Henderson County, Kentucky - Biographical sketches, 1887 (part 5 of 8)

Colonel Johnson and Martin, with perhaps twenty-three men, left Henderson late in the evening and camped for the night upon the farm of Wm. Soaper, near the city. Early next morning they were en route for Newburg and were not long in arriving in front of that loyal town. The Evans ville Journal having declared that the people of Indiana would not allow that territory to be invaded for a moment, Johnson and Martin determined to test their courage. To this end, therefore, they set about disposing of their horses and an old wagon, that was near by, in such a way as to represent a large cavalry and artillery force. All ready, Martin, with some twenty men, crossed over about a half mile above the town. Johnson, with two men in a skiff, crossed immediately opposite the town. At this place Johnson performed perhaps the most reckless, and yet the most successful, military master stroke achieved by any commander of high or low authority, in either army during the war.

Johnson's information was that in Union Bethell's storehouse, on the river front, was stored all of the arms and ammunition supplied by the State and Government; therefore, he landed his skiff as near as possible to that building and made directly for it, unnoticed, as the crossing of Martin and his men had attracted general attention. Johnson found the arsenal unguarded, open, and a large number of guns stacked in it. He ordered the two men with him to barricade the doors and windows, and hold the building until Martin's arrival. In the meantime, Johnson walked up to the hotel, where he saw a number of Federals retreating into the hotel. Believing they were unarmed he entered the door alone and stood, electrified, in the presence of eighty men with cocked guns presented. As quick as thought, he knew that retreat was certain death ; that the least hesitation would prove fatal ; that immediate daring was absolutely necessary ; then, without the quiver of a lip, or neivous twitch of a muscle, or change of facial features, he boldly advanced to the front line, demanding an immediate surrender, at the same time throwing up the muzzles of several guns with the one he held in his hands. He announced, in unmistakable and most positive language, that if a single cap was fired, the last man to whom he was addressing himself, would be mas sacred, and that on short notice, and, as unpalatable as the sequel may be, it is yet true that the whole command obeyed his order, stacked their guns and retired to a large dining room in the building.

At this juncture a great burley Orderly Sergeant dashed in and called out, " What are you doing ; where in the hell are your guns .^ " To this Johnson replied, by leveling his double-barreled gun upon the Sergeant, and telling him, " Move another step, and I will riddle you with bullets." The Sergeant surrendered with the others. Soon after Martin came up with a portion of his men, the others having been detailed to guard the streets. Johnson, fearing an attack, set immediately to work paroling his prisoners, and securing wagons and teams to remove the captured property, guns, ammunition, etc. When the last ferry load had been safely crossed to the Kentucky side, Johnson leisurely walked to his skiff, seated himself and directed his two oarsmen to pull for life. He had gotten not more than half way across when the yells of the Home Guard Company were heard entering the town. They failed to fire at him however, from the fact leading citizens had been notified by Johnson, that if a gun was fired, he would shell the town. Johnson's battery consisted of an old two-horse wagon, with a black log extending from the end of it, and it was this that terrified the Newburghers. General Johnson, subsequent to this time, was in many severe contests and close places, notably at Green River bridge, on that ever memorable fourth day of July, where he was repulsed by Colonel Moore, and then with l^organ on his Ohio raid. He was one among the few who' escaped capture. Upon his return to his Kentucky department, he heard for the first time of the killing of his uncle, James E. Rankin, and immediately set to work to effect the arrest of his murderers. A few days afterward two men were brought to him charged with the crime, and were immediately sent to Henderson and turned over to the civil authorities. General Johnson was rapidly organizing four regiments, and it was found necessary to drive him out of the State before he had succeeded in doing so. Therefore, General Burbridge sent General Hobson with a large detachment of cavalry in pursuit of him. General Johnson determined to cross the Cumberland River, and, if possible, draw Hobson in pursuit. Before, or just about the time he reached Cumberland River, he engaged a force of Federals at what was called Grubb's Cross-roads. He surrounded the camp and had captured twenty-five or more Federals. White flags were seen flying, and upon this General Johnson rode back and ordered the firing ceased. Another part of the Confederate command came up about this time, and without knowing the situation, or their own friends, commenced firing indiscriminately, and, during the shooting. General Johnson, their commander, was shot, instantly destroying both of his eyes. He was thereupon taken to the home of Mr. Garland Simms, where every attention was given him by Mr. and Mrs. Simms, and their son, Richard. Wm. S. Johnson, his brother, hearing of his sad condition, went to his bedside and remained with him until he was able to be removed to Henderson, his native home. He remained here at his father's house but a short time, when he was sent a prisoner to Fort Warren. He remained in prison several months, and was then sent on for exchange and arrived in Richmond on the twenty-sixth day of May, 1865. After the surrender, he was very active in having his men, who were under indictment, and other prosecutions against them in the Courts of Kentucky, released from custody. His entire willingness to assume all responsibility for the impressment of horses and such like caused the dismissal of all remaining prosecutions. General Johnson returned to his home in Texas, to find his personal property wasted, and himself terribly in debt. Though sightless, he embarked in the real estate business, and his success remains to this time unparalleled. He is at this time the father of a large family, and the possessor of a handsome competency. Although deprived of his sight, he is justly regarded one of the leading business men of his country and his success in life has proven it.

DOCTOR PINCKNEY THOMPSON. - \mong the most distinguished of native Kentuckians, and most useful in their day and generation in the field of science and philanthropy, is the subject o^ this sketch, Dr. Pinckney Thompson. He was born in Livingston County, on the fifteenth day of April, 1828, in an humble sphere of life, having no advantages except such as may accompany poverty and utter obscurity. His parents were both natives of North Carolina, and his mother's maiden name was Thompson. Her family settled in Livingston County in the year 1796. His paternal grandfather immigrated to Kentucky and settled in the same county, before Kentucky was admitted as one of the States of the Union. His father was apprenticed to a farmer, and on reaching his majority, volunteered in Captain Barbour's company, which assembled at Henderson, and marched overland through the cane-breaks to join General Samuel Hopkins' army, then stationed at Vincennes, Indiana The command arrived too late for the battle of Tippecanoe, and after a few days rest, returned to Kentucky. He made several trading trips to New- Orleans, and while there was pressed into the army service by order of General Jackson, and after a short service returned home, and settled down to hard work on a farm. In 1823, he married, and in September, 1871, died at the residence of his son. Dr. Thompson, in this city. His wife, with whom his life had been so happily spent, survived him about four months, she departing this life in January, 1872. Dr. Thompson worked on his father's farm until his twentieth year, and during that time obtained from the ordinary county schools such an English education as they afforded. There was developed in him during his boyhood days a taste for the practice of medicine. He was a most excellent nurse, was apt in catching directions for administering medicines, and was expert at detecting the various fevers. His neighbors, and those who knew him best, frequently reminded him that he ought to make a doctor of himself These frequent reminders had as much to do perhaps with moulding his life as his natural inclinations, and his mind being made up, in January 1849, he removed to Smithland^ the county seat of Livingston, where he entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. D. B. Saunders, a very distinguished physician of that day. He continued in Dr. Saunders' office until May, 1851, at the end of which time he had grown restless from the want of advantages Dr. Saunders was unable to supply, and induced his father to permit him to go to Lousiville, Ky. He went to Louisville and placed himself under the preceptorship of Dr. T. G. Richardson, who was, at that time, Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Medical De- partment of the University of Louisville ; afterwards, and is now Professor of Surgery in the Medical Department of Louisiana University, in the City of Ne^w Orleans, having succeeded Dr. Warren Stone, one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons of the time. He continued to study under Dr. Richardson, at the same time serving in the City Hospital up to March 1st, 1853. On March 4th, of the same year, he graduated. He then returned to his old home, where he remained but a short time, and then came to Hen* derson, where he located on the fifteenth day of April and commenced the practice of his profession, without money and without an acquaintance beyond that of three persons. The following physicians were established in practice upon his arrival : R. A. Armistead, R. P. Letcher, A. J. Morrison, L. F. Jones, W. A. Offutt, W. A. Norwood, John Young, William Brewster and Richard Garland.

Dr. Thompson was not long in obtaining a large and lucrative practice, and has ever been held as one of the most successful practitioners in the profession. He has operated in tracheotomy three times, twice successfully; has operated in lithotomy three times successfully ; performed two successful operations for cancer in the breast, besides a large number of minor, yet difficult operations.

November 26th, 1857, he was wedded to Nannie S., eldest daughter of William S. and Mary Holloway. They have two children, both sons and young men of promise. He was one of the first and most active Trustees of the Henderson Public School. He was the author of the law creating a colored School, and has continued the President of the Board from the day of its organization to this time. He has served as President of the Henderson Medical Club ; President of the McDowell Society, and President of the Kentucky State Board of Health from its organization. A number of years ago, in 1869, he conceived the idea of building a Mission Sunday School, peculiarly for the benefit of those children who, for various reasons, were unable to attend the schools of the city. He carried this plan into successful operation by building, mostly at his own expense, a house of sufficient capacity in the vicinity of his residence, and, tor a number of years, supported this school mostly at his own expense. He has always served as its Superintendent. The doctor has a large school, and there is nothing in which he prides himself more than his family of Sunday school children. He has served as Elder in the Presbyterian Church since 1862. He is a Master and Royal Arch Mason. As President of the State Board of Health, he visited Hick man, Kentucky, during the yellow fever epidemic, and, upon his return, made an able report to the board ; was present at the meeting of the " Sanitary Council " of the Mississippi Valley, at Memphis, April, 1879, whce he was elected Vice President. In 1880, he was re-elected, but, finding it impossible to attend meetings regularly. Dr. Wirt Johnson, of Mississippi, was elected in his stead. He has always taken great interest in sanitary matters ; has attended four meetings of the National Health Board, and was two years a member of the Advisory Committee of the American Public Health Association. He did more, perhaps^ than any other one man, to secure from the Legislature an act incorporating, and establishing upon a sound and sensible basis, the present State Board of Health. At one time, when the State appropriation was inadequate for the purposes of the Board, he visited Washington and was successful in securing from the National Board sufficient help to guarantee a successful fight against dangerous epidemics. \v\ 1860 he built the handsome residence on Main Street, now owned by G. G. Ellis, and, in 1867, built his present residence. He has been identified largely with every movement looking to the impro\emcnt of Henderson, taking an active part in its educational, social and other leading interests, and has been for over a quarter of a century, not only a most active and successful practitioner in his profession, but also one of the most earnest and valuable members of society. He has served for a number of years as President of the Henderson County Bible Society and has annually received a re-election without opposition.

REV. D. OWEN UAVIES, D. D., Pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Davies began his ministry in the City of Baltimore, taking charge, while yet a student in the Princeton Theological Seminary, of the " Old Duncan Church," as it was called, during the protracted illness of its pastor. It was this church that called Dr. Stuart Robinson, from Kentucky, to his brilliant Baltimore pastorate. Mr. Da vies next ministered to the Central Church of St.Louis(now Dr.Branks'), while the pastor. Rev. S. J. P. Anderson, D. D., made an extended European tour. After a winter in the South and a summer in the North, seeking restoration of health, which had become critical, Mr. Davies was induced to take charge of a church in Cincinnati.

In the spring of 1863, he was settled over the church at Paris, Bourbon County, and, while there, was married to a daughter of Governor Richard Hawes, and there his first child was born. From Paris Mr. Davies went to Clarksville, Tenn., in 1868, where he did a good work in restoring to prosperity one of the best churches in that State, and in saving to the church and county Stewart College, now the

Southwestern University, already doing so well and promising so much for the higher education of Southern youth. Thence Mr. Davies came to Henderson, taking charge of the church in this city June, 1871. Since that time he has continued to minister to his Henderson flock with an ability and anxiety of purpose that causes him to be more beloved by his people as each year rolls by.

The work of this eminent and hard working divine is here to show for itself. The additions to his church each year have been very large, and, as a result, the old church now has a second church of large seating capacity, one of the handsomest buildings in the State, and a large and growing congregation. Verily, Mr. Davies has performed a great and good work. The fruits of his unceasing labors will follow after him.

JOSEPH ANTHONY HODGE, M. D., was born in Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky, February 2d, 1829. His father, Edwin Hodge, a farmer, born in the same locality in the year 1805, was a son of Robert Hodge, who, some years previous, had emigrated from North Carolina to that county. The grandfather of Robert Hodge, with two brothers, Henry and Anthony, came from England to this country in colonial times, one of them settling in Virginia, one in Maryland, and the other in North Carolina. The family name was originally Hodges, and one of these brothers, Anthony, for whom the subject of this sketch was named, always bore the name of Hodges, as do his descendants to this day.

The maiden name of the mother of Joseph A. Hodge was Nancy Selissa Hughes, a daughter of Joseph Hughes. It maybe remarked, that the County of Livingston was divided in the year 1842 into two counties, Livingston and Crittenden. The Hughes family lived in the latter section of the old county, and it was in the latter also that the subject of this sketch was reared. After the death of his father, when he was but eight years old, his mother married Doctor John S. Gilliam, a Virginian by birth, but at that time a resident of the same neighborhood with herself. In many respects he was quite a remarkable man, and proved to be a most kind and indulgent step father. It was th'-ough his instrumentality that his step-son began the study of medici le in his eighteenth year, graduating from the medical department of the Louisville University in 1850, when he was just twenty-one years old. From the time of graduation until the spring of 1863, he was engaged in practice in Marion, Crittenden County, Ky., removing from there to Henderson in April of that year. He arrived in the latter place on the twenty-eight of the month.

On December the fourth, 1851, he married Miss Susan A., daughter of Doctor Rufus Linthicum, of the County of Muhlenberg, Kv., having made her acquaintance four years previous, when she was a school girl at St. Vincent Academy, in Union County, Ky. This transaction has never caused a moment's regret, and has ever been resrarded as the chief event of his life.

Dr. Hodge is a member of the Henderson Medical Club, Mc- Dowell Medical Society, Kentucky State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the Board of Medical Examiners of the Third Judicial District of Kentucky, and has been such from its establishment, over eight years ago. He was President of the Kentucky State Society from 1875 to 1876, and has acted in the same capacity for the Medical Club. He is a man of very strong character and eminently fitted for the arduous duties of his chosen profession.

Dr. and Mrs. Hodge, in their marital union, have been blessed by a family of seven children, two bovs and five daughters, all of whom are yet living, and of whom it can be said, seven more promising children were never born. Of the five daughters it has frequently been asserted, by competent judges, that they possess a charm of personal beauty and brightness of life unsurpassed by any similar number reared in Kentucky.

WILLIAM EVANS BENNEIT. - The subject of this brief sketch was born on the twenty-seventh day of January, 1814, on the place he spent his life. He was a son of Evans Bennett and Elizabeth Morris, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Bennett was educated at the country schools of his neighborhood. The school house where he was taught was a rude log hut with one door and a large dirt chimney. I have often heard him say that when his teacher, for any cause, proposed to apply the rod to him, his first object was to get between him and the chimney, and then make his escape by that outlet, which was almost as easy as going out of the door. Mr. Bennett was all his life a farmer, and, by close application and hard work, possessed himself of a competency sufficient to raise a large family of children and keep him and those who lived with him in his old age in comfortable circumstances. For very many years he served his county as magistrate and was one of the most highly respected upon the bench. He was a plain, unassuming, Christiaii gentieman, full of life and humor, honest and temperate in all things. He bore no man malice ; was a kind, congenial neighbor, and as greatly respected as any man who has lived in the county. Mr. Bennett died several years since, leaving a large family of children.

LUTHER FERDINAND WISE. - The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio County, and is a son of William Bradford Wise, who was born in 1805, and I^ene Blevins, born 1810. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were native Virginians.

In 1861, at the beginning of the War of the Rebellion, the father of our subject enlisted in the Union army at Calhoun, Ky., under Captain J. R. Wise, Company I, Colonel Hawkins' Eleventh Kentucky Infantry. He participated in all of the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, notably Shiloh and Stone River, and was mustered out of the service, near the close of the war, at Louisville. He was a farmer before and after the war, and owned what was known as the handsomest place between Hartford and Paradise, Ohio County. The father died in 1875, leaving nine children, three boys and six girls, all of whom are living at this time.

Luther Ferdinand Wise was born on the ninth day of September, 1848, and, when arriving at school age, was sent to a private school at Hartford, where he, by industry and close application, gained for himself a good country education. He commenced business as a clerk in a store at Rochester, Ky., and, in 1869, removed to Henderson and accepted a clerkship with W. H. Lewis, then engaged in the boot and shoe business. On the twenty-sixth day of July, 1876, he married Mrs. Sarah A. Griffin {nee Hatchitt), daughter of James Hatchitt, for many years a leading and influential citizen of this county. As a result of that marriage, one child has been born unto them, Hatchitt L., born May 15th, 1877.

Mr. Wise remained with W. H. Lewis for eight years and then accepted a deputyship under William Hatchitt, Sheriff of Henderson County, an office he filled with signal ability up to the spring of 1882. On the twelth day of March of that year, he embarked in the grocery business, opening in the two-story brick, southwest corner of First and Elm Streets. Upon the completion of the new Opera House, a few years since, he removed his stock into one of the handsome stores of that building, where he is now doing a handsome and paying trade

In politics Mr. Wise is an unswerving Democrat ; in religion a firm and consistent Baptist. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Altogether he is a modest, unassuming gentleman, attending as he has ever done, strictly to bis business, and, by this mode of life, has accumulated a nice little estate. He has lately purchased the storehouse he originaally occupied, and, in due course of time, will re-occupy it.

ANDREW TATE CALLENDER was born in Henderson County, on the eighteenth day of January, 1842. His schooling was limited to a period not exceeding six months, and this fact makes his success as a business man all the more wonderful. Mr. Callender is well known as a man of commercial capacity few have ever attained to with the start he had in life. He is a son of Thomas Jefferson Callender and Martha Chiles Harris, both native Kentuckians, and both early comers to this county. It is not necessary to say that our subject is a Democrat, the Thomas Jefferson attaching to the paternal head will guarantee that fact.

The parents of the subject of this sketch, on coming to this county, settled on a farm near Spottsville, on Green River. During the building of the locks and dam at that place, T. J. Callender was one of the most faithful employees. Andrew Tate Callender was born in Henderson County on the eighteenth day of January, 1842, as before stated, and knew nothing but hard work during his boyhood. Judge Warden P. Churchill, now of Louisville, but who, at one time, resided in Henderson, instructed him in about all the studies he was ever fortunate enough to receive an opportunity of knowing anything about.

On the nineteenth day of February, 1868, after having earned for himself a wifely competency, he married Miss Mary K. Eargood, and,as a result of that marriage, there have been born unto him and his faithful life partner, three children, now living, Lila, Andrew T. and Millard Norman. Lila, the elde'st, married, September, 1885, Charles McAhan, and they have one son, recently born.

Our subject has been a hard working farmer the greater part of his life, three years of which time was spent with his father in Webster County, the remainder, up to 1870, in Henderson County. During the year 1870, he came to the city and purchased what was then known as Stapp & Sheffer's steam mill grocery on the corner of Fourth and Green Streets. In 1872, he purchased the grocery stock of K. Geibel, Jr., diagonally across from his then place of business, and consolidated the two stores. He yet carries on the grocery business at the same stand, southeast corner of Fifth and Elm Streets, and is doing a lucrative trade.

To use a rather uncommon phrase, Mr. Callender has exhibited more *' spread out " than most men, and, as an evidence of it, he purchased of George Able, in 1882, a frame store building in the Third Ward, corner of Adams and Clay Street ; seeing far enough ahead to know that that stand, if not then, would ultimately become a good one. A short time after this purchase, this house burned, and he immediately erected for that locaHty, a commodious brick, and installed his brother as manager of a large and varied stock of groceries and necessary householdgoods. In this, as in all other enterprises willed by him, he has been successful, and to-day, beholds himself the possessor of a competency amply sufficient for any purpose he may wish. Mr. Callender has never attached himself to any religious denomination, yet he inherits the Baptist fai^h from the paternal, and Methodist from the maternal parental heads. He has never joined a Lodge of any kind. He is a member of the Public and High School Boards.

WYNN GLASS DIXON is a young farmer, living upon, and operating one hundred and fifty acres of fine farming land, which he owns, and upon which he successfully grows tobacco, wheat, corn and hay. He is a gentleman rather more professional looking in appearance than is usually the case with planters and cultivators of the soil. He comes from a family, both sides representing a worthy professional lineage - in several instances, in fact, unsurpassed for legal learning and governmental polity. He is a son of Charles Cornelius Dixon, who was a highly influential and worthy citizen of this county, and Isabella Pauline Clay, a second cousin of Henry Clay. Mr. Dixon was born in Henderson County, on the 24th day of March, 1855, and received his primary education from the county schools. Sub'^equent to that time, he matriculated at one of the best educational institutions at Mt. Vernon Indiana. At this place he graduated, and since that time, has been engaged in farming. On the seventeenth day of December, 1878, he was married to iMiss Mattie Randolph of this county, and two children. Ruby Dixon, and Roger Sherman, now bless that happy union. In politics, our subject is a Democrat ; in religious opinion and training, a Cumberland Presbyterian. He has ne\er joined a Lodge of any kind, but stays quietly at his home, surrounded by a loving household, where the moonlight of connubial felicity shines upon him, without going elsewhere to seek pleasures in the society of men. The father of our subject died in the year 1881, aged sixty-two years.

WILLIAM SAMUEL GRADY. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, a farmer by occupation and a good one, too, is the son of Brock man B. Grady and Jane Powers, natives of Shelby County, Kentucky. William Samuel, was born near Shelbyville, Shelby County, on the third day of September, 1841, and on the twenty-first day of January, 1869, immigrated to Henderson County. His life's occupation, aside from the time he gave his chosen country, fighting for the Confederacy, has been that of a farmer. Two years after coming to Henderson County, to-wit : on the twenty-seventh day of December, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Butler, a highly connected young lady,and one whom the writer of this is pleased to remember as one eminently qualified to assume the duties of mother and housekeeper. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grady : Henry and Furman Harvey ; the latter now dead, having been the victim of an accident at Colonel Jackson McClain's home farm several years ago. Our subject was a gallant soldier of General John H. Morgan's command, and with his General, was captured in the Morgan raid through Ohio. He was confined in Camp Chase, near Columbus, and, subsequently, with one or two comrades, effected his escape and footed it to Cincinnati, where he boarded a steamer and landed at Louisville without being molested or even suspicioned. As he was a good soldier, ever doing his duty, he is a charitable, open hearted, good citizen, loving his friends, and doing unto his neighbor as he would have done unto himself.

WILLIAM EDWARD LABREY was born at New Albany, Indiana, June 9th, 1844, and was educated from the city schools of that place. He is a son of Edward Labrey and Theresa Palmer. His paternal grandfather, Anthony Labrey, died in Pans, France ; his maternal grandfather, R. J. Palmer, who was the first President of the Iron Mountain Railroad and grocery merchant, died in 1865, at Hanover, now Crystal City, Missouri.

Our subject has always manifested a taste for active life and from that disposition, before his majority, engaged in trading in stock and following teaming for a livelihood. He was one of the first to volunteer his services to the support of the Union at the breaking out of the late war, and was mustered into the Thirty-eighth Indiana Regiment at New Albany, on the seventeenth day of June, 1861. His regiment was assigned to Scribner's Brigade, General Rousseau's Division, Army of the Cumberland. At the noted and terrible battle of Perryville, Mr. Labrey served as Ordinance Master and was placed in charge of an ordinance train. While there, in the discharge of his duty, he was wounded in the left side and was given a six months' leave of absence. He afterwards was appointed Wagon Master of the Fourteenth Army Corps, General Walcott commanding. Prior to Walcott, the Fourteenth Corps was commanded by General George H. Thomas, so distinguished for his fighting pluck and splendid military judgment. Mr. Labrey participated in many battles and skir- mishes, notably Perryville, Chickamauga and Kennesaw Mountain. At Chickamauga he was the second time wounded while trying to rally a wagon train. For all thi^ the Government has recognized his services by placing his name upon the pension rolls - a recognition worthily bestowed. Three months after the close of the war - in 1865 - Mr. Labr y was in charge of one of the largest Government Wagon Posts.

June 15th, 1865, at New Albany, he was married to Miss Minnie Gilchrist, and this union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, Maude, Effie, Bert, Kate, Annie, Minnie and Wilbur. In 1867, our subject with, his then little family, came to Henderson, where he has been engaged, up to this writing, in teaming, contracting and carrying on a livery business. It is due to say of him that, by energy and industry, knowing no limit, he has proven his metal, gained a snug property and lives happily in the society of a loving family and a host of friends.

Our subject was raised a Catholic, but, several years ago, united with the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, as he is also a member of the Iron Hall Insurance Benefit and the Grand Army of the Republic Societies. He is a member of the Henderson Fire Department, having, during his membership, filled all of the chairs, and performed upon numerous occasions, a noble duty, for which he is held in high esteem.

PETER CHARLES KYLE. - To write a full, complete, and deserving detailed review of the incidents and interesting surroundings, associated with the ancestral family and individual life of the o-entleman whose name appears at the head of this article, would require a book of itself, but limit calls a halt in a work of this magnitude, and we must therefore ask pardon for the brevity exercised in his case ; nevertheless, we shall endeavor to give to those who follow after him, a sketch, full enough to leave them in no doubt as to his whereabouts from his birth up to this writing. Peter Charles Kyle is a native of Saarlouis of Rhenish, Prussia, four or five miles from the frontier of France, long in the possession of that country, and was fortified bv Vauban in the reign of Louis XIV. The Congress of Vienna gave it to Prussia in 1815. The date of his birth was on the eleventh of November, 1839. His f ither'sname was Christian Kyle, his mother's maiden name Gertrude Herring. The father was born in Berlin in 1794, and served as Second Lieutenant on the guard of the King of Prussia, during the War of 1812. The mother was born at Saarlouis in the year 1796. In November, 1840, when our subject was only one year old, his father and mother and what children they had at that time, sailed for America in a sailing vessel and were ninety days on the ocean from Havre to New Orleans. They remained there some time, and then journeyed on up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Madison, Indiana, where the old man engaged in the stone masonry business. In this he continued for four years, when an accidental fall produced conjestion of the lungs, and death ensued. The wife and widowed mother was thus left with five children to care for, the eldest ten years, the youngest, six weeks. The subject of this sketch was at that time only five years of age. The mother, by her own labor and the exercise of motherly economy, successfully cared for her little ones, until they arrived at an age that justified calling them to her assistance. The children were blessed with an intelligent energy that relieved the mother, and since 1870, she has found a welcome, comfortable home with her son, the subject of this sketch. On the 28th day of December, 1886, Mrs, Kyle departed this life at the advanced age of ninety years, and it is comforting to know that in giving up a long, well spent life to take on one more full of sunshine, all was peace and fearless submission.

Mr. Kvle, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the Madison, Indiana, public schools, and, during his life in that city, learned the art of bricklaying. During the year 1857, he went South and settled in Bayou La Fourche Parish, Louisiana, and there followed his trade up to the twentieth of May, 1860, when he joined the Louisiana Army an i was made Lieutenant of the Assumption Blues. Soon after he was sent with his command to the mouth of Bayou La Fourche River and there built, or assisted in building, a fort. At the completion of this work he received si discharge from the State and immediately set to work recruiting a company for the Confederate Service. He was not long in doing this, and with his troops joined the Eighth Louisiana Reggiment and was sent to Virginia. From Virginia he was permitted and directed to return to his home and recruit and reorganize a company of cavalry. This company was recruited to its full number in a short while, and under the command of Captain Albert Cage, was assigned to Gen. Wirt Adams' command. Subsequent to this, he was placed on detached duty in the Signal Service Corps and assigned to the commands of Generals Pemberton and Bowen, at Grand Gulf and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

He surrendered, with Pemberton's command, to General U. S. Grant on the fourth day of July, 1864, and in the following September was exchanged. He again re-entered active service and was assigned to the cavalry under General Wirt Adams. His daring disposition lead him, with two comrades, to make a night raid into Natchez, and, as a result, all three of them ^ere taken prisoners, and sent to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana, where they arrived Christmas day, 1864. Mr. Kyle was held a prisoner of war until May 14th, 1865, when hj was set at liberty. The war having terminated, he left the prison walls and settled in Thorntown, Indiana, where he remained until February, 1867, when he removed to Henderson.

On August 5th, 1865, he married, at Thorntown, Miss Phoebe Ann Thompson, granddaughter of Captain Phil. Thompson, who fought with the Harrison Guards at the battle of Tippecanoe, and afterwards settled near Stockwell Indiana. By this marriage there were five children, four of whom are now living, John W , Louisa, Peter C. and Edward. The eldest child, Jacob, met a tragic and most distressing death. He was quite a child, and while out driving on the road, the horses became frightened, ran away, and little Jake was killed. On the twenty-third day of October, 1873, Mrs. Kyle, whose life had been devoted to her husband and children, departed this life, and thus the bereaved husband was left with four children to care for and bring up in the world. Faithfully he performed this duty until the twentieth day of January, 1880, when he took unto himself a second wife. Miss Louise Thompsoti, sister of his first wite, who has performed the duties of maternal head of the family most satisfactorily from the date of her marriage up to this writing.

Mr. Kyle is a contractor of bricU and stone work, doing a large business, and enjoys the confidence of the entire community. He served a term of years as Superintendent of the screets of the city, and it is said by knowing ones that the position was never before or since so well filled. He was at all times watchful, diligent and active, and all of his work was done with an eye to permanency and not slushed over as is so often the case. In politics he recognizes no party, but holds himself aloof to vote and think as his own conscience dictates. In religion, he was born a Catholic, but has never affiliated with the church - in fact, he is not much of a churchman in any sense of the word. Yet, he is liberal to a fault, open hearted, willing at all times to do unto others as he would be done by, loves his friends and has a host of them. He is a leading member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias, and has represented his lodges in the grand bodies of the State.

GEORGE WASHINGTON McCLURE. - The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, seven miles east of Morganfield, on the seventeenth day of April, 1833, and was the only child of Alexander McClure, of Rockbridge County, Virginia, a comer to Kentucky in 1812. His early education was obtained from the ordinary schools of his county, until at the age of fourteen years he was sent to New Albany, Indiana, and placed under the tutorage of Prof. John B. Anderson. He remained three years at New Albany, and then entered Centre College, Danville, where he completed his education. He then returned to Union County, and commenced farming upon a large and successful scale. At the age of twenty-six, and in January, 1859, Mr. McClure was married to Miss Mary H. Dixon, daughter of Captain Henry Dixon, and granddaughter of Capt Hal Dixon. On January 1st, 1870, he removed with his family to Henderson County, and on the first day of January, 1872, occupied his new and handsome residence in the town of Corydon, whciC he has since continued to reside.

Mr. McClure has served a number of terms as Trustee of the Public School of the town of Corydon, and twice or more times honored in his appointment as Chairman. For five years or more he has been appointed by the County Court, Trustee of the Henderson High School. In every position ot trust he has evinced marked ability and good, reliable judgment. Mr. McClure is a man of large means and is regarded one of the staunchest men of the county. His home is one of the happiest and handsomest. Mrs. McClure is a most excellent lady, of fine judgment, and to her, perhaps, a great share of credit is due her husband's success in life. They have three children. The eldest, Miss Anna, married several years since, Mr. L. E. Hearne, of Boyle County. Henry is a brilliant young man, and will eventually make his mark in the world. Within the last twelve months, Mr. Mc- Clure has built in Corydon a magnificent flouring mill of large capacity and capable oi turning out the best brands of flour known to the trade-

JAMES NATHANIEL POWELL, M. D. - Dr. Powell, son of Nathaniel B. Powell and grandson of Col. James Powell, one of the early pioneers, was born in Henderson County, near Corydon, on the first day of June, 1837. He received his early training from the neighborhood schools until 1856, when he matriculated at Bethel College, Russellville, Ky., where he remained two years Subsequently he studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Dunham, of Uniontown, and Dr. John N. Dorsey, of Corydon. He attended the Louisville Medical University, receiving two courses of lectures

On the fifth dav of Mav, 1868, Dr. Powell married Miss Bettie, daughter of Dr. John N. Dorsev, and has several children. Dr. Powell is a physician of prominence in the profession, enjoys a large practice and has been remarkably successful in the treatment of diseases. He is a gentleman of excellent habits and deservedly popular. He has served as Trustee of the town of Corydon and of the Public School at that place.

HON. JOSEPH VALENTINE OWEN. - The subject of this sketch was born in Columbus, Kentucky, on the twenty-seventh day of July, 1851. When at the age of one year, his father removed to Paducah, and there remained up to his death, at which time young Joseph was fourteen years of age. He was then taken by his uncle, Dr. Owen, to Hopkins County, where he remained one year, when he concluded to locate in Corydon. To this end, therefore, he packed his wordly goods in a hand satchel and footed it overland. Mr. Owen inherited nothing save a strong mind and ample energy to back it. His education was limited, yet every spare moment was devoted to the improvement of his mind. Arriving at Corydon, he was soon given a situation with T. C. Hart, and, during this time, attended as best he could, a private school. He soon after went to King's Mills and taught school there ; then engaged in the mercantile business. In 1871 he returned to Corydon and entered into the dry goods business with H. A. Powell. In 1873 the firm changed to Thos. W. Powell and himself. During the summer of 1875, Mr. Owen sold out to Green W. Pritchett, and, at the earnest solicitation of friends, made the race for Representative, as an Independent, against Isham Cottingham, and was elected by a majority of 1.080 votes. He served during the term of 1875 and '76, and, during the time, introduced several important bills, among the number one regulating the election of constables, greatly simplifing matters and saving a large and unnecessary expense. In 1876, Mr. Owen was again a candidate, but was defeated by the Hon. M. Merritt. He then purchased the stock of H. A. Powell, May 6th, 1876 A year or two afterwards he built a large two-story business house, the second story, 35x60, being set apart for a town hall.

On the sixteenth day of October, 1877, Mr. Owen married Miss Tina Powell, daughter of H. A. Powell and granddaughter of James W. Gibson. They have had several children. On the tenth day of March, 1884, a fire swept Corydon, and Mr. Owen was one of the largest losers, his storehouse and hall being consumed. Nothing daunted, he rebuilt, providing himself with a larger and far better house. The second house was of brick and thought to be fireproof, but, on the ninth day of April, 1887, another and still larger fire swept Corydon, and Mr. Owen was again burned out, house, stock and all. For the third time he has builded again. There is no limit to his industry and enterprise.

The grandfather of Mr. Owen, Joseph Owen, was one of the first Magistrates in Union County, and, at one time, owned the Saline Salt Works in Illinois. His great uncle, Abraham Owen, was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe, and his name is inscribed upon the Soldiers' Monument at Frankfort. He was a Colonel, commanding a regiment of Kentucky troops.

Mr. Owen has served as Trustee of the town and Public School, and has been a liberal contributor to every public enterprise. He is an enterprising, thrifty merchant.

HON. HENRY FIELDING TURNER was born on the twenty-ninth day of April, 1829, in Fa3^ette County. Kentucky. He was the fourth son of Judge Fielding Lewis Turner, who immigrated to Favette Countv with his father, Lewis E. Turner, from Loudon County, Virginia, in the year 1786.

Henry F. Turner graduated in the Law Department of the Transylvania University, Lexington, at the age of nineteen years, and was admitted to the bar in Lexington during the same year. On the twentyeighth day of February, 1(S49, the Legislature passed an act relieving him of the disabilities of minority; and thus he was fully authorized to practice his chosen profession. This was, perhaps, the first special act of the kind ever passed in the State, the General Law requiring the applicant to be twenty-one years of age. Mr. Turner has been a close student of his profession from that day to the present time.

On the eighth day of May, 1850, he was married to Miss Lucinda, the only daughter of Doctor John Slavens, of Harrodsburg. They removed to Henderson County in the year 185.^ and settled the place where they now reside. Having been born and raised upon a farm, Mr. Turner has always loved the pursuit of agriculture, which he now carries on to a considerable extent, in addition to the practice of law. He was a large owner of slaves, and took the world easy, having around him all of the old-time luxuries Kentucky gentlemen were so wont to have in ante bellum days. His hospitable house was a home indeed where every caller was made to feel that he or she were at a second home. Nor has any of the old-time hospitality departed from this place ; the latch string still hangs on the outside, and the same habits are indulged in living and manners, as were the custom in the good old times long passed away. Mrs Turner is a lady of model intelligence and domestic virtues, and has been a life partner worthy the love bestowed upon her by her devoted husband. They have raised a family of brilliant children, four of whom are now living : Mrs. Josie Allen, of Chicago; Fielding L., of Ballard County; Mrs.W.W. ^ Shelby, and Miss Lucie, now living in Henderson. These ladies occupy the highest social positions, and are eminently fitted to adorn any station in life. Mr. Turner came to Henderson at a time when its bar was one of the strongest in the State, but, by close application and watchfulness, he soon rose to the front, and has held that position to the present time. As a lawyer, he has been exceptionally successful, has made a fine record, and stands deservedly high at the bar. As a skillful and far-seeing business man, he has few equals in Henderson ; has refused, with one exception, all offers to engage in political turmoil, confining himself, with all his energy to his own business interests, and to a lively participation in the business and social prosperity of his city and county. He has accumulated a handsome estate and enjoys life in the home of a happy and loving family. Mr. Turner has frequently served his city as Council advisor, and for a number of years has served as director of the Farmers Bank ; is a liberal contributor to every worthy public enterprise. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, having attained to the sublime degree of Knights Templar.

WILLIAM W. SHELBY was born in the Point, opposite Newburgh, on the twenty-seventh day of August, 1836. His father being a man of more than ordinary means,and a well-to-do f armer,was enabled to give his son a liberal collegiate education. His early training was had in the private schools of Newburgh, Indiana, and from thence to Princeton College, Kentucky, where he remained three years. At the age of eighteen, he was sent to Hanover College, Indiana, where he remained two years. He then entered Georgetown, Kentucky, College, but, owing to the political complexion of the country, he became dissatisfied at the end of six weeks, and was granted an examination, and permitted to graduate. Mr. Shelby, then returned to his father's farm in the Point, and undertook a farmer's life. In 1856 his father removed to Owensboro, and young Shelby took control of the farm. He was a large grower of corn and tobacco up to 1866, and usually shipped his tobacco to European markets. In 1861 Mr. Shelby formed a partership with his uncle, John S. McCormick, and built a large tobacco stemmery at Scuffletown. In 1868, they built a large store room, and for many years, did a very large grocery, dry goods, and notion trade. In 1867, through the instrumentality of Mr. Shelbv, the Post Office Department at Washington was induced to establish an office at Scuffletown, and John Folden was appointed Postmaster. Mr. Shelby really was Postmaster, as he alone attended to all postal matters up to 1881. Shelby & McCormick did an immense business, and with very gratifying results. In addition to their tobacco stemmery and store, they built and operated a grist mill and blacksmith shop. They put up in strips for the European market, as high as five hundred hogsheads and one hundred hogsheads of leaf. Their usual average was from three to four hundred hogsheads.

The mercantile interest averaged, in annual sales, thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Shelby was, during the partnership, the active partner, and gave his entire attention to its affairs. Prior to the time he commenced buying tobacco ; there was not much of a crop grown in the Point, but in 1877, there was 1,100,000 lbs. grown, and he became the purchaser of nearly the entire crop. This was the largest crop ever grown in the Point Precinct. Mr Shelby was a heavy grower of corn and tobacco, his crops frequently a\ eraging from ten to fifteen thousand bushels of corn, and from fifty to one hundred thousand pounds of tobacco. During the early part of 1881, Mr. Shelby sold his store to Fulner & Allen, and in June came to Henderson to reside. On the twentv-fourth dav of October, 1877, he married Miss Marv E. Turner, third daughter of Hon. H. F. Turner, a lady of high social character and very handsome. As a result of this union, two children have been bom, Lucie and Georgia, two as bright jewels as are to be found«in the entire human family. Prior to his coming to Henderson, Mr. Shelby, and his uncle, John S. McCormick, purchased the Dunlop tobacco stemmery on lower Main Street in the City of Henderson. For several years the firm purchased tobacco, but in September, 1882, he became, by purchase, the sole owner of the entire property. On the first day of July, 1882, having leased the lower saw mill, and laid in a large supply of logs, Mr. Shelby commenced sawing lumber for the trade. He carried on a very large business, but owing to the incompleteness of the mill and the heavy running expense attaching on that account, he abandoned the lumber business. During the summer of 1882, a copartnership, consisting of W. W. Shelby, Fielding B. Turner and William Soaper, was formed, and, in September, the building of a hominy mill was begun. This mill, a large, three-story frame, with roomy cribs, warerooms and other rfecessary appendages, was soon completed and fully equipped with the best and latest machines and machinery known to the manufacturing trade. On the first day of January, 1883, the machinery was started. Two years afterwards Messrs. Shelby and Soaper purchased Turner's interest, and, from that time, Mr. Shelby has had entire control, and a splendid success he has made of it.

In addition to the large business, demanding the almost exclusive attention of Mr. Shelby, in 1882,'83, he was a large buyer of wheat and walnut logs. In everything he has undertaken he has proven a success, until to-day he is justly regarded of superior business tact and far seeing judgment.

Mr. Shelby, having gone from the schoolroom to hard and endless work, had so overtaxed himself that recreation was positively needed; therefore, he visited Europe in 1875, and spent the greater part of the year traveling in that country. Returning home again, he took up the thread of his multiplied business and has devoted himself with an assiduity of purpose that has placed him among the foremost men of his State. As a citizen, Mr. Shelby is enterprising and public spirited, contributing freely of his time, means and ability. As a man, he is fearless, open, frank, sincere, not only sagacious, biit prudent, methodical and indefatigable, broad in his plans, keenly alive to the details in their execution and faithful under all circumstances to his engagements.

In 1883,'84, Mr. Shelby built his present magnificent residence, certainly the handsomest in the city and much handsomer than very many metropolitan homes costing twice as much. From 1860 to 1875 Mr. Shelby served the people of the Point District as Magistrate, and it is a fact, was never elected but once. The confidence imposed in him was unlimited. He also served as Postmaster from 1867 to 1881. He has never attached himself to a church or lod^e.

SAMUEL E KING. - This gentleman was born in Marion County, Kentucky, on the thirteenth day of October, 1827, and came with his father, George W. King, to Henderson County when at the age of one year and settled in what is now known as the Pooltown neighborhood, some fourteen or fifteen miles out on the Madisonville road. At eight years of age, his father removed with his family onto the Ohio River at a point opposite Evansville. In the spring of 1846, when young King was nineteen years of age, his father again changed locations, settling this time near where Samuel E. King now lives. He lived with his father up to the day of his death, which occurred on the eighth day of November, 1854.

On the twenty-eighth of September, 1854, the subject of this sketch married Miss Elizabeth White, daughter of Larkin White, and, after his father's death, purchased lands and began life in search of a fortune for himself and family, and, from a small beginning has accu" mulated until now he is regarded as one of the monied men of his section of the country.

Mrs. King is the mother of eight children, and she and her faith ful husband yet live in the full enjoyment of good health. Mr. King has led an active farmer's life, and, unlike most men, has given his undivided time, in a most modest and unpretentious way to his own affairs, leaving others to do likewise.

B. F. MARTIN, son of Stephen Martin, one of the first settlers of the Smith's Mills neighborhood, was born near Smith's Mills on the twenty-sixth day of July, 18ii9. In his youthful days, there were no regular schools, and the greater part of his education was gained from itinerant teachers. Near his father's house was Colonel Robert Smith's old sweep mill, the only one in the country around, and a part of work allotted to him, was the bolting of flour in an old fashioned hand bolter for the family use. This flour, when bolted, was, perhaps, as course as bran, yet it was so highly regarded as a luxury the little ones were only treated to cakes made of it once a week, on Sunday morning; another luxury to which he, with the other children was sometimes treated, was mush and milk for supper, supplied in a large bowl set before them, and each child permitted to dip for himself. Such a comfort or convenience as a pair of pants was not known until the boy had grown large enough to handle a plow. His usual dress consisted of a long coarse cotton garment, cool and airy - particularly in the winter time - with a button at the neck. All of the cloth, including cotton for the boys and linsey for the girls, was made at home on a hand loom. Thus the subject of this sketch grew up, and yet he lost no time in learning the ways of the world, and fitting himself for useful citizenship At the age of twenty-seven, on the twenty-third day of December, 1856, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Col onel Robert Smith. They have two daughters living, one the wife of Dr. L. C. Royster, a oromising young physician, the other yet un married. Mr. Martin is the owner of a fine body of land, and is one of Henderson's most successful farmers. He is an influential man, and was the first constable of his district elected after the adoption of the new Constitution, in which office he served during the years 1851, '52, '53, '55, '56. He also served his district as Magistrate during the years 1857, '58, '59, and '60.

