Henderson County, Kentucky - Biographical sketches, 1887 (part 3 of 8)

On the eleventh day of may, 1872, Captain Marrs married Miss Juliet Rankin, granddaughter of Dr. Adam Rankin, one of the early pioneer physicians to this part of Kentucky. They have had three children, William R., Juliet and Mary, all living, bright and promising. After the close of the war he clerked for a time with Holloway & Hopkins, and subsequently associated himself with Green Marshall & Co., m the wharfboat and commission business, including tobacco sales, until 1882. During that time he had charge of the large wharfboat and transfer of freight to and from the boat and warehouse. In 1882 he sold his interest and invested with one or two others in the telephone enterprise. Under his management this enterprise grew from a small beginning to a corporation of wealth and power. He was one of the organizers of the Great Southern Telegraph and Telephone Company, and from 1882 to 1885 was engaged in establishing the service in Nashville, New Orleans and other Southern cities. He is at this time the owner of twenty-five thousand dollars of stock in that company, and is its Vice President. In 1882 he located in Nashville, and there remained until 1885 ; he returned to Henderson, purchased property and settled down. In July 1885, Captain Marrs was elected a Director of the Henderson Cotton Mills, and by the Directory elected Secretary and Treasurer, clothed with full authority to purchase all material for the mill and to sell its produce, a business confidence most worthily bestowed. In conclusion, it is no over-drawn picture to say, that Captain Marrs has proven himself one of the most enterprising and successful business men of his day and age; to use an every day expression, he began life's journey "flat footed and alone," at the age of thirteen or fourteen years, full of vim, pluck and energy, but no money. Undaunted by the frowns of a grasping and crushing world, he has fought his way, till to-day, after thirty- fiv^e years of untiring industry, faithful application, integrity and honesty, we find him even more spirited and vigorous than when a young man, and possessed of a competency that has given him a reputation far beyond the limits of his State. A far-seeing, far-searching mind, coupled with an unlimited will power, and endeavor, has brought him from the humblest of life to the front rank of men of capacity and commercial ability. To sum up : a poor boy with few friends, scanty education, and no wealth behind him, by his own exertions has produced a self-made man, worthy of all confidence and credit. Captain Marrs, though- a strong Democrat, has never been an applicant for office. At the instance of many of his friends he was elected to his first office, City Councilman, on Monday, August 8th, 1887. He served a number of years as wharfmaster. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, but by no means an active participant in its mystic ceremonies. Though thoroughly moral in all he does, entertaining views akin to social order and religious teachings, the Captain is not connected with any church. His bounty in behalf of those near and dear to hun has known no limit - very few persons aside from himself know the extent of his benefactions.

GENERAL THOMAS POSEY. - The subject of this brief history was born in Westmoreland County, Va., July 9th, 1750. He removed to Botetourt County in 1769 ; was Quartermaster in Governor Dunmore's army, which made an expedition against the Indians in 1774, and was engaged in the battle at Point Pleasant, October 10th. He enlisted early in 1776 in the Revolution, and received his commission as Captain, March 20th, in the Seventh Virginia Regi- .hent, and, during this year, rendered active service against Lord Dunmore at Gwynn's Island. After Dunmore's forces were driven from the Island, he was stationed there until late in September, 1776, and then went into winter quarters at Williamsburg. The next Januarv he was ordered to New Jersey to join the main army under General Washington, and, after some delay, reached Middlebrook on the twelfth of April, and, on the next day, covered (with his command) the retreat of General Lincoln from Boundbrook. Shortly after this, Morgan's rifle regiment was organized, officers and men having been selected from a large portion of the army then encamped between the mountains at Middlebrook. He was selected as one of the Captains of this regiment, and from this time was engaged in the most arduous and dangerous duties of the great struggle. In the engagement at Piscataway, New Jersey, following Cornwallis after his evacuation of New Brunswick, his company bore the brunt of the fight, having been at one time surrounded by the enemy and nearly cut off from his regiment. He at once ordered a well directed fire upon one part of the opposing line, thus opening a passage through which he made good his retreat. The rifle regiment was soon after annexed to Gate's command, and was present at the memorable battles of Bemis Heights or Stillwater, on the nineteenth of September and seventh of October, and, ten days later, -§aw the surrender at Saratoga. He now rejoined the forces under Washington, near Germantown, and did constant duty on the enemy's line until the army quartered at Valley Forge and he stationed at Radnor, nearer Philadelphia. In the spring of 1778, he took command of the rifle regiment during Morgan's absence and was engaged in frequent skirmishes. He was raised to the rank of Major, and, at the battle of Monmouth, acted under La- Fa\'ette, being among the number that led the attack. He next assisted Col. Wm. Butler, of the eleventh Pennsylvania regiment, in relieving the settlement at Cherry Valley and Schoharie, which had been ruthlessly visited by the Indians and Tories. The Indians were driven far back to the lakes and several of their towns burned. On his return he was directed to lead the eleventh Virginia regiment to Middlebrook, where he was given command of all the light infantry then serving against the enemies' lines. At the reduction of Stony Point, his valor shone out conspicuously, he being the first to scale the fort and enter the main work, leading the charge upon a battery of two twenty-four pounders, then playinp- on our left column and give the watchword, " The fort's our own ! " upon which the enemy threw down their arms and cried for mercy, shouting, " Spare us, brave Americans, spare us ! " after which not a man was killed. Gen. Wayne and a gallant French Colonel were awarded medals and swords by Congress, together with a public expression of thanks, and Major Posey was not spoken of until complaint was laid before Gen. Washington ; this led to a second letter from Gen. Wayne, reporting upon the affair, upon which John Marshall, afterwards Chief Justice, commenting, writes : " Was Gen. Wayne regardless of you ? he ought, I think, to have said more for his own sake. He committed an error in omitting you. This he did not attempt to correct till your complaints obliged him to do it, and even then he said nothing which he could possibly avoid." He was present at the siege and surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, and, on being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, recruited a regiment in Virginia; then, in the winter of 1781 and 1782, marched to South Carolina to join Green's forces, thence to Georgia to assist Gen. Wayne. Here he had two successful engagements. After the evacuation of Savannah, he returned to South Carolina, and, when the British withdrew from Charleston, was sent into the city to prevent the depredations of the departing troops.

When peace came in 1783. he returned to Virginia, married and settled in Spottsylvania County. He served as Magistrate and County Lieutenant of that county. After the death of his wife, he was married to Mrs. Thornton {nee Miss Alexander). In 1793 he was commissioned Brigadier General in the U. S. army and served some time under Major General Wayne. After his resignation he removed to the State of Kentucky and settled in Henderson County. Here he served four years as Lieutenant Gov^ernor and Speaker of the State Senate. In 1808 he received his commission of Major General of Kentucky State Militia. In 181/H»«- removed a part of his family to the Opelousas country, in the Louisiana territory. In 1812 he was appointed to represent the newly elected State in the United States Senate, in which capacity he served until 1813, when he was commissioned Governor of Indiana Territorv by President Madison. In 1^1806^Indiana was made a State, after which Governor Posey was appointed Indian agent and continued in this service until the time of his death, March 18th, 1818. His grave is at Shawneetown, 111., where he died during a visit to his son-in-law, Gen. Joseph M. Street.

Gen. Posey was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a devoted Mason. During the latter part of his life he became an efficient member of several Bible Societies and much interested in supplying the poor and unfortunate with the Holy Scriptures.

He is said to have been a man of remarkable physique and wonderful strength and agility of the body, singularly handsome, erect, tall and commanding in figure, striking suavity of manners, watchful, patient and diligent in his undertakings, succcessful in his business. He bequeathed to his children an ample fortune, and to his countrymen an untarnished reputation and a noble example.

^ Gen. Posey was the father of nine children, as .follows : Major Fayette Posey, Lloyd Posey, William , Posey, Thornton..!Posey, Thomas Posey, Maria Posey, Alexander Posey, Washington Posey and Sarah

JOSEPH ADAMS. - The gentleman of whom this brief sketch treats was born on the fifth day of January, 1817, in the town of West Cambridge, Mass., near Boston. After having received a liberal education for those early times, he was seized with the rheumatism, and, at the advice of his physician, went on a sea voyage, hoping to be benefitted thereby. In October, 1838, at the age of nineteen years, he landed at the City of Havana, Cuba, where he remained for several weeks. He left the Island of Cuba and sailed for New Orleans, where he resided until hearing of a gentleman who was indebted to him and who it was told to him was then living in Evansville, Indiana. In order to effect a settlement with the party, Mr. Adams embarked on board of a steamer and started for that place. Several days afterwards he arrived at Evansville to find that the object of his search was not to be found. He then shipped as clerk on board of the steam boat William Glasgow, and made one or two trips between New Orleans and St. Louis, and then New Orleans and Pittsburgh, On his last trip from New Orleans to St. Louis, the steamer caught fire and burned to the water line. Our subject was the last person to leave the burning vessel, and it was by dint of the keenest strategy that he succeeded in gaining the shore unharmed. He then returned to Ev nsville, where, unexpectedly, he met Mr. Asa Bement, who had for many years lived a near neighbor to his home in Massachusetts. The two soon became fast friends, and, in after years, transacted a large amount of business mutually agreeable.

