Jessamine County, Kentucky - The whole text, 1898 (part 4 of 5)

The .Mctiiodist church adjoins Asbury College. It is also a commodious and handsome building. Its history and work is almost coexistent with that of Asbury, and much that has been said of the college in a former paragraph, applies also to the church. It was founded fifteen years ago. and is the oldest and also the largest congregation in Wilmore, with a membership of 225. This church is also in connection with Asbury College, noted for its evangelistic work and spreads its intiuence through and beyond the state. The Rev. E. S. Savage, who has hitely succeeded Rev. J. A. Sawyer, is the regular pastor, wdiose hands are worthily upheld bv his congregation.

The Christian church, though the youngest (founded in 1888), is second in membership, having 150 communicants. The church has probably the handsomest interior of all. Rev. Air. Robinson, lately appointed minister, is popular \\ ith his congregation.

A colored church, with forty members, completes the list of liouses of worship in the town, though two miles east is the thriving and steady Mt. Freedom Baptist church. It is the oldest of the churches in the immediate neighborhood and numbers its members a generation back.

With a well-conducted public school of seventy-five pupils, in a new anc' comnjodions schoolhouse; with handsome, modern dwellings,, and with social and educational advantages unex« anywhere in the state, it is not necessarv to "boom" Wilmore, as a desirable place to reside or do business in, and we can, therefore, rest on the statement on which the Declaration of Independence was founded: "Let facts be submitted to a candid TV o rid."

Judge Tucker Woodson's place was for a long time known as "Church Land," and the origin of the name was interesting. An English gentleman of finished education and culture, of scientific tastes and talents, was a guest at Chaunfiere, and became in time almost a part of the household. His name was ("hurch. He had been with Robert Fulton experimenting with and came from Pittsburgh down the Ohio river to Maysville on the first steamboat that ever ran on the river. From Maysville he came to Lexington, and thence to Mavsville, and made many experiments in his endeavors to perfect this wonderful invention and its a])plication to the movement of vessels. He finally returned to England, married and brought his wife to Jessamine county to be near Colonel Aleade and familv. He was a man of independent means and built a quaint English cottage on the \\'oodson estate in the place now occupied by Mr. Jesse Bryan and hvcd there some years, and from this circumstance the place was always called Church Land. After some rears Mr. Church removed to Lexington and died there.

Camp Nelson has become quite an important village in the last few }-ears. It is at the mouth of Hickman creek, near the wooden bridge, that spans the Kentucky river, on the line of the Lexington and Danville turnpike. It was established in 1863, and was tlie ])rincipal point for the concentration of Federal forces and munitions of war on the line of the Cumberland river. It was named in honor of Gen. William Nelson, who was born in ?^lason count}-, was a distinguished soldier, and Avas killed in Louis vdlle by Gen. Jefiferson C. Davis, whom he had grossly insulted.

It remained a militar}- camp until the close of the war. and has a fortified circumference of about ten miles formed, in large part, by the high hills and cliffs of the Kentucky river, and partly b} breastworks thrown up, that yet remain. On the land has been established a L'nited States militar\- cemeter}-, in wliicli are interred over 5,000 Federal soldiers. The population of the village is. at this time, al)out 200, mostly colored people, who have settled on the cliffs and hills near the Kentucky river.

Ariel College is located at Camp Nelson. Tliis is an institution for the education of colored men and women. It is officered l>v white teachers, and has been the source of great good and help to the colored people.

Rev. John C. Randolph was the first native Kentuckian who enlisted negro soldiers in Jessamine county. A copv of the following letter written by him to Gen. Burbridge is interesting, historically :

Conmiander. Department of Kentucky: Sir - There is a slave in the connt\' jail here, confined for no civil crime, but because his master feared he would run oflf. The l)o\' has told me he wishes to volunteer as a soldier. Have

Colored Baptist Church

Another letter w ritten about this time frcjin Nicholasville will prove interesting. It was sent to the postmaster at Keene, and is as follows :

I am informed that the Cincinna*^^i Enquirer is distributed at vour office. Militar\' authorities forljid its circulation at }our office. You will stop it at once, or you will be arrested by the military authorities.

This village is about six miles northwest from Xicholasville, on the A'ersailles turnpike. It was laid out in 1813 and called North Pil)ert\, l)ut its name was changed to "Keene." in 1848, throug"h tlie influence n\ Tlmmas Jones, a hatter, who came and settled in the xillage about the vear T845. His native town in New Jlam])shire was Keene, and through his influence X\)rth Liberty was ])lotted ont, and Keene was established. About the time of the change of the name, in boring for a well a fine stream of sulphur water was found. In those days, sulphur water, wherever found, was su])])Osed to have valuable medicinal properties, and, during the prevalence of cholera, in Lexington, about this time, a large number of people came to Keene and lived during the panic, fKcasioned l)y this disease in Lexington and surrounding towns. Ixcene liad several stores and a very nice hotel -. and its stores do a first-class local business. It is within sight of the ^It. Pleasant P)a])tist church.

There is an old stone-mill at Keene, which was built in 1794. In the last few years it has fallen into decay. This mill was provided wilh a combination of horse and water power, and was erected by Aianuah Singleton.

The Singletons were among- the best people who came to Jessamine, and \\-ere good farmers and enterprising men, and they Ijuilt this stone mill, which was a fine structure in its day. It has been operated until within the last twenty years. It relied for its water power upon a large spring, which was located about a mile and a half away, upon a place formerly owned by ^Ir. Robert Young, and sold by him to Air. Andrew Hampton. This spring rises up in the valley, and runs down into a large cave, which was a habitation for the Indians before the advent of the white man in this section of Kentuck}-. This spring reappears some distance from Keene, and this and the water that flowed from other small streams in the neighborhood, supplied the power for the operation of the mill at Keene.

In the early days, when steam was unknown, mill-sites were very valuable. \\'hen the hunters and pioneers first came to Kentucky, in crossing streams they would mark mill-sites, and in their notes state that at such and such a place was a good millsite, and the lands that were contiguous to such sites were always considered of great value, and were promptly taken up by the settlers, or by their representatives.

Survevors in these days would laugh at the preservation of the water and its use in the operation of these mills, but in the days of our forefathers, it was either water power or horse power, and horse power was extremely slow and inefifectual. and, as it sometimes required a mill-race to run a mile and a half to get the proper fall, opportunities were promptly and energetically seized wherever a proper fall of water could be secured bv dams to operate these country mills.

One of the oldest churches in Jessamine countv is ~S.lt. Pleasant baptist church, near Keene. It is located in a flue neighborhood, in the midst of rich lands, which were settled about 1790 by some of tlic most enterprisin.e,- and 1)est-educated people who came to Jessamine count}- at that period of its history. From time to time there had been preaching; in this locaHty by the Baptists who were connected with the South Elkhorn church, which was over the F'ayette Hne, but in 1801 at the request of one hundred members of the South Elkhorn church who were living in the neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, application was made to organize a new congregation, and Rev. John Shackleford, Absalom Bainbridge, and John Kellar were authorized to investigate and constitute a church at this point. The South Elkhorn church still exists, but is not so prosperous as its daughter, ]^It. Pleasant.

The rules of the church which were adopted at this tmie were very peculiar, and were headed, "Rules of the Church \\'hile Sit- on Business" :

1st. It is agreed that no motion l^e attended to withotit the person making such motion addresses the Moderator standing, and this proposition be seconded.

5tli. The Moderator sihall call to order, whenever these rules are violated. Ary memlx'r called to order lias a riglii to a voice of the church, it he chooses.

Among the first members were the \\'illiam?es, the Woods, the Hugheses, the Smiths, the Singletons, the Haydons, the Hamptons, the Sales, tlie .Mosbys, the Barclays, the Holloways and the Proctors.

From its commencement Mt. Pleasant has always been one of the most prosperous of the liaptist churches in the BUtegrass section. The neighborhood, settled b\' Uaptists, has been dominated and controlled 1)y I baptists from the time of the organization of this church down to tlie ]M'esent. Tt is an evidence of the persistence of the religious denomination in any conununity wliere once fairly planted.

tlie convention wliich framed the Constitution of 1792, and R; presented F'ayette county in that body. He was prominent and mrinential, and was pastor of the churcli from 1803 down to 1810. In lliat year Edmund Wallef-, a nephew of Rev. G. S. Smith, was called as pastor of the church, and remained with it until June, 1843. He was a man of i;reat power, great earnestness, and oreat consecration, and built up a very large congregation. The church book shows that the deacons in memory of Mr. Waller draped the pulpit in mourning for him who had been the true and faithful pastor of the church for thirty-two years, and the first Sabbath of July in that year was directed to be set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. Edmund Waller, who was the father of John L. Waller, was born at Spottsylvania Court House, \'a., in 1775. He was the son of Wm. E. Wallei and l)rother of Wm. Smith Waller, the Lexington banker. His motlier was a sister of George Stokes Smith.

He was buried a few miles from Mt. Pleasant in one direction, while his uncle Smith is bin-ied three miles south. He served the church longer than any other pastor. The church has had twenty-one pastors, the minister being the Rev. E. W. Argabrite, and under his ministration the church bids fair to have many years of continued usefulness.

The Nicholasville I'resbyterian church was organized June 12, 1820, by Rev. John Lyle. Alex. McFeeters, Samuel Rice and James Ewing were chosen the Elders. Previous to this the Presbyterian preaching place had been established about one and a half miles from Nicholasville on the farm of Samuel McDowell, which is now owned by his son, William ^McDowell.

The first member to connect herself with the church was Mrs. Jane Meaux. She was always one of its most faithful and liberal sup]K)rters. She donated to the church the ground on which the present church edifice and parsonage are situated. Rev. John E. Coons supplied the church from 1839 to 1852.

The first church was erected when Rev. John Hudson was pastor. It was on the corner diagonally opposite the Jessamine Female Institute, occupied quite a large space, and had in con- iiection with it, a l)urving-g"round. The l)uilding was completed in 1825, but not dedicated until October 7, \'!^2~. At this time a jM'otracted meeting was held, and the church received a great out-pouring, and more than sixty persons were added to the membership.

