Stamping Ground, Kentucky - The B.O. Gaines History of Scott County

Incorporated, Jan. 24, 1834

Stamping Ground lies in the Western portion of Scott county, nine miles from Georgetown. Fur many years after it was incorporated no effect seems to have been made to make the place other than a quite little village. This was not due to rough land or for the want of wealthy citizens, because as good and as productive land can be found there and as much wealth as any village it's size in the state. The fact of the whistles of the many mills that were in operation at the time of its incorporation ceased, must have taken the sap of progress out of many of its citizens. The place has been burned downed several times, but each time more modern houses have been erected. In the past few years, however, Stamping Ground has took on new life, improvements are being made and it promises to be, if it is not already, one of the best business places in the State for a place of its size. 01 it's early history Mr. A.C. Brown wrote the following brief in the history of Tom Combs, which was published in 1882.

Early Times Stamping Ground

land, except a small portion in the northeast, has a western slope, and possesses an admirable system of natural drainage in the numerous streams and branches which wind through it in different directions. The principal one of these is North Elkhorn, which passes through the southwest corner, receiving as tributaries McConnell's and Lecompt-e's Runs, with their numerous branches. These two streams were named respectively for William McConnell and Charles Lecompte, who as early as April, 1875, left the Monongahela country and came dawn the Ohio river to the mouth of the Kentucky, and up that stream to the Elkhorn region. They explored the country around the neighborhood of the Big Spring, but made no permanent settlement- The surface of this precinct is hilly and broken in the northern part, and undulating in the southern. The soil partakes of the character of the rest of the county, though varying in fertility in different localities. The usual faint products and stock are raised and exported, and of late considerable attention has been paid to the culture of tobacco, which bids fair to soon become the staple crop. The timber consists mainly of oak. ash, poplar, walnut, maple and elm.

The first road through this precinct was the Georgetown & Cincinnati road, which was cut out about 1790. At present many of the roads are macadamized, the principal through pi'ko being the one from Georgetown through Stamping Ground to the Owen county line. There are several cross pikes which serve as good outlets to this main thoroughfare The streams are bridged at the deepest fords by substantial wooden bridges.

It is not known exactly when the first settlement was made within the limit included in this chapter. Anthony Lindsay, whose family is still represented in the precinct by William 0- Calvert. John Lindsay and Mrs. