Irvine, Kentucky - History

History

The town was organized in December, 1811, and was sold to the Justices of the Peace of Estill County by Green Clay for the purpose of erecting a town.

This Indenture made this the 15th day of Decem¬ ber, 1811, between Green Clay of the County of Madi¬ son and state of Kentucky of the one part; & Peter Evans, Partlett Woodward, Jones Hay, Henry Beatty, William McCreerv, Jesse Cobb, Pattersen Griffith & Robert McFarland Gentlemen Justices of the' Peace in and for the County of Estill for the time being and for their successors of the other part witnesseth, that for the special purpose of establishing and improving a town at Estill. Court House and adjoining around the publick square the said Green Clay doth hereby transfer and convey to flic said Justices of the Peace for the said County of Estill and their successors for the time being twenty acres and one-half acre of land situated lying and being in the said county around the publick square on which the court house for the sd county of Estill now stands in trust to be by said Justices layed off and established a town by the name of Irvine agreeable to the plan of lots & streets herewith filed and annexed without any alteration or departure from the said plan without the said Clays consent first had; and bounded as follows Beginning S 50* W 24 poles from the south¬ west corner of the publick ground thence N 10* W 44 poles thence N 80-' E 60 poles thence S 10* E sixty poles thence S 80* W 60 poles thence N 10* E sixteen poles to the beginning excluding the publick square contain¬ ing two acres which is within the outlines of the cources & distances aforesaid to have and to hold the said twen¬ ty acres and a half acre of land with its appertainances : to the said Justices of Estill County and their suc¬ cessors for the time being upon the following trust to wit : that the said twenty and a half acres of land bounded as aforesaid shall be vested in trustees of said town of Irvine to be by them sold at public auction for the best price that can be had on twelve months credit taking land with sufficient security of the purchasers payment of the money the amount the sale shall be for the use and benefit of said City bis heirs and assigns & each lot when exposed to sale shall be cried two min- utcs at least after the last bid before struck off and sold between noonday and sun setting; all of which lots shall be sold within two years from the date of this deed aecording to law & the terms herein and said Green Clay for himself his heirs &c do warrant & forever defend the said twenty and a half acres of land to the said .Justices of the Peace their successors for the time being upon the trust aforesaid against himself his heirs executors «St administrators & against all & every other person or persons claiming by through or under him or them In testimony whereof I have hereunto set mv hand and seal the day and year first above written.

It is one of the most beautiful towns of its size in the state of Kentucky. Nestling at the base of the Cum¬ berland Mountains, it is surrounded bv a range of the same, that is at all times of the year covered with a foliage that presents a charming view. On the North¬ west is Sweet Lick Knob, from whose summit may be witnessed a view of magnificent splendor. During the Civil War, when the battle of Richmond was being fought, many of Irvine's citizens ascended Sweet Lick ing upon three different occasions. On the East side of the town is Mt. Minerva. Its name was given to it by E. C. Park, in honor of Mrs. Minerva Curtis, whose home was situated at its base. During the Civil War the Federal soldiers took possession of this mountain and stripping it of its foliage, erected fortifications upon its top, it commanding the entrance to the town on all sides, and Irvine being a gate way to the South, it was often invaded by the Southern heroes.

On one Sunday afternoon, in the year 1865, the old corrt house fell to the ground. No one was about it, consequently no one was injured. In 1867, the county appropriated twenty thousand dollars to the erection of a new one, which amount was afterwards increased. To¬ day Irvine boasts of one of tbe best court houses in a town of its size in the state. Picture accompanies.

Right here I wish to say in behalf of Estill County, that the number of "boarders" are far short of what is usually the case in counties the size of Estill.

Knob, from whose summit could be seen the smoke of the battle and plainly could be heard the reports of the muskets. Visitors to Estill Springs consider the climb¬ ing of the mountain one of the features of their visit. On the North is situated Mt. Henry. So named in honor or a citizen of Estill County, whose home graces the top of the peak. While the sides of this mountain are not so abrupt as of Sweet Lick Knob, the view is just as gorgeous. When the atmosphere is clear, tbe sight embraces Powell and Clark Counties. At its base is quite a rendezvous for foxes. The State Fox Hunters' Association have made this place their annual gather-

Irvine has been repeatedly the victim of (ires. Scarcely a business house in town but what has been burned. However, of late it seems that better fortune prevuils in that respect, or |icrhnps it is because the buildings are of a better quality.

On the south side of this romantic, village winds the Kentucky River. One would have to travel ninny a mile ami visit many a country to obtain a more picturesque ami lovely view than is afforded from the smith end of Main Street. The streets of this town are wide and regularly laid out. On either side of the streets are observed a fine row of maple trees, which, in the summer season, not only greatly ornament the town, but conduces largely to its comfort. The streets are lighted with gasoline lamps, but a proposition has been submitted to the City Council to furnisn electric lamps, Which will in all probability be accepted. Besides, there has been discovered on White Oak, about three miles from town, natural gas, and it is expected to he piped to town for heating and lighting purposes.

The town of Irvine is favorably known for its morali¬ ty and Christianity. There are in the town three churches for whites and one for the colored population. The Methodists have just completed a handsome brick structure which is a great acquisition to the other beau¬ tiful features which characterize it. Rev. J. W. Jackson is pastor at this time. The Christian Church pos¬ sesses a beautiful building. The Rev. Mr. Baugh is its present minister. The Presbyterian Church also own their edifice, but as their numbers are few, they have not at this time a regular preacher. -The Metho¬ dists and the Christians each conduct successfully a Sunday school. I Jr. T. Park Gardner is and has been for years the Sunday school superintendent of the Meth¬ odist Sunday school, and O. W. Witt is the superintend¬ ent of the Christian Sunday school.

Irvine lias a splendid public school building and for a period of about seven months in the year there is taught a good school. We are happy however to an¬ nounce that there has been made arrangements for a wonderful improvement in the school. A proposition was made to the citizens of Irvine bv the Presbyterian Church that if they would subscribe five thousand dol¬ lars and a suitable- site, they, the Presbyterians, would establish and maintain a college here. This was prompt¬ ly accepted and complied with, the money being sub¬ scribed and the old seminary plot donated. The founda¬ tion has already been laved and when the spring months open up work will he resumed and the college will be completed, thus affording the finest opportunity for edu¬ cating the young people of our town and county, be¬ sides others from other counties.

There are in Irvine twelve stores, which carry a splen¬ did line of goods, which are sold at reasonable prices, thus making a first class home market. For a list of the lead ing merchants, see advertisements in the last of this book. The Kentucky Poplar Company are own¬ ers of perhaps the best saw mill on the Kentucky River. It is operated by an able management. (See ad.)

The Deane Tie Company of Louisville have their headquarters at this place and do a large business. The Cincinnati Cooperage Company owns a plant, which gives employment to a large number of men, and is con¬ sidered a benefit to our town. The Appelaehian Gas Co. have their office here and are engaged in sinking wells about three miles from town. They have thus far sunk two wells, both of which are gas producing.

The Oil I' I Elds

In Irvine there arc two hanks. The bank of W. 1'. I>. Williams & Son is a prosperous institution. It has a capital stock of $10,000 and a deposit of more than $148,000. For further information, see advertisement. The Farmers' Bank is recently organized.

There arc three saloons in town. They pay a city tax of $500 per annum. They are orderly and well con¬ ducted establishments. Local option has, however, been voted, and as soon as the license of the saloon-kec|iers expires, whisky will no longer he sold in our town.

There are two barber shops : one is conducted by a white man, Leonard Stacy, and the other by Home Caliniese, colored, who has operated it for several years, and will give you "a clean shave."

Irvine boasts of a good membership in Fraternal So¬ cieties. There is a lodge of F. and A. M., n lodge of Odd Fellows, a lodge of Knights of Pythias. There is a movement now to organize a lodge of Red Men.

It was named Trvine in honor of Col. William Irvine, of Madison County, who had some interests in Estill Coun¬ ty. lie was a warm friend of Col. James Estill, for whom the county was named, and was with him in many adventures with the Indians. He was with Col. Estill in the battle with the Indians in Montgomery County, in which Col. Estill was slain and Col. Irvine received a wound. The first house built in Irvine that is now in existence was either the brick house now occupied by Mrs. M. P. Gardner or the brick house now occupied by Mrs. Flora Bushev. Mrs. Gardner's house was built by a man bv the name of Strong. He was a school teach¬ er - the first one ever in Irvine. This house was after¬ wards the property of Rohert Clark. The house in which Mrs. Bushev resides was built by Ben Bawling, father of Esfpiire D. B. Rawlins, of White Oak, recently de¬ ceased. Ben Rawlins was a manufacturer of hats. These he would make of wool and fur and would then strap them on his hack and travel through the country selling them.