REV. A. HATCHITT is a son of Rev. Wm. Hatchitt ; he was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia, on the twenty-third day of July, 1817, and came with his parents to Kentucky in 1828. His father settled in Henderson County, onPthe road leading from Henderson to Owensboro, about eight miles from Henderson. His father and mother being earnest Christian people, Mr. Hatchitt had most excellent moral training in his early raising, but he grew out from under parental control, and became wild, and loved to associate with the " fast young men " of the day. But, becoming deeply impressed on the subject of religion, he at once quit his wild ways, and became a devoted Christian man. He was baptized by Rev. R. G. Garnett, and became a member of Grave Creek Church in 1838. Soon after this he procured a letter from that church, and joined Bethel Church, where he has remained an honored member ever since.

He began preaching in the year 1844, and was ordained at Bethel Church September 7th, 1845, Elders K. G. Hay, Wm. Whayne and Joseph Board, officiating. He has been Pastor of Bethel, Zion, Cash Creek, Grave Creek and Cherry Hill Churches. He has been a very successful preacher, both as pastor and evangelist. The matter of his preaching has always been good. His modesty has prevented him from being more widely, known, and he never sought to be noticed. We are indebted for these notes to a friend of his. He has done more preaching for less pay, so far as this world's goods are concerned, than any other minister in Henderson County. He has, perhaps, married twice as many people as any preacher now living in the county. Several years ago, he had the misfortune to lose the wife of his early manhood, since which time his life has seemed lonely ; but his labors have not abated, and with a life of " good work " behind him, he is readv for the reward just before him, and there are none to doubt that the reward will be full.

WILKINS N. ROYSTER was born in Henderson County, twelve miles south of Henderson and one mile and a half west of Robards Station, on the twenty-eighth day of April, 1830. His father, T. W. Royster, was one of the earlier settlers of that section of the county, and, with him, young Wilkins toiled until he was twenty-one years of age. During his youthful days, he attended the first school at George Rudy's old school house, and, by industry and hard study, managed to provide himself with a respectable understanding of the primary and some of the intermediate branches of study. Arriving at the age of twenty-one, he pursued his studies and added o-reallv to what he had learned while attending the neighborhood school. In the year 1S51, he purchased himself a little home of one hundred acres, one mile south of his father's, and settled down in the woods to hard work, clearing his land and arranging for crop raising. On the twenty-fourth day of February, 1853, he married Miss Jane Spencer, eldest daughter of Enoch Spencer, who has proven a faithful helpmate. Since his marriage, Mr. Royster, by economy, excellent judgment and unceasing labor, has accumulated, until his farm numbers now three hundred and forty acres of the finest farming land in Henderson County, and is in a most excellent state of cultivation. He has raised a family of four boys and two girls, and is legarded as one of the most substantial men, and certainly one of, if not the best, growers of tobacco in the county. In 1S61 he was made a Mason, a member of Cairo Lodge, and, though livino^ a great distance away, has faithfully served his lodge in the capacity of Senior Deacon and Senior Warden. He is justly held in high esteem for his many shining traits of social and religious worth, and, though often importuned,, has steadfastly refused political preferment.

LARKIN WHITE, JR., was born on the twenty-ninth day of September, 1820, on the Pamphlin place near Zion. He attended the Zion school, and at that time there was no other building at Zion, which was taught first by Rev. William Hatchett and then by Henry Poole. This school, unlike most of the educational institutions of the county, was taught throughout the whole year, and from this he gained a good English education. At the age of twenty he came to Henderson and entered into the employ of A. B. Barret, with whom he lived and continued to do business for eighteen years. In the year of 1857 he purchased of Dr. H. H Farmer the farm on which he now lives, and from that time to this has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. On the seventeenth day of March, 1856, Mr. White and Mrs. Lucy Watson were married. On the twenty-first day of June, 1863, this union was broken by the death of his wife. On the twenty-sixth day of September, 1865, he married his second wife, Miss Lucy Hicks, daughter of old Uncle Ben Hicks, of Hebardsville, with whom he lived in marital feilicity until the twenty-third day of January, 1883, when she died. By this marriage Mr. White has four children living, one daughter and three sons. His daughter, Miss Larkie, bids fair to become a most brilliant woman, while his young sons are bright and promising. Mr. White has never held a political ofifice and never was a candidate for one. Since the organization of the Henderson Fair Company in 1857, he has been one of its most active supporters, a greater part of the time serving as director. During the year 1868, '69, 70 and 71 he was a Trustee of the old Seminary fund. No man has ever lived in Henderson County more res'pected than the subject of this sketch, starting life posses'sed of a very limited capital, by hard work and the exercise of fine mental faculties, he has justly won a place among the recognized monied men of the county. There is but little of the demonstrative about Mr. White, but there is an abundance of the milk of human kindness, of which those who know him best in the business walks of life can truthfully testify. He is a man of warm impulses, and as true as steel, truthful, honest, courageous. He is one of the best farmers in the county and deservedly influential.

JOHN O'BYRNE, the subject of this sketch, is a son of Thos. O'Byrne, a native of Ireland, and was born in the City of Buffalo, New York, on the twenty-second day of March, 1834. He traveled the country with his father, living first here and there until he arrived at an age that justified him in learning a trade for himself. He had received a good English education, and was blessed with a mind capable of embracing with ease any amount of information. He learned the trade of a brick mason under his father, and by the time he was ready to launch out upon the great sea of life on his own account, had gained a knowledge of the profession unsurpassed by any western mechanic. He was a frequent visitor to Henderson, and claimed Henderson and Evansville alternately as his home. He made frequent visits to the lower Mississippi River during the winter months, up to the breaking out of the war. In the summer of 1856 he came to Henderson and worked with Captain W. B. Vanzandt, who was engaged at that time in building the Farmers' Bank, now the Presbyterian Parsonage, on the corner of Elm and Second streets. Since 1861 Mr. O'Byrne has made this place his permanent home. He has been married twice, first in the Town of Carlisle, Indiana, secondly in the City of Evansville. Starting on a pittance of this life's goods, he has, by industry, economy and fine business tact, secured himself and family a beautiful home and a competency outside to comfort and cheer them in their old age. Mr. O'Byrne enjoys the high prerogative of being the head of a family consisting of a devoted and accomplished wife and three handsome children, two daughters and one son. In the year 1875 he formed a co-partnership with Joseph Hicks, under the firm name of O'Byrne & Hicks, and ever since recognized as one of the leading firms of the West. He has served his ward in the City Council and could do so again, but persistently declines the honor. He has frequently received the appointment of Supervisor of Tax Books, a compliment gracefully accorded his honesty and superior judgment. Upon the organization of the Building and Loan Association, he was elected a director and has so continued to this day. Upon the recent organization of the Planters' Bank, he was elected a Director.

JOHN G. HOLLOWAY was the eldest son of John Holloway, of Virginia, a soldier of the Revolutionary \V'ar, and who, subsequent to that time, removed to Henderson County, where he owned a large body of fine land. Mr. Holloway was a large grower of tobacco^ and for many years up to 1820 was a successful grower of cotton. He married in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Anne, eldest daughter of William Starling and Susanna Lyne. Mrs. Holloway was a woman distinguished for her great prudence and excellent sense. At the death of her husband, she was left with a large family and an encumbered estate, but, by her energy and fine management, she freed the estate and became flourishing and prosperous. She directed all things until John G., the subject of this sketch, was enabled to relieve her of such cares. It is said of Mrs. Holloway, that no woman ever lived or died in Henderson County more universally loved and respected.

John G. Holloway was born on the second day of September, 1802, and was educated in Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky. In early life he took an active inteiiest in political affairs, and was a popular and effective speaker; but he preferred the peaceful field of agriculture to the turbulent pool of politics, and, therefore, turned his attention to the management and improvement of an extensive landed estate, and becoming a very large slave owner, was a successful planter and thrifty farmer. While in politics, however, he represented his county several times in the Lower House of the Legislature and his district in the Senate. He was a man of strong convictions, yet one of the noblest hearted of the human kind. During the Rebellion he was a pronounced Union man and become so obnoxious to the rebels and guerrillas that his life was frequently threatened. He was a heavy looser by the war, yet he maintained his adherence to the Union - a man of decided views and positive character, weilding great influence in his county, and, in fact, wherever known. He was greatly respected for his integrity of character, and was always sought after for places of trust and responsibility - such as trustee of funds and guardian of estates, requiring honesty, judgment and capacity. Mr. Holloway was twice married, first, to Miss Sarah R. Terry, on April 1st, 1830; she died February 10th, 1831, without issue. September 4th, 1838, he, married Miss Laura M. Smith ; unto them have been born eleven children, seven of whom are living. Peter Smith, William Starling, Nannie R., Edmund Starling, Louisa Anderson, Mary Turpen, and Robert Anderson. William Starling married Miss Mary Williams, a bright, handsome woman of fine domestic traits of character ; Nannie R. married F. B. Cromwell, and has a large family of children; Edmund Starling married Miss Mollie Mayo, of Daviess County, a lady of rare domestic qualities and greatly beloved by all who know her. They have four children. Louisa Anderson married Judge L. P. Little, of the Owensboro Circuit, a lawyer of ability and man of strong mind ; she has children. Mary Turpin married Judge Joe McCarroll, of Hopkinsville, a man of fine business character, and has children. The other children are yet unmarried. John, Jr., was a distinguished officer in the Union Army, and one of the brightest men of his age ever born in the county. He died at Russellville after his return from the Morgan raid in September, 1863. Mrs. Holloway is one of the most lovable of women. Her life has been as pure as an angel's whisper, and her noble, true, good heart, has been continuously wrapped up in her jewels, her children. Mr. Holloway died suddenly of heart disease on the evening of the eighteenth of January 1871, leaving a very large estate. Of his life, a friend who knew him intimately, has furnished the following tribute:

'-John G. Holloway was fortunate in his parentage. His father was of robust integrity, firm adherence to correct principles, independent spirit and inflexible in his views of right. These qualities did not protect him from the exhibition of a spirit that may be called arbitrary on occasion, but preserved him clean from the temptation of immoralitv.