This church has sent into the ministry an unusually large number of men. among whom may I)e mentioned Rev. John T. Hendrick. Ke\-. W'm. (i. Rice, Rev. Charles Sturtevant, Rev. M. B. Price, Rev. Thomas R. Welch, ]:>. D.. Rev. Daniel P. Young, Rev. Chas. \\ . Price, Rev. J. E. Spilman, Rev. Robert Mann and Rev. Jas. Priest, who was a slave of Airs. Aleau.x, and wlio, aftei his emigration to Liberia, was vice-president of that republic, having gone there as a missionary.

The present clun-ch building was dedicated on tiie 3rd of January, 1851, by Rev. R. J. Preckinridge, D. D. The present pastor is Rev. R. E. Douglass. The gentlemen who have served as its elders have l)een among the most prominent citizens oi Jessamine during the ])ast seventy-five years, in addition to those already named, Ephraim Tanner, Dr. Archibald Young, Maj. Daniel 15. Price, Reuben B. Berry, W'm. II. Rainey, ( )liver Anderson, Jas. Clement, Jas. McKee, John L. Price, ( )tho Roberts, Thos. E. West, Jas. Anderson, Wm. S. Scott, Chas. ]-". Smith, John .\. Scroggan, W'm. M. Todd, Robt. '\\)img. John A. Willis. ^Vm. Clark, W. I), ^'oung. Harvey Scott. W. C, Woods, S. D. Young, A. X. (iordon, Thomas Butler and Jolm Steele.

Maj. D. 1). Price was Clerk (if the Session for thirt\-two \ears, while John A. Willis has acted in the same capacity for thirtyeight years.

This church is regarded as one of the most liberal of the Presbyterian churches in Kentuck}-. Its donations to Center College, Central Cniversity, Danville Theological Seminary, and to all the causes of the chm-ch have been extremely generous, and give the church a high standing among all Presbyterians. This church is tlie mother of the church at ^^'i1more, the church there having been snp])orted and maintained 1)\- the Xicholasville clnu-eh until it became self-supporting.

Colored Christian Church

One of tlic most interesting of the ancient structures in Jessamine county, is Clear Creek Presbyterian churcli. It was erected about 1829, and was organized by Rev. Nathan H. Hall. Among the names of the founders are those of Dr. Archibald Young, James Carrothers. Ephraim Carter, David AlcKee. and Archibald Logan. Tliis old clnnx"h is about a mile and a half from Wilmore on the Xicholasville turnpike. It was abandoned some years since, and sold to the colored people, who now use it as a house of worshi]). .At one time it was a very important congregation, and a large and prosperous church. Its first pastor was Rev. Simeon H. Crane, who served tlie church for one-third of his lune for $150 per annum.

In a little cemetery across the road slee]xs the dust of manv pious members, whose faith found expression in song and prayer in this old church.

The only Catholic churcli in Jessamine county is that of St. Luke, in Xicholasville, Jw. It was erected in 1866 on ground deeded for that pur])ose by Moreau Rrown. It was dedicated to the service of Cod in 1866 l)y Rev. Father \\'illie. and in this the Centennial year of Xicholasville has 156 members.

One of tlie most interesting churclies in Jessamine counlv is ] Bethany Christian church. Jt was organized on the first of February, 1845. through the ministration of Jacob Creath, Samuel J. I'inkerton and James Simms. For a long time it was one of llie most prosperous and successful of the cluu-ches of that denomination in tlu' count} . l)ut has recently been reduced. It had sucli members as Dr. James J. Burch, Samuel Muir, George S. P.ryant, r.enjann'n Robinson, Dr. Jolui Bryant, ^\'illiam IT.

^^'as erected in Xich.olasville in 1875. it is one of the handsome church edifices of the town, and was Iniilt almost altogether through the efforts of Moreau Brown, Esq., who was so long a resident of Nicholasville, and one ot its most successful and prominent members, and who died in 1886.

Was organized in the spring of 1828 by Elder George W. Elley, Mr. Ellc}- had a religious debate with George \\'. Sturtivant, a young Presbyterian minister and was engaged in the boot and shoe business in Nicholasville in 1826, removing from there to Lexington in 1829, where for 20 years he was engaged in business and was a leading member of the Christian church.

The records of this church have been burned, and it is impossible to get all the data concerning its organization. Elder Jacob Creath, in a letter written some years ago, says : "Brother Campbell and nuself went to Kentuckv from Guyandotte, Western \'irginia, which was in 1828. In January, 1829, I was invited by my deceased uncle, J. E. Creath. Sr.. to hold a meeting in Nicholasville with Brother AA'illiam Morton. We held the meeting in the Presbyterian meeting house which was located in the west end of the town. Diu'ing the meeting it rained very hard all day. I jireached from John xx, 30 and 3 r . 'Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not Avritten in this Ijook.' "'

The first church building of this congregation was erected in 1830. ^\'illiam Shreve and John Wallace were chosen elders and James Sinuns and James Sale deacons. W'illiam White, James Simms and Closes Hawkins were long leading and faithful mcml)crs of the church. The present handsome edifice was erected in 1874 and is one of the most comfortable and convenient church structures in the city. The congregation has a numerous mem- ])ership and has a most influen.tial position in the countv.

This church was organized on tlie loth of I'ebruary, 1849, by a commission coni])ose'l of Rev. R. T. Dillard, Joseph R. Barbee and E. Darnaby. I'liere were only seventeen members then present. Stephen P. Waller was chosen clerk and Jonathan Baker and E. A. Waller were chosen the first deacons. Its first pastor was Rev. Thomas J. Drane. It has had a line of distinguished ministers through the fifty years of its existence, and, while not a very large congregation, has always been an extremely faithful and earnest one. The present pastor is Rev. \\'illiam D. Xowlin. 'Ihe edifice in which the c(jngregation worships was built in the \ear 1852.

Ebenezer rresb\terian church was organized by the Rev. Adam Rankin, somewhere between 1785 and 1790. He came to Kentucky from \'irginia in October, 1784. This church is on Clear creek close to the town of Trc^y. Change of roads and lines of travel have rendered the location unsuitable. The first church was 1)uilt of logs, raid the stone chtirch, which was abandoned in 1876, was begun in 1805. and was used continuously for nearly a century bv the descendants oi the people who organized this congregation Among the first members were Wm. Evans and wife. Thcs. Woods and wife. \\"m. Garrard and wife. Robt. Gwin and wife, l^jhraim Tanner and wife, Thos. Read and wife, Robt. P.lack and \\iie. Jas. lUack and wife. Hugh Garrett, Robt. Lo\\re\-. Mrs. Xancy Drake, and the Lambkins, Beattys, Longs, Scanlands, l^camers. Hedges, I^hillipses and Logans.

The descendants of many of chese gtjdly people remain in the neighborhood and still sui)port the church of their fathers. One of the most useful and honored of all the ministers of Ebenezer churcli \\as Rev. X'eal Gordon, who came from Georgia and sup- |ilied tlie church for thirtv vears. He was a most zealous and self-denying servant of Christ. His grave is close by the door of the old stone church. Tn this old building are the straight benches and the wh.ite ]jainted pul])it which were used for more tlian fift\- vears. Around its deserted walls rests the dust of its failhlul supporters for one hundred years; in silence and solitude these i^raves still speak of the faithfulness and consecration of the people of this church.

The nienihers of the Ebenezer and the Clear Creek churches united in 1870 and formed the Troy Presbyterian church, and while Troy church is just over the Woodford line, (juite a large l)roportion of its menibershi]) resides in Jessamine. Rev. E. O. ( "luerrant. D. 1)., was called as pastor of the Troy church in 1886. He infused new life and energy into the organization. He has since resigned the pastorate and taken charge of the church at W'ilmore, which by a large increase in membership demands the whole time (^f the ])astor.

The first church building erected in Xicholasville was bv the members of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1799. The frame church which stood on the same lot some twenty steps from the present fine building was erected through the labors of the Rev. Ji»hn Metcalf aud the Rev. Nathaniel Harris. The house was 56x36 and had a room for the colored people 30 x 15.

One of the ablest ministers who preached in this church was the Rev. Chas. Watson ; he was a successful and distinguished evangelist. ' Iftentimes at meetings he took occasion to show his brethren his ordination certificate which bore the autograph of IJishop Aslnu'w These were considered most valuable mementoes among the early Methodist people.

Bishop Asbury laid the foundation of the Alethodist church in America, and his piety, learning and consecration did much to widely spread the doctrines of this denomination. The house was dedicated l)y the Rev. Charles Chenowerth.

Dear Brother: Our meeting house is completed, and I invite vou to be with us the second Sunda\- in October to preach the first sermon in the new house. I have written severail others

Xear Harrodsburg, Ky., Sept. 26, 1799. Dear Bro. IMetcalf: I was handed your letter to-day by Bro. Rule, and will inform you that I will come if no unforeseen occasion prevents me from doing so.

Rev. John Metcalf was the first minister. He had preached in Xicholasville for years before the erection of the church building. His preaching was often at the house of Elijah Wallace who then lived where Judge Phillips now resides.

In 1789 Rev. Thomas Williamson succeeded Mr. ]\Ietcalf. but Air. ]\Ietcalf returned in 1804. In 1805 ]\Ir. Metcalf moved his family to Xicholasville, as also Bethel Academy, which was then carried on, on the banks of the Kentucky river.

In 1821 the distinguished ^Methodist. H. H. Kavanaugh. afterward bishop, filled the pulpit. In 1846 the old frame church was torn down after standing fort\-six years, and a new brick house was erected, and a few years since the present beautiful and elegant structure was erected on the same ground. Rev. T. W. AVatts is the minister now in charge. The congregation has always been considered one full of faith and good works, and has -done efficient service for the cause of (Jiod.

In 1843, there was a great revival in the Methodist church at Xicholasville, which was under the conduct of Rev. Rice Harris. The following preachers were in attendance : Jonathan Stampers, Benjamin Crouch, Richard Deering, Charles Watson, B. H. McCown, Thos. X. Rawlston, Rev. Air. Kelly.