On the twenty-eighth day of November, 1839, he contracted to come to Henderson and enter the store house of Dr. Paul Sears, who was then merchandising in the old frame house known as the " Old Rouse," and yet standing near the corner of Second and Water Streets. He agreed to remain here only two or three weeks, but, at the expiration of the time, he had become favorably impressed with the location and effected a purchase of the entire stock of Dr. Sears. He then engaged in business in his own name, and was soon drawing a large and profitable trade. He first reduced the price of several leading articles fully fifty per cent, below what they were then being sold by other merchants, and this liberality brought down upon him the maledictions of his neighbor merchants. Nevertheless, he had a head of his own, and conducted his business affairs according to his idea of trade, and, of course, succeeded in drawing to himself in a short time a very large paying patronage. On the twenty-eighth day of November, 1844, in the frame residence now owned and occupied by A. B. Sights, on Center, between Elm and Green Streets, Mr. Adams married Miss Eleanor Smallwood Grayson, a lady of marked personal beauty, and great popularity in social circles. Unto them were born eight children, five sons and three daughters; only four of this number are now living, the others dying when young. Those living are Joseph, William, John and Robert ; Robert, the youngest, married Miss Mattie Elam, and has one child, Baxter Harrison, handsome and intelligent. The other sons are unmarried. , Mr. Adams was devotedly attached to his family, and the writer knows what a terrible blow the death of his last and only daughter was to him. He spoke frequently of her, even though she had been dead for years, and it really seemed that the memory of her was continually upon his mind. I have frequently thought that the tenor of his life was completely changed in her death. In 1844 Mr. Adams purchased the old lot on the northeast corner of Main and Second Streets, and built the two-story brick yet standing, and used it for years as a grocery store. At the time of its completion it was the largest store room in the town, and the only one having an open front. In this building he opened the first and only exclusive grocery ever kept in Henderson up to that time. He continued in the grocery trade until the year 1854, at which time he sold out and purchased the tobacco stemmery, situated on Upper Green Street, and built a short time before by David Nunn. To this, a short time after, he built the large addition fronting on Green Street, and in partnership with Colonel John Rudy, engaged largely in the purchase and stemming of tobacco for the foreign markets. This partnership continued to the year 1860, when by mutual consent it was dissolved, Mr. Adams continuing the business. In 186:2 Mr. Adams purchased of Colonel Rudy, his magnificent farm, lying one and one-half miles out on the Owensboro Road, and containing seven hundred and five acres. This splendid property constitutes not only one of the most valuable farms in Henderson County, but in the entire State of Kentucky. During this same year he completed and occupied his magnificent residence, on the corner of Washington and Adams Streets, certainly one of the handsomest and most complete buildings to be found in the West. Mr, Adams continued in the tobacco trade up to a few years prior to his death, when he retired, and devoted the remamder of his life to his farming interest, which was conducted on a large scale, including the large landed esta'e of which mention has been made, and Diamond Island.

Like all men of this sublunary sphere, Mr. Adams had his ups and downs, his trials and vexations, yet his entire life was characterized by a becoming modesty, honesty of purpose and a desire to live and let live. During his life he filled many ofBces of public trust, notably President and Director of the Farmer's Bank for many years, and member of the City Council for several terms. He was averse to office holding, yet he never swerved from a duty his constituents choose to impose upon him, but, on the contrary, accepted and executed the trust with fidelity and unflinching devotion, that made him a successful candidate for every ofilice for which he was named. Mr. Adams died on the night of the nineteenth of July, 1884, leaving to his wife and four sons who survive him a handsome estate.

JOSEPH OSCAR CLORE was born in Pewee Valley, Oldham County, Kentucky, on the thirteenth day of May, 1844. At an early age he was sent to the Noble Butler school at Louisville, and subsequently to Hanov.er College, Indiana. He remained some time at Hanover and was then sent to Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, where he completed his education in 1866, a member of the senior class. On the twelfth day of November, 1879, at the home of her stepfather, Captain Sam Steele, in Franklin County, Kentucky, Mr. Clore married Miss Emma Pilkington, a lineal descendant of the noted McDowell family. One child, Mary McDowell, was born unto them. On January 12th, 1884, Mrs. Clore departed this life.

While at Danville, in 1866, Mr. Clore attached himself to the Presbyterian Church, and has continued a worthy member in this church to this time. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees in both the Blue Lodge and Chapter. He has served his people several terms as a member of the City Council, with credit to himself and to the advancement of the city's interest. He is a Democrat and an active worker when necessity demands it of him.

In 1870 Mr. Clore established a planing mill - the first ever in Henderson - on the corner of Green and Fourth Cross Streets, and at the old frame corner Main and Fourth Cross Streets, where he carried on an extensive business up to 1876. During that year he removed his machinery and mill fixtures to his father's saw mill, on the corner of Sixth and Water Streets, and continued to add new machinery and other appliances until, at this time, he is at the head of one of the finest establishments to be found in the West. He is engaged with his father and brothers in the general lumber business and controls an immense trade.

WILLIAM McAFEE HANNA, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, was born September 25th, 1837, in Shelby County, Kentucky. His father, John S. Hanna, was a farmer by pursuit and a man of note m his county. His mother was Miss Jane King, of Harrodsburg, Ky., her family being among the early settlers of the place. The Doctor inherits the Scotch-Irish blood, the best blood known to the human race. Dr Hanna received a fine collegiate education, having graduated with honor at Centre College, Danville, in 1858. He began the study of medicine under Dr. A. S. Frederick, at Shelbyville, entered the medical department of University at Louisville, and received the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1862. A short time subsequent, he located in Henderson and began the practice of medicine, but the alluring charms of war were too much for him to withstand. Being endowed of a spirited, bold and fearless nature and of warm Southern blood, he soon entered the army and served, both as a soldier and in the medical department, until the close of the war, participating in many of the great battles.

He served under Col. Adam R. Johnson until his capture in November. When exchanged in December following, he was assigned to Col. Basil Duke's regiment, Morgan's brigade, as Assistant Sur geon and accompanied that distinguished cavalryman in most of his adventurous raids. In the fall of 1865, at the close of the war, he returned to Henderson and resumed the duties of his profession, in which he has proven exceptionally successful, having established a fine practice and taken rank among the foremost physicians of the State. Dr. Hanna has served for several years as a member of the City Board of Health, and has been prominent in the Henderson and district medical societies, frequently serving as presiding officer. As a public spirited and \ aluable citizen, he stands deservedly high. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has held the office of Elder for eleven or twelve years. He has ever been actively engaged in furthering the best interests of his church and community. He was mainly instrumental in the building of the First Church Chapel, located on Green Street, in the Third Ward, and is the Superintendent of the Sunday School. He is a member of the Knights Templar, but devotes the greater part of his unoccupied time to the good of his church. He is a man of genial and attractive manners and prepossessing person. Dr. Hanna was married in 1865, at Shelbyville, to Miss Mary Matthews, daughter of Rev. W. C. Matthews, a brother of Rev. John Matthews, who, at one time, was in charge of the First church at this place. He has a happy family, a wife of high social accomplishments and unqualifiedly a superior woman in every sense of the word, and three children, Mary, John and Janie.

MAJOR JOHN J. REEVE. - The subject of this sketch, a son of Samuel Reeve and Elizabeth Castrie, was born in Richmond, Virginia, on the twenty-first day of February, 1841. His Grandfather Reeve was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and his father a soldier in the War of 1812. His maternal ancestors were Scotch and lived in Scotland. Major Reeve was highly educated, having graduated from the University of Virginia, one of, if not the most, noted colleges in this great country. Prior to his coming to Henderson, in 1868, he earned a livelihood by teaching in his native State. At the outbreaking of the War of the Rebellion he entered the Confederate army, and served with distinction to its surrender. He served in the army of the Tennessee, under Generals Johnson and Hood, first as Captain and assistant Adjutant General, and was afterwards promoted to the rank of Major, and served as Major and assistant Adjutant General. He was in all of the engagements of the army of the Tennessee, and was captured with General Pemberton's army at the surrender of Vicksburg, on the fourth day of July, 1863. Immediately after his arrival in Henderson, he, in partnership with his brother, D. J. Burr Reeve, under the firm name of D. J. Burr Reeve & Co., engaged in the purchase and stemming of tobacco. A short time afterward the firm erected a large stemmery, and have been one of the largest purchasing firms in the city. There is, perhaps, no firm in the city that expends an equal amount annually in the purchase of tobacco. On the fifteenth day of August, 1871, Major Reeve married Mrs. Sue. B. D. Powell, daughter of Governor Archibld Dixon, a lady whose excellent traits of character and domestic and social intelligence won to her a host of friends. There were four children born unto them, Margaret C, Mary G., John Burr and Kate Maxwell. Mrs. Reeve died February 28th, 1884. Kate Maxwell Reeve died August 31st, 1884, and John Burr Reeve died October 24th, 1884. Major Reeve has never been an office seeker, but by appointment served one or more terms as a member of the Public and High School Boards of the city. Being highly educated himself, he was eminently fitted for the position, and earned an enviable record during his term of service. He is a consistent, iirm, and devoted member of the Episcopal Church, and has been for several years an active working member of the vestry. In business matters. Major Reeve is active, prudent, painstaking, geaerous and noble hearted. He is the embodiment of honesty, high character and fearless manhood.