There are three hotels in Irvine. The Shepherd House, so named on account of its former owner, is op¬ erated by Samuel L. Tudor, a genial gentleman, ex- County Court Clerk, and who has been engaged in the hotel business at this same stand for twenty years. The other hotel is called St. Catherine. It is a new edifice, brick, three stories high, centrally located, and is the

From the time of the organization of the town in 1813 np to the war it gradually grew until it reached the limit of ten hundred souls. The merchants bought and sold goods to the farmers and the farmers would come to Irvine for their necessities and to have their corn and wheat ground at the mill that still stands. This mill was the property of Green Clay, who leased it for ninety-nine years. It was stipulated that if it should be used for any other purpose it was to go back to the original owners.

The history of Irvine from the beginning of the war is embraced largely in the history of Estill County, but it may not be uninteresting to refer to some of the lead¬ ing citizens who flourished at that time. First among that number, we will speak of John Park. He was born in Estill County in 1818 and lived on a farm until 1858. He married Louisa Francis Hume, of Madison County, in 1840. In 1858 he moved to Irvine and took charge of the Park Hotel, which had been previously run by his brother, Elihu Park, who died with the chol¬ era in 1849. Mr. Park ran the hotel successfully until 1860, when he entered into the mercantile business. He was a successful merchant and in partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. Joseph II. Gardner, sold more goods than any other firm up to that date. He was a devout Christian and with his wife, who was a member of the Baptist denomination, many a noble and charitable deed was performed. He died June 30, 1903. His wife died December 27, 1894.

M. B. Moseley, an old residenter, a merchant and a successful one, lived to a ripe old age, when he died. His wife, Mrs. Moseley, died about three years ago in Kansas City, Mo.

M. M. Price, at first a farmer from Millers Creek, afterwards Circuit Gourt Clerk, died at an old age. His wife died about ten years ago in Indiana.

W. J. Clark, one of Irvine's most successful mer¬ chants, captain of the home guard that was organized during the war, went to Lexington and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, accumulating a considerable sum of money, when he died. His wife, Matilda, died in Irvine in the year - - . They left a son, Jo, who died about two years ago in Lexington, and was ac¬ counted one of the wealthiest men in Fayette County, his wealth being estimated at one-half million dollars. His son, John, a gallant soldier. Major in the 8th Ken¬ tucky Infantry Volunteers, lost his health and died in Lexington.

Dr. Ansil Daniel, one of the old land marks of this county, was born in Clark County in 1801, and after studying medicine he began the practice of his profes¬ sion in Irvine, which he continued until his death in 1890. No man ever had more friends and more faith¬ fully worked for the good of the people than did Dr. Daniel. For several years he was associated in the prac¬ tice with Dr. McCreary, father of our United States Senator, Hon. James B. McCreary. When the latter named was Governor of the state, it became his duty to send a delegate from this vicinity to Chicago to attend some medical society. He promptly appointed Dr. Daniel, not only because of his merit, but because of his love for his father's old partner.

John H. Biddell, an eminent lawyer, was born in this county and a resident of this town until his death at about the age of fifty-eight years.

John M. Price, a lawyer, who married a daughter of Elihu Park. He moved to Atchison, Kansas, where he ranked high in the seteem of the business men. He ac¬ cumulated a large fortune. He was consipcuous as a member of fraternal societies.

Johnathan Tipton, the blacksmith of Irvine - strong, stalwart and a master of his trade. He lived to a ripe old age, when he was called to another world.

Judge H. C. Lilly, one of the leading lawyers and a distinguished jurist. He was Colonel of the 14th Ken¬ tucky Cavalry. He accumulated a good deal of property before his death.

Col. S. M. Barnes, a distinguished lawyer; Colonel of the valiant 8th Kentucky Begiment; proprietor of the Estill Springs. After the war was over he moved to Somerset, Ky., and afterwards went to Missouri, where he died.

E. D. Stockton, a good citizen; a merchant of success. He made Winchester his home after the war, and after¬ wards moved to Richmond, Ky., where he died.

A. D. Poell, a citizen of truth and honor. He served in the Mexican War and afterwards was Captain in the 14th Kentucky Volunteers. He died late in life.

Andrew Shepherd, the farmer, tailor and afterwards pi'oprietor of the hotel that still bears his name. He also lived to quite an advanced age.

W. T. B. Williams, one of the acknowledged leaders in the business affairs of the county. He was a suc¬ cessful man in his undertakings and died at his home in this town.

it will be satisfactory to its readers and that they may consider it of sufficient interest to invest a lit¬ tle and send to their friends who hao removed to other States. The price is only 50 cents per copy.

of Dental Surgery. He is now a successful practitioner at Irvine. Joseph Samuels Gardner married Miss Myrtle Williams, daughter of W. T. B. Williams. They now reside at Jacksonville, Florida, where they purchased ele¬ gant property.

