Henderson County, Kentucky - Biographical sketches, 1887 (part 7 of 8)

THOMAS E. WARD was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, on the fifteenth day of July, 1844. His great-grandfather settled in Maryland prior to the Revolution, and he and four of his sons were members of the famous Maryland line during the struggle for independence. After the war, his grandfather, Edward Ward, married Miss Elizabeth Soaper, and, in 1789, removed to Kentucky and finally settled in Ohio County, where he died in January, 1856, at the advanced age of ninety -seven years, having raised a large family. His eighth child, the Rev. Ezra Ward, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Ohio County, February 8th, 1808, and, when about eighteen years old, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was soon after licensed to preach, and, until his death, July 10th, 1864, no man was more widely or favorably known in connection with the ministry of that church.

Mr. Ward's great-grandfather on the maternal side, Captain Thomas McCoy, had held the rank of Captain in the British Army, and had participated in the French and Indian wars prior to the Revolution. At the close of those wars, he sold his commission and settled in South Carolma. He, also, was from Ireland. When the Revolutionary War broke out, he joined the patriots, raised a company and served under General Marion, and was sent by that officer with recruits to General Sumpter, who was defeated, and Captain McCoy and his son made prisoners. They were carried to Augusta, Georgia, where one Colonel Brown was commanding. Brown had served with McCoy and recognized him. A feourt martial was immediately summoned and Captain McCoy was tried for treason, condemned and hung on the same day. His son, a youth of sixteen, a prisoner, was executed at the same time. Mrs. McCoy, having heard of the capture of her husband and son, set out immediately for Augusta to see them. She arrived while they were still hanging, and had them taken down, put in rude coffins, placed them in her wagon, and carried and buried them. Three months afterwards, Thomas McCoy, the maternal grandfather of our sketch, was born. He remained in Carolina until 1800, when he moved to Breckenridge County, Ky., where he settled and lived until his death, in 1862. Elizabeth McCoy was the sixth child born of this marriage, and was married to Rev. Ezra Ward on the sixteenth day of January, 1839. They settled in Hardin County, where they lived up to their death, she dying October 17th, 1855. There were seven children born of this marriage, of which Thomas E was the third. His childhood was passed on his father's farm, near Stephensburg, in Hardin County, where he enjoyed the usual chances of securing an education at a country school taught three months in a year. The ups and downs of life were his, and. through multipled trials, gained his education. So anxious was he upon this point, he hired himself to Rev. James Vinson, of Wolf Springs, Hardin County, to work during mornings and evenings and on Saturdays, during ten months, for his board and tuition. This school was broken up by the war, and, soon thereafter, young Ward enlisted as a private in the Forty-eighth Kentucky Federal Regiment, infantry, commanded by Colonel Burge, a Methodist clergyman. He remained in the service four months, mostly on detached duty, when, on a final organization, his Captain was left out, and he, with others, declined to be mustered in. He then returned to Hardin County, and again entered Rev. Vinson's school, upon the previous terms, and there remained for seven months, up to June, 1864. Carrying away the honors of the class of thirty-four,he returned to farming, where he remained until January,1865 when he took charge of a school at Longgrove, Hardin County, and taught three months. He quit teaching, and, in November, 1865, entered the employ(as man of all work) of Hon. W. L. Conklin, at Litchfield. He commenced the study of law and so applied himself that, upon his examination in May,1866, he received the compliments of the exam- ining judges, and a license to practice. He prosecuted his studies to 1867, when he entered into partnership, in Grayson County, with Judge Martin H.Cofer and continued with him to his election as Circuit Judge, Mr. Ward continued to practice in Grayson until November, 1872, with great success. Having married Miss Isabel Stapp, of Henderson, in June, 1872, he closed his business i- Grayson with a view of removins" to Wichita, Kansas, but abandoned the idea on account of his wife's objection of going into a new country so far from home and friends. January 1st, 1873, -he came to Henderson, and, without influential friends, money, or acquaintances, he went quietly to work, and has succeeded as few young lawyers would or could have done.

COLONEL CHARLES MYNN TAYLOR was born at Mt. Zion, on the Shenandoah River, near Winchester, Virginia, in the year 1799. His father, Major Edmund H. Taylor, was an officer of the Regular Army, and at one time was in command of Harper's Ferry, an important military post. He was actively engaged during the Indian Wars, of the Northwest, was present at St. Clair's defeat, and in a number of engagements under Generals Wayne and Harrison. At the close of the war he was called to service in many appointments under the government. He gave up army life when he married, and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1800, where he possessed large landed interests. He was a man of wealth, large influence, elegant address, generous to friends, gentle to dependents and servants, and much beloved by old and young. He was a first cousin of President Madison, and a warm and intimate friend of General Harrison, and Governor Posey, who made his home with him while in Kentucky. Mrs. Taylor was Eloise Thruston, daughter of Colonel Charles Mynn Thruston, a descendant of the old English cavaliers, of North Wales, England. He was a Minister of the Church of England, but, when the war broke out, he laid aside the gown, raised a regiment, and joined the army and lost his right arm in the service. Colonel Thruston was twice married, and, during a visit to England, his first wife, who was a Miss Buckner, died. By this marriage there were three children born, Charles, John and Buckner. His second wife was Ann Alexander, of Scotch descent ; she had eight children, six daughters and two sons. Mrs. Powell, the mother of Admiral Powell, of Washington, and Mrs. Taylor, being two of them. Colonel Thruston was a man of considerable wealth. In 1807 he left Virginia and moved to Louisiana, with nine hundred negroes. At Natchez he lost over one hundred from sickness.

mentioned as a historical fact that not a single paling was knocked from around his grave. Colonel Charles Mynn Taylor, the subject of this sketch, was a man of fine appearance, classically educated, quiet and reserved in his manner. His'^-early life was spent in Jefferson and Oldham Counties, and, being an active Whig, was one of George D. Prentice's warmest supporters. He married Miss Ann M. Barbour in 1822, and removed to Henderson in 1837; purchased the Beverly farm known as the Taylor field, in the Third Ward of the city. In the fall of 1839, his house was destroyed by fire, and he then purchased and removed to the Colonel Cabell farm twelve miles below the city, on the Mt. Vernon road. His life was devoted to his books, farming, and then hunting, a sport to which he was passionately attached. His name was synonimous with hospitality and the joy of his life was in entertaining his friends, which included all who knew him. For years it was the custom of a party of gentlemen from Henderson and Louisville to meet during the early fall at his home and hunt for three or four weeks. He had no taste for official life, preferring to live quietly upon his farm and enjoy the pleasures of the wild woods. He was a man of social power, and exercised great influence in his neighborhood. Colonel Taylor died in 1867, and only two children survive him. Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, and Mrs. F. M. Burbank. He had two sons born in Henderson, Captain James N. Taylor, a distinguished officer in the Confederate Army, a man of splendid appearance, strong minded and universally popular. Captain Taylor was for thirteen years a great sufferer, confined to his bed from rheumatism, contracted while confined in prison. Alfred was a young man of superior intellect and fine business capacity. He died in Cadiz, Kentucky, after a short illness. Dr. T. W. Taylor is a highly educated physician, and successful practitioner. He has been twice married," his last wife being Miss Louisa McDonald, a brilliant lady and highly connected. Dr. Taylor has four living children by his first wife, Charles, a dashing, successful man of business, Elizabeth, Fannie and Saliie. Fannie married Captain William Colmesnil, a practical railroader, associated with the Ohio Valley, and Saliie married Mr. Posey Marshal, a leading tobacconist of Henderson and Union Counties. Mis. Mary F. Burbank, widow of D. R. Burbank, has four living children, Misses Annie and Mary, and Charles and Breckenridge. Mrs. B. inherited her husband's large estate, and, with her children, spends the greater portion of her time in Europe, where they were highly educated.

RICHARD HENDERSON, for whom Henderson County, and the City of Henderson are named, was born in Hanover County, Virginia, April 20th, 1735. His father was Colonel Samuel Henderson, of Scotch, and his mother, Elizabeth Williams, of Welsh descent. The family emigrated in 1756 to the presest home of the descendants,Granville County, North Carolina. His parents were poor, and hence his education neglected. It is said, but the authority for it is not given, that he grew to maturity before he had learned to read and write. Certainly, after he was of age, he improved his opportunities with wonderful energy. The first position that opened up to him a new view of life, was that of constable ; followed soon after by that of under-sheriff to his father, who had been made sheriff. These duties educated him largely in that practical knowledge of men and things for which he became distinguished in after life. He read law for twelve months with his cousin, Judge John Williams. He then applied for license to Charles Berry, Chief Justice of the Colony, whose duty it was to examine applicants, and on whose certificate the Governor issued a license to practice. " He was asked how long he had read and what books ? When the limited time was stated, and the number and names of books he had read, the Judge remarked that it was useless to go into any examination, as no living man could have read and digested those works in so short a time. With great promptness and firmness, Henderson replied that it was his privilege to apply for a license, and the Judge's duty to examine him, and if he was not qualified, to reject him ; if qualified, to grant the certificate. The Judge, struck with his sensible and spirited reply, proceeded to a most scorching examination. So well did the young man sustain himself, that the certificate was granted, with encomiums upon his industry, acquirements and talents."

Such energy and spirit knew no rest. He soon rose to the highest ranks of his profession, and honors and wealth followed. Under the law of 1767, providing for a Chief Justice and two associates for the province. Governor Tryon, about 1768, appointed Mr. Henderson one of the associate justices. While holding the Superior Court at Hillsboro. Orange County, Monday September 24th, 1770, the " Regulators " (those who first resisted the aggressions and extortions of the crown officers) " assembled in the court yard, insulted some of the gentlemen of the bar, and in a riotous manner went into the Court House and forcibly carried out some of the attorneys, and, in a cruel manner, beat them." Judge Henderson, finding it impossible to hold court, left Hillsboro in the night. At the battle of Alamance, near the Alamance River, not many miles distant, on May 16th, 1771, was the first blood spilled in resistance to exactions and oppressions of English officers in the name of the crown. The troubled times shut up the courts of justice. He died January 30th, 1785.

JAMES P. WIGAL was born on the twelfth day of August, 1831, in the County of Oldham, Kentucky, one half mile north of Pewee Valley. When at the age of five years, his father removed from Kentucky to a point thirty miles southwest of Indianapolis, Indiana, in Morgan County. He lived and worked with his father, who was engaged in the gunsmith trade, until he arrived at the age of twenty years. He then learned the art of daguerreotyping. He found at the end of two years that the profession of picture making was not as congenial to his taste as the handling of machinery, so he commenced working with engines, and soon became a proficient engineer and machinist. In 1857 he came to Henderson, and, for many years, was employed with Joseph Clore, in running the engine at his large saw mill. During the war he served eight months in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Regiment, most of the time in East Tennessee and Virginia, on what may be called galloping service. At the end of this term of service he returned to Henderson. There is no man, considering his educational advantages, who has contributed so much to the scientific world as has Mr. Wigal. On the eighth day of May, 1860, he was granted a patent for a saw dust feeder, an invention of his, which is now used in every saw mill of importance in the country. This machine catches the dust as it falls from the saw and carries it direct to the furnace, doing the work of a fireman. On the twentieth day of June, 1865, he was granted a patent for a "steam gauge," which, for simplicity and accuracy, has never been excelled. It is regarded as the best gauge now in use. Other inventions of his are well known and highly regarded for their material worth, particularly, among the number is an " animal trap," for which a patent was granted January 14th, 1868. On the fourteenth day of February, 1874, Mr. Wigal married Miss Rodman, of this city. In February, 1881, he was elected Superintendent of the Henderson Water Works, in charge of all the machinery, and has the gratification of knowing that under his administration every department is moving with an ease and certainty, entirely satisfactory to his employers.

DR. ADAM RANKIN was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and was among the first comers to Henderson. On the first day of November, 1792, he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Mary Speed, of Danville, Ky. By this marriage there were six children,

Mary Huston, William, Elizabeth Speed, James Speed, Juliet Spencer and Adam Rankin. William, the first son, married in Henderson on July 25th, 1832, Sarah Frances Gwatkin ; they had two children, Adam and Gwatkin Rankin. Adam Rankin married Miss Mary T, Kelly on the twenty-fifth day of December, 1866, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Powell. Gwatkin, although beyond the meridian of life, is still unmarried. William Rankin was the first County Judge of Henderson after the adoption of the New Constitution, and served for a number of years. He was one of the most popular men of his day, being universally esteemed by all who knew him. He was an intimate friend of John J. Audubon, and frequently accompanied him upon his bird hunting expeditions. He died near Spottsville, January 22d, 1871. Adam, son of Wm. Rankin, was, for a number of years. Clerk of the Circuit Court, and so popular was he, no one could have defeated him had he chosen to stand for election or re-election. Owing to impaired health, Mr. Rankin gave up the office. Gwatkin Rankin is one of the most successful farmers in the county, and, being well off financially, takes the world easy.

Juliet Spencer, the youngest daughter, and next youngest child of Dr. Adam and Elizabeth Speed Rankin, married in Henderson on the fifteenth day of February, 1827, Dr. Thomas J. Johnson, from Franklin County. They had six children, Benjamin, P^lizabeth Speed, Adam Rankin, Thomas J., William Stapleton and Campbell Haussman. Elizabeth Speed married Peter G. Rives, and she has three children, Mary, Thomas J. and Lucie ; Mary married Dr. Willard Redman, and they have one bright little son. General Adam Rankin Johnson, of whom mention has been made elsewhere, married Miss Josephine Eastland, of Burnett, Texas, January 1st, 1861. They have seven children, Bettie Johnson, Robert E., Juliet, Adam R., William C, Ethel, and Mary Redman. William Stapleton Johnson was born in Henderson on the twenty-fourth day of February, 1840, and during his entire life has been .an active, intelligent, influential man. He was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the Henderson Building and Loan Association, and has been its President from its orsfanization. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Henderson Mining Company, and during the sinking of the coal shaft, and for some time subsequent, was the President. He is a Mason and an active member of the Methodist church. He is a large dealer in drugs, medicines, &c., and manufactures largely several very valuable cures of his own - notably, his eye salve, said to be the best known to ^his country.

Mr. Johnson is also interested with his brother, General A. R. Johnson of Texas, James R. Barrett and Adam Rankin, of this city, in a cattle ranch in Texas. He is one of Henderson's thriftiest ai}d most far seeing business men. -On the twentieth day of May, 1863, he married Miss Bettie Robertson, a most excellent lady, and unto them have been born eight children, seven of whom are living, Juliet, Adam Rankin,William Stapleton, Sophie, Howell R, Thomas J.Rives. Campbell Ha'ussman Johnson (see sketch). Elizabeth Speed Rankin died on the fifteenth day of August, 1803, and Dr. Rankin married his second wife, Miss Ann Gamble, on the twenty-third day of October, 1804. They had one son, John David Rankin, who married Miss Sallie Alexander, of Meade County, Kentucky. They had three children, Adam, Sallie and Juliet. Adam and Sallie are both dead. Juliet married Captain Paul J. Marrs, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Ann Gamble Rankin died August 14th, 1806, and on the third day of September, 1807, in Henderson, Dr. Rankin married his third and last wife, Susan Anderson. There were six children by this marriage, Nathaniel Alexander, James Edwin, Lucy, Archibald, Susan Daniel and Weston. James Edwin married in Henderson, on the third day of November, 1832, Miss Ann E. Wardlow, and unto them have been born eight children, Samuel, James Edwin, Alexander, Nannie, Sallie, Wardlow, Alice and Fannie. Of that number only two are living in Henderson, J. Edwin and Wardlow, and only one has married. J. Edwin married Miss Fannie Grinter, daughter of Judge Thomas C. Grinter, of Cadiz, Kentucky, and they have a charming, bright family of six children, Mary G., Annie W., Eddie, Thomas G., Chester A., the youngest not named.

CHARLES W. JOHNSON came to Hebardsville in 1869, and engaged in merchandising in partnership with his father. For thirteen years he occupied a rented house, and one of insufficient capacity to do the business that had grown to such large proportions. In 1882 he built his present handsome and roomy storeroom, 25x70 feet, and, immediatelv upon its completion, removed his stock and then added laro-ely to it. In 1881 Mr. Johnson married Miss Emma A. Hatchitt, an'Lccomplisheddaughterof Rev. A. Hatchitt, of Hebardsville, and unto them have been born two children,

In addition to his large mercantile interest, our subject handles perhaps two hundred thousand pounds of tobacco annually, and farms it upon a small, but paying scale, raising corn and tobacco. He has proven one of the most successful of merchants and businessmen, and from a moneyless condition in life, he has arisen to that of monied influence, being now the possessor of ample property to successfully carry out any enterprise he may undertake. He is hard working, far seeing, and of the soundest judgment. Politically he is a Democrat of the Jackson type, and is one of the most influential workers in his district. He is highly esteemed by all of his neighbors and friends, and, by honesty of purpose and fair dealing, enjoys a very large patronage. There are no better men m Henderson than Charles W, Johnson.

F. H. DALLAM came to Henderson in 1852, and engaged in the practice of law. He was a profound lawyer and exceptionably successful. I can pay him no higher tribute than by reproducing what was said of him some years ago by one who knew him intimately :

" When he chose - as he sometimes did, to the admiration of his friends - to give wings to his glowing, imaginative powers, his was ever an eagle's flight, impetuous, rushing and heavenward. A superior judge of law, his opinions were always held in the highest estimation. A skillful draughtsman - his declarations, pleas, and other legal papers, were unsurpassed in power, comprehensiveness, beauty and finish. As an advisor, he was much sought ; and his opinions were distinguished by acumen and sound judgment, and by a conscientious regard for the interests of his client. But it was in the social circle that Mr. Dallam exhibited his fine powers to the best advantage. Well informed upon all topics of general interest ; conversant with the best authors, and singularly discriminative of their peculiar excellence, learned in the lore of the philosophers, and in the spirit and text of, the poetry ' for which' men strive and die, and maidens love and mourn ; ' his colloquial powers were of the rarest and best, and charmed all who came within the magic circle of his influence. A geniality of temperament which knew no limit to its benign outgivings ; a kindliness of heart which ever sought to palliate the offenses of his friends against propriety and good taste ; a disposition willingly to impart to others the selected fruits of his fine cultivation and assured judgment ; and a sparkling vivacity of manner which pervaded even his more serious utterances, secured to him at once the affection, the respect, the gratitude and the admiration of those who were thrown into familiar association with him. Of acute sensitiveness, he readily granted to others that which he would not allow to be withheld from himself - the consideration which is due to honest and conscientious expression and action, and the courtesy which dignifies, and is inseparable from true, gentlemanly address and intercourse. Honest, and of a high sense of honor, he ' rendered unto Caeser the things that were Caeser's,' and scorned to do aught which would not bear the severest scrutiny and the sternest criticism." Mr. Dallam left a widow an.d two daughters, Miss Camilla Barbour, who married, June 25th, 1867, Judge A. T. Dudley, and Miss Florence, who married April 7th, 1869 Mr. Samuel J. Alves. Henry Dallam, an only son, is living in Texas, unmarried.

MARTIN P. RUCKER. - The subject of this sketch is the youngest son of Nancy Burks and Tinsley Rucker, of Virginia, who, in early life, was a prominent tobacco dealer in Richmond. Many years ago, Mr. Rucker removed to Henderson from Jefferson County, and engaged in business ; of latter years, he has led a farmer's life. Unto him and his wife (Miss Kate Funk), there have been born six children, four of whom are now living, Thomas G., John F., Laura H., and Martin P. Thomas G. married Miss Belle Brown, of Daviess County, and they have five children, Mary, Lulie, Charley, James and Lee- Laura H. married William Rudy, of McLean County, and they have seven children, Harry, William, Mary, Kate, Rosa, Bessie and Martin. John F. and Martin are unmarried. The subject of this sketch is a man of noble impulses, a good neighbor and friend. His wife is the embodiment of womanly goodness.

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. - The renowned man of whom this sketch treats, was born in the State of Louisiana, on the fourth day of May, 1780, and was of French parentage. He early exhibited natural tastes for art pursuits, and was from earliest childhood devoted to the feathered race. In 1797, after an extended visit to Europe, he returned to America and settled in Pennsylvania. About 1807, he floated in a canoe down the Ohio to Louisville, where he remained for some, time, and where he was married to Miss Louisa Bakewell. During the year 1810, he removed to Henderson and commenced merchandising, his storj house being a small log one-story affair, that stood on the southeast corner of Main and First Streets. His residence was equally as insignificant, and was situated on the same square and in the rear of the present Odd Fellows building. Immediately opposite his house, on the west side of Second Street, was his pond, where he raised turtles for family use, being passionately fond of turtle soup. Mr. Audubon was a warm hearted, liberal man, and for this reason, if for none other, was greatly esteemed. He was rather reserved, yet devotedly attached to his friends, and his unsuccessful life in Henderson, is attributable to his over-confidence and big heartedness. He was by no means a close or exacting business man, but, on the con- trary, let his business take care of itself, while he indulged his controlling passion for bird hunting. Men took advantage of him, and. from this, he was continually pressed for means and met with frequent reverses. On the sixteenth day of March, 1816, he and Thomas W. Bakewell, under the firm name of Audubon & Bakewell, made application to the Town Trustees for a ninety-five year lease upon a portion of the river front, between First and Second Streets, for the purpose of erecting a grist and saw mill. Prior to this time, December 22d, 1813, he purchased of General Samuel Hopkms, lots Nos. 95 and 96, on Third Street, between Green and Elm, and on the third day of Sep. tember, 1814, lots Nos. 91 and 92, on Second Street, between Green and Elm. The Town Trustees granted the petition of Audubon & Bakewell, and soon thereafter they commenced the building of a mill suitable for the times. The mill was completed during the year 1817> and is yet standing, being the far end section of Clark's factory. It is a curiosity for these times, and the weather boarding, whip-sawed, out of yellow poplar is scill intact on three sides. The joists are of unhewn logs, many of them considerably over a foot in diameter, and raggedly rough. The foundation walls are built of pieces of flat and broken rock and are four and a half feet thick. Mr. Audubon operated his mill on a large scale for those early times. His grist mill was a great convenience, and furnished a ready market for all of the overplus of wheat raised in the surrounding country. His saw mill also was a wonderful convenience, doing the sawing for the entire country. The timber and lumber used in building the old Kerr, Clark & Co. building, on Main Street, was sawed by his mill.

During: all of this time Mr. Audubon continued his studv of birds, and, it is said, that the walls of his mill presented the appearance of a picture gallery, every smooth space presenting to the view the painting of some one or more birds. In 1817 Mr. Audubon built at Henderson, a small steamboat, for what purpose it is not known - more, perhaps, to gratify his erratic inclination than for any other reason. The Captain of the vessel ran her out of the Ohio into the Mississippi River, and was followed by her owner in a rowboat to New Orleans, where the little craft was recaptured and sold. In 1818 Constantine S. Rafinisque, a native of Galato, near Constantinople, Turkey, and a naturalist of great reputation, descended the Ohio in an ark, as it was called, and remained with Mr. Audubon for a number of weeks. The two - to use an ordinary expression - had a picnic bird hunting. Birds were far more plentiful and of a greater variety in those days than they have ever been since the woodsman commenced clearing the country. During Mr. Audubon's entire life in Henderson, he was an untiring student of ornithology, frequently going into the woods and remaining for two months. Upon one occasion he was known to follow a hawk, peculiar to this country for three days, in fact, until he succeeded in killing it. He was never Known to change his course on account of creeks or water courses - those he would swim if necessary to keep up a trail. At one time he had watched a flicker ^^ or yellow hammer ^^^ and finally saw it go into a hole in a dead tree. So anxious was he to catch the bird, he immediately commenced to climb, and in a short time found himself opposite the hole. No sooner said than done, he ran his hand in, and, to his horror, pulled out a snake, seeing which, he let go and fell with the snake to the ground, fortunately, without injury to himself. Mr. Audubon used to tell this story with a good deal of humor to his friends, who wondered at the risks he would take in pursuit of his favorite study. Mr. Audubon was a great swimmer, and was very fond ot the sport. Upon the landing of the first steamboat at Henderson, a great crowd congregated at the bank to take a look at the wonderful thing. It was a sort of holiday, and one of the amusements indulged in by many men, was that of diving rom the sides of the boat into the river. Mr. Audubon put in an appearance and paralyzed the audience by diving from the bow end of the boat and coming up at the stern end after having passed entirely under the bottom. It has been told by those who knew Mr. Audubon well, that his wife was also an expert swimmer, that she used a swim, ming suit, and frequently swam the river for amusement. This story, however, has been contradicted by a granddaughter of Mrs. Audubon; nevertheless, old time residents, now dead, have declared to having seen her swim the river time and again. Mr. Audubon continued to reside in Henderson, happily, as all supposed, until the year 1823, when it was discovered that the green eyed monster had domiciled itself within his home. He became jealous of his wife, a beautiful woman, and from that time life was a burden to him. The two got along badly, and finally Mrs. Audubon determined to return to her home in Louisville. Mr. Ben. Talbott, father of the late Ben Talbott, deceased, tendered her the use of his carriage and driver, which she accepted, and thus she was driven overland to her father's home. There were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Audubon two children, both boys. Subsequent to his wife's departure, Mr, Audubon became embarassed and determined to dispose of his effects and remove from the wilds of Henderson. In 1824 he went to Philadelphia, and from thence to Europe, where he succeeded in having " Ornithological Biographies," and " Birds of America " published. He returned some years afterwards and settled in New York, where he died on the twenty-seventh day of January, 1851, aged seventy-one years.

GENERAL SAMUEL HOPKINS, who, as agent and attorney, in fact for Richard Henderson & Company, located and caused to be surveyed the Town of Henderson, and for whom Hopkins County is named, was a native of Albermarle County, Virginia. He was an officer of the Revolution, and bore a conspicuous part in that great struggle for freedom. He fought at the battles of Princeton, Trenton, Monmouth, Brandywine and Germantown, in the last of which he commanded a battalion of light infantry, and was severely wounded, after the almost entire loss of his command in killed and wounded. He was Lieutenant Colonel of the Tenth Regiment, Virginia, at the siege of Charleston and commanded that regiment after Colonel Parker was killed. At the surrender of Charleston, May 20th, 1780, he was made a prisoner. In 1797 General Hopkins came West and settled at the Red Banks, now Henderson. In October, 1812, he led a corps of two thousand mounted men against the Kickapoo villages, upon the Illinois River, but being misled by the guides, after wandering over the prairies for some days to no purpose, the party returned to the Capital of Indiana. Chagrined at this result, in the succeeding November, General Hopkins led a band of infantry up the Wabash and succeeded in destroying several Indian villages. His wily enemy declining a combat, and the cold proving severe, he was forced again to retire to Vincennes, where his troops were disbanded. At the close of this campaign, the General returned to Henderson, and settled down upon the old Spring Garden farm, one and a half or two miles out on the Owensboro Road, where he died in 1819. General Hopkins served several terms in the Kentucky Legislature and represented the Henderson District, 1813 to 1815, in Congress. He was commissioned a Major General, during the War of 1812-'15, by President Madison, who was his second cousin. General Hopkins was a double second cousin of Patrick Henry, their mothers being double first cousins. He was also a second cousin of Stephen Hopkins, who signed the Declaration of Independence, and second cousin of Colonel Taylor, father of President Zachary Taylor. He was the father of Captain Sam. Goode Hopkins, of the Forty-second Regiment United States Dragoons, in the War of 1812-'15. He was also grandfather of Thomas Towles, Jr,, and Mrs, R. G. Beverly and Mrs. Colonel John T, Bunch.

REV. JOEL LAMBERT was born August 25th, 1796, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. His father, Joel Lambert, was of English descent, and a farmer by pursuit. His mother, Miss Bennett, was a native of Virginia. His parents^removed to Kentucky during his early childhood, and settled permanently in Henderson County. He received a limited education, but the best afforded at that early day in Kentucky. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served six months in the New Orleans campaign, under General Jackson. After the restoration of peace, he returned home, and for several years clerked in a dry goods store where he acquiied a reputation for sterling worth and honesty, and was trusted with what was called '* interchanging " - transferring money from merchants between different points in the country. This business carried him largely through the unsettled portions of the State to Frankfort, Lexington, Russellville and other centers of trade, and was a position of great responsibility and danger. Mr. Lambert, was never appointed Sheriff of the county because he was never a magistrate, and, under the old constitution, the senior magistrate was always entitled to the office of Sheriff, and was with one exception, so appointed. It was also the custom of Magistrates appointed to the sheriffalty to farm out the office, that is to say, sell it to the highest and best bidder. Under this arrangement Mr. Lambert served from 1818 to 1832, either as principal or deputy, with great credit to himself and general satisfaction to the county. During his term of office it fell to his lot to officiate at several hangings, and to escort several criminals overland on horseback to the peniten tiary of the State.

When Charles C. Carr was hung, Mr. Lambert was acting Sheriff, but his young spirit was too tender to strike the fatal blow, which was to send into eternity the soul of one who had done him no wrong. Yet he recognized his duty and made all preparations for the hanging. Doak Pruitt, a somewhat noted character at that time, was employed and broke the neck of the unfortunate Carr for the sum of five dollars. Mr. Lambert officiated at the hanging of Calvin Sugg and William Wurnell, both desperate bad characters. Between the years 1832 and '35, Mr Lambert connected himself with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and prepared himself to enter the ministry. For several years he was pastor of the Madisonville Church, for a number of years in charge of the Hebardsville Church, and for ten years connected with various charges, and, up to the day of his death, held missionary and irregular connection with his church. He was ever an earnest and faithful worker in the church, and filled many import- ant offices and appointments, being a member of its general assembly. For many years anterior to his death, Mr. Lambert was largely ensrasfed in farmins: and other business pursuits, and was always successful, even at his advanced age he gave his daily attention to his farming interests, and was as exact in his habits as during his early manhood. In all of the multiplied phases of the Henderson & Nashville Railroad, there was no one man who did so much as Mr. 'Lambert towards its completion. From the beginning, he took an active part, and, throughout all of its ramifications, his hand was to be plainly seen. He contributed liberally of his means, and of his time - in fact, for many years occupied most of his time in endeavoring to bring the road to a successful completion. Throughout his long and successful bus iness life, he never for a moment separated his religion from his secular interests, and has been noted for his charity, his devotion to good works, and his support of every charitable interest in the community, while he was unflinching in his adherence to his own church, he yet was possessed of broad and liberal views, characterized by great charitableness towards others. On the third day of September, 1818, he was wedded to Miss Polly Husbands, daughter of John Husbands, who was one of the very first settlers of Henderson, and served as Magistrate in the first court after the formation of the, county. Harmon Husbands, grandfather of Mrs. Lambert, died while imprisoned at Philadelphia for his opposition to the British Government.

On the third day of September, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert celebrated their golden wedding by entertaining a host of friends, and, again in the presence of God and those assembled, renewing those pledges which had been so safely guarded throughout their long mar ried life. There was never a happier twain. Of their thirteen children, only three are now living, Mrs. George M. Priest, Samuel Husband and Mrs. Manuel Kimmel. Mr. Lambert was noted for his probity of character, and was universally esteemed and honored in the community where he so long lived. He died on the twenty-sixth day of June, 1878. His faithful wife still survives him.

HON. JAMES F. CLAY, was born in Henderson, on the twentyninth day of October, 1840. His father, James W. Clay, and mother, Clarissa Berry, were among the first settlers of Henderson. Of the early youth of James F. Clay, little can be said, except that he developed an unusual taste for books, a good memory and a decided aptness in acquiring knowledge. He attended the best private schools in Henderson, and had the advantage of strict, moral and intellectual training at the hands of his parents. He was sent to Georgetown

College, and graduated in 1860. His uncommon mental strength early distinguished him among his fellows, and, at the same time, attracted ta him the attention and friendship of leading citizens, who yet take great pride in his success. Ui3bn his return home from college, he began the study of law in the office of Governor Dixon, and, in 1862, was licensed to practice. Few men of the country have a greater command of language, and the ability to use it with more force as a popular speaker. He is a man of strong convictions ; is his own leader, and, as a lawyer, displays great power in the court ; is unsurpassed before ajury, and is one of the most thoroughly read, eloquent and able lawyers in the State. Mr. Clay was married in McLean County, Ky., October 29th, 1868, to Miss Bessie Eaves, second daughter of Judge Sanders Eaves. They have seven living children, Maggie, Charles, Leslie, James W., Irene, Addison Young and Sanders. In 1871 he was elected to the State Senate and served one term. In 1882 he was elected to Congress and served one term. In both of these positions he distinguished himself as a legislator, and won the admiration and esteem of his older colleagues. As an evidence of his ability, during the days of the St. Louis & Southeastern Railway Company, Consolidated, Mr. Clay was the retained attorney for the Company, and since the formation of the Ohio Valley Railway Company, he has been retained attorney for that road. He served four years as attorney for the city, and has held other minor offices.

JOHN H. STEWART was born in the Town of Henderson, on the fifth day of August, 1851. His father, William Stewart, came from Scotland at an early age, and settled in New Albany, Indiana. On the twenty-fifth day of April, 1848, he married Miss Sarah Eversol, and, in 1850, removed to Henderson. Sarah Eversol was born June 15th, 1826. William Stewart, a tailor by profession, was a^man of staunch character, and of the utmost probity and honesty. He died in 1853. Mrs. Stewart died June 21st, 1878. She was a woman remarkable for her christian piety, and domestic character. When she was thirteen years of age she attached herself to the Methodist Church, and was ever a devoted member, letting nothing but sickness prevent her from attending worship. At her death a friend wrote the following :

"In 1^53 she was left a widow, with the care of three small children ; to bring them up she struggled hard - as only a mother can struggle for her children. They have been the care of her life, and in her last illness, they were not forgotten. On one occasion, after praying with and for her, I was so absorbed with her state that I forgot to make special mention of her children. At the close of the prayer she took me by the hand and said, * pray for my poor children, that they may become christians.' "

She was a long sufferer, but her last end was peace, her faith firm, her sun set in a cloudless sky, and arose amid the glories of an eternal dav. The subject of this sketch married, October 31st, 1878, at Lexington, Kentucky, Miss A. B. Brady, and they have two children. Mr. Stewart has been twice elected, by the City Council, Cemetery Sexton, and is yet serving in that capacity. He is a staunch and working Democrat.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH ALLEN DUNCAN was born in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, on the ninth day of April, 1837, and, at the age of seven years, came with his parents to Henderson. He was educated in the private schools of Henderson. At the age of twenty, on the eighteenth day of April, 1857, Mr. Duncan set upon life's journey for himself, and some months thereafter, found himself in California, where he resided until August, 1876. During his residence in the Golden State, he was variously engaged, principally in hoteling, steamboating and minino; for gold. On the twelfth day of July, 1860, he married Miss Kate Driscoll, of Sacramento, and unto them have been born three children, Harriet Ellen, Mary Josephine, and John George. The eldest daughter married Thomas Trusty, who, after a few years, departed this life. She again married Thomas L. Myers. Mary Josephine died just as she had attained to womanhood. John George is engaged in business with his father. The father of our subject, John Duncan, was born near Fairfax, C. H., Virginia, in the year 1787; the mother, Harriet Stroud, was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, April 16th, 1809. They were married November 16th, 1835. In early life, John Duncan immigrated from Virginia to Pittsburgh, Penn., and was engaged in fiatboating to New Orleans until 1840, a porJ:ion of the time teaching school. Colonel Stroud, as he was known, the maternal grandfather of Captain Duncan, fought with the flatboatmen in the rifle brigade under General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. In 1831 he commenced farming in the bayou, opposite Henderson, and died September 1st, 1844.

On the first day of September, 1876, Captain Duncan returned from C'alifornia to Henderson and engaged in the hotel business. In 1878 he purchased his present hotel and has continued to provide for his guests in a bountiful way. Captain Duncan is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the encampment of the order of "Red Men" of the

A. O. U. W., and of the Select Knights of the same. In 1863 he was a member of the Cahfornia Volunteer Cavalry Service, Co. F. He also served for thirteen months as First Lieutenant of the California State Guard, doing provost dutUj^and Indian fighting. In politics he has ever been a Republican. He has lately been appointed, by the City Council, a member of the Board of Health.

SAMUEL STITES, the subject of this sketch, was a son of Richard Stites, (who was a Sea Captain,) and was born in Philadelphia, March 22d, 1792. During the summer of 1819 he immigrated to Henderson and engaged in mercantile pursuits.

For many years he controlled the large landed interest of Mr. Lyne Starling, of Columbus, Ohio, located in Henderson County, and by his promptness and efficient business capacity, won the confidence and highest esteem of that gentleman. On the twentieth day of February, 1823, Mr. Stites married Miss Rebecca Holloway, daughter of Major John Holloway, of this county, and unto them were born four children, namely: Mary Cameron married Edmund L. Davidson, of Springfield, Kentucky, and died, leaving one child, now Mrs. Susan Ray, of Louisville; Richard married Miss Ann Mary Hopkins, and died a few years since, leaving five children, Samuel, William, Camilla, Richard and Hamilton. Samuel and Camilla are married, Rebecca married Colonel Wm. S. Elam. She has three children, Lucie, Annie and William. Lucie married James R. Barret; she has two children, Henry Pendleton and Susie Rankin. Mr. Stites, after having lived a most exemplary and successful life, died on the fifth day of April, 1862. His good wife, one of the strongest minded and most charitable of her generation,' followed some years after.

JAMES ALVES was born in Orange County, North Carolina, on the sixth day of March, 1793, and, in early life, came to Henderson with his father, Walter Alves, one of the signers of the Richard Henderson & Co. ordmance, establishing the Town of Henderson. In 1815 he married Miss Maria Davis, daughter of General Thomas Davis, of North Carolina, and raised a large family of children, three of whom are now living, namely: James, twice married, first, to Miss Bettie H. and secondly to Miss Emily Sneed, daughters of Dr. Richard Sneed, of North Carolina; Maria D., wife of James P. Breckenridge, and John W., who married Miss Juliet Holloway. Each of these have children. Mrs. Arabella Alves, widow of Thomas, the eldest son, is living and has five children, all married; James S., Superintendent Henderson Mining & Manufacturing Company; Maria, wife of Thomas L. Norris, of Kansas; Joseph B., Secretary and Treasurer Henderson Woolen Mills; Gaston M , Secretary and Treasurer Henderson Mining and Manufacturing Company, and Eliza, wife of Honorable M. Merritt. Mrs. Alves, wife of James Alves, was born in the month of September, 1795, and, at the age of nineteen, married in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and came with her husband to this county, where she departed this life, many years after, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Breckenridge, having arrived at a ripe old age. She was a most noble woman, possessing every grace requisite to adorn life. Her husband, during life, was a man of extended influence, greatly beloved and universally esteemed. He died suddenly, on the thirtieth day of July, 1853, leaving to his children a large, and very valuable landed estate.

PROF. CASPER FREDERICK ARTES was born at Merken Saxe, Meiningen, Germany, March 29th, 1816. He was recognized as a youth of remarkable talent, and at the University which he attended in his native town, his wonderful talents won for him the sobriquet of Little Mozart. During the Revolution of 1848, '49, in which he participated, he became dissatisfied, and determined to immigrate to America. In 1851 he came, bringing letters of recommendation to lea<^ing persons in New York. He married at his native home Miss Catharine Bierschenk, and she and four daughters and one son accompanied him across the sea. After his arrival, owing to his limited means, he was at a loss what to do, but, chancing upon a morning paper, he read an advertisement, signed Charles F. Lehman, Henderson, Kentucky, Principal of the Female Academy, wanting a teacher of music; thereupon he determined to come West and seek his fortune. Entering into correspondence with Mr. Lehman, whom he found to have been a Colonel in the German army, he engaged to come to Henderson. Leaving his family in New York, he set out on his journey, and, in due course of time, landed in Henderson. He accepted the position tendered him by Mr. Lehman, and returned to New York for his family, whom he soon brought to this place, then the far West, where there were few of his people to be found.

The father of Prof. Artes was Burgomaster of his native place, and at one time during the winter the Duke of Saxony visited his town, and, in recognition of his visit, the Burgomaster caused the streets to be cleaned of snow, the town decorated, and all the cordiali ties of a municipality accorded him. In recognition of this attention, the Duke dined with the Burgomaster, and, during his stay, requested young Artes to go to the church and play the organ for him. With this request he complied, and in return was granted a royal recognition. It is said that whenever there was to be a royal or ecclesiastical festival, Casper F. Artes was invariably called upon to preside at the organ. A few years after his arrival in Henderson, Prof. Artes was employed as organist of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and, as remarkable as it may seem, he performed that irksome duty for nearly thirty years, without missing one single Sunday service from any cause. On the twentieth day of November, 1886, in the city of Evansville, Prof. Artes departed this life, leaving a devoted wife and' large family of children to mourn his death. He was a master of the organ, a master of music and a man of profound intelligence upon all matters requiring study. He was a man of strong impulses, devoted to his friends, and yet diffident and deferential. Mr. Charles F. Artes, Evansville's leading and most successful jeweler, and a gentleman of the highest character, is the eldest son of Prof. C. F. Artes.

ALEXANDER BUCHANAN BARRET was born in Louisa Countv, Virginia, on the eighteenth day of March, 1811, and proved to be, in after-life, ope of the most successful and notable business men of America. He, with a limited education at the age of fourteen years, left home and found employment in the office of his uncle in Richmond, Virginia, who carried on a large tobacco trade in this country and Europe. In 1833 he was given a partnership, and sent bv his uncle to Henderson to take charge of his tobacco interests in that locality. A few years after, this firm was dissolved, Mr. Barret remaining and retaining the business and reputation of the old firm. In 1852 he joined with him his younger brother, John H. Barret, and, in this association, the business continued until his death. He established branch stemmeries at Henderson, Louisville, Owensboro, Cloverport and other points in Kentucky, at Clarksville and in Missouri, and was, in his time without doubt, the most extensive tobacco merchant in the world, controlling annually many thousands of hogsheads in the markets of England. He was the largest planter in Henderson County, and invested largely and successfully in cotton, and ranked as one of the largest land owners and real estate holders in the whole country. Honor and uprightness were the leading principles by which he ruled his life, and it seems to have been his highest ambition to prove to the world, that they were the surest, as well as the best, means to financial prosperity. At the age of fifty, in New York City, he died June 15th, 1861. His remains were removed to Henderson, where his memory will long live in the hearts of the people. He died the wealthiest citizen Kentucky has ever claimed. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Juliana Harris, of Louisa County, Virginia, bv whom he had two children, Alexander and Virginia. Alexander married in London, England, Miss Emma Allen Chunnock, and some vears afterward died. His widow and children are now residents of Washington City ; Virginia is the wife of Major Theodore K. Gibbs, son of Ex-Governor Gibbs, of Rhode Island, and resides in the City of New York. Mr. Barret's second wife was Miss Black, of Dublin Ireland, who died several years since, without issue.

DAVID REDMAN BURBANK was born March 4th, 1806, in Belsfrade, Maine. His mother's father was killed at the head of his company, at the battle of Bunker Hill, and his father and paternal grandfather were officers under General VVashington, and served throughout the Revolution. His mother was Marv Bracket, a woman of superior qualities of mind and heart. His parents, being highly refined and intelligent themselves, placed great value on the education of their children. David R. Burbank was educated at Waterbury College, in his native State. He was a constant student and took every opportunity throughout his long business qareer to increase his knowledge, therefore, was one of the most thoroughly informed men of the country. He came to Kentucky in the fall of 1828, at a time when the river was extraordinary low. The steamer upon which he was .a passenger, grounded at Scuffle^own bar, and, from thence to his destination, the young man footed it through the wild woods. He commenced his business career clerking for Atkinson & Co., but subsequently turned his attention to tobacco, and became, in the course of time, one of the heaviest Western buyers, which resulted in his amassing a very large fortune. He was a remarkably successful business man, yet he did not permit one branch of business to absorb all of his energies. He opened the first coal shaft ; built the first distillery, one of the largest and most complete in the State ; undertook the manufacture of salt - in fact, he strove earnestly to develop the resources of the region where he lived, encouraged every worthy business undertaking, liberally aided all schemes for the common commercial advancement, studied the condition of the mineral wealth of the State and led in its practical development. He appreciated and sought the society of cultivated men, and, but for the multitude of his business cares, would have given himself largely to literary pursuits. He made several trips to Europe, and, in 1867, in company with General John C. Breckenridge, made an extended tour through Egypt Syria and the Holy Land, viewing the wreck and ruin of famous cities of antiquity. Of all the qualities that endeared Mr. Burbank to his associates, the one for which he will be the longest and most grate- fully remembered, was his benevolence. No charitable cause, at home or abroad, ever sought his aid in vain. While on an inspection tour over his Union County plantation, he was taken sick, and died October 31st, 1872. His remains were brought to Henderson and interred in Fernwood Cemetery, and a very handsome and imposing marble shaft erected to his memory. Mr. Burbank was twice married. His first wife was Ann Isabella Terry, daughter of Major Robert Terry. She died not quite two years after her marriage, leaving one son, Robert T., who, at the age of sixteen, left college and joined General Walker, at Nicaragua, where he died. He was a talented, adventurous boy, and aspired to military fame, but fell gallantly at the outset of his career. He was aid-de-camp to General Henningsen, who complimented him highly for gallant deportment on the field. In 1851 Mr. Burbank married Miss Mary Frances Taylor, the only daughter of Colonel Charles Mynn Thruston Taylor. Unto them were born six children, four of whom are now living, Annie, Charles M., Mary Taylor, and Breckenridge. David, the eldest son, now dead, married Miss Kate J., only daughter of Governor and Mrs. Archibald Dixon.

HON. JACOB HELD was born in Betzenger, County of Rentlingen, District of Black Forest, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was educated at the common schools of that country. On the first day of September, 1834, he sailed for America, and arrived at New York on the fourth day of November, of the same year. From New York he removed to Philadelphia, and served an apprenticeship as baker, up to April, 1838, when he removed to Evansville, where he remained until April, 1839, at which time he removed to Henderson. On the twentieth day of May, 1839, he married, in Evansville, Miss Louise Lohmeyer, and, as a result of that union, twelve children have been born, seven sons and five daughters. Of that number two sons and two daughters have died. After coming to Henderson, Mr. Held carried on a bakery store and was the first to establish a daily delivery of breads, etc., to families in the town. In 1852 he built the three-story brick storehouse, corner Water and Second Streets, and, for a number of years, carried on a large business therein. He was mostly instrumental in building the Henderson & Evansville Telegraph Line, and was its first President. He served as Councilman of his ward, and, in 1874, was elected Mayor and served one term with credit to himself and city. He is one of the oldest Odd Fellows living in the city, and served his lodge as Noble Grand in 1844 and 1857. In religion he is a Lutheran ; in politics a Republican. He is the owner of Held's Park, including six and a half acres, a beautiful spot and favorite resort. His residence is at the park, and there, too, he carries on a nice grocery trade. When Mr. Held came to Henderson, it was only a village with one dilapidated church - the old Union Church - thai stood on the Square and in which Rev. Thomas Evans preached ; one dray and one delivery wagon - James Rouse was the owner of the dray, Nathaniel Terry owned the wagon nnd furnished the village with its winter's supply of wood, Mr. Held, all of his life, has been extremely liberal with his friends and patrons, and has contributed largely to the building up and improvement of the city. His wife has been a hard working, self-denying, faithful helpmate, and, in their old age, the two enjoy life with a loving confidence that has never been diminished.

GEORGE A. MAYER. - The old gentleman of whom this is but an imperfect sketch, was born in the City of Mosbach, Germany, January 1st, 1797. He received what may be termed a liberal education in his native country, and, on the twenty-ninth day of February, 1824, married Miss Margaretta Strohauer, unto whom there were born nine children, only three of whom attained to their majority, Louisa, Jacob F. and Virgin ius M., the latter being born on the high sea during his mother's coming to this country. Mr. Mayer, before leaving Germany, became a member of the Milhausen Immigration Society, whose agent in this country was John Roebling, the great Master Engineer, who was latterly chief in charge of the building of the Brooklyn bridge, the grandest iron and steel structure known to inventive genius. Mr. Roebling, by accident lost his life before the completion of the work, and was succeeded by his son.

Mr. Mayer arrived at New York in August, 1832, and settled at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained until the early part of 1834, when he removed to Evansville, Indiana. He had learned the trade of gunsmithing in the old country, and, from this, determined to earn his livelihood in this new land. He remained in Evansville but a short time, but while there, built, on the corner of Main and Second Streets, the first two-story frame building, and the first building erected in L-^masco by a German in that town. While he resided in Evansville, there were only four or five hundred inhabitants, and not exceeding eighty houses, all told. In February, 1835, he removed to Henderson, and was among the first occupants of the present residence of F. W. Reutlinger, corner of Fourth and Elm Streets. He immediately embarked in gunsmithing in an old frame shanty situated on the northeast side of Mill or Second Street, between Main and Water. He continued in this building for several years, when he re- moved lo the old Fulwiler brick on Main Street, now adjoining C. H. Johnson's book store. By close attention to business, honest work, and reasonable compensation, Mr. Mayer held the entire gunsmithing trade of the country for several counties, and his prudence led him to lay aside enough to increase his business and make himself financially comfortable. His trade continued to increase until he found it necessary to have a more roomy store house, and, to that end, he purchased and built the present house, now occupied by his son, Jacob F. Mayer. In this house he continued to do business in partnership with his sons, Jacob F. and Virginius M., whom he had educated most excellent business men and mechanics, until old age bade him desist from further labor and spend the remainder of his days in rest and quiet. Of his three childien, Louisa married French Gobin, an influential and esteemed citizen, and they had two children, one of whom is now living, Maggie J., who married Joseph B. Johnston, and they have had six children, four of whom are now living, Eugenia, an accomplished young lady, just grown ; Joseph Russell, Robert Evans^ and Gilbert Ludson. Mrs. Gobin died March 18th, 1874.

Jacob F. Mayer has been twice married, first to Miss Lucie Bond, of Iowa, by whom he has three living children, Fred. V., Walter and Harry. Fred, married Miss Elsie Wymond, of Evansville, and has one child, a daughter. Mr Mayer married, secondly. Miss Mattie Woodruff, of New Jersey, a highly cultured and devoted Christian lady, by whom he has had four children, three of whom are living, Frank, Herbert and Maurice. Virginius I\L Mayer married Miss Lottie Lotze, of Cincinnati, a lady of high, social and domestic character, and unto them have been born three children, Amanda, a charming young lady just budding into womanhood, and George Adolphus and Virginius, both very promising. Mr. Mayer removed several years since from Henderson and is now handsomely domiciled in Cincinnati. Like their father, both Jacob F. and Virginius M. have accumulated erch a handsome estate. The first wife of the subject of this sketch died in Henderson, on the twentieth day of January, 1853. On the twentieth day of December, 1854, he married Elizabeth Worsham widow of Philip Ludson Johnston. She died June 4th, 1875.

' Mr. Mayer was scrupulous in all his dealings, and has always, through his business life, aimed to give perfect satisfaction, and to oblige, to the fullest extent, his patrons. He has throughout his entire life, shown himself a man of marked energy and sound judgment. It is not astonishing, therefore, that, in his career and character are to be found elements composing a man very useful as a citizen and very successful in business affairs. During his life in Germany, he was a member of the Army Reserve Force ; his brother David was in Napoleon's Russian Campaign, was present at the burning of Moscow, and was one of the number who perished in Napoleon's memorable retreat. For seven or eight months in 1848, Mr. Mayer was totally blind, cataracts having formed over his eyes, but he subsequently recovered, and now, at his old age, enjoys a good eyesight. He is a great reader, loves his smoke and glass of wine, and awaits the coming of his Maker with a spirit becoming a philosopher.

AMON RATHBONE JENKINS, physician and surgeon, and son of Thomas Morris Jenkins and Mary Ann King, was born in the City of Henderson on the twelfth day of September, 1860. His early education was obtained from schools tauo"ht bv Professors Rousseau, Kirby and Posey. His paternal grandfather was born in England, and came to this country in 1810, settling in the City of Columbus, Ohio. His paternal grandmother was a native of Maryland. His maternal grandfather was John Boyle King, born in 1876, on Boyle farm. County Cork, Ireland ; came to America at an early age, and was a distinguished soldier in the War of 1812. His maternal grandmother, Madeline Hager King, of the family of Ormdorffs, Hagers and Boharques, early colonist, was born in Maryland.

The subject of this sketch early conceived a taste for medicine and began its study even before he had finished his High School education. He entered the office of Dr. Arch Dixon, and there prepared himself to enter upon a regular collegiate course. In 1878 he matriculated at the Louisville Medical University^ and attended its winter course. Returning home he was employed in the active study of his profession, and many experiments were made by him upon living animals to tell the physiological action of remedies and to prove or disprove the accepted theories in regard to them. He returned to college in the autumn of 1879, and could have graduated with honor the following spring, but, being under age, was compelled to attend a third course, graduating in 1881, Dr. Jenkins then returned to Henderson, and immediately began an active practice, turning his attention particularly to surgery. In 1883 he went abroad, spending a year in Berlin, Prussia, where he was enrolled as a regular student in Ffederick Wilhelm Koeniglicher Universitaet in Berlin, under the tutelage of such masters as Virchen, Von Langenbeck, Van Bergman, Koch, Schroedin and Prof. Esmarch, in Kiel. He returned to Henderson in in the art of surgery, witnessing and assisting in all of the capital operations in the entire domain of surgical attainment. At the present time he is in active practice in tliis, his native city, and has achieved a reputation far greater than that of many who have devoted a lifetime. Unless misfortune should overtake him, his name will be written high up on the roll of fame, along with the brightest and best in the annals of American Surgery. At the meeting of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association, held at Crab Orchard Springs, Kentucky, in July, 1887, he was elected its Vice President. The Doctor is a regular correspondent to the principal medical and surgical journals- of this country, England and Germany.

JENKS WATTERMAN WILLIAMS was born in Henderson County, on the tenth day of August, 1826, and was educated from the common schools of the county. His paternal great-grandfather was one of the Transylvania Company, and the first signer of the ordinance establishing the Town of Henderson. Subsequently, he led the company to Henderson, and, on his return to North Carolina, was taken sick and died, at Frankfort, of cramp colic. The father of Jenks W. Williams was John Williams, born in Granville County, North Carolina, March 28th, 1785. The exact time of his coming to Henderson is not known, but thought to have been between 1800 and 1807. On the fifth day of November, 1807, he married in this county, Susanna Starks. Susanna Starks Williams, the mother of Jenks W,, was born June 9th, 1790, in Granville County, North Carolina. There were ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Jenks W. being the youngest son. The father of our subject settled a farm near Grave Creek Church, and cultivated it up to the time of his death. On Friday, July 10th, 1812, he was baptised, and, on the following Sunday, received into Grave Creek Baptist Church. Subsequent to that time he was authorized to preach the Gospel. Although not educated in medicine, he was, for a number of years, the principal and only physician of the entire country surrounding his home, and, through his unheard of philanthrophy, declined to charge anyone who needed or asked his services. He was known oftentimes to ride miles, doing good without asking a reward of any character whatever. His mission was to do good, and for that he is now reaping his reward in a better life. This good man departed this life July 21st, 1840, leaving a large family of children and a loving Christian wife. Twenty years subsequent, to-wit : June 11th, 1860, after a life of toil and self-sacrifice, Mrs.Williams died. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Samuel Farrel Williams, born in North Carolina, and immigrated to Henderson in 1793. He fought at the battle of New Orleans, and died in Henderson County in 1838. His paternal grandmother was Rebecca Stevens Dudley, of English descent. She immigrated to Henderson from North Carolina at an early age, and died in 1833.

Jenks W. Williams, on the sixteenth day of January, 1855, married Miss M»ry Weaver, daughter of Littleberry Weaver, a beautiful woman, and one who has shown marked motherly talent in raising her children. She is a woman full of energy in the face of adversity or prosperity, and has performed life's duties nobly and as becoming a good, true wife. She was born in the City of Louisville on the tenth day of A))ril, 1839, and came to Henderson when only three years of age. By her marriage, seven children have been born, five living, Lillian Jasper, P21iza, Mary, Jenks and Sallie. Lillian married Joseph Bennett and has two children, Jenks W. and Lida ; Sallie married John P. Moore, of New York, and has one son, John. The mother of Mrs. Williams was a daughter of Colonel Robert Smith. She died in 1883 at the home of her son Albert.

Jenks W. Williams, from early life, has made the town his home, and has proven himself a useful citizen. He has held several offices, and in every instance has proven himself worthy of the trust. During the year 1866, '67, '68 and '69, he served as Jailer of Henderson County ; in 1857 and '58 as Constable ; in 1886 as City Councilman. For ten years he was engaged in the tobacco business with Joseph Adams, and subsequently in the same capacity with other tobacconists. In 1869, while Jailer of the county, the Ku-Klux attempted to mob a prisoner confined in the jail. Mr. Williams was found at his post, and, mainly through his influence, be that what it may, the mob dispersed, leaving the prisoner still in the jail. For several years Mr. Williams was proprietor ot the Commercial Hotel on Third Street, and then of the Hord House, until 1884, when he rented his present house, on Main, near First Street. This house he fitted up in handsome style. It contains twenty furnished rooms, and a dining room of eating capacity for sixty-two persons. The hotel is a credit to his energy and taste, and is largely patronized. Mr. Williams is very much like a well regulated clock - never idle.

PHILIP LUDSON JOHNSTON, of Pennsylvania, erne to Henderson in 1839 or '40, and, being a practical distiller, engaged in that business in the Horse Shoe Bend with two of his brothers. This was the first sweet mash distillery built in the county. On the twentyfifth day of February. 1841, he married Miss EHza Worsham, and, only a short time afterwards, returned to his native State, Town of Ea:ston, where his first child, a son, Eugene Ludson, was born on the eighteenth day of February, 1842. A short time after the birth of his first child, Mr. Johnston removed to lUinois, and settled at Russellville, on the Wabash. There he purchased a tract of land, and, again with his brothers, commenced distilling. On the twenty-sixth day of September, 1845, his second son, Joseph B. Johnston, was born, and a very short time thereafter Mr. Johnston again removed to Henderson and eno-a^ed with his brother-in-law, Elijah W. Worsham, in sawing lumber and grinding grain for the town and surrounding country. Their mill was run by steam, and was situated on the river front, above the present mill of Joseph Clore. Mr. Johnston confined himself closely to his work, and his unrestrained energy and constant exposure of himself brought on pneumonia, from which he died in 1850. His wife and two sons survived him. Mrs. Johnston, on the twentieth day of December, 1854, married George A. Mayer, and lived to the fourth day of June, 1875, at which time she died. Eugene L. Johnston, the eldest son, was educated in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, and, when yet quite young, entered the Banner office in Henderson to learn the art of type setting. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, he espoused the cause of the South, and on the fifth day of August, 1861, in Henderson, enlisted as a private in Captain James Ingram's Company, and marched overland away to *' Dixie." He was shortly afterwards appointed Orderly Sergeant, and his company was attached to the Fourth Kentucky Regiment. On the fourth day of December, 1861, his company was detached from the regiment and assigned to the Light Artillery Service under the command of Captain Rice Graves. He fought at Fort Donelson, and on the sixteenth day of February, 1862, was taken prisoner and sent to Indianapolis. A few days prior to the battle, his commanding officer desired to send him South on a recruiting expedition, but the honor was declined, owing to his anxiety 'to participate in the coming deadly conflict. On Sunday night,' May 18th, 1862, he effected his escape, and walked to Madison, where he procured a skiff and worked his way to Louisville. From there he passed on down through Owensboro and Henderson to Uniontown, where he procured a horse and'rode again into " Dixie," halting at Chattanooga, where the Confederate Army was stationed. He soon after joined the Third Grand Division, General Wood commanding, and was appointed Acting Ordinance Sergeant, under Major T. R. Hotchkiss. During the months of July, August, September, October, November and December, his command was mostly upon the march, going from place to place, watching the enemy. Tuesday,

December oOth, the great battle of Stone River was begun by heavy skirmishing. Wednesday there was a heavy artillery engagement, beginning in the morning and lasting most of the day. There was also heavy fighting between the infantry and artillery during the day, and the slaughter on both sides was terrible. Thursday there was again heavy fighting. Friday, January 2d, Eugene L. Johnston was killed. When he enlisted and left his home he carried with him a neat folding memorandum book, in which he kept a correct diary account of the doings of his command. Not a day escaped him, and his minutes were liberal and well written. He gives an interesting description of the battle of Stone River up to Thursday night before his death, and closed by heading the next page Friday, January 2d. 1863. Poor boy ! that was the last line ever written by him. Twenty years after, the finder of young Johnston's book, by some means discovered the residence of his brother, Joseph B. Johnston, and mailed him the book with the following written on the inside of the cover :

"Found on the battle field of Stone River, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Friday evening, January 2d, 1863, by the subscriber and forwarded to J. B. Johnston July 26th, 1883, after a period of over twenty years between dates.

When Captain Lane discovered the body lying upon the battlefield, it was after nightfall, and the book found open in his hand. Mr. Johnston prizes the little book as only a brother can, and will ever hold Captain Lane in kindly remembrance. Joseph B. Johnston, second son, followed the footsteps of his brother Eugene, and he, too, learned the art of type-setting, but this work was too monotonous for his active spirit. His first venture was in partnership with R. P. Evans, in the drug business. A short time after he went West, and clerked, during 1864 and '65, in St. Louis and St. Joe, Missouri. Returning home he again entered the drug business in partnership with H. S. Park. In 1867 he sold his interest to Cabell & Towles, and accepted a clerkship with G. A. Mayer's Sons, where he remained for three years. He then built the brick storehouse on the northeast side of Second, between Main and Water Streets, and opened a builders' emporium, where he continued seven years, or up to 1880. He then joined the firm of French Mayer & Co., and established the spoke and handle factory, corner Fourth and Green Streets. Several months after, he sold his interest to Edwin Robards. Then, in partnership with his uncle, E. W, Worsham, he built the Peerless Distillery, and made two crops of whisky, when he was elected City Clerk and gave up distilling. He is now serving his fourth term, and it is due to him to say, that he has, by systematic improvement in books and forms, so simplified the work that^it is now a pleasure where it used to be irkesome. Mr. Johnston's strict attention and intelligent capacity, will, no doubt, secure him the clerkship so long as he may choose to accept it.

On the twenty-ninth day of April, 1869, Mr. Johnston married Miss Margaret Gobin, a lady of most excellent domestic character, and unto them have been born six children, four of whom are living. Eugenia, Joseph Russell, Robert Evans and Gilbert Ludson. Miss Eugenia is of the sweet girl graduate class, and is greatly admired for her excellent character and womanly graces. The other children are promising. Mr. Johnston has been, throughout life, an active, intelligent man of business, and, by his honesty, sincerity, and open frankness, numbers a host of friends. He is an active member of both the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pvthias Lodges.

COLONEL JACKSON M'CLAIN was born in Henderson County, on the fifth day of October, 1816. His father, James Mc- Clain, was born in Henderson, and was a leading farmer and influential citizen to his death, in 1839. His mother was Miss Butler, her father also being a farmer. Colonel McClain was educated at the common and private schools of his county, and being a young man of strong mind and retentive memory, he learned rapidly and with ease to himself. At the age of twenty-three, his father died and left his son with his large estate to look after, and the younger members of the family to educate and raise. He performed these arduous duties with signal ability, and to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

Colonel McClain is a very large land owner, and has farmed it for a great many years on a large scale. The war robbed him of a large number of valuable slaves, but, notwithstanding that, with his usual indomitable will-power, he has annually, with the uncertain labor at his command, grown large crops. He is a continual thinker, applying his mind to the successful management of his business affairs. He is a man of sound judgment upon all matters, and his long and eventful career has proven it. In 1841 he was married to Miss Mary Watson, and unto them was born one child, Annie. She married Colonel A. H. Major, a highly educated gentleman, and he died several years past, leaving a family of four children, Kate, Jackson, Samuel and Ella. Mrs. McClain died, and again, in 1869, Colonel McClain married Miss Carrie S. Hunt, of Warsaw, Illinois. She died a few

Colonel McClain has served as a Director in the Henderson & Nashville Railroad Board, and was largely instrumental in the success of the enterprise. For several years he served as a Director of the Farmers' Bank, and, on the second day of August, 1862, was elected its President. He has served several terms as a member of the Public School Board, and has oftentimes been sought to take charge of trust funds, estates, &c. He is an uncompromising Democrat and for many years has served as a member of the County Committee. He is a member of the Episcopal church.

WILLIAM P. BEVERLY was born in King George County, Virginia, on the twenty-second day of August, 1818, and was educated at the Mitchell School, Fredericksburg. His father, William Beverley, was born in Caroline County, Virginia, in 1790, and married Sarah Ann Posey, youngest child of General Thomas Posey - a sketch of whom will be found on page 648 of this volumn. Mrs. Beverly was born in 1800, and died in 1851. William Beverley immigrated to Henderson County in 1832, and settled upon one hundred and twenty acres of land, Wfrig in the south end of the town, and now built up with business and dwelling houses. He died in Henderson in 1845. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Colonel Robert Beverley, a distinguished citizen, and influential planter of King George County, Virsinia. He married Marv Buckner, and thev both died in that State. His maternal grandfather, General Posey, married Mary Alexander. William Beverly, father of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812. William P. Beverley married Miss Kate Posey McCombs, an adopted daughter of General Posey, who graduated from Mrs. Tevis' Female Academy, at Shelbyville. They have six children living, Camelia Buckner, Sarah Ann, Thomas, Hood, William Alexander and Lucie. Camelia B. married Robert D. Chambers, now deceased, and has one daughter. Miss Beulah. Sarah Ann married VVilliam L. Posey, and has five children, Thomas Henry, William Alexander, Lucie Seymour, Louisa McLean and Robert Gaines. Thomas is yet single, and has been, for a number of years, an accomplished painstaking, and pleasant Deputy Clerk in the County Clerk's office. William Alexan der is a hard working, money making farmer. Hood is an expert typo, having served several years at the case. He recently returned from a business venture in the far West, and has again settled in Henderson. Miss Lucie is a handsome, intelligent young lady and much beloved by her friends. Mr. Beverley came to Henderson with his father in 1832, and has continued to reside here. He is the owner of a large farm, lying on the Henderson and Spottsville Road, through which the Louisville & Henderson Railroad will pass, and another smaller farm on the Green River*"Road. The larger farm is operated by his son, William Alexander, while the smaller one is under his own immediate supervision. In religion, Mr. Beverley is a staunch Presbyterian, and is an Elder in the Second Church. In politics he is a Democrat. During the greater part of his life Mr. Beverley has followed the occupation of farming, living upon his farm, but of latter years has resided in the city, and owing to a severe accident has for several years been unable to undergo any active labor. He has been an active, hard working, intelligent farmer, and, as a result, has laid up a handsome competency to comfort him and his devoted wife in their old age.