PHILLIP B. MATTHEWS is a native of Prince Edward County, Virginia, and was born on the twenty-seventh day of May, 1804. In his nineteenth year he came to JCentucky, arriving in Henderson in January, 1823. Here he remained for four years, spending most of his time, however, in Hopkins County, teaching school. In December, 1827, he returned to Virginia, and there remained for fourteen years, during which time he made frequent visits to Henderson County, coming as often as twice a year. In 1840, he settled in Henderson, engaged in business, and has made this his permanent home from that time to this. For a number of years Mr. Matthews wus actively engaged in the tobacco business with Mr. William Soaper, and when the word actively is used, it is meant in its broadest acceptation. Mr.

Matthews has all of his life proven himself an indefatigable worker, devoting his whole time and talent to the interest of those with whom he was engaged, and building lor himself, by economy and prudence a competency to comfort him in his old age. His life has been characterized by honesty of purpose, strict morality, and a profound respect for all Christian and social graces. For fifteen or eighteen years he has engaged as a fiduciary officer, in the management of estates, as administrator, commissioner, trustee, etc., in all of which he has shown marked ability and business aptitude. Mr. Mathews was, for a number of years, a devoted Mason, but his age now prevents him from giving the order that attention he would otherwise love to. He is a member - and has been for a number of years - of the Presbyterian Church. He has served the city as councilman, and one term, 1867, '68, as Mayor, in both instances, with entire credit to himself and to the building up of the city. Mr. Matthews has twice married, first on the eighteenth day of July, 1852, to Mrs. Frances Craig, and the second to Miss Fanny J. Poyles, on the first day of February, 1876. He is un, doubtedly the most active man of his age in this county.

HON. MONTGOMERY MERRITT, lawyer and soldier, was born in Todd County, Kentucky, in October, 1845, and received his early education from public and private schools of that county, gradu. ating at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee, as valedictorian of his class. The father of our subject, Daniel Ross Merritt, a physician and farmer, was born in Williamson County, Tennessee, in the year 1800, and died in 1887. He was married three times. The mother of our subject was born in Russellville. Logan ,County, Ky., in the year 1811, and died in Todd County in 1885. She was the third wife and married in 1836. In May, 1861, under the huzzas of the South for separation, his hot young blood was kindled into a flame, and, without regard for his tender age, enlisted in the First Kentucky Infantry, Confederate service, for one year. At that time he was only sixteen years of age. He was engaged in many minor contests, and, in the fall of 1861, was discharged from the service on account of physical disability. He returned to his home and remained until the fall of Fort Donnelson, when he rejoined the ;irmy, this time with General John H. Morgan. He accompanied Morgan in all of his raids, and, in a sanguinary engagement at Russellville, was shot by a Minie ball in the shoulder. He was with Morgan on his Indiana and Ohio raid and was captured at Buffington's Island, July 21st, 1863. He was sent a prisoner to Camp Douglas, Chicago, and from there, in February, 1865, on to Richmond, Virginia, for exchange. He surrendered at the disbandment in 1865.

On leaving college, Mr. Merritt immediately entered into the practice of law, and, in 1869, removed to Henderson and formed a co-partnership with Judge Samuel B. Vance, which continued up to the time of Mr. Vance's removal to Evansvtile, Indiana, some years afterward. Mr. Merritt has never sought office, but, in 1877, was nominated and elected to represent Henderson County in the Legislature of 1877 and 1878 without any particular effort on his part.

Mr. Merritt has been twice married - first, in 1871, to Miss Mary Field Green, of Lebanon, Tennessee, and, secondly, to Miss Eliza Alves, of Henderson, on the twenty-sixth day of December, 1877. In relio-ion he is a Presbyterian, having been a member of that church for twenty years. He is a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias. He was mainly instrumental in the organization of the Planters' National Bank and has been its President from its beginning. Always a close observer of men and things, he has ever been a shrewd calculator of values in business matters, which fact his present happy worldly condition amply attests. A man of excellent social powers, entertaining and instructive, sensible and dignified, he has, by his easy and affable manners, drawn about himself a circle of warm, personal friends, without, in the slightest degree, engendering that undue familiarity which is the ever sure attendant of diminished popular appreciation. Courteous, kind and considerate in his bearing towards others, and charitable where charity is deserved, he is, and always has been, in every sense of the word, a worthy, exemplary citizen. As a practitioner, he stands at the head of the bar, and no better evidence of his legal work can be asked than is attested in his being the advisor and retained attorney for several large and important corporations.

CAMPBELL HAUSSMAN JOHNSON was born in the City of Henderson on the ninth day of February, 1844. He is the youngest child of Dr. Thomas J. Johnson and Juliet S. Rankin, and was named tor Mrs. Campbell Haussman, wife of John Haussman, first clerk of Henderson County. Dr. Johnson, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Franklin County and came to Henderson in 1819. Juliet S. Rankin, mother of our subject, was a daughter of Dr. Adam Rankin, one of the pioneers to this county. By the marriage of Dr. Johnson, eight children were born - Ben, Bettie, Adam R., Thomas J., William S. and Campbell H. Two died in infancy. The subject of this sketch, in early life, entered the drug store of Ira Delano, where he remained until the breaking out of the war, and, at the age of seventeen years, enlisted in the Union army, a member of Captain Cooper's battery of artillery. Failing to recruit the necessary number of men, Captain Cooper's company was merged into Colonel Shackelford's Twenty-fifth Kentucky Infantry. Upon the formation of the regiment, young Johnson was made Commissary of Company *' F," and then Orderly Sergeant of Company " D." The Twenty-fifth, after the battle of Shiloh, was consolidated with the Seventeenth Kentucky, Col. John H. McHenry commanding, and young Johnson was made Second Lieutenant of Company " E." About this time he was stricken by partial paralysis of the left side and was sent back to Kentucky. He was placed on detached duty at Park Barracks, Louisville, as Adjutant. He was frequently engaged on special duty in bearing messages and detective service. In August, 1862, finding his health still impaired, he tendered his resignation, and, for several months, filled the position of mail agent on one or the other of the then Louisville and Henderson mailboats. Returning to Henderson he entered the grocery and dry goods store of Semonin & Tisserand, where he remained a short time. He then studied bookkeeping for a time at the Louisville Commercial College. Returning to Henderson again, he entered the drug store of Lyne & Johnson, where he remained until January, 1865. During that month he accepted a position in the prescription drug store of Dr. T. G. Chiles, at St. Louis, where he remained until called home by the illness of his father. On the seventeenth day of July, 1865, he and his brother William formed a copartnership under t?he firm name of W. S. John son & Bro., and purchased the stock of F. B. Cromwell.

On the sixteenth day of May, 1867, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Fannie Lee Evans, third daughter of Thomas Evans and granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Evans, a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Church. Six children have been born unto them, three boys and three girls. The eldest son died in infancy. There are now living, Campbell H., Evans F., Fannie, Henrietta and Bettie R.

In February, 1880, the firm of W. S. Johnson & Bro. purchased the entire stock of books, stationery, etc., owned by B.C. Redford, and, under the fi.m name of C. H. Johnson & Bro., added largely thereto and commenced business. Subsequently they purchased a complete job printing outfit, and, for several years, carried on an extensive business in that line. On March 18th, 1886, the two brothers exchanged interests, W. S. Johnson taking the drug store and C. H. Johnson the book store.

Mr. Johnson is a member, and, for seventeen years, a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and a zealous Mason. He is a working Mason in the best sense of that term. He was initiated into Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, HendersoiiF, in January, 1867, passed in February and raised in March of the same year. He was elected Junior Warden December 27th, 1870 ; elected Worshipful Master December 27th, 1872, and re-elected December, 1873. He served on the Committee on Lodges under dispensation in the Grand Lodge of 1873, and was appointed Grand Marshal at the same meeting ; Junior Grand Warden in 1874 and Senior Grand Warden in October, 1875 ; Deputy Grand Master in October, 1876, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in October, 1877. The Grand Lodge, at this meeting, passed a resolution making it the duty of the Grand Master to enforce the payment of the special tax levied upon the subordinate Lodges for the benefit of " The Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home of Kentucky." In the performance of this duty imposed by the Grand Lodge, Grand Master Johnson was forced to deal promptly and severely with a number of Subordinate Lodges, and even arrest their charters ; but, by his prompt and decisive action, insubordination was checked in a very short time, and, ere the next meeting of the Grand Lodge, almost all of the rebellious Lodges were induced by him to pay the tax and return to their allegiance to the Grand Lodge. The Board of Direc. tors of *'The Home " were so much pleased with this happy termination of affairs that they hurried the completion of " The Home " that Grand Master Johnson should have the pleasure and honor of dedicating this noble charity, which he did on the twenty-third day of October, 1878, in the presence of several thousand citizens and members of the fraternity. From a New York Masonic paper the following is taken : -

" As Grand Master, he wielded the gavel with a grace and intelligence that dignified the position, magnified the office, expedited the business and gave the craft both pleasure and profit. Notwithstanding he is the youngest man who has ever reached the Grand Master's chair in Kentucky, his administration, tuil of difficult and perplexing work, gave general satisfaction, and he retired from his arduous labors with his cup full to overflowing with congratulations upon his successful career as Grand Master. The elegant steel engraving, which is presented with this sketch, was placed in over two thousand copies of the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge for the year 1878 - a compliment never before paid a Grand Master."

After receiving the capitular degrees of Masonry, Mr. Johnson was anxious to attain to the orders of Knighthood, and as there was no commandery of Knights Templar at Henderson and only three or four Knights, he, nothing daunted, wrote a petition for a dispensation, secured the signatures of a sufficient number by borrowing names from Owensboro, furnished the means necessary to start a Commandery, and, in December, 1871, Henderson Commandery, under dispensation, now No. 14, was instituted, and he was the first Knight dubbed and created therein. He was the first Prelate of this Commandery, afterward Eminent Commander, and is now the Frelate. He has also served Henderson R. A. Chapter, No. 65, as High Priest.

In addition to attaining to all the degrees in York Masonry, Mr. Johnson has also attained to all the degrees of the A. and A., Scottish Rite, up to and including the thirty-third and last degree, and is now Special Deputy Inspector General for the Southern jurisdiction of Kentucky. He is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a social order whose sacred precinct is only open to Knights Templar or thirty-second degree members of the Scottish Rite. The sum of Past Grand Master Johnson's Masonic history is as follows : Past Master, Past High Priest, Past Eminent Commander, Past Grand Master and Honorary Inspector General of, the Supreme Council, thirty-third degree A. and A., Scottish Rite.

In his business he is diligent - he eats no idle bread. During his administration as Grand Master, a Lodge was established at Pool Town, Ky., and bears his name, " Campbell H. Johnson Lodge. No. 604."

HENRY E. LEWIS. - A history of Henderson County, Kentucky, would be incomplete that did not give a sketch of the ten years citizenship therein of the late Henry E. Lewis.

Edward Hutchinson Lewis and Eliza Lewis, his wife, were decendants of the same family, both natives of Boston. The Lewis family of Boston were an old and honorable line of Massachusetts, in colonial times and days of the American Revolution. Their relations number some of the good and worthy names of Boston from those early times to the present. Mr. E. H. Lewis came to Kentucky early in life - about the year 1812, and settled in Louisville. In the course of years, he was married to Miss Lewis, a cousin, and returning, came to make their home in the " Falls City " - then the " far West, " and border land, too, of the South. The home they made was, first of all, pre-eminently a christian one, and there a social centre for many genial forces which benefitted the town as well as society, they were respected and beloved by all classes, and her social graces, and charitable works satisfied the love her beauty won. On the " eighth of

January," 1822, to such worthy parents were born a son - the subject of this sketch, Henry Edmund Lewis. He was an only child, and grew up, good and well trained, arQ.id the happiest circumstances. After his education was completed, he early engaged in mercantile pursuits. His father was both a wholesale commission merchant and a banker, and he took charge of his father's business in New Orleans, where he lived between one and two years. Then H. E. Lewis decided to go into other business and formed the firm of " Lewis, Bacon & Co.," wholesale grocers and commission merchants, of Louisville. When quite young, Henry E. Lewis was married to Miss Margaret Eleanor Clark, daughter of George Wallingford Clark and his wife Emily J, Clark, residents of Louisville, but form.erly from Baltimore. After the period of Mr. Lewis' marriage he disolved the firm of "Lewis, Bacon & Co.," and entered into a new business, in which his father was always his principal partner. This business was importing and wholesaling queensware, china, and glass. For a period of over twenty years the firm of H. E. Lewis & Co., Louisville, Kentucky, was one of established reputation for honor, and transacted a leading and active business on Main Street, in Louisville. Mr. Lewis's father was a banker for many years, engaged long ago in some active manner with the " Northern Bank of Kentucky," then President or Cashier of the "Franklin Bank of Kentucky," then retiring from the latter, a new bank was formed called the " Jefferson's Savings Institute of Louisville, Kentucky." Edmund H. Lewis was President of this bank for many years In 1860 came the war; E. FI. Lewis and H. E. Lewis were both Union men, but both were identified with Louisville and Kentucky. In politics the father was a Whig in old times; in the war a Democrat, if of any political party then. H. E. Lewis was a lifelong Democrat. Discharging all duties of citizenship faithfully, they came through the war Union men on principal, but Southern in temperament and affection. H. E. Lewis was a prime mover in getting up the " First National Bank of Louisville, Ky.," in lieu of the Jefferson's Savings Institute. Edmund H. Lewis was made its President. This was, perhaps, the first National Bank organized and established in the State of Kentucky. H. E. Lewis & Co. sold their importing queensware business in 1864; some years prior to this time, H. E.Lewis had purchased tracts of land in Henderson County, on, and contiguous to Green River ; other tracts, inland lying thirteen miles from Henderson, in the oldest settled part of the county. These lands were in the unbroken forests, except one hundred and thirty-five acres bought afterwards. About 1857 or '58, Henry E. Lewis became a member of the Masonic order ; he was an ardent Mason, and achieved a brilliant reputation in the conferring of those ancient and sublime orders. He was Master, High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter in Louisville, and a shining and educated Knights Templar. He filled many offices and possessed many titles, " not understanded of the people outside of the order." He had taken up to and including the twenty-second degree in the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite, an order of which Albert Pike and General John C. Breckenridge were distinguished members. Near the end of the war, the Masonic Savings Bank was incorporated in Louisville. In this project, Mr. Lewis was an active and influential mover ; previous to this time Mr. Lewis became an invalid, resigned the Presidency of the First National Bank, and remved in October, 1865, with his family to his beautiful place in Henderson County. He thus gratified a fancy, by beginning with land in the woods, upon an estate which he had opened for a farm in 1860, and now consists of four hundred and eighty acres, lying in one body. These lands originally belonged to Mrs. H. E. Lewis' maternal ancestors, the Hughes family of Maryland. William Hughes, father of Mrs. Lewis, was of the early settlers of Henderson County. This beautiful home, now one of the handsomest natural sites in the State, was named by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis " Haven-Wood."

Mr. Lewis had prospecting made for oil lands in different localities in Kentucky. In the season of 1865 and '^6, in Henderson County, there was lubricating oil " struck " by the " Alvasia Oil Company" - one of Mr. Lewis' companies, working in Henderson County. The name of this company was original with him, given in compliment of Mr. William L. Alves, the manager of that work, and an associate of Mr. Lewis in leasing oil lands. The " Alvasia " works were located on the farm of Mr. Elisha Williams, near his homestead, on the Owensboru Road, about ten miles from Henderson. Previously Mr. Lewis had gotten several charters from the Legislature of Kentucky, and controlled two oil companies, of which he was the principal incorporator. When the enterprise promised success in Henderson County, stock was in demand; but the petroleum, when found, after months of toil and a steady outlay of capital, proved not to have been struck in paying quantities. The oil developed proved to be the best lubricating petroleum, experts, and influential persons in Pittsburgh, Pa., giving a favorable opinion of the richness and body of the crude oil. An unwillingness on the part of the stockholders to go on and bore other wells to find a " flowing well," decided Mr. Lewis and Mr. Alves to desigt from the work - as theirs had been the largest part, and no benefit was reaped by them or the stockholders. But the re cord has been made - petroleum has been found in Henderson County. By his experience Mr. Lewis was content to hold his oil property, and leases in ''statu qmr as they Temain, though '^ oil men" from time to time have offered inducements for " prospecting." H. E. Lewis then gave his whole attention to his place, having orchards set out contamtng several thousand trees of the choicest varieties of the standard fruits of our climate. One experiment, which was only successful for a few years, was a vineyard of Catawba grapes, bought from Mr. N. Longworth. of Cincinnati, and cultivated by his system ; but that method is not suited to this section, the land, climate, nor labor. In 1869 Mr. Lewis erected a steam grist mill, with capacity for four run of burrs, for both wheat and corn, and a good custom was at once established with four counties. At th t time there were but three or four mills in Henderson County. A need for a store came about, and one with a good stock was established by Mr. Lewis. Mr. WilUam L. Alves, son-in-law of Mr. Lewis, was associated with him in business. They also farmed, and raised and bought live stock and tobacco, and the name of Lewis' Mills was given to the business point. The topography of the estate could hardly be improved by an accomplished civil encrineer for beauty and convenience '' Lewis' Mills " is in a level valtey, the homestead on a hili near by, with the open farm and woodland surrounding all. A coal mine was opened and worked for more than a year in 1870 and '7L The coal was solely mined for fuel for the mill. The coal was good bituminous coal. About 1871 H. E. Lewis wrote and had printed a " circular," addressed " to manufacturers, corporators and capitalists," which, if there was space, would be interesting to quote here-it ante-dated Henderson and Henderson County's present spirit of progress, and in a quiet business view ; but other business intervened, and his family thought he ought not to enter into new and added cares, so Mr. Lewis held that matter in obeyance In this retrospect many subjects come to mind of interest, but space must be considered. In 1873 or '74 Mr. Lewis stopped his mill, and only opened the store occasionally, concluding that such an active business of so manv kinds was really depriving him of the leisure he had retired from citv life and come to his new home, " far from the maddening crowd," to enjov. He could not review his labors as a citizen of Henderson County but with satisfaction. He had done much more for the public good than make " two blades of grass grow where o-rewlDut one ;" he had circulated thousands of dollars of his capital here, and had done all in his power to benefit his fellowmen in many ways.

Looking back, it seems it was a prophetic feeling which made him taKe a space of quiet repose and existence simply at home. In the spring of 1875 Mr. Lewis was quite sick, but recovered, as was supposed - he. had always in his life been perfectly well. But his recovery was not a real one, and he was taken sick in July, and died on the eighth of October, 1875. He died a member of Christ, and in the communion of the church.