During the war of 1861-5 Mr. J. H. Gardner was ap¬ pointed quartermaster of the 8th Ky. Inf. Vol., but re¬ signed soon afterwards. Mr. Gardner was ever known as the friend of the poor and many prosperous citizens of Estill County can ascribe their prosperity to him. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, South, and a staunch Democrat.

The accompanying picture is of his widow, who resides in the old homestead with her eldest son, T. Park. They have just reputation for charity and the entertain¬ ment of their many friends. Mrs. Gardner is also a member of the M. E. Church, South, and it is a pleasure to witness her devotion to the cause of Christ.

Joseph H. Gardner was born in Virginia July 1, 1820. His father, Joseph H., was born in Boston, Mass., and his mother, Anna Maria Theresa Sophia Clotilda Delarge Raisont, was born in France, near Marsailles. His parents died when he was quite young. The first busi¬ ness enterprise of the subject of this sketch was selling goods at Salyersville, Magoffin County, Ky. In Novem¬ ber, 1848, he married Miss Mary J. Howerton, to which marriage were born Hamilton Reed, Henry William, Laura Eliza, Mary Rebecca, Joseph, Jennie Clark and Colin Grant ; only one of whom are now living, Laura Eliza. She became the wife Of Leslie Thompson, a grandson of Dr. A. Daniel. Mr. Gardner's wife died April 15, 1865. Having moved to Irvine, Ky., Mr. Gard¬ ner entered into partnership with John Park in the sale of merchandise. On the 30th day of August, 1866, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of John Park. To them were born two children, T. Park and Joseph. Both of them are living. T. Park Gardner is a dentist, graduat¬ ing with the highest honors at the Pennsylvania College

Mr. And Mrs. John Park

He was the real founder of that church in this town. He died at a ripe old age, June 20, 1903. No man ever lived in Estlll who had more friends and fewer enemies. He died the happy death of a Christian.

The wife of John Park, Miss Louisa Francis Hume, was the descendant of one of the families of England, who were the possessors of great wealth. They are the legal heirs to a vast estate in that country, but unfortu¬ nately for the heirs, limitation has deprived them of the benefit. Hiss Hume was a great belle in her young days, her beauty, education, refinement and general excellence as a woman made her a universal favorite and much admired woman. She was the mother of eight children, and when I use the word "Mother,'' I mean to express ail the term implies. Ambitious she was, and she as¬ pired to having her children educated to the highest attainment. She was a thorough Christian. She was a member of the Old Baptist Church. Her charities are well know to the poor of this vicinity. She was horn Jan. 14, 1820, and died Dec. 27, 1894.

No one who looks at these pictures can fail to recog¬ nize the nobility of character that existed in the lives of the individuals. John Park was born Jan. 12, 1818, on Station Camp, Estill County, Ky. His father was an early settler from North Carolina. He owned and culti¬ vated a farm on Station Camp Creek. Although he was himself uneducated, he gave his children the best op¬ portunities that those times afforded. John Park, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest son in a very large family. He attended the common schools in his neighborhood, often walking five or six miles through tne snows of winter to get knowledge. Being a bright young boy, he succeeded in acquiring a better education than most of his neighbors. In 1840, Nov. the 5th, he married Miss Louisa Francis Hume, one of the most at¬ tractive ladles in Madison County. They lived for a while on the farm of his father, and afterwards he bought the farm directly across the river from Irvine. Here he made money, and in 1858 he brought his family to Ir¬ vine, engaging in the hotel business. About the begin¬ ning of the war he embarked In the mercantile business with Mr. J. H. Gardner, afterwards his son-in-law. Hon¬ est dealing won for them the acme of success. They sold more goods than any firm in Irvine. He believed In giving his children a good education, and to this end he spent a good deal of money. He was a devout Christian.

Presbyterian Church Residence Of Hon. J. F. West

This beautiful residence is the home of Hon. J. F. West, whose picture is herewith presented. Mr. West lives a mile from the Irvine court house. He is regarded by the citizens of Estlll County as one of the most enter¬ prising and best citizens. He was born in Jackson Coun¬ ty, Ky., Dec. 20, 1852, and moved to Estlll ,County in 1884. He lived on Station Camp Creek, in the capacity of a farmer, where he married a daughter of John P. Scrivner. To them were born four children, three of whom still survive. He married his last wife, Miss Lucy Norton, in 1890, by whom he is the father of five chil¬ dren, all of which are alive.