ROBERT ALLISON BRADSHAW was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, on the twentieth day of December, 1833. He was sent to school at that place till arriving at the age of twelve years, when he was removed to Daviess County. His father, William A. Bradshaw, was born in Shelby County in 1809, and was raised by his uncle, James, in Shelbyville, until fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he was sent to Owensboro and placed, as a clerk, in the dry goods store of James Bradshaw and Anthony Kirkpatrick. Here he remained until he was twenty-three or four years of age, when he returned to Shelbyville. In 1813, he married Miss Fanny Buntin Allison, of Vin cennes, Indiana. He then returned to Shelby County, and engaged in farming up to 1844. Then, again, he returned to Owensboro, and there died November, 1876. His wife died in the same place in 1856, leaving six children, Robert Allison - subject of this sketch - Mary Elizabeth, Sally, William, Catharine and Frank. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Dr. Robert Allison, a native of Kentuckv. In 1812 he married Miss Mary A. Buntin, of Vincennes, and removed to Henderson, Kentucky, his then home. Subsequently he removed to Shelbyville, and then to Vincennes, where he died, 1820, leaving his widow and three children His wife, the grandmother of our subject, was the daughter of Captain Robert Buntin, the commandant of Post Vincennes. When a child, she was exceedingly popular with the officers of the army, and spent much of her time with an aunt, who was the wife of Colonel Francis Vigo, a noted Spanish merchant, and for whom the County of Vigo, Indiana, is named. She was a great favorite of the Colonel, and witnessed the council of General Harrison and Tecumseh. She was well acquainted with General

Harrison, Judge Parke, Territorial Representative in Congress, Colonel Hamar, General St. Clair, and others. When thirteen years of age she was sent to school at Lexington, Kentucky. An Indian trail was the only road between the two places, and the trip required two weeks' time. Her wardrobe was carried in saddle-bags by the horse she rode. She had two school girls as companions, with her brother as escort, each, of course, riding on horseback, while a fifth horse carried a tent and camp equipage. Mrs. Allison was three times married, and spent the greater portion of her life in the South. In 1827, although having been baptised by a Catholic Bishop, Mrs. Allison united herself with the Presbyterian Church, and proved a devoted member to the day of her death. She was an untiring reader, and most exemplary woman. Robert Allison Bradshaw married in Owensboro on the twenty-ninth day of January, 1856, Miss Rebecca May Bell, and unto them have been born seven children ; six of them are yet living, Robert Bell, Mary Eliza, Frankie Allison, May Belle, William Archer. Sallie Kate, and John Matthews.

Robert Bell Bradshaw, eldest son, was born on the fifth day of November, 1856, in Daviess County. He was educated in Owensboro, and subsequently married in 1883, at Vincennes, Indiana, Miss Alice Stewart, granddaughter of Rev. Dr. Alexander, who was the officiating clergyman. A pleasant coincident in the family is the fact that Dr. Alexander, just fifty years prior to that time, officiated at the marriage of his grandfather, William A. Bradshaw, in the same place^ Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw have two daughters, Nora Belle, and Clara. Mary Eliza married James Samuel Taylor of Henderson, now of Richmond, Virginia, a prominent tobacconist, and has one daughter, Laura Holloway.

Robert A. Bradshaw lived in Owensboro thirty-two years, and, in 1876, moved to Uniontown, Union County, where he resided up to 1883, when he removed to Henderson. Before arriving at legal age he made several trips with horses and cattle to Natchez and New Orleans. For twenty years of his life in Owensboro, and during his entire residence in Uniontown, Mr. Bradshaw followed the tobacco business, and has been thus engaged in Henderson since his residence here. In politics Mr. Bradshaw was an old line Whig, then a Knownothing, and since the war a consistent Democrat. He was never an office holder, from the fact he was never an applicant for one. In 1873, at Owensboro, he joined the Presbyterian Church. He was an Elder of the Uniontown Church, and on the ninth day of November, 1883, was elected an Elder of the Second Presbyterian Church of this citv. He has for a number of years been a member of the Knights of Pythias and Knights of Honor. Mr. Bradshaw is a quiet, reserved man of business, the soul of honor, far seeing, and judicious in all that he does.

Colored List

There has been established this year, 1887, a colored high school, Rev. J. C. Templeton, President; Wm. H. Hall, Secretary; Samuel Givens, Treasurer and George H. Bell Superintendent and Principal.

During this year,1887,there has been, perhaps, the most protracted and destructive drouth that has ever been known in the Ohio Valley. There is no memory or record that reports its equal in those respects, and in the one of destructiveness could hardly have been equaled far beyond the memory of the oldest living. There had never been anythink like so much farm wealth exposed to injury. It may be estimated that the corn has been reduced 50 per cent. ; grass and hay, 60 per cent. ; tobacco, 70 per cent. ; and the potato yield 60 per cent. There has been no rain to amount to anything during the last six months.

The above estimate is accurate and shows that the water of both 1883 and '84 ^as higher than ever known before. The water of 1884, it will be seen, r is the highest ever known, and Henderson stood twenty feet above that, while the cities and towns above and below her were inundated.

Outlawry. - One of the most heartless acts of outlawry ever perpetrated in the county, was the whipping of Cora Walker, in June, 1862. Mr. Walker was a miserly sort of man, and it was thought possessed a large sum of money hidden away. Seven men appeared at his cabin in the dead hour of night, and, taking him out, demanded his money. He refused, and thereupon was soundly whipped, hickory withes being used as instruments of torture. He finally gave up what he had, but with this the gang was not satisfisd, and demanded more. Failing to get it, the lash was again applied, and then the poor man left to make the best of it. From this whipping a severe fever set up, and a few days after Mr. Walker died. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. J. T. Sandefur, of Geneva, and died at his home.

A Characteristic Verdict. - At an inquest held over the body of a free woman of color, many years ago, by Captain Henry Dixon, Coroner, the following ingeniously humorous verdict was rendered:

" We, of the jury, think it was an act of provide nee, zXX except Walter C. Langley, and Young E. Allison, who think it was from some other cause, unknown to us at present." The jury was composed of Jacob B. Hopkins, John Watson, Hobert B. Sthrestly, Francis J. Hopkins

High Water. - During the high water of February, 1884, when the entire country . above ancT'below and opposite Henderson was completely inundated, Henderson stood twenty feet yet above the water line. There was immense suffering in the overflowed districts, and no community responded more liberally than did Henderson. Hon. C. C. Ball, Mayor, chartered a boat, and, at great personal sacrifice, went to the rescue of the unfortunate as far down as Mt, Vernon, Indiana.

Murders. - There have been committed in Henderson County, since December 14th, 1818, forty-eight murders or killings, of which judicial notice has been taken. Fifteen of this number were committed within the present city limits, and, of the entire number, forty-eight, there were nine verdicts for murder in the first degree and one for life imprisonment. Charles C. Carr was hung December 14th, 1818, for the murder of Lemuel Cheaney ; Samuel Calvin Sugg, May 4th, 1826, for the murder of Elijah Walton ; Hannah Hazelwood, April 30th, 1834, for the murder of a child of Sandy Hicks ; Joseph Wurnell, November 5th,1837, for the murder of Abner Jones; Henry McAllister, same day, for murder of David Fuquay ; Philip Tyson, colored, November 2d, 1849, for the murder of Captain Abraham Tyson ; John Murphy, August, 1859, for the murder of James Casey ; Daniel Barret, colored, February 6th, 1863, for the murder of James Kissee; James McElroy, July 1st, 1887, for the murder of Walter Mart.

Old Dick Henderson, who was driven to a tree by the wolves, in early times, while enroute to fiddle for a dance, died at the city poor house three years since. A highly flavored sketch of Dick's escapade has amused the thousands of students of Goodrich's school reader.

Balee, August 10th, 1869; Harvey S. Park, April 19th, 1871, re-appointed, April 23d, 1875, re-appointed, December 15th, 1879; reappointed, January 8th, 1884; Robert E. Cook, November 2d, 1885. This office was established a money order office, August 1st, 1866, and from that time to August 1st, 1867, issued 353 money orders. Ten years afterwards, to-wit: from August 1st, 1876, to July 30th, 1877, it issued 3,883 money orders. On the first of September, 1871, it was designated as one of ten in the State as a Brittish International Money Order Office. As one of fourteen in the Slate as a German International Money Order Office, and on September 1st, 1875, as one of seven in the State, as a Canadian Money Order Office. During the first seven years, only two hundred and seventy-one orders were issued. As an evidence of the increase, in 1886 there were issued three thousand money orders, and twenty-five hundred postal notes, amounting to a total of $60,000 for the year. Five thousand letters, and an equal number of papers are received, mailed and distributed daily.

MUSICAL - Mozart Society. - The idea of organizing the above named society was conceived by Professor and Mrs. J. M. Bach, who, with a few kindred spirits, enlisted public interest, and successfully organized the society on the twentieth day of September, 1886. The following named composed its Charter Members : Professor J. M. Bach, S. L. Marshall, Ingram, Crockett George M. Atkinson, William Peters, C. T. Blackwell, Mrs. J. M. Bach, Mrs. George M. Atkins, Misses Annie Beaty, Annie M. Starling and Elizabeth Perkins. Over sixty names are now enrolled in its membership. The society has made but one public appearance^ - that on the eighteenth evening of February, 1887, at the new Opera House, in the sparkling little operetta of " Margueretta," written by Mr. Crockett, and music by Professor J. M. Bach.