It is not fitting to say more here, than to mention that two obituaries of Henry E. Lewis were voluntarily written by friends - one sent from Henderson, and published in the "Southern Churchman," and one written and published in Louisville. But it must be recorded feelingly, that his " Companion " Knights Templar of Henderson paid Masonic honors at his grave, after the holy services of the church were pertormed. It may be permitted a filial hand to trace the fact that his faults were few, and the world better for his having lived among men. His record shines with the lustre of many virtues. According to the wishes of Mr. Lewis, his family continued his home and plans; and for eight years, all activities here have been kept up and revived and enlarged at " Lewis' Mills, Henderson County, Kentucky, " where William L. Alves farms, handles live stock, and in addition to the flouring mill and store, has built up a saw mill and lumber business, all in active operation at the present time. In the flush of the prosperity and progress of Henderson and Henderson County, in this year of grace, 1883, it is pleasant for Henry E. Lewis' family to remember that he foresaw such an era here, for he was convinced that success and wealth would reward the pioneersin the development of our city and county ; and this favored section of the " land-of-ourlove " will prove rich in treasure under the works of man, in mines and manufactures, and agriculture and horticulture, as it is blessed with the riches of nature in climate, minerals, and soil, by the power of the Creator. Since the foregoing was written, Mr. and Mrs. Alves and Mrs. Lewis, widow of our subject, have removed from their lovely county home to another, just beyond the city limits, on Lower Main Street.

PAUL ALEXANDER BLACKWELL. - The genealogy of the gentleman whose name heads this article, and of whose life and kindred the following is but a brief and imperfect sketch, taken ab iniiio^ presents a lineage distinguished for high character, honorable bearing and aristocratic surroundings. Our subject's paternal grandfather was one of three brothers who sailed from England many years ago for America. Arriving iri this country,, they separated, one of them settling on Blackwell's Island, from whom the Island derived its name, another settled in North Carolina and became the acknowledged head of the world-renowned Durham tobacco manufacturers, the third, Robert Blackwell settled in. Virginia. From the latter, the subject of this sketch descended. Robert Blackwell, the paternal grandfather, served as a Magistrate under King George III, and died in the year 1788. The maternal grandfather was James Jeffries, who lived in Virginia and departed this life in that State in the year 1831 ; subsequent to the Declaration of Independence, he served as a magistrate. The maternal grandmother, Nancy Hogan, was born in Virginia and lived there during her natural life. She died during the year 1848 at the good and rather remarkable old age of eighty years.

Chapman Blackwell, the father of our subject, was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia, in the year 1785; he was married to Miss Prudence Russell Jeffries, who was born in Lunenburg County in 1796. Seven children resulted from this union, Mary, James, Nancy, Jane, Paul A., Branch and Francis. Chapman Blackwell was from boyhood a farmer devotedly attached to that life. Hearing of the fertile soils of the far West child of old Virginia, its almost limitless productiveness, he determined to immigrate, and, to effect that purpose, disposed of such of his property as he deemed best and set out with his family, overland for Kentucky, in the year 1832. The comparative wilds of the route to be traveled, the ruggedness of the roads, the privations that immigrants fell heir to, were obstacles to be sure ; but, with a firm and fixed purpose, a sound and unflinching spirit moving him, he plodded along over mountains and through valleys, recognizing the tediousness of the journey and its lonely surroundings, never once hesitating or brooding over a determination to better his condition in life. Thus he continued on slowly, but surely, through Virginia, then Kentucky, until he reached Henderson County, where he settled on a track of land near Zion,

Here, in the woods, he built him a rude log cabin in which to shelter his family, and here he toiled, clearing the forest and tilling the soil up to the day of his death, that sad event occurring in the year 1851. His devoted wife survived him, and in this there appears a coincidence preternatural in its occurrence. In the year 1873, twenty-two years afterwards, in the same month and on the same day of the month, the good wife and mother followed her husband in death.

Paul A. Blackwell, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia, April 22d, 1826, therefore he was only six years of age when he accompanied his father from his place of nativ- ity over the mountains into Kentucky. Arriving at school age, he was sent to the neighboring country school, and it was there that he gained his first knowledge of the limitless worth of the alphabet and the multiplication table. When he had become more advanced in spelling, reading and arithmetic, he was placed under the tutorage of Hon. Philip B. Matthews, now of this city, and who at that time was regarded not only the most capable, but the most reliable instructor of the youth of his neighborhood.

Mr, Blackwell matriculated at this school in 1841, and his subsequent life furnishes a pleasing testimony of how well he learned and how closely he applied himself. This was the last school he ever attended. At the age of twenty-two years he returned to Virginia and while there, on the fourteenth day of June, 1848, in Lunenburg County, married Miss Martha S. Crymes^ a native of the same county. He, with his wife, returned to Kentucky a short time afterwards, and settled down to farming in the neighborhood of his father. Unto Mr. and Mrs. B ackwell have been born six children : William, Mary, Emma, Ada, Alva and another that died in infancy. Of this number only three are living, William, Emma and Alva. Mr. Blackwell followed farming up to 1855, when he moved into the town and formed a co-partnership wiih James E. Ricketts, under the firm name of Ricketts & Blackwell, and embarked in the private banking business in a small frame building that stood then near where George Lyne & Son's drug store now stands. At that time the Farmers' Bank was doing business in the building now occupied by the First National, and were building for a banking house the house now owned by the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Elm and Second Cross streets. Upon the completion of this house, the books, furniture and funds of the bank were removed to the new building, and Ricketts & Blackwell, by purchase of Dr. Owen Glass, became the purchasers of the house vacated by the Farmers' Bank. In this house the firm conducted a lucrative business up to 186i^, when the subject of this sketch read in the war clouds wreck and ruin to all business located on the south side of the Ohio, and immediately sold his interest in the bank to Ricketts, who continued the business a few years, and died. Mr. Blackwell then purchased a farm, and operated it for six or seven years, though he never surrendered his citizenship in the town. In 1869, when his eldest son, William, had arrived at an age to justify him, he opened in Henderson a produce house, and was three years engaged in this business, and at the end of that time he sold his interest to Thomas S. Knight. Since that time he and his son have been largely engaged in the hardware and agricultural business, carrying at all seasons a very extensive and varied stock, and enjoying, as they deserve to enjoy, a very large and prosperous patronage. Mr. Black well has traveled in all of the principal Slates of the Union, not alone for pleasure, but with an eye to business, and in this his experience has amply rewarded him. In politics, he is a Democrat of the purest ray serene - a Jacksonian ; in religious faith, a Christadelphian, or better known as a Thomasite. He is perhaps better known as an influential, enthusiastic member abroad, than any other one of the county whose name appears upon the church roll. Mr. Blackwell was never an officeseeker, yet he has been called upon to serve his constituents in more official positions than one. He served his district as Magistrate during the year 1860, and his town as Police Judge during the years 1861 and '62. He has held a commission as Notary Public for a number of years, and in every position has given unqualified satisfaction. He has often been called upon to take charge of estates and trust funds, and wherever he chose to be obliging, he has discharged his duties with marked ability - notably the estate of James E. Ricketts, which occupied a great range and required executive and business ability of undoubted skill. Judge Blackwell has never enjoyed perfect health, far from it, his life has been shadowed by a harrassing disease that has kept him continuously in remembrance of it. Yet, notwithstanding this fact, he has applied himself with such intelligence and such energy as his diseased frame would admit of, that he has acquired a handsome competency, enough to enable him to take front rank among the commercial men of his city. He enjoys a handsome, quiet home and takes the world as a philosopher should.

WALTER W. CUMNOCK. - The subject of this sketch is one of a larg:e progeny, there having been born unto his parents twelve children. Of that number, eleven are living at this time, eight boys and three girls. To say that he sprang from a parentage gifted in the successful handling of intricate machinery in all of its multiplied workings and movements, is only to tell that he, too, has inherited, in a full measure, of that blessing so liberally showered upon those who have gone before him.

Walter W. Cumnock first saw the dawn of light in Scotland, in the year 1846, nd before he Jiad attained to the age of two years, was, with a doting father and mother, upon the bosom of the " dark blue sea," en route to this free land - America. His father's name was Robert L. Cumnock ; his mother's maiden name, Margaret Goodlet, both Scotch born. The grandfather, on the paternal side, was an ofificer in the British army, as was also a brother of Robert L. Cumnc5ck. The grandfather on the maternal side was a mill mechanic and worked in a mill. The grandmother on the maternal side was an English woman and died when she was quite young. The parents of our subject worked in a mill in Scotland, the father being both a mill boss and mule spinner.

-Upon the arrival of the Cumnock family in this country, they located in Lowell, Massachusetts, and engaged in the mill business. Walter W. Cumnock was educated in Mason, New Hampshire, and Lowell, Massachusetts. His education was not confined to books alone, but he was instructed in the art of cotton spinning, and from close application and intelligent determination, has risen from an apprentice to a master of .mill machinery and cotton spinning. He has traveled in this country, Canada, and Europe, and wherever a point could be gained, he made it a study, to his advantage, so that today he is justly ranked among the foremost cotton mill Superintendents of America. Our subject is one of a family of experts in the manufacture ot textile fabrics. There are five brothers, all cotton mill managers, and hold under charge, nine thousand operators, and eleven thousand looms ; more operatives and looms, than are controlled by any other family of kinsmen in this or perhaps any other country. Robert L. Cumnock, Jr., who is a graduate of Middleton University, Connecticut, and Professor of Elocution and English Literature at Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University, is also a brother. During the year 1880, and at the age of thirty-four years, Mr. Cumnock was given charge as Superintendent of the Evansville Indiana Cotton Mills, and while there, married Miss Lizzie Priest, October 26th, 1882. The result of that union has been two children ; the eldest, a boy, died at three months of age. Mrs. Cumnock is a daughter of Hon. and Mrs. George M. Priest, and granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Joel Lambert

Mr. Cumnock was too young - even though he had desired - at the outbreak of the late war, to take part as a soldier. He has avoided politics, from the fact that he has no liking for that kind of excitement ; he was never an office holder, and was never an applicant for office. In church faith he is a strict Presbyterian. During the year 1883 he visited Henderson with a view pi engaging her capatalists in a cotton mill enterprise, of which they knew but little, but of which he was thoroughly posted in every detail. He secured an audience and made known his plans; how well he succeeded, stands to-day a monument to his intelligence, his far reaching judgement, and daring spirit. -Cast your eye to the east, and there see that grand three-story brick structure, with its accompanying outbuildings, setting on a hill, a town of itself. From the ground floor to the roof, this great building contains its hundreds of machines, doing their work with more precision and niceness than man can do, however so well he be educated in the art of working textile fabrics. We refer to the cotton mill, built at an outlay of a few thousand dollars less than a half million. Walter W. Cumnock has been the head and front, the wheel within a wheel of this great and eminently successful enterprise, and to-day, he treads the aisles, and superintends the movements "of one of the most magnificent and promising cotton mills to be found on the American Continent.

EZRA CALHOON WARD was born in Hardin Countv, Kentucky, March 13th, 1854. His father was a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, but resided upon his farm, about eight miles southwest of Elizabethtown, and upon this farm the subject of this sketch spent the most of his time until 1871. He was left without parents at an unusually tender age, his mother having died October 17th, 1855, and his father following July 10th, 1864. He was then left in the custody and care of a sister, whose husband was a farmer, and with whom he remained until her death, which occurred in September, 1871. Until this time our subject's life had been spent in doing the ordinary farm work during the farming season, and attending the district schools during the winter months. He continued to do farm labor until August, 1873, when he came to Henderson, Kentucky, and took up his abode with his brother, Thomas E. Ward, an attorney at law, with whom he remained for several years. The parents of our subject being in but moderate circumstances, and leaving a family of eight children, he of course was dependent upon his own exertions for a livelihood, and it was with the greatest difficulty that he succeeded in maintaining himself in the Henderson Public and High Schools until his course was completed, which was done in June, 1875. But, by shutting himself up from society, and living economically, and devoting his vacations and the whole of his leisure time in the employment of some one who was able and willing to pay him for his services, he succeeded in securing for himself the advantages of a good English education. In September, 1875, he assumed the duties and responsibilities of a teacher, beginning the practice of this profession in one of the district schools of the county, and continuing the same successfully and efficiently until June, 1880. During the time he was teaching school, he was also engaged in the study of law, and his summer vacation was spent in the law otifice of his brother, under the tutorage of his brother and the Hon. S. B. Vance. I'herefore, in September, 1879, he was admitted to the bar, as a practicing attorney of this Commonweahh.

In October, 1880, he was selected as commissioner of schools for the County of Henderson, and was twice elected to this office, which position he filled with credit to himself and profit to the public. On the second day of December, 1880, he was married to Miss Florence Walker, daughter of Hal. B. Walker, and settled down to the practice of law in the City of Henderson, Kentucky; one child, a daughter, has been born of this marriage. In August, 1883, he was elected to the office of Judge of the Henderson City Court, which position he now holds.

In August, 1884, his father-in-law, Hal. B. Walker, departed this life, leaving a large and extensive livery business, of which our subject, in partnership with (J. K. Walker, an uncle of his wife, became the purchasers. He is yet engaged in the livery business, and is receiving a liberal share of patronage. Judge Ward is a simon pure Democrat, and has never been defeated for an office for which he was an announced candidate.

NATHANIEL A. KITCHELL, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at Lewisburg, Muhlenburg County, Kentucky, on the twenty-first day of June, 1835. He was educated in Brown County, Illinois, and, when at the age of twenty-two years, returned to Kentucky and settled at Souih Carrolton, on Green River. He had evinced a very decided preference for the profession of medicine, and, therefore, soon after arriving at South Carrolton, commenced to study under the instruction of Dr. C. C. Forbes, of that place. Soon afterwards he attended lectures at St. Louis, Mo. In April, 1860, he began the practice of his profession with Dr. Rufus Linthicum, of Henderson County, and continued with him to the fall of 1861, when, led by all his sympathies to side with the people of the South, he entered the Confederate army and went to war. He enlisted with Col. Adam Johnson and was with that distinguished commander in most of his engagements with the enemy, notably the terrible battle near Owensboro. He was with Morgan in his Indiana and Ohio raid in the summer of 1863, and was captured in Ohio. After his capture, the Doctor was sent a prisoner to Fort Delaware, where he was confined until the seventeenth day of the following November, when he and other physicians of Morgan's command were sent to City Point, on James River, Virginia, and there exchanged for an equal number of Federal surgeons. Upon reaching Richmond, Dr. Kitchell was detailed by the Surgeon General to take charge of the Federal sick in Hospital No. 21. During the winter he availed himself of the opportunity offered, attended the Richmond Medical College, and was awarded a Confederate diploma. In March, 1864, he rejoined the remnant of his command, but was soon after taken sick, and, in May, his health being so much impaired, he returned to Kentucky and again commenced the practice of his profession at Robards Station, Henderson County. During the winter of 1873 and 1874, he attended Bellevue College, New York, and in the spring received his second diploma. He then returned to Robards Station and continued to practice until September, 1878, when, owing to continued ill-health, he abandoned the profession altogether. A few years subsequent he took up his residence in the city of Henderson, and, in partnership with his old and long-time friend, J. D. Robards, engaged in the purchase of tobacco, and also in the manufacture of plug, twist and smoking tobaccos.

On the nineteenth day of June, 1884, the Doctor married Miss Frances Ellen Triplett, of Henderson County, and a son, N. A. Kitchell, Jr., born July 18th, 1885, is the issue of this union. The happy success and honors Dr. Kitchell has won are due largely to his energy and perseverance. With a kind disposition and unswerving integrity, he has won the respect and esteem, not only of his community, but of the members of his profession generally, to whom his name and labors are well known. During this summer, 1887, the firm of Robards & Kitchell was dissolved, the doctor retiring. Since that time he has purchased the tobacco stemmery of Thomas Evans and is now engaged in purchasing in his own right and name.

CLARENCE CHRISTIAN GIVENS, editor and publisher, was born in Providence, Hopkins County, on the ninth day of November, 1865, and educated in the common schools of his county. He is a son of Matthew C. Givens, present Judge of this judicial circuit. In his young life he evinced a fondness for newspaper work, and, at the age of seventeen vears, commenced the publication of the Sebree Sunbea?7i, a three-column folio, at Sebree, Kentucky. He spent one year in this enterprise, then sold out and came to Henderson in the employ of Thomas L. Cannon, who, at that time, was publishing the Sentinel. He remained with the Sentinel but a short time, when he removed to Providence and commenced the publication of the Gleaner He soon succeeded in building up a large circulation, and, at the end of six months, desiring to go into a larger and more extended field, removed to Madisonville and commenced the publication of the Hopkins County Gleaner^ seven columns. Here he sought patronage in opposition to the Times, an old established paper published by Zeno F. Young, one of the most popular and deserving publishers in the State. Nothing daunted, young Givens took off his coat, and, by working night and day, soon gained a large patronage and drew around himself a host of friqnds. His paper was soon after enlarged to an eight-column folio^ then to a nine-column with steam power added. By determined industry and square dealing, he i:egistered the largest number of subscribers ever claimed by any paper in the county. Twelve months had scarcely rolled by, when he purchased the Tijties and consolidated it with the Gleaner. Not satisfied, but determined to go into a yet larger territory of newspaper usefulness, in July, 1885, he removed to Henderson and commenced the publication of the Henderson Gleaner, a nine-column weekly. By dint of personal perseverance and unlimited effort, Mr, Givens has secured a circulation never attained by any paper heretofore published in Henderson. He is a bundle of nerves and each nerve is the embodiment of energv. Work is his motto, and work it is with him from morn 'till night. It is creditably asserted that his paper now has a circulation of five thousand. His advertising, as well as job work patronage, is proportionally large.

In the month of August, 1885, Mr. Givens married Miss Emma M. Sloan, of Madisonville, and unto them on the twenty-fifth day of August, 1886, was born a daughter - Lizzie May. In politics he is a Democrat, in religion a Baptist. This young editor and publisher is a living example of what can be accompUshed by intelligence and systematized hard work. Recently a one-third interest in the Gleaner has been sold to Professor Haag, of South Carrolton, Kentucky, for two thousand dollars. The firm is now Givens & Haag.