"Of his mother I can hardly write and escape the use of language that may be deemed extravagant panegyric. She was a modest wo man. Her modest, unpretending disposition, and all her womanly virtues were balanced by her spirit of independence and devotion to duty. She was industrious and frugal, yet these qualities were crowned by a gentle and bountiful charity. There is no doubt her son, John, for the most part owed his success and position in life to her counsel and example. When Major Holloway died she found herself with a large farni and a number of slaves to manage. John was young, and as his school days had left but little time for farm work, was wholly inexperienced. But with the help, encouragement and advice of his motherhe conducted the business successfully, and the Holloway residence

»was noted for order, hospitality and good living. He continued on the old farm all his life, never engaged in dangerous speculation, kept up the reputation of the old home, and it is noted to day, long after his death, under the management of his widow and her children, for the same order, hospitality and good living.

As John Holloway was of fair education for his time and place, possessed a clear and vigorous mind, it was natural that a man of his position would take interest in public affairs. Identified with the Whigs, he became a force in the Whig party, and contributed lo its popularity and success in Henderson, until it was shattered in the impending conflict on the slavery question. He represented Henderson in the Legislature and the district, of which Henderson was a part, in the State Senate. He acted well his part in both positions and never lost the confidence and respect of his constituents. In the presidential contest preceding the Rebellion, he supported Bell and Everett, as he considered this the safest and most conservative ticket, in the troubled and exciting times immediately before the bloody revolution, which few foresaw, but which was stirring then in the heated, social and political elements. At the opening of the Rebellion, he espoused the cause of the Union, and gave his strong mind and will for the preser\aation of the nation in its grand integrity, and gave his blessirg to one of his boys who enlisted under the stars and stripes. That he may have opposed and severely criticized many things done in the conduct of the war for the Union the writer of this will admit, but the honor, which will never grow dim, may be claimed for him, that he was a brave Union man. He died suddenly, and, as we hope, a painless death, and, by his prudence and fostering care, left ample provision for his faithful wife and children. While it may be said all men have their imperfections, yet it may be said that the dominant qualities in the character of John G. Holloway, only tend to good society and promote the public welfare. "

Since the foregoing sketch of Mr. Hollowav was written, Mrs. Louisa Little has departed this life, leaving a devoted husband and five children to mourn her loss. She was a noble woman, possessed of many marked traits of character, and very much beloved by her friends as well as family.

COLONEL JAMES HILLYER HOLLOWAY. - The subject of this brief biographical sketch, so well known in Henderson County, and so universally esteemed for his purity of character and many social qualities, was born in the then town of Henderson the first day of February, 1835, His eyes first beheld the light of the world in the old frame building yet standing on the corner of Fourth and Main streets. At the time of his birth his father, William S. Holloway, was associated with Samuel Stites as merchant in the general drv goods bnsiness. When at the age of two years his father purchased what is now known as the Adams farm, one mile west of the Owensboro road, and adjoining the farms of William S. and Samuel Elam. While on-this farm, and before he was large enough, or old enough to do labor, it became a part of his daily duties to martial the young negroes, and, with them, drive a large flock of turkeys to the tobacco field, for the purpose of destroying the army of worms which prey with such wanton gluttonness upon the broad leaves of that valuable plant. It was here, while marching and counter-marching the little negroes, and moving the turkeys by the right and left flank, charging the worms in one section of the field, and then in another, that he first inherited a taste to command This taste grew upon him, as we shall see, until it eventuated in producing a most worthy and brave commander in defense of his country during the war between the North and the South. While a small boy upon his father's farm, he first learned the value of the alphabet and multiplication table. His aunt. Miss Eliza Hillyer, who possessed a strong taste for teaching and a peculiar charm of imparting knowledge to the young, organized a country school in a rude log cabin upon this farm, and was patronized by the surrounding neighborhood, numbering at that time only three or four families. He continued under the educational guidance of his aunt for a year, when his father, observing his rapid progress, brought him into the town that he might receive advantages beyond those offered at a small country school. He was placed to board at the residence of his .Hint, Mrs. Lucy Ann Gayle, then living in the old two-story log building on the corner of Elm and Third streets, know n as Blackberry Hall, where he remained during the school week, going home Friday evenings and returning to town Monday mornings. At Mrs. Gayle's he roomed with John and William J. Marshall and William and Charles T, Starling, all boys, his senior in years. His education was placed under the supervising care of Rev. John McCullagh, who was at that time teaching in the old town Seminary, a small one and onehalf story brick building, located on the Seminary lot, opposite the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, on Fourth street. After boarding in town for a year, his father concluded to test his power of guiding a mule, so he placed at his disposal a favorite animal, which he was appointed to ride into town each morning and to return in the evening. Many a time the young soldier was dumped on the roadside, and almost as frequently thrown into a mud-puddle ; fortunately, at no time, however, was he ever disabled. He, like almost all boys, was fond at times of riding fast, and, upon more than two or three occasions, while in a sweeping gallop, his mule was known to stop, hump his back and stand to witness young Holloway's passage through mid air and final lodgment upon term firma. Young Holloway continued to live with his father upon the farm until he had arrived at the age of thirteen years, riding to town during school days and working on Saturday in the tobacco patch.

Mr. Samuel Stites, his father's former partner, having been a most successful merchant, and having amassed a large fortune for those days, sold his entire interest in the dry goods business to the father of young Holloway. Mr. Holloway then sold his farm and removed to town, taking charge of his new purchase. He continued his son at school until he was eighteen years of age, when he was taken as a clerk in the firm now composed of Thomas Evans and Wm. S. Holloway, under the firm name of Evans & Holloway. He continued to clerk for this firm for five years, when he resigned to accept a similar position in the book and stationary business with his uncle, Philo H. Hillyer. January, 1860, the firm of Evans & Holloway was dissolved, Thomas Evans retiring. Mr. Holloway thereupon proffered Wm. A. Hopkins, a young man of splendid business capacity and high moral culture, and who had been in the employ of the old firm for several years, and his son, James, the subject of this sketch, a partnership. The proposition was accepted, and the new firm organized under the name and style of Wm. S. Holloway & Co. In 1860, under and by the authority of an Act of the Kentucky Legislature, a State Guard or military organization was established in Kentucky, to be under the command of General Simon Boliver Buckner. Just why this organization was brought to life at that time, what were the necessities for it, and what the oDJects to be obtained, is a matter of historical conjecture. It is enough to know, that, that inflated military ardour and love for brass buttons and gold lace, which so attracts the variety of young men, broke out with violence of a prairie fire in many places in the State, and none more so than Hendeison. January 15th of this year, a company of State Guards was organized in Henderson, with Wm. P. Fisher, an old soldier of the Mexican War, and a man of handsome appearance and military bearing. Captain ; Hon. Ed. G. Hall, First Lieutenant, and Hon. Robert T. Glass, Second Lieutenant. Colonel Holloway, who was now twenty five years of age, found his first opportunity to indulge his military taste, and was one among the first to enroll his name as member of this compan3^ In a very short time the company was regularly equipped with splendid guns and accoutrements and uniformed in cadet gray.

In the fall of 1860, owing to some irregularity, Captain W. P. Fisher resigned his office, whereupon at a company meeting First Lieutenant Ed. G. Hall was promoted to Captain, Second Lieutenant Robert T. Glass promoted to First Lieutenant, and the subject of this sketch elected Second Lieutenant. From the beginning there was a secret dissatisfaction manifest in the company and, ultimately, and not a very long time after its organization, upon the second election, a large number of the men in line resigned. In the early spring of 1861 it was apparent to all thinking men, that the breach between the North and South could not be healed, and that war was to be the inevitable result. Then it was that a division of opinion manifested itself on unmistakable utterances in the rank and file of the Henderson company. Some denied the right of the Federal Government to call upon Kentucky for her enrolled soldiery to aid in suppressing the rebellion brought on by the Confederate States, while others accorded to the Government that right. Lieutenant Holloway was among the latter number who believed in the Government's right to suppress the Rebellion, and if necessary to that end, to call upon Kentucky for her enrolled militia, in order to hold the Union of States in tact. He believed the South should seek redress for her grievances ( if she had any) in the Union and not out of it by the force of arms. This division of sentiment grew stronger day by day, when a number of those who held loyalty to the Government finding themselves outnumbered, withdrew from the company. Lieutenant Holloway tendered his resignation as third officer of the company, and, on the eleventh day of June, 1861, the same was accepted by General Simon Bolivar Buckner. Immediately upon the reception of his resignation. Lieutenant Holloway commenced recruiting what was then styled a " Home Guard " company, and so successful was he that, on the twenty-fourth day of June, only thirteen days, a company with a full complement of men was organized, with James H. Holloway as Captain ; Louis W. Danforth, First Lieutenant ; Willi m R, Lancaster, Second Lieutenant, and Andy Rowdin, Third Lieutenant.