Mr. West has always been a prominent citizen and one who is always ready to advance the interest of the peo¬ ple. He was, in 1884, elected as Representative from Estill and Lee Counties to the State Constitutional Con¬ vention. He was the father of the law restricting the poll tax to $1.50 per capita. At that time the poll tax in Estill County was $3.00 per capita. The benefit that he thus bestowed upon the masses served to increase his popularity. He served a term as Sheriff of Estill County, and proved himself to be a competent business man and an excellent officer. He is an extensive dealer In logs, ties and is a large farmer.

Frederick William Owen

Born at Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1857. Acad. educ. Grad. Lowvllle Acad. Lewis Co., N. Y. Grad. M. D. Michigan Col. of Med. 1882. Passed Med. Exam. Brd. Va. Oct. 26, 1894. OElec. Fel. 1894. At¬ tended Sess. 1894. Memb. Wayne Co. Med. Sec. Detroit, Mich. Memb. Amer. Med. Assn. 1883, 1884, 1885. Co. Phys. Wayne Co. March, 1883-6, as such made over 400 autopsies in criminal cases. Dem. Anat. Detroit and Mich. Cols, of Med. 1886, 1886, 1887-90. Papers - sev¬ eral, but have forgotten titles and dates. At this time member Ky. Med. AAssociatlon, member Powell Valley Med. Association, member Estlll County Medical Assn.

Saw Mill, Ky. River Poplar Co

This mill, one of the best on the Kentucky River, was founded in 1891 by J. G. Boltz. It was burned in 1899. Mr. Boltz retiring from the ownership, the mill became the property of D. C. Ingalls. He was succeeded by The Magann-Fawke Lumber Company, and they sold their Interest to the present owners, The Kentucky River Pop¬ lar Company.

Under the management of M. G. Wightman, a large supply of choice oak lumber was ordered to Liverpool. Upon its arrival, its excellent quality was discovered, and without any solicitation upon the part of the managers of the mill, it was placed upon exhibit and received a premium for being the best the world had ever pro¬ duced. So much for Estill County and the Kentucky River Poplar Company.

The owner of this magnificent home is Mrs. R. P. Wagers. July 30, 186S. she was married to J. W. Wagers, a prosperous young business man of Estili County. He was one of the heroes of the valiant 8th Kentucky Regiment, and won especial honor in being one of the six heroes who planted the Stars and Stripes on Lookout Mountain in 1863. He was an esteemed business man of Estili County. After his death in 1889, the management of their extensive and valuable farm devolved upon the widow, the present proprietress, Mrs. It. P. Wagers. She has given evidence of unusual ability and her farm, which is one of the richest in the state of Kentucky, has placed the happy family In splendid circumstances.

Born in Powell County, Ky., 10th of June, 1846, his parents moving to Estili County when he was 7 years old. Mr. Johnson as a boy lived on the farm with his parents, taking an active part in the farm life until the Civil War. at which time, not being old enough to enlist in the army, in September, 1861, enlisted in a government wagon train under Williams Smallwood as wagon master; went to Louisville to a corral on the Louisville & Nashville R. R.. worked there and broke mules with thirty other wagoners until each of their six-mule teams were broken.

He drove from Louisville by way of Frankfort and Lexington to Richmond, Ky., there loaded with commis¬ saries and drove by way of the Two Log Mountains to Cumberland Gop. crossing Cumberland River at Cumber¬ land Ford, arriving at the gap a few days before George Morgan's retreat front that place.

He was discharged from the wagon train the third day before Morgan's retreat from the Gap; returned to Estili County and stayed with his widowed mother that winter, making a crop for her In the season of 1862. He en¬ listed August 4, 1862. In the regular Fnlon army in Capt. Sylvester Isaac's Company E.. 14th Ky. Cavalry, served Ills time of enlistment out, and was discharged at Camp Nelson. Ky.. on the 24th day of March. 1 864. Cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for Ills second term as President at the November election. 1864, and has been an active politician and staunch Republican ever since. Was appointed deputy sheriff under J. F. West In 1893, but on account of slrknoss In family resigned. Was ap¬ pointed I'. S. storekeeper and guugcr under Hnrrison's administration. Was elected Jailer of Estili County in the year 1901, serving the full term, and was re-elected for the ensuing term of four years nt the November elec¬ tion. 1905. He has made a competent official and enjoys the confidence of the people.