COLONEL ROBERT SMITH was born m Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the nineteenth day of August, 1784, from which place his father moved to Monongahela County, Virginia, where the family lived until the year 1796. During this year, Mr. Smith, unmindful of the great difficulties attending a journey to the far West, removed with his family, to Henderson County, and settled almost directly opposite Evansville, Indiana. After remaining here but a short time, he found to his great discomfiture, that the river bottoms were extremely unhealthy, and thereupon determined to remove in search of a healthier location. He again broke up home and settled near what is now known as Smith's Mills, on the farm at present owned by B. F. Martin, where he continued to live up to the time of his death. When Colonel Smith, then a lad of fourteen years of ag^, and his father passed through Henderson, there were but three or four log cabins to be seen, and the county nothing more than a vast wilderness. He was strong, healthy and full of natural fire and energy, and in this wild country he had realized his fondest backwoods dreams, for the forests were filled with game of all kinds known to the western wilds, including buffalo, bear, deer, and thousands of turkeys, squirrel and small game. The only drawback to a youth of his temperament was the lack of educational facilities; there were no schools, and, although deprived of even what is termed an ordinary common school education, he yet so managed with such books ss he could lay his hands upon, to gather for himself a fair understanding of the most important English branches. At the age of nineteen, in the year 1803, Colonel Smith intermarried with Miss Seltsey Rollesson, a lady of strong mind and in every way fitted to make home cheerful and happy. No two ever lived more happily together. When the memorable campaign of Harrison against the Indians was agitating the country. Colonel Smith, being a man of ardent patriotic temperament and ready to resent a wrong done his country at any time, volunteered as a private and went under General Samuel Hopkins into the then Indian territory, beyond Terre Haute, Indiana, but was too late for the battle of Tippecanoe. When the Kentucky troops were disbanded, he returned to his home and assumed once more the arduous duties of making a livelihood in the yet wilds of Kentucky. Later, when the British were threatening New Orleans, his noble spirit rallied to the call of his country, and at the head of a company organized in this and adjoining counties, embarked on a flatboat or barge for New Orleans, to join General Jackson's army. He arrived with his company on the evening of the fourth of January, 1815, and only received his arms and amunition the night before the great battle. On this memorable eighth day of January, Colonel Smith and his men distinguished themselves for gallantry, daring, indomitable courage, and will-power. They were during the whole engagement in the thickest of the fight, in the centre and immediately opposite the spot where the renowned General Packenhara was killed. In May, he, with his company, returned home, and ever after that time it was his custom to celebrate the 8th day of January. After this war Colonel Smith settled down upon his farm, and yet, while devotedly attached to his life's profession, he was nevertheless an active participant in all matters of interest to his adopted when he died upon the same place he had settled sixty four years before. By his last marriage there were seven children, Elizabeth, Francis, Thomas S., Robert, George W., Mary Ann, and Margaret, only three of whom are now living ; George W., Mary Ann, and Margaret. On the ninth day of February, 1862, George W, married Miss Adelia Cotton, unto whom there were born four children, Minnie, Ella, Maud and George. Mrs. Smith died several* years ago, and on the ninth day of February, 1887, Mr. Smith married Mrs. Martha L. Butler. It will be observed that he was partial to the ninth day of February, as both marriages were solmenized on that day. Margaret Smith, on the twenty-third day of December, 1857, married B. F. Martin, by whom she has had two children, Sallie B., who married Dr. Lev. Royster, and Fannie. Mary A.Smith, on the twenty sixth day of November, 1857, married Samuel L. Cooper, by whom she has had four daughters, namely, Maggie, Lizzie, Katie and George.

December 18th, 1821, by an act of the General Assembly of Kentucky, Colonel Smith was appointed in behalf of Henderson County, together with Reuben Berry, of Union County, and Daniel Talbott, Surveyor of Henderson, to run and establish the boundary line between Henderson and Union Counties. Smith's Mill's Post Office, one of the first established in Henderson County, and the pretty little village called by the same name, derived their appellation from an old horse mill, erected by Colonel Smith near the spot where the residence of B. F. Martin now stands. No man took a more active interest in the development of Henderson County, than did Colonel Smith. From 1803 to within a few vears of his death, his name was intimately associated with every public enterprise. He was instrumental in building more than one house of religious worship, and was never known to fail with his means when called upon for any like purpose. He was a Whig in politics, and a recognized leader of his party. Since the foregoing was written Rosea Smith and Mrs. Eliza Weaver have both died.

WILLIAM HENRY WEBSTER, farmer and magistrate, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, on the seventeenth day of September, 1822. His father, Henry F. Webster, was born in Virginia on the twenty-fourth day of March, 1785. His mother, Sarah M. Howard, was born in Maryland June 4th, 1787. They were married in Virginia December 31st, 1811. Mr. and Mrs. Webster came to Kentucky in the year 1816, and settled in Fleming County where both of them died, the father on May 22d, 1860, the mother on May 20th, 1856. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of his county, and, arriving at the age of twenty-four years, he married Miss Margaret H. Manzey, of Fleming County, on the twenty-sixth day of February, 1846. She died, without issue, May 28th, 1853. On the fifth day of March, 1854, he married Mrs. Catharine Triplett Boise, of the same county. She died without issue November 27th, 1854. August 5th, 1856, he married Miss Susan M. Triplett, of the same county, and she died February 21st, 1868, leaving four children, namely, Mary E, Webster, born September 12th, 1857 ; Annie E. Webster, born March 22d, 1862 ; Sarah E. Webster, born September 1st, 1865, and Susan B., born February 13th, 1868. Mr. Webster served his native county as Magistrate for sixteen years, and on the first day of April, 1868, removed to Henderson County. On the sixth day of January, 1869, he married Miss Annie M. Samuel, of Hopkins County. She is yet living, and is the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters : Robert J., born October 2d, 1869 ; Wm. H., born October 19th, 1871 ; Emma F., born September 25th, 1873; John Edward, born February 17th, 1876: Acsah Bell, born April 7th, 1878, and Radford Dunn, born January 29th, 188L Since Mr. Webster's coming to this county, he has served as Magistrate thirteen years, and was recently elected to serve four more years, beginning January 1st, 1887. He is a member of Holloway Lodge, A. Y. M., No. 153 ; was initiated in 1855, in Fleming County. He is also a Chapter Mason, having been exalted to the Royal Arch. Mr. Webster, in addition to his magisterial duties, is engaged in farming near Niagara.

MARION DUNCAN. - The subject of this sketch was born in the Southern portion of Henderson County, near the Union County line, on the sixth day of December, 1838. He was next youngest of a family of six children, of whom there were four girls and two boys.

His father was Nathan Benjamin Duncan, of Virginia ; his mother, Martha Tyree, of Caswell County, North Carolina. They were married in North Carolina and came to Kentucky at an early day. Mrs. Duncan died in 1879, aged seventy years. Mr. Duncan's grandfather, Nathan Duncan, of Virginia, immigrated to Henderson County, and died near Corydon. When our subject was less than two years of age, his father died, leaving a widow and children in a badly embarassed financial condition. She had no means to educate her children, and there were no public schools at that time. Young Marion was hired at hard labor before he was large enough to hold a plow handle, and this life was continued until he arrived at the age of twenty. His wages, amounting from two to thirteen dollars per month, were paid to his mother for her and his sisters' support. At the age of twenty, his sisters having all married and his mother giving up house-keeping, young Duncan started out into the world to seek his own fortune. How well he has performed that duty we shall see before this brief sketch closes. Yes, he started out into this merciless world, without a dollar, influence or education. Health, energy and a determined will was his entire stock in trade. Having grown up as a farmer, and having gained a reputation for industry, integrity and great capacity for directing and controlling labor, he was sought for by men of means to take charge of large plantations. The first two or three years he exercised the most rigid economy, saving every dollar he was not necessarily compelled to part with. This he did for a wise purpose; he had now found out the value of an education, and though twentythree years of age, determined at all hazards to educate himself. To this end, therefore, he entered school at Corydon, and studied throughout two ten months' sessions. During this time he spent no idle time, but applied himself with an assiduity of purpose that brought to him a good common school English education ; nor was this all, during vacation he studied at night and worked during the day, in order to earn something to assist in paying his board and tuition His money fast evaporating in necessary expenses, and not having the means to take a collegiate course, in order to fit him for professional life, he determined to return to that occupation his early condition in life had forced upon him. In January, 1863, he was employed to take charge of the farm and laborers of John W. Alves. He remained two years with Mr. Al ves at a good salary. During the years 1866, '67 and '68 he was in charge of William McClain's lands and business in the Horse-shoe Bend, at a salary of $600, $700 and $800 per year. In 1869 he was employed by Mr. George Atkinson, in charge of his Union County farm, opposite Shawneetown, Illinois, at a salary of 51>^00. At the beginning of 1870 he was employed by Mr. Joseph Adams, to take charge of Diamond Island, which he did. He remained in the employ of Mr. Adams for eight years at annual salaries ranging from $1,600 to $1,800. The highest price ever paid a manager was paid the subject of this sketch. Mr. Duncan then determined to work no longer for others, but to launch out on his own hook. During the entire fourteen years he managed for others, h - had never an unpleasant word with any of the gentlemen for whom he did business, and so successful was he, it was only a question of salary who would or could secure his services. Furthermore, during the fourteen years, he never demanded a price for his services that was not paid him willingly. At the close of 1877 Mr. Duncan formed a co-partnership with A. S. Nunn, of Henderson, and purchased Slim Island, lying in the Ohio River, in the upper or northwest corner of Union County, and containing four hundred and seventy-five acres of very fine land. For this Island they paid the sum of $14,000 cash. Since that time they have purchased about eleven hundred acres of land near Henderson, and are working from fortv to sixtv-five laborers.