The following letter written by David Crozer, who was the owner of and was operating Crozer's Mill on Jessamine creek, to the Hon. Tucker Woodson, gives an account of this meeting:

"Dear Sir: ^'our esteemed favor of 10th is received, and havino^ a little leisure 1 hasten to answer it. 1 was ni)t aware of the fact stated l)y you, that the roads 1 named to you were undei the control of the local boards. I knew that there was a law ol last session, avtthorizing the state board to take the management of all the roads, and had understood that they had generallv done so. ( )n the sul)iect of the proposed bank. I am greatl}' at a loss to give yoti my opinion, and can not exactly see and appreciate your present position on this, only I know that you were elected as opposed to relief measttres. I am greatly astonished at the news this morning from Xicliolasville. There is a great revival going on at the ^Methodist church ; more than thirty have been added to the church. Among the converts are Thomas H. Ballard, Stephen Spragens, Aloreau Brown. Mrs. Keene. ]\Irs. Wilmore (wife of T. D. Wilmore), Jacob W'ilmore, Jr., Sandy Wake, James Buskett and A\'m. 15. Payne. Idie Rev. Rice Harris was greatly assisted in this meeting by his brethren from other circuits.

This church is situated on Fast street in Xicholasville, and was organized September 15, 1845, ^^y R^'^'- Samuel ^yliller, who then erected the first house of worship that this congregation ever had. The present beautiful structure was Iniilt through the labors of Rev. James Turner. This church has a verv active membershi]) and a large, successful Sunday-school, which exerts a fine influence throughout the members of the church. The minutes sho\A- that it is one of the most liberal of the colored churches, and that in thirtv it has contributed to i)enevolent

One of the handsomest colored cliurclies in the C(junty or state, is the Colored Christian Church, Xicholasville, which was erected in 1843 '>'i'' ^oi* several years used as a house of worship, l)eing' then known as the Union Church, where all the colored people from time to time held their services. It was not tmtil the year 1867 that the officers of the church bought the Union Clnircli and became a separate organization. The present pastor, the Rev. W. H. Dickinson, came to the congregation on the first of September, 1896. He is a native of \'irginia. The churcli Iiuilding now in use was erected in 1890. It has a large membership and is one of the most prosperous of the colored churches in Central Kentuckv.

The first colored l!a])tist church in Xicholasville was organized in 1846. ]->w of its records have been preserved. Rev. Robert Ir\'in was the first pastor, who remained in the church fcur years. The present membership is 356. It has been prosperous and particularly so under the ministrations of its present ])astcr. Re\ . Jolm William Clark.

The last Revolutionary soldier to die in Jessamine county was James Irvan. He was born in Mecklenburg- county, Va., in 1/54, and died in Jessamine county in 1851, at ninety-seven years. He served seven years in the Revolutionary war and was badly wounded at the Battle of Guilford Court House, Alarch 15, 1 781 . He was shot in the left hip. He came to Jessamine countv in 1793 and raised a large family of daughters who all lived to be over eighty-seven years of age.

He is the only Revolutionary soldier who very many of the peoi)le in Jessamine county ever saw. When Gen. William O. Butler was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Kentucky in 1844, James Irvin and four other Revolutionary veterans rode in the carriage with General Butler from the place of Air. John lUuler. on Jessamine creek, on the Danville pike, to Xicholasville, where General Butler was to speak, in the field adjoining- the colored cemetery, close to the line of the R., X., I. c: B. R. R.

^^'hen Irvin was wounded in battle he was left at the house of the father of William A. Graham, the distinguished politician of Xorth Carolina, and Secretary of the Xavy under Alillard Fillmore. \Miile sick he cut his initials on a stone and the date of his wounding and brought this stone with him to Kentucky when he emigrated to the state. He lived on the place now owned by Mr. Dean, near Sulphur ^^'ell, and was buried in the Hickman neighborhood.

One of the strong characters in the early history of Jessamine county was Frederick Zimmerman, its first surveyor. His ancestors oame from Salzwedel, Germanv. His forefathers emigrated to Xew York. After a passage of six weeks over the Atlantic they settled on tlie Hudson river, at the village of Rheinbeck, in Dutchess county. Remaining in Xew York four months two brothers settled in Ciilpeper cotmty. A'irginia, where was born Frederick Zinmierman. He moved to Jessamine county prior to 1792, and lived in the Alarble creek district. He married Judith Bourne, daughter of Henry Bourne. His work in the surveys of Jessamine county show^s that he was a competent and faithful official. His sons and daughters have been industrious, upright citizens and have performed well llie duties devolved upon them. John Zimmerman, Daniel Zimmerman, Augustus Zimmerman and Morton Zimmerman, long and favorably known in the county, were sons of Frederick Zimmerman. A nnmerous posterity still reside in the county which their ancestor helped to redeem from the savages, and in the earlier history of which he was a strong and influential factor.

Was born on the 21st of October, 175 1, and was for a long time a resident <:)f Jessamine county. He was engaged in surveying the Lexington and Danville pike, by Col. \\\ R. McKee in 1829- 30. He resided at Mr. ihos. Scott's house for several years, at which place the letter, copied below, was found. References are made to Rev. John Price, who, afterwards, came to Jessamine county, and was long a Baptist minister in this locality, and the letter is otherwise full of interesting matter :

\\\ Dear I'arcnts : I liave only time to inform you that the Ih'itish arniv. mider old Cornwallis. surrendered to General Washington un tlie njih. Capt. Charles Johnston, who will leave for Meckknburg to-morrow, will give you full particulars of this great and glorious achievement.

On the 25th of September our army, letl b\' the beloved Washington, reached the headquarters of General La l-'ayette, at W'illianisburg, and on the 30th, our armv marchetl in a body to attack ^'ork and ( iloucester. ( )n the 7th of October, Washington <)])ene(l the attack on Cornwallis with 100 pieces of cannon. It was a most beautiful si_L,'-ht to sec our l)()nil)-sliells l)urstini:;- in the midst of the enemy, tearing- down whok' eoni]Kuiies of our enemies - as we coidd see them from the hi^^-h ground near tlie river. During- the siege, whieh histed 17 days, two strong redoubts were storuKMl by our regiment, led by Col. Hamilton. We w-ere assisted in the charge 1)y the h'rench. When within a few yards of the redoubt. Col. Hamilton rode u\) to the regiment, and said in a voice like tlie l)ursting of a shell: "Charge those men, my brave comrades, wJio wish to make slaves of our people." We rushed at them with a loud shout, and ca]:)tured over two hundred - killing and wounding aibout fifty. \\> lost aibout seventy-five of as brave men as ever pulled a trigger at an enemy of our liberty. ( )ur French soldiers lost as many as we did. It would have done the heart of every lover of liberty good to have seen the red-coated rascals surrender to our army on the iQth - old Cornwallis and his army - numbering 8,000 muskets ; I counted fifty brass and one hundred and sixty iron cannon.

At about 12 o'clock our ami}- was drawn up in two lines, extending more than a mile in length. Our French fellow-soldiers were placed on our left and headed by their General. At the head of our ragged, l)ut brave soldiers, I saw the nol)le Washington, on his liorse, looking calm and cool as he was when crossing the Delaware river a few \ears liefore. Many of the rustic people of this part of A'irginia, consisting of old men, women and children, assembled in numbers equal to the military, to witness the surrender of the old murderer. Cornwallis. Every face beamed with joy and gladness - but a profound silence prevailed ; no talking, no noise of any kind, save the slow, measured step of our enemies, was lieard. General Tarleton's troops at Gloucester surrendered at the same time to our I'^rench soldiers. Evervthing was done in a quiet manner.

After the surrender, I saw our beloved Washington and Colonel Hamilton talking with all the British officers. Old Cornw'allis and Tarleton were very polite to our officers, and it was a surprise to see old Cornwallis treating our beloved commander and Colonel Hamilton with so much consideration. Cornwallis is a large man, with dark brown hair, a ruddy face, good nose and has the appearance of a man of kind heart and good intentions. General Tarleton is also a large man. but not so big as old Corn- wallis. Ilis countenance is hard and tyrannical; and his mean, dark eves are full of cruelty. Some few of the Carolinians saw him after the surrender was over, and cursed him as he passed up the road on his \\a\- to the slii]) that was to take the British to New York. \\']ien tlie boys cursed him he never made any reply, but rode away, showing- no high temper, that he was known to have by some Carolinians who remembered his cruelties in South Carolina.

The Rev. jolni I 'rice preached for the soldiers on Sunda}- last. His sermon was listened to by many officers, stich as General Lincoln. Cols. Henry I.ee. Hamilton and Woodford. My health is good, and my woimd in the arm is well. I can not tell you where to semi me a letter, as I have no means of knowing where our reginient is cjrdered to. Some say we are to go to New York, and the rumor is that we are to remain in Mrginia, or at the town of Trenton, in "tlie jersies." I'resent m\- love to my youngest sister, also to Mr. W'atkins and family, and tell Mr. W'atkins his son is truly a self-denving soldier, one who loves his countrv and is willing, if need be, to die in her defense. Pra\' for mc that I ma}' be spared to sec you once more alive.

General Chrisman. who received his title from the militia service, was the }oungest son of Hugh Chrisman and was born in the (jld stone liouse un the blickman creek in iSoo, :ui(l died in Nicholasville, in 1876. His mother was a .Mcl\inne\'. and his grandmother was a sister of Jas. McDowell who was in a company of Colonel I )n(llc\-'s regiment in the war of i(Si2.

( )ne of the most ])leasant traits of General Cln-isinan's character was Ids hospitality clothed with kindness and benevolence. He was fond ol com])an\' and his liouse was thronged with voung and old friends, and they made that ]->art of Jessamine ha])])y by their coiist;int courtesies to their neighbors. Ilis wife died in 1852. ]\c in 1876, and the\ are buried 011 the cliffs ne:ir the old stone building. Tliis house was ])ut up b\ Thomas Metcalf. who was know 11 as "the old stout' ha.mmer" governor, for which ]-)osi- lion he offered himself twenty-ei^iit years afterward, when he was elected, defeating- Maj. Wni. T. lUirry by a majority of only 709. It is related of Governor Metcalf that at one time, when working at Chanmiere, he was invited to take dinner with David Meade, l>ut he declined n|)on the ground that Mr. Meade had not asked his hands to dine witli him. Colonel Meade then predicted that the stone mason would become governor of Kentucky, and he lived long enough to see this prophecy verified.

AVas l)orn in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1758. He served two years in the Revolutionary war under General AVayne. was in several battles and skirmishes in New York and Xew Jersey, and at the battle of ^'lonmouth was slightly v/( mded. He was visiting Jessamine county in 1794, and was present at Colonel ] Vice's Fourth of July celebration that year. He returned to A'irginia, and in 1802 removed from the valley in \'irginia and settled in the Marble creek neighborhood, where he hved luitil his death in 1835.

Was one of South Carolina's contributions to Jessamine county. He was born on the Pedee river. South Carolina, in 1756, and served in the Revolutionary war, first imder General Patterson, and also under Gen. Francis :\Iarion, Colonel Sumter, and Gen. Flarry Lee.

He first settled on what is known as the Butler farm, in 1790, and that vear he erected a log house on that place which was only torn down a few years ago, and in this house most of his children were born. His daughter, Mrs. Sallie Cloke, who died in Versailles some vears ago, at an advanced age, was born on this farm in 1704. wiiilc Mrs. Catherine Brown, wife of George L, was born in 1802.

Colonel [McKinney was a gentleman of the old school, an enterprising farmer and a patriotic citizen. He removed to Woodford count} . where he spent the remaining years of his life, and died at an advanced age.

This ^i^cntlcnian. was born in lluckinQliani coti.ntv, \ irginia, in 1760, and settled in jessamine in i/*;,^. lie served in the Revohitionarv war. and was a i^allant sokHer. lie enjoved tlie distinction of having' reared the largest family every known in Jessamine - he had three daughters and eighteen sons. He was extremely popular in liis neighborho(»d. and his desrendants in Jessamine are ver\' numerous and still live in tlie immediate neighborhood where their brave and prolific ancestor settled.

Com. 1). I'). Ixidgeley, wlio served with distinction in the United States navy, was born in Jessamine county on ^he 30th of August, 1813. and died in Philadelphia. May 5. 1868.

He entered the navy as midshi])man April i, 1828. He participated in the l)ombardment and capture of \'era Cruz and other Mexican pcjrts. and was connected with the Xaval Observatory at Washington in 1850-52. He conmianded the steamer "Atlanta'" in the Paraguayan e.\])edition. He volunteered for active service in the Civil war. and conmianded the steamer "Santiago de Cuba." He commanded a steamer in the Xorth .\tlantic squadnm. and assisted in the Ixjmbardment of Von l-'i^her. Xorth Carolina. He was a member of the Hoard of Xa\al Examiners at Philadeli)hia. in \Hf)F'. at the time of his death. 1 lis mother was a daughter of Col. John Price, who was chietl\- instrumental in organizing Jessamine county, and was born on the farm of his grandfather in the llickman neighliorhood. He purchased the McKinney farm in Jessamine in 1850, and passed his vacations there. He always spoke with great pride of his native county, and held the old home place as a sentimental investment.

Was born on the CasjKU- llarbaugh i)lace. Jessamine county, lulv y. 1792. lie esrved with distinction in the ^^'ar of 1812 - was at the battle of Tippecanoe, and was .\ide to General Harrison at the battle of the Thames.

He removed to Isiadison county in liis early manhood, where he l)ecanie a distin-nislied lawyer. He represented Madison county in the legislature in J 8 19. '2J, '30, '39, '41, and '45. and the Senate in iS'4(') and "50. tie was speaker of the House of Representati\-es in [H2y. He was a member of Congress in 1821-23, and was Secretary to the Legation of the United States Commissioners sent to the South American colonies. Jackson appointed liim L'nited States District Attorney for Kentucky. In 1839 he was made joint Conmiissioner with Gov. Jas. T. Morehead to visit the ( )hio legislature to secure the passage of laws to prevent the enticement of slaves and to provide a more efficient means of returning slaves who had escaped; the Commissioners v.-ere successful in this work.

For several years prior to his death he was State vSuperintendent of Public \\'orks. and through his life was one of the most prouiinent and popular men in Kentucky.

Was one of the most brilliant and eloquent men who made Kentucky so famous in the first thirty years of its existence. He was in his childhood a resident of Jessamine county. Born in \'irginia in 1783, he came, with his father, when a child to Kentuck\', and lived for a short while in Fayette, and theri moved to jessamine county, where he lived several years, when the familv returned to Lexington. After attending school at tlie Woodford Academy he graduated Lt Transylvania University and commenced the practice of law when twenty-one years of age, in Lexington.

He was, very early in his professional career, appointed Attorney for the Commonwealth in Fayette county. Flis learning, eloquence and industry at once gave him both popularity and prominence. Fie was elected to fill a vacancy in the Legislature from Fayette in 1807. He was again elected in 1809; chosen to represent the Ashland district in Congress in 1810, he was again elected representative in the Legislature in 1814. In the disctission (^f the matters wliich led up to the War of 1812, no man was more flncjiK-nt, ranifst or wise, and by liis I)rilliant, ]jatriotic speeches he wor. the adniiratiou and contidenee of all ]jartics. In the war he exhibited a higfli degree of courage and gallantry wliue serving on the stafif of Governor Shelby, who, disregarding precedents, took the field as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kentuck} forces. He was in the battle of the Thames, which added such splendid lustre and renown to Kentucky and her soldiers.

He became Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representati\es in 1814, and was elected to the United States Senate while holding that place. He represented Kentucky in the Senate for two sessions, and tlien resigned to accept the Circuit Judgeship upon a meager salarw In 1817, he was forced to stand as a candidate for the State Senate, and it was his magnetic power and mfluence which enabled him while in the Kentucky Senate, to secure large aid to Transylvania L'niversity and afterwards he became a lecturer in the Law Department. His name gave the L.aw Scliool prestige and magnificent success. In 1820 he was elected lieutenant ( "lovernor l)y an overwhelming majoritv of T 1,000 votes in a total of 55.000, and at this time was unquestionably tlie most poi)ular man in Kentucky.

Henry Clay, in 1825. accepted the place of Secretary of State and identified himself with the Adams administration. This cost Mr. Cla}- many friends in Kentucky, where the recollection of Xew England's opposition to the admission of Kentucky into the I'nion, had left great prejudice against it. Barry sided with those opposed to Air. Clay.

Air. luUT}- was a])])ointe(l Chief Justice of "The Xew Court" in January, 1825, and held llu' ])lace until a repeal of the Xew Court .\ct, in 1826. He was a candidate for Governor in 1828, and was defeated by only ^oc) votes, but his wonderful canvass and superb elocpience caused tiie state in the following year to cast its vote for Andrew Jackson, by a majority of 7,934. .Mr. I'.arry was appointed Postmaster General by Jackson, and held the office unth declining health forced him to surrender it.

In the hope that a change in location and a milder climate might restore his health, the President nominated Mr. Parry to be Minister to S])ain. lie sailed for his post, but died at Liverpool. England, in 1835.

remains of Air. Barr\^ were disinterred, brought to Keiitnckv aiul buried in tlie state lot, at Frankfort. His friends erected a monument to his memory in tlie court house yard in Lexington.

"Let the marble like a minstrel rise to sing to the future generations of the Commonwealth, the inspiring lay of his high genius and lofty deeds. Let the autumn wind liarp on the dropping leaves, her softest recjuiem over him. Let the winter's purest snow rest spotless on his grave. Let spring entwine her brightest garland for his tomb, and sununer gild it with her mildest sunshine, and let him sleep embalmed in glory till the last trump shall reveal hini to us, all radiant with the halo of his life."

Jessamine, as the scene of his earliest youth, claims a part in the history of this child of most auspicious fate, whose career, for splendid achievement, superb eloquence, courageous contest, unvarying success, unchanging popularity, and wondrous influence has no equal in the past of Kentuck}- and will have none in its future.

To Rev. John Afetcalf belongs the honor of laying of¥ the countv seat of Jessamine, and also of naming the town. He was a native of Southampton county, Virginia, and came to Kentucky in the spring of 17QO, bringing witli liim not onlv his credentials as a minister, but also a heart full of love to God. PJethel Academy was established in 171 ;o, and was opened for the reception of pupils in January, 1794. It was the second institution of learning ever established by the Methodist cluu-ch in the LTnited States, the one at Cokesburg being the first. The labors of Mr. Metcalf were confined largely to Jessamine county. He traveled a few circuits in Fayette and Mercer, but his life work was connected with Jessamine. Fie took charge of Bethel Academy at the re- ([uest of Bishop Asburw He began his work as founder and continued hi^ lal)ors there as the principal of this school in the "wilderness." He infused his own earnest and enthusiastic spirit into the institution. He labored under tremendous disaldvantaees in

He was the first Methodist minister who ever preached a sermon in Lexington. Pastoral work in those days was done under great difificulties, traveling on horseback through the traces with no well-defined roads, and hunting up the pioneers in their cabins, and far removed from neighbors in their loneliness and their surrdunding dangers, this man of ( iod was ever ready to discharge his duties, lie was compelled to ride through the canebrakes and woods and pathless forests, but he had the spirit of his Master, and he never faltered in the work which the Head of the Church had given him to do. In his studies, in his pastoral work and at the head of the school, he found enough in those days to occupy the heart and hands of anv man. Plain, ])ractical and earnest, he attracted attention and won hearts, and he generally drew large crowds of people, who were glad to hear him. He was largely instrumental in l:)uilding up the Methodist churcli in Jessamine county. He was born in 1758 and died at his home in Xicholasville, in 1820, having reached his 61st year. It was through his labors that the white frame Methodist church, was first erected in Xicholasville, in i7<j<).

Few men have ever been better known in jessamine countv than Rev. Xathaniel Harris. He was born in Powhattan countv. A\a., in 1759, of Presbyterian ])arentage. Being an only son. he was indulged in many things, which in the end ])roved hurtful. His intercourse witli wliat were then known as the gentlemen of the day, caused him to l)ecome both profane and wicked.

Shortly after his father removed from the old liome place he became a volunteer in the .\merican arm\-, and was in the battle of Guilford Courthouse, Xorth Carolina.

He was converted in .August. 1783, and joined the Methodist church, and the conviction forced itself upon his mind that he was called to preacli. He settled in Jessamine county in 1790, and he was principal of tlie F.nglish department in the I'ethel Academy.

At marriages and funerals his presence was always sought, because of his tender sympathy and because of the love and confidence manifested towards him. He founded several Methodist churches in Jessamine count}'.

The last years of his life were spent in \ ersailles, where he liurchased a home for himself and his two maiden daughters. He died on the 12th day of August, 1849, lacking only a few days of ninety years of age. He had been in the Methodist ministry for more than sixtv years. ( )n the 26th of August, 1843, ^^^ entered m his journal, "1 am this day eighty-f( nu- years old. 1 stand to m\- engagement to be holy for the Lord."

The reciMxls which contain the certificates of the earlier marriages in Jessamine county, show that his services for these ceremonies were largely in demand. ( )n the 14th of March. 1799, he married Jesse Htighes and Xancy Nicholson, and a very large proportion of the earlv marriages celebrated in the county were soleiunized 1)\- him. He \yas a faithful, earnest, devout man of God. Some might call his sphere humble. l)ut his influence on the religious and moral condition of Jessamine county will long he felt, and in it he has a monument, which should be both to his church and to those of his name, a cause of unfailing pride.

Samuel H. \\'oo(lson was a step-son of Col. Josej)!) Crockett. AA'liile in the military service in Albemarle county. \'irginia. and guarding prisoners \yhich had been surrendered 1)_\' liurgoyne. Colonel Crockett protected the ])ropertv of Mr. and Airs. Tuckei Woodson. There resulted from this circumstance a warm attachment between Mr. Woodson and Airs. A\^oodson and the }-oung officer. Shortl}" after Colonel Crockett had been ordered to come \yest and serve under George Rogers Clark, in connnand of the Illinois or Crockett Regiment, \\hich had l)een dispatched l)y the state of A irginia to assist Clark in his contest with the Indians. Tucker Woodson died, and after Colonel Crockett returned from the \\'est he fell in lo^-e with the handsome young widow and married her.

liiiii came out Saniiu-l II. Woodson, his ste])-son. Colonel Crockett ijave him a father's love, affection and attention. He was prepared for tlie law and had ever_\- ad\-antat;e the educational facilities of Kentucky then could offer.

lie entered for his step-son about a thousand acres of land, part of which is that now owned 1)\ .\fr. Jesse Bryant, on the pike between Xicholasville and Lexint^ton.

J le read law witli Col. ( ieors.j-e .Nicholas and named one of his scms for jud.^e .Xicholas. At tlu' liuK- of the formation of jessamine count)- he was chosen clerk for the countw .\s he held his office for life, it was considered a distinguished place. He built the house on the .^heeley i)lace, abotit one mile from Xicholasville on the l)an\ille turnpike, and kept his office as clerk there. I here were no count}- Ijuildim^s in those days and the judges and cli'rks used tlu-ir residences for the discharij-e of tlieir official

He resigned the clerkship in 1819 and was succeeded by Daniel B. Price. He was elected to congress from the district, and moved to Frankfort in 1826. He came, in 1827, to attend circuit court in Nicholasville and rode, in very warm weather, on horseback from Frankfort to Nicholasville. During the term of court he went out to Chaumiere, was taken suddenly ill and died, in the fortv-seventh year of his age. He was a man of great culture, superb integrity, much learning, and in his day was one of the distinguished men of Kentucky. He left a large family, and the people, not only of his district but of Jessamine and Franklin, his adopted home, mourned his earl}- death. He represented Jessamine cc^unt}- in the legislature from 1819 to 1825.

^laj. Daniel B. Price was born in Powhattan county, Mrginia. the nth day of AFay. 1789. His father. John Price, removed to Kentucky in 1794, taking with him Daniel, his only son, and purchased 1.200 acres of land in Bourbon county. The title proving defective, he afterwards removed to Clark county, where he lived to the extreme old age of ninety years.

When a boy. Major Price came to Nicholasville and was appointed deputy clerk for Samuel H. Woodson, and when Mr. Woodson resigned, in 1816, he succeeded him and held the office^ giving entire satisfaction until 1851. a period of thirty-five years, wliich is the longest period any one office was ever held by the same man in the countv.

In 1813 he married Eliza Crockett, the fourth child of Col. Joseph Crockett, who died during a cholera epidemic in 1832. Fie subseciucntly married Miss Stuart, daughter of Rev. Robert Stuart.

He was a member of the Presljyterian church in Nicholasville and for half a century a ruling elder. He was also a trustee of Center College and one of the directors of the Theological Seminary at Danville. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge said of him: "Probably no citizen of Jessamine count}' was ever more genera]]\- and favorablv known, and certainh- no one was ever more thoroughly rcsjicctcd. A man resolute for (iod's saving truth in l)roporti(jn as liis meek and gentle spirit, he lived upon it as his life and sotil."

connnunity. He was looked up to as a man of splendid judg'- ment and unsw er\ing intt'grity. Xohle memories of his life and character survive after a lapse of nearly fortv vears.

At C'haumiere, in Jessamine county, in 1S04. Tucker Woodson was horn. It is a remarkable fact that he and his wife were born in the sami' house and in the same room. His wife was Evelyi'* llyrd. and she was a daughter of Sarah Meade, daughter of David Meade. We and liis wife were both possessed of ample fortune.

They received the hest education that Kentucky could q-ive. He chose the law as his profession luU s])cnt most of his life in care of his landed estates, lie was a ])orn politician, a man of the hi,o-hest refinement of feeling, of the strictest integrity, the kindest heart and charmiui;- manners. He was a great Whig and a follower of Mr. Clay. He represented jessamine count \- in the legislature in 1835. '36. '37 and '40. Was also in the senate in 1842-46 and 1853-7.

He was always popular among his neighbors and friends and even his political opponents loved him. ( )f distingtiished linea^'^e, he was always the friend of the humbler ])eople. He owned land in what was then known as the Plaquemine District which included ."sulphur \\'ell. now Ambrose. This was considered in e^niy days rhe roughest district in the coimty. but it was there that Mr. Woodson had his warmest friends.

In the great race for Congress between John C. Breckinridge and l-iobert P. Letcher, in 1853, in which Ureckinridge was elected bv 526 niajorit}-. Mr. AX'oodson had cliarge of the Plaquemine District, and for a long time it was remembered in Jessamine county how shrewdly and beautifully he played his op- ]ionents. A leading Democrat had been sent by Major Breckinridge to handle the monev and control the votes in the Plaquemine District, in those days ])ecuniary inducements ])aid to voters were not looked tipon in the same light in which they are now regarded. The idea that all things were fair in jjohtics and war per^'aded the public mind and the purchase of votes was carried on with a good deal of publicit\- and without any reproach or disai)])roval on the part of ])olitical oj)])onents.

1die Democratic manager had been jirovided with a large nuiuber of new bills issued by the Xorthern luink of Kentucky. Thev were hves and tens, for e\en in those da\s good |)rices were paid for votes, and especiall}- in this election, which called forth the highest enthusiasm and the greatest flevotion of the rank and hie on l)otli sides. Mr. WOodson saw with disma\- the large amount of new notes which were being circulated 1)\" liis ])oliticaI o])])onents, and he turned o^-er in his mind a ])lan l)y \\hich the effect of this new mone\' could be avoided. Taking one of the men aside whom he knew very well, and who had received alreadv (jue of these new bills, he asked him if he was sure th.at it was j^'ood ; sa_\ini^". what was true, that there harl been circulated a lariLie number of counterfeit i)ills hilely and that if he and h\> friends were takin,^- nione\- frdin the Democratic manaj^er. Mr. Scott, tlie}- had l)elter he very careful as to its ^genuineness. .\t the same time he ])ulled from liis own ])ocket a roll of well-worn and old-time I)ills ami ])hicini;- the new and old hills side hy side, conmiented ujxm some differences. The news spread like wildfire that the new bills were counterfeit and the floaters reftised to receive them and turnecl in disgtist from the 1 )emocratic ntanat^er, who onlv had new bills, and would receive nothing but the old time Whig money, which Air. Woodson and his friends were ready, under ])roper conditions, to distribute.

.\ strong ])ro-slaverv man. he sided with the government in the L"\\'\\ war. btit it was conceded on all hands that he acted from conviction, and few men of his ])rominence and of his activit\- escaped witli so small a number of enemies.

In iHyj hi' was elected count}' judge on the Re])ublican ticket and died in 1H74. T los])itable. courtecjus. cultivated, honest, patriotic and true.jie left behind him a large arrav of friends who mourned his death.

His home was alwa\s ojien to friends and strangers alike. Gifted in conversation, a capable racontetu'. and full of the purest and gentlest kindness, he won the hearts of all who came under his roof, llis wife, one of tlie housekeepers of those times which made !\eniuck_\- hou^ekt'eping renowne(| in all tlie cix'ili/.ed world. sym])athized with the Ixispitable instincts of her husband, an.d. united with ihm to make his home alwaxs ])leasing and attractive. Some of the riidi treasures of Chaumiere had <lcscended to them and these, enlarged by contributions from other relatives and ancestors, gave their home a charm which w ill never be forgotten by those who entered its ])ortals. l-"or thirty }cars Judge Woodson and his f;unily entertained more and more deliglitftillv than any citizen of Jessamine c(junt\. and no coU])le ever left more delight ftil mt'inories ( f real Kenttick\- home life than thev.

founded by David Meade, wlio was born in \'irg-inia on the 29th of July, 1743. ^At seven years of age he was sent to England with the hope that change of climate might improve his health anc\ also for the purpose of furnishing better means of education than were then in existence in America.

Here he remained until 1761. when he returned to his native land. He had ac(|uired only a general knowledge of mathematics, geography. French, grannnar and drawing, but he had cultivated science and the elegant arts.

He had two brothers, younger than himself, both of wdiom afterwards became distinguished in the American army. Richard Kidder, an aid de camp to General Washington, and who had charge of the details of the execution of ]\Iajor Andre, and Everard, who was an. aid de camp to General Lincoln, and he himself was subsequently raised to the rank of General.

In his twenty-fourth year lie married Sarah Waters, a daughter of Mr. \Mlliam Waters, of Williamsburg, Mrginia. and in 1769 he was elected to represent Nansemond county in the House of Burgesses. I'his was his first and only political experience. This asseml)ly was dissolved l)y the representative of the crown on account of certain resolutions which it had passed upon the subject of the disagreement between England and the colonies.

Prior to 1796 David Meade, a son of the founder of Chaumiere, came to Kentucky. He was attracted by the splendid climate, fertile soil, wonderful forests and charming surroundings, amd induced his father to leave a beautiful home in A'irginia, on the James river, and come to the wilds of Kentucky. He was captivated by the glowing description of the new land given by his son, and, though accustomed to all that wealth and culture could give, he was willing to abandon the comforts and the associations of his Mrginia home and build him a new one amid the forests of Kentucky.

David ]\leade was a man of large fortune. Under the laws of primogeniture, then prevailing in Mrginia, he inherited the major share of his father's estate, and his wife also brought him no inconsiderable dowry. He came to Kentucky in 1796 and debated for some time whether he woidd settle on the forks of Elkhorn, in Franklin county, or in Jessamine county, l)ut through his personal reuard for Col. Joseph Crockett, who had come to Kentucky in

He pm'chased aljout three humh-ed acres of land from the Crocketts and Woodsons. Tliis land is four miles from Xicholasville, on the turnpike which connects the Lexino^ton and Danville, and the llarrodsburi;' and Lexino-ton turnj^ikes, and is now owned m large ])art ])_\' .Mr. John ."^teel. The beautiful forest trees attracted his admiration and won his affections. Sugar trees, poplar, ash, oak. hackberry and walnut, all growing- in most superb profusion, determined his choice of residence. He had large tracts of land in other parts of Kentuck\-.

He founded at this locality a home, called Chaumiere des I'rairies. but it was familiarly known throughout the country as C'hamniere, which is the I'rench for Indian \ illage. On this small place David Meade lavished vast sums of monev. He had all the tastes of an educated and refined Englishman. Whatever could have induced such a man with such a fortune to have come down the Ohio river in a flatboat, and land at .Ma\ sville and sufTer the inconvenience of travel and transportation irom Xicholasville to Jessamine county, and to live in such a remote'and unim proved district, is almost impossible to understand.

He laid out a hundred acres of ("haumicre into a beautiful garden. He imported rare and ex(|uisite ])lants. He made lakes, constructed water falls, shaped islands, built sunnner lunises and porters' lodges, and in this backwoods wiklerness created an ideal Englishman's home. He had a large retinue of liveried servants, splendid coaches, magnificent furniture, service largelv of silver, and maintained in every way the st\le of a feudal lord.

The house was one-story, built of vari'ous materials, stone, l>ricJ<: and wood, but all erected for comfort and for convenience. Here David Meade lived from 1796 to 1832. During his thirtysix years of residence in Jessamine count}' he made no change in his method or manner of living. His service, his carriages. his liveries, fashion of entertainment, liis owm personal dress ami that of his wife, always elegant, were still maintained in true English st\h'. Different from everybo(l\- else in l\entuck\ in his style of iiving, he never excited the en\\- of his less wealtln- or less cidtured neighbors. The hospitalilx' and elegance of his home were the boast of Kentuckv. Xo distinguished man evei came to the state wlio did not express a desire to see this wonderful place, and none were ever disappointed in receiving a cordial invitation for tlie enjoxnient of its hospitality.

Xo (.ther home in Kentucky ever entertained so many Presidents, for at various times the roof of Chaumiere covered Monroe, General lackson, (ieneral Charles Scott, and General Taylor. All the distinguished families of Kentucky were invited and always welcomed within its borders. Henry Clay was a constant visitor ait this delightful residence, and a very funny stor\- is told of the politeness of ]\lr. Clay and Mr. Meade. Mr. Clav had come to spend the night at Chaumiere. ]\Ir. Meade was too polite to suggest to Mr. Clay that it was time to retire, and Mr. Clay was too polite to tell Mr. Meade that he desired to retire, and so they sat uj) and talked all night.

Aaron ilurr often visited Chaumiere. He was there again and again with iUennerhasset, and there is in possession of a member of the famil_\- a mirror before which Aaron Burr sat and had his hair ])owdered. After the arrest of Aaron Burr he was permitted to remain in custody at Chaun.iere, and Col. INIeade's son acted as chief of the guard durmg his stay.

Tlie costly furniture, cut glass and cliina, with which one hundred guests could at one time be served, have been scattered throrighout the country. The lovely and beautiful bric-a-brac can be found in many homes, and there is still in Chillicothe, Ohio, n piano upon which Mrs. Meade, when three-score and ten, played, and it was the first instrument of its kind ever brought into the state of Kentuclcy.

The eldest son had died \()ung and umuarried. At Colonel Meade's death, none were able to maintain or to hold Chaumiere, and so it went under die hammer on the block and was bought by a plain, practical farmer. This surprised and distressed the citizens of Jessamine countx', who had taken a just pride in this strange and beautiful home, and in a little while after the new owner of the place had been amiounced, there was placarded in large letters on the houses over the grounds the words "Paradise Lost." 'Jdiis caused the purchaser to become indignant, and in less than a week the 1)eautiful flower oardens were filled with horses, cattle and lioj^s. 'J'he glorious forest trees were felled, lodges torn down, parks destroyed, and lakes drained. A portion of the house was pulled down, and in the rooms which were once the resort of fashion and made memorable 1)\' the presence of the most distinguished people in the land, were stored wheat and corn. ( )nl\ three rooms now remain of this once magnificent home.

On a hill overlooking Chaumiere in a neglected bur}ingground, sileeps the dust of David Meade and his wife and a few of his faniilv. ])ut the memories of ( haumiere will long live in Jessamine count}' and in the \\'est.

Xotiiwithstanding its difference from the other homes in Jessamine county, and notwithstanding the difiference between him and his neighbors, there was no jealoitsy. He did not interfere with his fellow-countrymen. He entertained their guests if they were refined and re])Utable. and he sought no political ])referment, asked for no honors, onlv desiring to be ]jermitted to live in his own way and-to exhibit his own taste in his own home.

It was arranged that General La Fayette should be entertained at Chaumiere, and for this ]nn-pose Colonel Meade constructed a beautiful octagonal room. This, A\ith two other small rooms ofi of the octagonal room, are all that remains as a monument to the beauty and to the charming associations connected with this marvelous home in the ^\-ilderness.

John Cawbey was a resident of Independence, Mo. In September, 1884, he wrote to S. M. Duncan a letter whicli contains many interesting facts in regard to some of the olden time people in Jessamine, and also some reminiscences in regard to Dr. Trisler, the first physician in Jessamine, and which indicates that Dr. Trisler was something of a mcditmi and fortune teller and practiced these arts in addition to medicine, h'or many years, traditions have been tloating among the people of pristino Jessamine, in regard tf) the marvelous power of Dr. Trisler and his possession of mysterious powers in locating disease, finding lost property, and in early days there were many who accredited the good, old doctyr with the highest order of supernatural vision.

]\Ir. Ca\v])ey says: "M}' niotlicr died at I'Vankdin, Ind., in her 7otli year; my fatlier died in liis 47th year; my grandfather, John C'awbey, Hved to the age of 'i^j years. His wife, my grandmother, lived io the age of 105 years, and (Ued in Mercer connty, Ky. 'Mv grandfather was l)i;rn in I.incohi county, Kentucky, and settled in jessamine county in 1808, where he spent all his life, and was buried at old West I'nion ch.urch lot, better known as the "Hoover graveyard." !n this old lot lie m\- first wife, her brother, father, and grandfather, Conrad I'Larthenhouse, the fathei of the late venerable Elizabeth IJowman. wIkj lived tcj reach the great age of 108. vShe died in 1886. 1 have in my keeping Dr. Peter Trisler's (jerman medical works, printed in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1442, which makes 442 years since thev were printed. (Printing was invented in 1440.) I have also the Bible of Dr. Trisler, which is 400 years old and a conmientary over 300 vears old, in the ( lerman language. d he first of his medical book's contains 1,180 pages, the second book, 1 ,342 pages. I send you this information for the purpose of giving you a correct account, and the dates that I found concerning the first settlers on Jessamine creek, among my pa]X'rs which 1 sent to Missouri several months before I left Jessamine connty. \A hen T have more time it will afford me pleasure to give you manv more interesting facts concerning the old settlers along Jessamine creek and their occupation. Beginning on the west side of Hickman road, running down Jessamine creek", there was the home of |ose])h A\'allace, who was a farmer and tanner. Xext was John Carroll, farmer and auctioneer; Peter I'unk, farmer and distiller; Michael Ritter, farmer and vender of crockery ware. etc. ; Samuel Walls, farmer; Thos. Reynolds, father of Barney Reynolds, farmer and distiller, and spent much of his life fishing ; Jacob Myers, father of the late W. B. Myers, was a manufacturer of gun powder on the farm where Wm. Mathews now lives; Richard West was a gunsmith and farmer, and owned the farm where Wm. liourne is now living; Christoi)her Arnspiger lived on the other side of the creek, was a farmer and cooper; next came the old Howser mill property, owned by Abraham Howser and George Mason. Both had an equal share in the mill, and each one had his part of the farm, and both carried on a distillery of their own ; next was the Bennett farm - this old .Afr. Bennett fell down from Ins barn loft and killed him- self. He was an old hacliclnr, and would often hide- himself when ladies passed his liouse ; Conrad J'Larthenhouse was a farmer anfl weaver, and also had a distiller}- : George Smith, the grandfathei of \\'illis P.. Smith, lived on the farm now occu])ied l)y Willis: he was a farmer and distiller. ( )n that old farm in his grandfather's lifetime. I ground corn for the said distiller}' in the year 1827. At old Thomas Haydon's mills, now owned by James Lewallen. formerly by Frank Grow, there was a distillery attached to this property. It has passed through many hands since T first knew the place; the next farm on the creek was the old Grozier mill and cotton factory. This ])ropertv. like man}- others in tliose days, had a distillery on it. It was here on this farm that the first steam engine was ever used in Jessamine county. .Mr. Grozier and James Hill ran it for nineteen years. The next place was that owned b}' Sir. W'omack and Thos. }5ryan, who owned the old paper mill and grist mill built by old John Lewis. This mill was the first one erected in Jessamine county, and had the first French Indir stones brought to Jessamine county, which cost Air. Lewis $1,200. The old mill is now owned by John H. Glass.

"Before closing this long letter I will relate some of Dr. Trisier's strange performances. He would sometimes invite his neighbors to see him. lie would then disappear in the very presence of the company, and none could tell what had become of him. He could sto]) the flow of blood from an}- wound by giving the initials of the ])roper name of an}- man or women - this was all that was required. He could tell where stolen ])ro])ert}- was concealed. He could light a candle in a large room 1)} ru1)bing his hands together. He ccndd tell the exact nund)er of pigs a sow would have at a litter. These are matters of fact and have been tested and arc well known as facts, among the early settlers of Jessamine county. I renK'nd)er, myself, there lived a man on the farm of Thomas Gordon, about one mile south of Xicholasville, wdio had a horse stolen. He came to see Dr. Trisler. three times l)efore he would tell hiui where the horse was. On the third day Dr. Trisler met the owner of the stolen horse and told him to go to the t(nvn of Lancaster, in ( iarrard countv. and ui.ar the county jail he would hud llie horse hitched to a fence ; he added : "BtU the man that took llie horse from vour stable has been killed in a

Alexander Wake was the first Comity Judge of Jessamine county under the Constitution of 1850. He was born in Fauf|uier countv. \irginia, in 1797, and died in Nicholasville in 1867. Through his maternal and paternal ancestors, he inherited the love of liberty, for both took part in the war for independence. In the beginning of the present century, Judge Wake's father removed to Woodford county. He brought with him "from Virginia, a large number of slaves. Judge Wake commenced the stu(l\- of law and was admitted to the practice of his profession in 1820. [n 1851, when he was electe;! County Judge, he refused to grant license to sell liquor. Judge James Letcher, of Garrard county, was the first judge who refused to grant such license, and he was inmiediately followed by Judge Wake, of Jessamine. He was a fearless man in the discharge of his otftcial dut}- ; he knew neither friend or foe on the bench ; he followed the dictates of his conscience and his judgment, and commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

In 1810 Dawson Cook, who was a native of King and Queen countv, X'irginia, removed to Nicholasville, bringing with him his son. fohn B. Cook, then four years of age. Early in life Air. Cook entered business in Xicholasville, became a member of the Methodist church, and in all the relations of life acted well his part. He was kind, generous, thoughtful and courteous to his friends and neighbors. One characteristic of his life was his devotion to his church. ]'"or fifty-two years he was an earnest supporter of the Xicholasville Alethodist church, and was rarely, if ever, absent from his seat in the sanctuarv. 1 le died in 1886, in the seventy-third year of his age.

odisl <li\'inc. His sons, John, Edward, and Hush L. Cook, the latter projjrietor of thr Hotel Xichohts. and one dau^^hter survive In'ni. Tlis i)ietv and liis ])atri( itisni cs )nd)in(,-(l witli liis kind and genial manners render him one of the hest rememhered citizens of Jessamine county.

Was born in i lucks counix. Pennsylvania, Dec. i8, 1748. His father had come from Ireland in 1737. Captain Wallace served in the Revoluiioiiarx armies under ( ieneral Washington. He had tliree brothers in his companx'. He was with Washington when he crossed llie Delaware, and fought the battle of Trenton. Colonel Rahl. the conniiander of the Hessians, in that Ivittle, was killed by one of the sharpshooters in Captain Wallace's company. There Captain W'allace took from one of the 1 lessia.i officers a sword, w hich was kept in the family for eighty years, and was taken by Federal soldiers from the house of the Rev. Joseph A^'allace, in lnde]H'ndence, Missouri, during the late war. After liis marriage to jane l''inlc\. in 1777. he removed to \ irginia, but shortl}' after came to I'ayette county. Ky., accomjianied by several mend)ers of Ids family. His son. Jose])h AX'allace, married Sarah llarr, Januar\ -'4, 1829, and shortl v after this Captain \\:\.\- lace settled in Jessanune county, where the East Fork and main Jessamine Creek unite, and carried on for more than forty years an extensive tamier\-. He was a most efficient l>usiness man, kindl}- and considerate in all the relations of life, and was one v->f the best citizens that ever lived in Jessamine. He died at his ])lace, a few miles soiuh of Xicliolasville, Dec. u;. 1833. in the 76th year of Ids age. Mrs. T. J. I'rown was one of his daughters. Scattered throughout l\entuck\- and Missoiud are his descendants. Ihey carry with them as their inheritance the maul\-. ])atriotic, intelligent and Christian instincts which marked their ancestors.

On the lirst day of Januarx', 184T, a \-oung man about thirty years of age, made his appearance in Xicholas\'ille, which then had a pe)pulation of oul\- 330 inhabitants. His name was Ross

Hughes, and he was a stage driver, a native of Ireland and a man of phick and energy. He obtained employment, and rented an old house then l)elonging to Albert Young. He and his wife constituted the family. He drove the stage from Xicholasville to Harrodsburg, over rough roads in winter. After he quit driving the stage, he one da\- told his wife tliat he must visit Louisville and .\ew ( )rleans. He remained awa\- from home for a long time and the gossips of the town made the young wife unhappy by their disagreeable insinuations. After an absence of four months the husband returned, l)Ut within a week he received a budget of letters, and told his wife that he nmst go at once to St. Louis, and in a few hours, he took his departure for the last time from Xicholasville, and gossip again turned its hateful tongue to the disturbance of the life and heart of the young wife. The public felt that she was deserted. Shorth- after she became a mother, and for eighteen months lived on in silence, hoping and trusting. At tiie end of this time she received a letter from her husband directing her to come at once with her child, which she did, after disposing of her little household effects. Upon reaching St. Louis she found that her husband was the owner of a splendidlv furnished house with every convenience for her comfort, and with colored servants ready to obey her wishes. In due time the little girl born in the little log house on the 27th of January, 1841, became a lady in fashionable society in St. Louis, and later the wife of an English Lord, and the mistress of a superb mansion in London society. She died Lady Stirling, on the 6th day of September, 1889, in London. Her first husband was a distinguished Major General, in the Federal arm_\-. The old log house in which Lady Stirling was born is still standing, and is the property of Mr. Corrington. It has been altered and weatherboarded anew, and is still one of the most comfortable residences in the town. It was erected in 1804, and is on the corner lot in the rear of Joseph. Lear's liverv stable.

In one corner of Jessamine county there were six neighborhood boys, living almost in sight of each other, all of whom played together and attended the same school. Four of these - George vS. Shanklin. Otho R. Singleton. Sam'l 1 1 . Woodson and A. G. Talbott - became nienil^ers of Congress ; the fifth - Jos. 15. Crockett - became one of tlic most distinguished state judges in America, and was for many years Chief Justice of CaHfornia ; while the sixth - Richard K. Call - was elected to Congress from Florida, in 1823. He was ( iovernor of Florida from 1836 to 1839. and again from 1841 to 1844. .'"^ucli a record of distinguished services from one neighborhood is certainlv rare in this or anv other countv.

politician or time-server. He was a man of a high sense of integifity, modesty, courtesy and of retiring (hsposition. He was an able antl snccessfid ])ractitioner of law, a man of most incorruptible honor. He was elected to Congress in 1865, and represented Jessamine count \' in the lower house in 1838, and was Presidential J^lector in 1864. The latter years of his life were spent upon his farm, about three miles from Xicholasville, on the Aersailles turnpike. He died .\pril ist, 1883, seventy-five vears of age.

One of the distinguished sons c^f Jessamine was Otho R. Singleton. He was born near Keene, in 1816. In 1842 he settled in the state of Mississippi. He was a gifted man, of superb presence, fine courage and attractive address, and in his adopted state became very prominent. He was the son of Lewis Singleton, and nephew of Elijah Singleton. He attended Bardstown College in his early life, and immediately after going to ^lississippi \ras elected and served two years in the legislature. He afterwards served six years in the Mississippi State Senate, and in 1852 w'as the presidental elector from Mississippi. He was chosen as a member of the 33d, 35th and 36th Congresses. He entered the Civil War with a Mississii)pi regiment, and acquitted himself with great gallantrv. At the battle of Leeshurg ;i. Federal officer from LJoston - a Captain Watson - demanded his surrender. At that time Mr. Singleton was a captain in the Second Mississippi regiment. His response to the Federal officer was a shot which killed him instantly. After the war Mr. Singh.^ton was elected a member of the 44th Congress, and served in 1875 as a member of that body. His father was an extensive hemp manufactm-er, and maintained his factory near Keene. He died a few vears since at Jackson, Miss.

^Tr. Hendricks was one of the most useful and also one of the most distingttished men educated in Jessamine. Having united with the Xicholasville Presbvterian church, the officers of the congregation discovered tliai he was a man of fine mind and deep religious convictions. 'I'he church undertook his education for tlie ministr}-, and ami)]\ (Hd lie i"e])ay it for the ser\iees rendered hy it to him in liis youth.

lie was l)()rn in Barren county in 1810. His father came from \'irginia and settled in Kentucky in 1805, and died in Jessamine county in 1839, two miles east of Xicholasville. His wife who was ISIary Tilman. died at the same place in February, 1838. His ancestors were staunch IVotestants and served under William, Prince of () range, in ilie war waged by Philip 11. of Spain against the Protestants of llolland, al^out the middle of the Six^ teenth century.

\\'hile preparing for the ministry, he undertook the work of colporteur in Jessamine county, and his report of his labors is still in existence. He distributed 31 Bibles free, sold 15, donated 25 Testaments, and sold 5. His report closes with these words: *"I have been engaged five days, finding my own horse, "at one dollar per da\ , which I have received.

He visited in all 148 families in the territory bounded as follows : I'roni Xicholasville witli tlie Shaker road to Jessamine creek, with the same to the river, up tin- ri\er to tlie Paint Lick road, to the ])eginning.

I^r. Hendricks died only a few niontlis ago in the SSili vear ot his age. His services at Clarksville, Paducah and other portions of the Pres1)yter!an church in the ."^oulhern states, liave given him wicle distinction as a man of great earnestness, and great faithfulness in his Master's cause.

John Corman, a meni1)er of Captain Price's company, was a native of Wayne county, I'a. ! le was born in 1792. He removed to Kentucky in \-ery early life, and when the call was made for volunteers, in 1812, he i)rom])tly ofFered his services. He was the first man in ( aptain 1 'rice's conunand to fire a gun in the battle of Raisin, lie killed an Indian and a British soldier early in the morning.

Captain Cogar was a man of strong mind and the kindest impulses. His devotion to friends knew no limitations. He married ^liss Ruth Ewing in 1822. and "n 1847 removed to the Kentucky river, at Cogar's Landing, sometimes called Brooklyn. Here he carried on a large trade and managed the shipping business on the Kentucky river, from that point.

He became a distinguished Mason, and commanded, for many years, one of the crack military companies of the county. He managed to secure a large pork-packing establishment at his landing and l)y his energy and popularity built up a remunerative trade for such a locality.

He represented Jessamine county for two terms, in the legislature of 1867-71. and died in N^icholasville in 1882. He was an honorable man. a patriotic citizen, a loyal friend, and an intelligent and faithful legislator.

In, the earlier history of Jessamine county that portion of it lying in the general neighborhood of Keene produced an unusual number of very enterprising as well as very gifted men. Among these was John Barkley. who held large landed interests in Jessamine county prior to 1834. At that time Mr. Barkley removed to Boyle county, and estal)lished the first hemp manufactory south of the Kentucky river. He was largely engaged in merchandise and was also one of the leading men in the development of the state. He was 1jorn in Jessamine count v in 1809.

])eri()d presented almost insurniotmtable difficulties. .Mr. I'.arkley went to Xew York and enit^aged a civil eng'ineer to examine the prospects for the construction of the road. The mighty chasms of the Kentuck\ river stood in the way. Cantilever and suspension bridges for railways had not then been tised or even invented. The construction of a railway was practically impossible without a bridge which woul 1 si)an the Kentucky river. Mr. Adams, the engineer. surve\ing the road from LexingtDU to Danville, proposed to s])an the Kentucky at the point where the Cincinnati Southern now crosses.

The engineering and financial difficulties would liave defeated most men, ])Ut the_\- on]\- aroused Mr. r.arkle\- to higher etYort. He was a man of great pluck, high order of talent, sparkling wit and a fine conversationalist. He had received the best educational advantages and had followed these with wide reading, especially in English literature.

He represented I'oyle county in the legislature in i''^45. and was a leader in all movements for the prosperity and development of the county.

Prior to his death he had ]nu-chased one (if the fin(>st farms in Eoyle county, near Danville, and was residing there at the time he undertook the constructitju of the Lexington & Danville Railroad. While on his wav from Danville to Xicholasville, in com- ])an\- with Air. Adams, tlie engineer, to arrange some matters in connection witli tlie enteri)rise. the horse, which he was driving, became frightened (ni the clitis of the Kentucky river, and ran awav. striking the against a rock on the side of the road. He was thrown out and instantly killed. This occurred on the 2 1st day of janurn-w ii^5,^.

i-"ew men at that time would liave been a greater loss to Kentuck)-. .Mr. r.arkley was one of the master s])irits of enterprise in that period when Kentuck} , al)ove all othc'-s. needed men to lead, ])r()mote and advance internal improvements.

He left the work which he had inaugurated for others to complete, but till- ])oldiu'ss (if his ])lans and the wisdom (">f h.is designs have been vindicated in later years and that great thoroughfare, the Cincinnati Southern Railway, is the consummation of that which Mr. Harkkw had de\-ised at a time when other men would

Tn 1808, Joseph l'>. Crockett was horn at I'nion Mills, on Hickman creek, A short while after, his father removed to Logan county, and tliere the son attended a classical school. In 1827 he entered the L'niversit\' of Tennessee, at Nashville, but in conseqtience of the straitened pecuniary condition of his father, he was comi)elled to leave tlv." L'niversity after one year. He studied law at Hopkinsville witli (rovernor Morehead. In 1830 he formed a partnership with ( iustavus A. Henry, which, after two years, was dissolved. In 1833. he was elected to the legfislature, where, at once, his talents and his industrv s^ave him a high stand. He was again elected to the legislature in 1836, to fill a vacancy, and shortly after this he was appointed Commonwealth's Attorney by Governor ("lark. His career as a prosecutor ^vas brilliant and able, but the duties of the office were tincongenial ; his talents led him to prefer the defense rather than the prosecution, and he soon established a reputation for being one of the ablest criminal lawyers ever known in Kentucky.

In 1840. he removed to St. Louis. ]\Io., where a most brilliant success crowned his career, but. his health giving way, in 1852 he settled in California, and in a little while found himself in the very front rank of the bar in that state.

His kindness of heart and his generous courtesy secured for him the highest popularitw L'pon the death of Judge Shapter, of the Sujireme Court of California, Air. Crockett was appointed to fill the unexpired term. He held the place of Chief Justice for twelve years and retired in 1880 - the result of infirmity produced by advanced years. He was regarded by the people of California as one of the most brilliant, able and distinguished judges who ever sat on the l)encli of tlic Supreme Court.

One of the uni(|ue cliaracters in tlu' early history of Jessamine county was David Bowman. He was born in lUicks county. Pa., in 1784. and settled in Jessamine county, on Jessamine creek, in

1800. His forefathers in Pennsylvania were members of the Church of ihe Ignited IJrethren. Mr. Bowman united with the Presbyterian church in Xicholasville in 1825, and was for more than sixtv-five years a faithful and devested attendant. At the time of his death in 1879, he was the oldest member of the church and was the last of the old men born m the eighteenth century.

When a young man he l)ecame addicted to the use of liquor; resolving to rid himself of this habit, he went to Lexington and after a three days' w^alk in the nnid. reached that city. There he received the help of a gentleman, who aided him to go to New Orleans on a flatboat, and there he took service on a ship, which plied between New Orleans and Havana, and followed the sea for twelve years, and accumulated quite a fortune. He returned to Jessamine county, luarricd, and on twelve acres of land always had corn and wheat, and money to sy^are.

For manv years he attended church in Xicll()las^-ille, coming on horseback, witli his wife behind him. lie insisted to the time of his death ui)on wearing a blue, spade-tail coat.

lohn llutler was the son of Jhomas iiutler, one of the old sheriffs of Jessamine county, under the Constitution of 1779. He was born in Jefferson county, \ a., in Jul}-, 1813, antl was only six years old when his father settled in Jessamine county. He was a kind, honest and u])rigln man, and commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was deputy sherifif two terms, and died Alarch T. 1870. He was one of the .-ubstantial and enterprising men of Jessamine county.

James R. Davis was born near Nicholasville in 1809. He was the third son of James Davis, and nephew of \\'illiam Davis, two brothers, who came from Culpeper Court House, A'a . and settled in Jessamine count \- in I7()8. Jaiues Davis was the son of Henry Davis, of Culpeper county. \';i., who served in the Revolutionary War. under ( ieneral Washington, and General ^^^ayne. He died in Fayette count \- in 1794.

Jame? R. Davis lived in the Sulphur Wells neighborhood for fifty }ears. He was a good and wortliy man. noted for his hospitality. He died in 1886.

Samuel Woodson Trice, son of Maj. 1). B. Price and Eliza Crockett, was born on the 5th of August. 1828. in Xicholasville, K}-. He early exhibited a marvelous talent for drawing, and he could draw the capital letters before he knew his alphabet. All his holidays and Saturdays were spent in sketching on paper and modeling in clay. When quite a boy he was sitting in the court house at a famous trial. Thomas F. Marshall was addressing the jury for the prisoner. During this speech the attention of the young artist was drawn to an old and prominent farmer who- was listeninj;-. with ea|o-er attention to the eloquent words which were being- uttered. His head was resting on his hands, his finqers alon.s^ the side of Iiis face, while his month was wide open. Jn a little while the sketch was completed. lie handed it to the sheriff, who launched aloud and in turn handed it to the judge, who also was not able to suppress his mirth. It was passed from neighbor to neighbor, and everybody laughed, and the speaker was com])elled to pause for a few minutes.

After attending the Xicholasville Academy he was sent to the Kentuok\- Institute to complete his education. This was in the fall of i8.|6. He was at once made Professor of Drawing, with the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1847 the I'niversity suspended and he went at. once to Lexington to pursue his studies with the lenowned painter. Oliver FYazier. There he attained splendid success. His painting. "Old King Solomon," is one of the most noted ever produced in Kentucky. His portrait of Chief Justice George Robertson, and the painting of Dr. J. J. Kullock and his familv. rank among the masterpieces of the state. The Government purchased from liim a portrait of Major-General Thomas, which is now in the National Galler}-. at Washington.

At the beginning of the war he commanded an inde])endent com]-)an}- at Lexington, known as the ( )ld Infantry. Most of this company entered the Federal service. He was afterwards appointed Colonel of the Twenty-first Kentuckx Infantry. He brought this regiment to a high state of eflficiency. and the service it afterward performed in the (fivil war. from '61 to '65, was in considerable measure induced In his splendid training. At the battle of Stone lvi\er he made a heroic stand and was o]> posed to the Kentucky Confederate troops under I'.reckinridge.

General Price was badly wounded at Kenesaw Mountain and taken fnun tlie field. Tliis incapacitated him for further active service. He was appointed conmiandant of the post at Lexington, and was such at the close of the war. He was breveted r>rigadier-General for his gallant conduct at Kennesaw. and afterwards was Postmaster at Lexington, which ])lace he held for two terms. He moved to Louisville after his retirement from the position of Postmaster, to pursue his i^rofession, portrait j^ainting, but the loss of his eyesight prevented him from further work, and he is now totall\- l)lind. He is a writer of viuor and a mem- ber of tlic I'^ilson C'lul), for wliicli Ik- fri'(|uciitl\- ])rcpares sketches, wliiclt are "Tcatly appreciated and lii^iilv valued. Several of his ])aiiitini;s take liit;h rank, and one, "Caught Napping," is a masterpiece of its kind. The closing of his professional life by the destruction of his sight, was a great loss, not only to Kentucky but to all lo\ers of art.