lieutenant was dressed in full military suit. The two were riding along the lane just back of Robard's Station, and not over a mile away, and about one or two hundred yards in advance of the wagon train, when just opposite Parsons & Sandefur's nursery, a party of Confederates lying in ambush took de- liberate aim and fired. At the crack of their guns Lieutenant Braydon and his horse both fell mortally wounded and died in a few minutes. It would seem that each shot was aimed at Braydon (owing to his shining dress), for Colonel Qavin was but slightly wounded in the arm. At this fire Gavin dashed into the woods and scampered away as fast as his horse could carry him. The Confederates, in the meantime, retreated in the opposite direction. Gavin soon found that his horse was giving away under him, and but a moment after discovered that the animal was badly wounded. Dismounting and leaving him in the woods, he footed it alone in this dangerous country until he came in sight of a house, which he cautiously approached to ask the way to Henderson. This was Mr. Franklin Lester's and that gentleman, or some one of the household, kindly gave the Colonel the desired information. Colonel Gavin suffered terribly from his wound, yet hurried along through the woods and succeeded in reaching Henderson next morning. Braydon was fired at by fourteen men, and upon examination of his body it was found to be literally shot to pieces with buckshot.

Renz Fisher, a Captain in Colonel Johnson's command, and an officer of great personal daring, was raised in this precinct. His father lived a few miles from the Station on the Knoblick road, and during the summer of 1864, when the City of Henderson was invested by Federal soldiers, under command of Colonel John W. Foster, he ventured into the precinct and pitched camp a mile or more away from his father's house in the direction of Green River. News of this was brought to Foster, and by a returned Confederate soldier. Without divulging to his informant any of his plans, or making any promises, Foster very quietly ordered Lieutenant Carey, with double the number of men Fisher was represented to have had under him, to move out cautiously during the night, so as to be near the place of rendezvous by daylight the next morning. Lieutenant Carey had met Fisher before, and at one time received a bullet hole from his gun while in ambush along the roadside. Carey and his command arrived in sight of old man Fisher's house about one hour before daylight, and dismounted. He left a sufficient number of men to take care of the horses, and with the others proceeded on to a point in the woods opposite Fisher's house, where they secreted themselves, hoping to capture Renz Fisher and one or two of his men, whom be believed to be asleep in the house.

in an old field lying directly to his right. Carey was ambushed near the corner of this old field and just across the Knoblick Road directly in front of the Fisher homestead. It was but a few moments more when he discovered the form of a man cautiously moving up the ditch in the direction of the house. Every movement of his body and the keen, nervous, suspecting glances of his eyes, showed that he was guilty. He manifested an uneasiness, a cautiousness, which at once satisfied Lieutenant Carey that the man was a rebel soldier and just from the camp. He would move forward a few steps, then halt on tip-toe and take a careful survey of all that surrounded him ; his approach to the road was intensely nervous and cautious, yet he moved on, little thinking that the keen eye of one whom he had ambushed only a few weeks before was watching his every movement now, and that an unerring carbine cocked and primed, was pointed directly at him. He reached the fence only a short distance away from Carey, he climbed it and was in a moment more standing in the center of the road, stretching his body, first surveying with rapid look in the direction of Henderson and then toward the Station. The long flowing curly locks which hung down his back glistened in the bright sunlight and all was now well with him. He turned his breast towards the very tree behind which his enemy lay secreted, and giving his head a gentle shake of self-satisfaction, started to move on in the direction of the house. An imaginary sound again attracted his attention to the woods, and again halted, exposed to the full view of the enemy. During all of this exciting time Carey watched him with the eye of a hawk, endeavoring, if possible, to satisfy himself beyond peradventure that it was Renz Fisher. His carbine was pointed at him and a perfect bead drawn on his breast. As the doomed man straightened himself on tip-toe and gave one more shake of his head to disentangle his uncombed locks, Carey recognized him for certain and pulled trigger. Instantaneously at the report of the carbine the cautious rebel sprang into the air and fell full length upon the ground pierced through. This report brought out the inmates of the house, and soon old man Fisher was standing over the body of his dead boy in company with his slayer and other soldiers. The old man was called to identify the body, and protested he knew him not. Carey knew better, and drawing his carbine demanded that he tell or suffer the penalty of his duplicity. Then he took hold of the dead body, and with a shriek of pent-up anguish screamed aloud, " Oh, it is my boy, my darling boy !"