At that time there was great difficulty in procuring arms from the State. A great many people of Kentucky believed that there was a secret determination on the part of the Governor and other Kentucky officials to place the arms in possession of the State in some way, so that they could be seized at the proper time by the Confederates, and not let them cut to what was vulgarly styled the " Home Guards," a recognized Union organization. Be this as it may, the writer was detailed, and appointed to visit the Governor, not in the interest of Captain Holloway's company particularly, but to secure arms for a company organized prior to Holloway's. Arriving at Frankfort, an earlv interview was had with his excellency and others, and the matter brought to their attention. Ludicrous as it mav seem, this delegate was informed that in order to protect the arms of the State from seizure by the Confederate authorities, they had all been safely packed and shipped to Paducah/^r safe keeping ; but, if there was a sufficiency to equip two companies, and no requisitions held precedence, then the arms would be issued to the Henderson companies. Subsequently a requisition was issued to the officer in charge at Paducah, to deliver what arms Henderson had applied for, and as soon as possible after this, Mr. William S. Johnson, a member of the company organized prior to the one commanded by Captain Holloway, was detailed to go to Paducah, present the requisition and return with the arms. Upon his arrival, he found to his astonishment that the State arms had been removed to Mayfield, in the interior of the State, and the heart of rebeldom '' for safe keeping^ He proceeded to Mayfield, and there learned that only a few days before Kentucky's arms sent for safe keeping had simply passed through the towm on to Dixie's land. It was the day of the first battle of " Bull Run," and this place selected too, as a safe repository for the arms of the State, was politically as hot as a pepper box with all of the heat on the sunny side. It was so w'arm that a '' Home Guard " took his medicine with ice in it, and thus kept cool. Mr. Johnson returned without any arms. Captain Holloway determined not to be outdone, and, through his indomitable energy, a full complement of guns and accouirements were obtained from General Lovell H. Rouseau, then recruiting a regiment for the Government service at Jeffersonville, Indiana. Captain Holloway drilled his company on the streets of Henderson night after night. His men being un-uniformed, presented a sorry appearance to the glittering epauletted squad of the Buckner State Guards. September 20th, 1861, he received, through General James S. Jackson, who was then recruiting a regiment of cavalry at Owensboro, from the State Military Board at Frankfort, an order to proceed with fifty men to lock and dam No. 1 at Spottsville, on Green River, and protect the same, the order stating that lock Nos. 3 and 4 had been destroyed, and Nos. 1 and 2 were threatened. In obedience to this order he, with a detail of about forty men of his own company, and Company

"A," Lieutenant Charles T. Starling commanding, left Henderson late in the afternoon, marching over rough roads through a heavy sleet and rain, arriving at the l-@ck about ten o'clock in the night. Here the command remained until October 5th, 1861, when it was relieved by a detachment of Federal troops sent up from Evansville. Captain Holloway returned to Henderson and commenced recruiting a company for the Federal service. On the fifteenth day of October, he established Camp Holloway, on the grounds of the Henderson Fair Company, where General James M. Shackelford and General Ben. H. Bristow were engaged recruiting the Twenty-fifth Kentucky Infantry Regiment. On November the twenty-fifth, 1861, Captain Holloway and company were regularly mustered into the United States service at Ashbysburg, on Green River. The company was mustered into the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and was lettered -' K." Shortly after this the Twenty-fifth Regiment was assigned to General Thomas L. Crittenden's division, then organizing at Calhoon, on Green River, and brigaded under the command of Colonel Charles Cruft, of the Thirty-first Indiana Regiment, acting Brigadier General.

On the second of December, 1861, the Twenty-fifth Regiment was attached to General Thomas L. Crittenden's Division, then at Calhoun, on Green River, and assigned to General Charles Cruft's Brigade. On the ninth day of February,1862,General Cruft,under orders, embarked his division on board a fleet of transports and proceeded down Green and the Ohio Rivers to Paducah, where he received orders to proceed to Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River. Arriving th^re, it was soon found that the fort had surrendered ^o General Grant. General Cruft was then directed to return to Paducah, which he immediately did, and there received orders to proceed to Fort Donnelson and reinforce Grant. The brigade was hurried up Cumberland River and disembarked a few miles below the fort and assigned to General Lew VVallace's Division. Captain Holloway and his company fought nobly at the battle of Donelson and, to his credit, be it said> made the regimental report of the part taken by the regiment to his Brigade Commander. He was then sent to Fort Henry, and from thence to Shiloh, where he was taken ill with typhoid fever, and returned home under sick furlough. During his illness, the great battle of Shiloh was fought, and after the fight his regiment was consolidated with the Seventeenth Kentucky, Colonel John H. McHenry, commanding. Captain Holloway, although offered promotion, declined and tendered his resignation, which was accepted. At Donelson, Cyrus Steele, a brother of Captain O. B. Steele, of the Confed- erate Army, and who was engaged in the same fight, was mortally wounded. Lieutenant John G. HoUoway was also severely wounded - in fact, his company and regiment were literally cut to pieces. On the twenty-sixth day of July, 1862, Captain Holloway received a commission as First Major of the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, then organizing at Henderson by Colonel James M Shackelford and Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin H. Bristow. Twenty days afterwards, Major Holloway had in camp nine hundred men, when he received orders to recruit no more, and to consolidate his men into companies of one hundred and four men each. During this time he was constantly engaged in scouting the country and was engaged a number of times with the rebels. It was upon one of his raids into Union County that Owen Glass, a Confederate and native of Henderson, was killed. He frequently met, in combat, his old friend and school mate, Colonel Adam Johnson ; his old friend and one time commander. Colonel Ed. G. Hall, and Bob Martin, whose name was a terror throughout the country. On November 4th, 1862, he was ordered with his command, to Bowling Green. This trip he made overland, and, at Summer's store, in McLean County, was attacked by Captain Fowler's company, of Johnson's Command. Fowler was repulsed by Lieutenant I^eter P. Brown, now of Cairo, and Fowler killed.

Major Holloway was then actively engaged in scouring the country from Russellville to the Cumberland River, where he removed an immense pile of rock from the channel of the river that had been placed there by the Confederates. He was, for a long time, engaged in gathering and forwarding supplies to Rosencranz's Army, at Nashville. On the first day of May, 1863, Major Holloway was mustered in as Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighth Kentucky, to date from January 1st, 1863. June 27th he was ordered forward to Burksville, to intercept General John H Morgan, who was at that time moving into Kentucky. Morgan had crossed the river ahead of him, and then it was a whip and spur race to the Ohio at Brandenburg, where Morgan crossed into Indiana. Major Holloway was along in all of that terrible chase. At Bufifington's Island he overtook and charged a portion of Morgan's men, capturing three hundred and ninety seven prisoners. After several days spent in the locality of Buffington Island, his regiment was ordered back to Russellville, via Louisville.

The chase after Morgan was a terrible one, the soldiers remaining in their saddles most of the time from June 27th to July 22d. September 23d, Colonel Holloway's term of enlistment having expired, he was mustered out of the service, and, although tendered a regiment, respectfully declined the offer. After being mustered out, he remained with his cousin, Lieutenant John G. Holloway, who was suffering from an aggravated attack of typhoid fever, and from which he died on the twenty-seventh day of SeptembeT, 1863.

April 19th, 1864, Colonel Holloway married, in Fayette County, Miss Mollie E. Williams, the accomplished daughter of General John S. Williams, of the Confederate Army, and who, in the War with Mexico, earned the sobriquet of " Cerro Gordo," for distinguished services, in storming and capturing the Mexican heights bearing that name. General Williams served as United States Senator from Kentucky.

Mrs. Holloway was born in Clark County, July 24th, 1843, and is the mother of five children, Mary Ann Holloway, born- in Hender son ; Pattie Harrison, Lizzie Hillyer, John Williams and James Hillyer Holloway, born in Clark County. Here the Colonel has followed farming, raising Shorthorn and high grade cattle, horses, mules, and other stock, besides cultivating all of the cereals and hemp until January, 1878, when he removed to Winchester, the county seat, and engaged in the general grocery and hardware business, and has so continued up to the present time. He has frequently been importuned to offer for political office, but has steadfastly declined, preferring the peace and comforts of the home circle to the turbulent uncertainties and vexations of official political life. Since 1868 he has held the honorable position of Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He is also, at this time, President of the Clark & Bourbon Turnpike Road Company ; a member of the Winchester City Council ; a director of the Grange Mutual Benefit Insurance Company, Georgetown, Kentucky. The Colonel is greatly esteemed by all who know him, and he enjoys life with his charming wife and family to its fullest latitude.