On the nineteenth day of April, 1871, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Julia Elizabeth Mullen, in Henderson, Rev. Dr. Talbiid of the Baptist Church officiating. Mrs Duncan was born on the twelfth day of December, 1846, and is a woman of many most excellent traits. Mr. Duncan and his wife are both members of the Episcopal Church. He is a s':eadfast Mason, and one of great influence. He lias filled nearly every chair in the three lodges. He was twice elected Worshipful Master of the Blue Lodge, and declined. He has served as High Priest of his Chapter, and twice Eminent Commander of his Commandery, Knights Te;nplar. He is also a Knight of Pythias. Mr. Duncan is a large grower of tobacco, corn and wheat, and a large buyer and raiser of cattle. His life, though a hard one, has been crowned by a success few men under similar circumstances have ever attained.

WYATT H. INGRAM. - The subject of this sketch was born in Orange County, Virginia, in 1783. His father, William Ingram> immigrated to Fayette County, Kentucky, and from thence to Henderson County in 1803. Dying in the spring of 1806, with his property encumbered by debt, the burden of rearing and supporting the family of six children fell on young Wyatt, who, by unflagging industry, soon paid his father's debts and divided the property equally between the children, his brothers and sisters. The expenses of their education be bore himself, thus proving both brother and father.

On the eighth day of December, 1813, Mr. Ingram married Miss Jane McGready, daughter of Rev, Jas. McGready, the great Presbyterian revivalist of 1800. Soon after his marriage he became extensively engaged in boating produce to New Orleans. Boat building in those days was attended with many difficulties. Mr. Ingram would go up Green River with a sufficient number of men, and, with the old fashioned whip-saw, get out the necessary lumber for building his boats, put it together, and then float down to Henderson, where he would load with produce of all kinds for the Southern markets. He would then float down to New Orleans and there sell his entire stock, including the boat or boats. With the proceeds securely belted about him, he would commence his journey homeward on foot. In the course of his life, he walked from New Orleans to Henderson thirteen times. To-day such an undertaking would deter most men, but, with the dangers attending such a trip at that early day, it must have taken courage and resolution -of high order. During his mercantile life, Mr. Ingram purchased goods from Philadelphia merchants. These were carried in wagons to Pittsburgh and from thence down the river to Henderson. Several times, in returning from New Orleans, he made the trip to Philadelphia by water. On one occasion he sold his produce for S))anish doubloons, and, having no better place to put them, packed them securely in his trunk. On arriving at Philadelphia, he was astonished, on opening the trunk, to find that the gold had played havoc with his clothing, especially some extra fine rufiled shirts then in his trunk. Mr. Ingram's high character for integrity is well known by the older people now living. The good he did was of the practical sort. Several of Henderson's once prominent citizens owe, in a large measure, their start in life to him. When Jean Spidel, with his family, arrived in New York from the old country, he hadn't the means to pay the full amount of passage money. Under the custom at that time, he sold his son John to the Captain of the vessel until he could be redeemed. It so happened that Mr. Ingram was in New York at the time, and, by some means, Spidel found it out and sought an interview with him. He asked help in so far as to release his son from bondage. Without hesitation Mr. Ingram paid the amount due and then brought with him the entire family to Henderson. A short time afterwards he established Spidel in the butcher business, and, in less time than eighteen months Mr. Ingram was repaid in full with interest. Our subject was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the deserving, and to assist those who were anxious to assist themselves. Thus his charity was of the nobles kind. He died December IStli, 1850, calmly and peacefully, and a plain, marble slab marks his resting place in Fernwood Cemetery. "If I have done good," said he, "it will be found out; no need to emblazon it at my grave."

Mr. Ingram was one of the most influential men of his day - he was a leader in all public enterprises and gave liberally of his means. He was for years one of the trustees of the town and was one of the original trustees of the old Henderson Seminary. He left a large and valuable estate, consisting of lands and town lots mostly. Seven children were born unto him, Frank, Emily, Louisa, William, Wyatt, James and Jane. Frank died when young; Emily married Dr. Robt. Letcher and died several years sfter; Louisa married Hon. John W. Crockett and died twelve or fifteen years since, leaving one son, Wyatt Ingram, now grown and married; William, now City Clerk of Louisville and very highly esteemed ; Wyatt, farming in this county ; James, who organized a company, and, in command, fought in the Confederate war, since died, and Jane, wife of Dr. Ben Letcher.

ROBERT DIXON, son of Robert Dixon and Mary Ann Clay, was born in Henderson County on the thirteenth day of October, 1843. His father was a successful farmer until a few years prior to his death, he removed into the city and embarked in the tobacco business on Lower Main Street. Subsequent to this, a few years, the father purchased the lot, corner of First and Kim Streets, and built the large three-story brick livery stable with two stores attached, and commenced the livery business on a large scale. He caused the third story of this immense building to be elegantly floored, and opened therein the f^rst roller skating rink in Henderson. Mr. Dixon soon after died and the subject of this sketch succeeded to his business. Mr. Dixon was a man of great influence, fine intelligence and wonderful firmness of character. The maternal ancestors of our subject were William Clay and Amelia Townes. His paternal ancestors were Captain Hal Dixon and Mary Johnston. They were pioneers to this part of Kentucky and reared large families of children. Our subject was educated at the Sayer Institute at Frankfort, Ky., and at the University of Toronto, Canada. On the first day of December, 1864, Mr. Dixon married Miss Alice Young, daughter of Judge Milton Young, a strong-minded, noble woman. Unto them six children have been born, Nannie, Maria, Alice, Mary, Emma and Robert. Nannie married Hon. John L. Dorsey.

For a number of years he has been annually elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Henderson Fair Company and has done more, perhaps, than anyone else to build up that institution Certainly he has contributed more to the raising of fine stock in the county than any one citizen of it. He has expended a large amount of his means in this direction, and' is to-day the owner of some of the finest blooded horseflesh in the entire State. He is the owner of the largest livery and sales stable in the citv and gives his whole time and attention to that particular business. He is of that class who attends strictly to his own business and none other ; is a hard worker and enjoys a liberal patronage. He is a Democrat, and, when the spirit moves him, is a to-be-feared factor in politics. He was raised a Presbyterian but was never much of a churchman. He was never much of an admirer of secret societies, consequently has never joined anv Lodsre.

THE EAKINS FAMH.Y. - The paternal head of the Eakins family, as regards Henderson County, was a man of thrift, energy and great agricultural enterprise. He was a most successful farmer, long headed, far seeing and a hard worker.

John Eakin?, of whom we speak, was born in Rutherford (bounty, North Carolina, on the seventeenth day of November, 1789. At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to the wilds of Kentucky, and settled in Henderson County, upon a piece of land purchased by him in what is, or was known as the Horse Shoe Bend, above and opposite the City of Evansville, Indiana. At that time that territory was a dense cane-brake, inhabited by wild animals, including the bear. He had not been here long before he became enamored of Miss Sally King, a resident of the same territory, whom he married. Miss King was a daughter of Esq. Elijah King, a leading pioneer, a highly respected and deserving citizen of the new country, and one whose advice was most frequently sought and most willingly given. The daughter was born in Washington County, Kentucky, on the second day of August, 1795, and with her parents came to this, county. Mr. Eakins was a farmer all of his life, and as before said, a very success. ful one. He never held an office, from the fact he was never an applicant for one. He was always in political faith a Democrat, firm and unflinching, and never throughout his life voted contrary to his faith. By the marriage of Mr, Eakins and Miss King, there were twelve children born, five of whom are living at this time. Mr. Eakins' ancestors were born in Ireland, and were buried on Morris Island in front of Charlestown, South Carolina. John Eakins died

Felix G. Eakins, son of ^ohn and Sallie (King) Eakins, was born in Henderson County on the tenth day of April, 1829. He was raised on a farm, and for twenty years worked with unflinching zeal for the parental head. At the end of that time, the young man, embued with a noble ambition, backed by a solid education, determined to stare the world in the face and fight life's battles "on his own hook." To this end, therefore, he emigrated to the Lone Star State, and there engaged in surveying, having secured a deputyship in Robertson Land District, whic'n embraced at that time all of the State of Texas lying west of the Trinity River. He remained there until the year 1851, when he returned to his home and was married to Miss Matilda D. Weaver, daughter of Littleberry and Eliza Weaver, then living in the Town of Henderson. He returned the same year to Texas, and followed his chosen profession, surveying, until 1853, when he again returned to Kentucky. He began farming, coupling with it surveying, serving as deputy to D. N. Walden and Robert S. Eastin, both of whom during his deputyship were County Surveyors, elected and qualified. This he continued up to and including a part of the year 1862. The hounds of war had been turned loose, the tocsin had sounded its solemn to-arms, and, being a southerner to the manor born, he felt it his duty to go. So in the month of August of that vear Mr. Eakins was sworn in a Confederate soldier, and was elected First Lieutenant of Company G., Tenth Regiment, Kentucky Cavalry. He soon, thereafter, participated gallantly in engagements had at Madisonville, Owensboro and Uniontown.