The old man was then required to pilot the command to the rebel camp, which he did. On arriving there it was found that the last soldier had scampered away at the firing of the gun which had killed their captain, leaving a f-gw horses, guns and other camp equipage. The body of the son was then given to the father and the command returned to the city where Carey was greatly lionized. He attended the Presbyterian Church that day and worshipped as unconcernedly as though he had not ambushed and killed a human in the public highway, four or five hours previous to that time.

Younger & Jarrett

It is asserted by those who profess to know, that in February, 1873, the noted outlaws, Jim Younger and John Garrett, visited Robards and remained in the neighborhood three months. That they traveled from New Orleans in a spring wagon drawn by two horses. That they went from Robards to Louisville to see the renowned detective, Yankee Bligh, who was in search of them, and failing to find the old man returned to Robards. That they made fr'iquent visits to Henderson, although the officials were searching for them. That they were orderly and well-behaved when not under the influence of liquor. When they determined to leave Kentucky they quietly drove to the Mt. Vernon ferry and crossed the Ohio into Indinna. All this they did when there were perhaps a hundred men on the look-out' for them.

Springs And Curiosities

The County of Henderson contains many mineral springs, but the one near A. J. Denton's farm in this precinct is by far the best chalybeate to be found in the county, and no doubt the equal of any in the State. It is located about three miles from the Station in what is known as the Rock House branch. Not far away from this spring, surrounded by the wildest and most romantic scenery, is found the Rock House and Buzzard Hole. These two are remarkable natural curiosities, and even to this day have never been explored.

It is said, that some years ago, Mr. Geo. W. King, the then owner of the land, employed a miner to explore the hidden recesses of this house, but after laboring some time the work was suddenly abandoned and the miner went away. He pursued his journey to near Green River where he had lived, and where he was soon after taken sick and died. Before death, however, he told his wife he had something he wanted to tell Mr. King, and then divulged the secret to her, of the Rock House and what he had done, and further said he would not strike another lick until he had earned enough to be- come the purchaser of the natural wonder. Mr. King arrived too late to see him alive and his wife refused to tell what she had been told. His discoveries, if any, have never to this day been known.

This Rock House is made of a semi-circular shelf, projecting fifty feet over the surface with earth rock and scrubby trees, one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet above the shelf. Underneath this is a passage way which leads to a cave, the mouth of which is fifty feet distant. This cave has been explored to a distance of forty or fifty feet to a hole in the wall, through which no man has ever gone, and what is beyond is a hidden mystery. Off from the cave is the " Buzzard Hole," an irregular shaped hole leading into a mountain of rock. Many years ago, Esquire Moss, while driving with his hounds, jumped a deer in the neighborhood of this shelf rock and in the chase the deer and one or more of the dogs ran over this high projecting mountain and fell dead on the surface below. It is located in the wildest part of the county and is very difficult of approach, in fact a person must be well posted indeed, who can engineer his way to the shelf. During the war it was used as a safe place of rendezvous for frightened and uneasy soldiers and citizens. The surrounding country is very hilly and mountainous, some rock hills standing 200 feet above the valleys. The shelf rock is almost perpendicular. The property now belongs to W. G. Vaughn.

Some time since the Calhoun, Ky., Progress contained a lengthy notice of this remarkable freak of nature, and among other things, it is said, that while one George Fryor, was searching around in this cave he happened to turn over a stone, and under that found a letter dated " Plotter's Cave," April 20th, 1868, which told of a hidden treasure, also, that on a large rock was engraved the names of J- H. Letcher and J. L. B. Bowder. This letter was mysteriously signed M. N. P., which being interpreted, evidently meant for the finder to make no proselytes to the lie he had written. Certain it is, the " hidden treasure " has never been discovered.

Since the war this precinct has doubled itself in population, especially in the sub-division of lands. For instance Mr. J. D. Robards owned eight hundred and fifty acres of land in a body at the close or just after the war which is now divided and worked in tracts of one hundred and ten acres. The average price of lands at this time is between twenty and twenty-five dollars. While tobacco, corn and wheat is the chief products of the precinct, a number of farmers are largely engaged in cattle raising, and find the country eminently adapted to that branch of business.

A great many years ago this country was visited by men of bad repute from Christian, Hopkins, and other counties, and after submitting until forbearance ceased to be a virtue, a band of regulators, as they were called, organized and cleared the country of the outlaws.

Race Tracks

At> far back as 1810 and up to 1840, and even later, perhaps, where the station is now located, was a straight quarter or half mile race track where men used to congregate to bet, test the speed of their animals, drink liquor and otherwise indulge their vicious and uncultured appetites.

Churches And Schools

There is one commodious frame building used for the District Common School and for religious services. The Christian denomination have the only established church, S. W. Cowan, minister. This congregation meets once a month and have occasional Sunday school meetings.

First Building

J. D. Robards, for whom the precinct and station is called, built the first house in 1867. This was u frame store-house and occupied by him as a dry goods, grocery and general merchandise store. In this store he has carried on a business aggregating from twenty-five to forty thousand dollars per annum.

In addition to this he owns and operates a tobacco stemmery, three stories 70x120 feet, in which he handles from two hundred to two hundred and fifty hogsheads of strips annually. He works from forty to fifty employes and ships direct from the station to Europe.

Early Settlers

Among that number are Reuben Moss, George Robards, George Eakins, Bennett Sandefur, Jordan Moss, Enoch Spencer, Thomas Reidout, Ben Wall, Nathan Smith, T. W. Royster, Jas. McMullin, Sam'l M'Mullin, Sr. Among the oldest inhabitants now living are : Thomas Royster, J. F. Toy, Enoch Spencer, W. N. Royster and Marshall Robards. Mrs. Prissey Long, widow of Jno. Long, is the oldest inhabitant now living.

N. B. - Since writing the foregoing, Robards has voted prohibition and it is said the wealth of the place has more than doubled. They now have nine stores, all doing well; one steam mill; one school building that is a credit to ihe county ; one large church with seating capacity of 350 to 400 ; one large livery stable and one good hotel. The population of the town has increased fully two hundred per cent, in the last three years.

Scuffletown Precinct

This district was originally a part of Ohio County, but by an act of the Legislature, approved January 16th, 1809, was taken from Ohio and added to Henderson County, and bounded as follows : Beginning on the Ohio at the mouth of Green River, and running up the Ohio to where the line of Henderson & Co.'s grant strikes the same, thence with said line to Green River, thence down the same to the beginning.

After the adoption of the new Constitution, and on the sixth day of January, 1851, the district was again established as follows : Beginning at the mouth of Green River, thence up the Ohio River, including the Islands, to the dividing line between Henderson and Daviess Counties, thence with the said County lines to where it strikes Green River, thence down Green River to the beginning ; place of voting at the house of Isaac Clark. The voting place was continued at Clark's for a number of years after the war, when it was changed to Shelby's store at Scuffle town. All that part of the district lying across Green River, and opposite and above Spottsville, vote at Spottsville.

Among the earliest settlers of this district were Henry Jeems, Jacob Fickers, Richard Van Kirk, Jonathan Stott, John Fuquay and Martin Vanada. During the year 1809 Eneas McCallister settled a few miles below the present town. Ten or twelve years after this, John Harrison, Edmund Galloway, Alfred Hill, John Folden, George McCormick, William Shelby, Charles Winfrey and others settled in the district.

From 1800 to 1804, and perhaps years afterward, Jonathan Stott kept a tavern and bar at the point where Shelby's store is now located. He was said to be a wild sort of character and invited that class of men around him. The banks of the Ohio River at that time offered but few landing places, and in low water Stott's tavern was quite a place of resort and rendezvous for flatboatmen. Here they would hold high carnival and indulge their appetites for drink, as Stott kept a plenty of it. As was most generally the case at such gatherings, difficulties occurred and a general fight would ensue. From this the country around Stott's received^'the name of Scuffletown, a name which has clung to it from that day to this.

There were no doctors in this part of the county in early times. Drs. James Hamilton and Gaither, of the town of Henderson, were frequently called there, and after their time most of the practice was done by Drs. Levi Jones and Owen Glass, of Henderson, and Dr. Trafton, of Evansville. Chills and fevers for many years were the annoyance of the whole river country, and from these malarial pests Scuffletown suffered as much as any other part of the river lands.

In early times, and even up to 1830, the settlers in this part of the county suffered greatly from the ravages of wild animals. Wolves and bear were there in abundance, and in the early summer the bear would come in, break down the young corn and destroy the ears. During the years 1827, '28 and '29, a large number of bear were killed. Nathaniel G. Stanley has been known to kill as high as fifteen during one winter, and from his wonderful success received the appellation of " Daniel Boone " of the precinct.

There were no schools in the earliest days of the settlement, but in 1817 Jonathan Bunn was employed by Eneas McCallister, father of John E. McCallister, to teach a neighborhood school. One morning before opening his school, he was called by the barking of Mr. McCallister's dogs to a neighboring thicket and there discovered, in a tree, a large black bear. Mr. McCallister was notified and with his trusty rifle soon fell bruin to the ground, and had him conveyed to his house. The skins of these animals were sold in those days for the moderate sum of one dollar and fifty cents.

On Green River, below the mouth of Griffith Creek, is a large mound, one hundred feet in circumference at its base, and fully fifteen feet in height, and near by are large holes from which the earth was taken to build the mound. From what is known of this mound, it is safe to say it was built by the Mound Builders, a race of people who inhabited the country anterior to the red man.

The first church ever built in this part of the county, of which anything is known, was erected by the Christian denomination on the Vanada farm in 1830. A story characteristic of Charles Winfrey, an old bachelor who lived near Scuffletovvn, is told. He seldom ever attended church, but when this one was established, and after several sermons had been preached, he partook of the curiosity which had seized the whole country around, and one day had his old grey mare saddled to attend and see for himself. Going along the road in the direction of the church, he was halted by one of his neighbors and interrogated as to where he was journeying. " I am going up here to church. I learn that these people have discovered a new route to Heaven fully forty miles nearer, and I am going to see for myself."

Charles Winfrey was the first magistrate in the precinct, having been appointed in the year 1821. He was succeeded by Charles W. Allen ; he by George McCormick, and he by John E. McCallister. all under the old Constitution.

This precinct has always been noted for its large number of pecan trees. The number on the lands of Esq. John E. McCallister have for many years aggregated fully five hundred, and one year he realized one thousand dollars from this crop alone.

William Shelby, Jr., in 1865 packed his tobacco and shipped to Europe. In 1860 he went to Scuffletown and with his uncle, John S. McCormick, built a tobacco stemmery and embarked regularly in tobacco stemming for the European markets. Their average business was from four hundred to four hundred and fifty hhds. per year. In the year 1877 the firm put up six hundred hhds. Up to 1860 the planters had never engaged largely in tobacco growing, but through the efforts of Mr. Shelby, a larger crop was grown. In 1877 1,100,000 pounds were produced, the largest crop ever known, and with perhaps a few thousand pounds, this entire crop was bought and handled by Shelby & McCormick.

A steam grist mill and blacksmith shop soon followed. This firm did a very large business selling from their store, many years as high as forty thousand dollars worth of goods, and averaging one year with another, fully thirty thousand dollar sales. The average product of this precinct is from 500 to 600,000 pounds of tobacco, and 150,000 bushels of corn.

company's lines, and are mostly in a high state of cultivation. There is no better land to be found on the Continent than that bordering on the river. i?"

The precinct now has three district schools and one Union Church. The church was built several years ago by private subscription, and upon its completion was dedicated by the Rev. J. W. Pondexter, now of Texas. A magnificent dinner was spread on the occasion and hundreds of people attended.

Through the influence of Mr. Shelby and others a post office was established at Scuffletown, and the first mail received in 1867. John W. Folden was appointed Post Master and served up to June, 1881.

On the night of the 4th of December, 1836, William Wurnell, a desperate character, stabbed and killed Abner Jones in what was known as Lake Town, on the Ohio River, six miles above Scuflletown, at the house of Ike Dover. John E. McCallister was the District Magistrate at the time, and upon information, issued his warrant for Wurnell's arrest. The murderer had fled, but was afterwards captured opposite Smithland and brought back, tried and held to the Grand Jury. An indictment was found, a conviction had and Wurnell hung in the town of Henderson.

Stealing Negroes

During the latter part of the war, when the draft act was being so rigidly enforced by the Federal authorities, substitutes were in great demand, commanding in many mstances as high a price as one thousand dollars. At that time there were a great many likely negro men in the Scuffietown precinct, and strange to say they had been let alone by the army of negro thieves on the border. These negroes were well treated and contented to remain where they were, but the desire for gain and the easy manner in which large sums of money could be accumulated by thieving scoundrels in Indiana, soon unsettled their happy lives and completely disarranged all of their plans. Interlopers from Indiana were continually slipping into Kentucky and whispering in the night time to them stories of a joyous freedom. These scoundrels professed to be their friends and manifested a desire to spirit them away to the land of freedom where they could find employment and be masters of their own labor. The negroes were not much disposed to listen to their glowing stories, and yet hesitated.

All this time the draft was going on and the unlucky were seeking substitutes. Many Indianians of wealth were drafted and were willing to pay any price for a sound man as a substitute. Finally a regularly organized clan for the purpose of driving the negroes, whether they wanted to go or not, appeared upon Kentucky soil, and succeeded in securing a goodly number to accompany them upon the promise of a rich reward. These poor deluded darkies would go, and when once over the river were sold into the army, and their white friends would pocket the money. The planters in Scuffletown organized a patrol to guard the river front and shoot down any mterloper coming across the river without satisfactory credentials ; and yet, with all their vigilance, they continued to lose their negroes.

Mr. Charles Winfrey

An old bachelor, and the largest land and slave owner in the precinct, was continually annoyed by these night prowlers. He was kind to his slaves and none of them wanted to leave him. He lived in a house by himself and had his slaves quartered in different settlements on his lands. One day in November, 1864, Wm. Shelby, Esq., receiving information that a party from Indiana intended that night to visit Winfrey's for the purpose of running off his negro men, conveyed to him immediately what he had heard. Mr. Winfrey prepared himself to meet them, and for that purpose, with one or more of his men, guarded the river bank until a late hour in the night. Becoming sleepy and thinking the thieves would not cross over, he returned to his house and was soon soundly asleep. He had taken the precaution during the day to send around and notify his men, and as a greater precaution had them all come to his house that night for protection.

A short while after retiring the thieves came and were headed by a man who had prior to that time overseed for John B. Davis, of this county. This man knew Mr. Winfrey and knew his fearless character. The thieves were all armed, but approached the house cautiously. They soon found that the negroes could not be driven off without disturbing their master, so the leader concluded to go near his room and call him. He approached his room, called him from his sleep and told him that they had come for his negroes. The old man sprang from his bed and ordered them off of his premises. They declined going and directed him not to come out of his room. He put on his pants and with his double-barrelled gun came out on to a side porch, when the villain who led the party took aim and fired, shooting him through and through. At the firing of this gun, the whole party ran from the house and were soon in their boats, crossing the river without ever having encountered any of the bank patrols. Mr, Winfrey lived but a short time after he was shot. He was a very wealthy man and many ugly stories were circulated concerning some of his relatives and their association with his killing. Charles Winfrey was one of the noblest of men. His word was regarded by all his neighbors as of equal value with any man's bond. He was a kind neighbor and master, and a man of unimpeachable integrity. His death cast a gloom over the whole surrounding country and no man's death was ever more keenly regretted. Wm. Shelby and N. B. Hill rode to Owensboro next day after the shooting to lay the case before the military, but that branch of the government service refused to take hold of or have anything to do with the matter in any way.

At the earnest solicitation of some local as well as non-resident relatives, Esquire John E. McCallister settled the estate and succeeded in bringing to light some rascalities which, but for his indomitable will and energy, would have remained secrets forever.

More Of The War

It was a few miles below Scuffletown, in 1862, where Col. Adam Johnson, with Lieut. Col. Bob Martin, planted his black log upon the hind wheels of a two-horse wagon and frightened the great town of Newburgh with one hundred or more Federal soldiers, and an equal number ot home guards, into an unconditional surrender. It was here where he, with two men and Martin with seventeen to twenty, crossed the Ohio to Newburg, took possession of the town, paroled all of the Federal troops and brought back to the Kentucky side hundreds of guns and an unknown quantity of munitions of war. At the mouth of Green River, in this precinct, was where four or five of his men fired upon a Federal transport and forced her to retreat.

Smith'S Mills

Is the name of a village located at the junction of the Henderson and Morganfield and Henderson and Mt. Vernon roads. It is situated upon high, rolling land and is one of the prettiest natural locations to be found anywhere. The section of country comprising this voting precinct was originally as wild as the early pioneer could wish, and even very many years anterior to its settlement it was inhabited by bear, wild cats, wolves, panthers and endless numbers of deer and turkeys. Bear were known in this part of the county as late as 1835. In early times this precinct was known as Rowlanson's settlement, taking its name from that of William Rowlanson, and several brothers, who were perhaps the first settlers. Among the early settlers were Colonel Robert Smith, Captain Lazarus Powell, Stephen Martin and Aaron Knight.

In very early times there were no schools or churches in this district, and it was only an occasional time when preaching was heard or the opportunity was offered children for gaining an insight into the primary branches Itinerent preachers and teachers would occasionally pass through and perhaps locate for a month or more and teach a small school. The first church built in the precinct was erected upon a lot of ground located on a most beautiful hill, a half mile beyond the point or village, by Stephen Martin. This was as early as 1825, and the house of worship erected thereon was built of brick burned by the surrounding neighbors. The money to complete the work was subscribed by the neighbors, and, as an evidence of their liberality, a brick church soon stood upon the high hill. A man by the name of Drury did the brick work and it was universally acknowledged to be the roughest ever seen, even up to the time it was torn down. This was not the fault of the builder of the house but of those who builded the brick. The educational and religious interest increased rapidly during the last three or four decades, and now on the spot where the rough old brick stood stands a beautiful frame church, the property of the Baptist denomination, and within a half mile is another, the property of the Methodist denomination. The first of these buildings is forty by sixty feet, the second, fifty-five by thirty-five. The congregations average from seventy-five to one hundred and ten members each.

Voting Places

As stated in sketches of other precincts, the people of this precinct in early times first voted at Henderson. In 1833 the county was divided into three precincts. Walnut Bottom being one of the three, and at the house of William B. Cannons the election polls were held. Here the people of Smith's Mills voted until 1849, when a voting place was established at Colonel Robert Smith's residence, about half a mile beyond the present post office. From that time to this, although there never was a separate magisterial district, there has always been either at Colonel Smith's house, or at the village, a voting place for the accommodation of the people of that section.

Hurricane

It cut a clear swath through the forest varying in width from a half to a mile wide. The destruction of timber was terrific, and its tanded and matted condition remained for many years.

In early times; and even up to 1845, Smith's Mills was perhaps most noted for its horse racing. It was usually the custom for men to gather on Saturday evenings for the purpose of racing and betting, and having placed the judge on the hill, near Colonel Elias Powell's present residence, would start the horses at the point and run to the judges.

The lands of this precinct are generally rolling, and justly regarded as one of the very best portions of the county. The low, level lands are very superior. Heavy crops of wheat, corn and tobacco are grown annually, and some sorghum. Of late years many farmers have turned their attention to stock raising and grazing and have found the country eminently adapted to that purpose. On Highland Creek there is a salt lick, where cattle congregate for the purpose of satisfying their briny appetites.

The oldest living inhabitants are G. B. Martin, B. F. Martin, Royal Utley, Elias Powell, Person Latta, Scarlet Latta, Laz Hancock, John Higgins, and Esquire James Lilly.

The farmers of this district, as a general thing, are all thrifty and well to do, and have their lands in a good state of cultivation. Society has very much improved, and no people are more thought of for the many excellent traits which go to make up a fine, hospitable, law abiding, moral people, than those who live and have their being in this precinct.

The first post office established in Henderson County, outside of the town of Henderson, was located at the residence of Colonel Robert Smith, and was maintained at that place until removed to the village, or the point, as it is sometimes called.

Colonel Smith built and operated the first grist mill ever known in the Smith's Mills section of the county. His was an old-fashioned sweep mill, pulled by horses or oxen, and did the grinding for the whole county for years.

Spottsville Precinct

Was established in 1860 a precinct and voting place. As far back as 1833, before the locks were built, the falls were known as Knight's Falls, and there were no buildings on the bank save those owned by men engaged in quarrying rock. The first town was located down in what was known in early times as the lower coal banks or Spott's Mill. Major Spotts, in 1829, owned most of the land lying on Green River, and had made seven coal entries, running into the bank from the river. Later, in 1833, Robert Scott, a brother-in-law, sunk a shaft for Major Spotts, and then the entries were closed. His object was to float coal to New Orleans, but misfortune overtook him and but little of his coal reached that market.

The original name of the now town of Spottsville was " Shanty," deriving its name from the shantys occupied by the rock men. It was afterwards known as " The Locks." During the year 1850 the place was called " Spottsville," Major Spotts' children, Harry, Jim, their wives, Mrs. Lydia McBride, and Miss Lydia Scott, giving it that name in honor of its founder. Major Sam Spotts, of the United States army.

The magnificent locks built in Green River at Spottsville, by the State, were commenced in the fall or winter of 1833. Joseph Barbour, employed by the State to build the locks and dam, arrived at Spottsville during the summer of 1834, and commenced getting out rock from the bank between Upper and Lower Spottsville, as now known, and Sugar Camp branch. He worked between two and three hundred men, and quarried enough rock to build the face work to the locks and abutments, which he had piled up on the plain between the bluff bank and river. The winter of 1834 was an exceedingly cold one, so cold it is said the mice eat up the red peppers, and the rock of that quality that would not stand such exposure. Consequently, most of it crumbled, or was so materially damaged that it was rejected by the engineer in charge of the work. Barbour, therefore, found himself broken up and compelled to abandon the contract. In the winter, in wedging out the rock, the workmen found a roll of thirteen rattlesnakes, and in the center of the roll was a toad^ quietly taking his rest. Upon the failure of Barbour, the contract was then awarded Captain William Brown, who completed the locks and dams during the year 1842. Captain Brown opened a rock quarry at Rock Island, Indiana, and boated his material from that point. Mr. James Burnes, of Hebardsville, was employed during the time this work was being done, as Captain Brown's head blacksmith. During the year 1840, Captain Brown's steamboat, " Buck Snatcher," used in towing, while coming down from the upper dam, got caught in an eddy at the foot of the island, caused by a coffer dam built at the head of the chute, and capsized. There were a number of passengers on board, among the number, Mrs. Settlemier and seven or eight children and Mrs

Captain Brown. Only four of the passengers were saved, three boys of Mrs. Settlemier and Mrs. Brown, who floated down the river fully a mile clinging to a barrel, until rescued by a fisherman named Peter Johnson. It was said that Mrs. Brown's presence of mind was more than remarkable.

Many lives have been lost at the dam. Joe Settlemier and William Raysner, in endeavoring to save a lot of saw logs, went over the dam and were lost two years after the mill was built. Since that time Alvan Williams and Joe Smith lost their lives in a similar way.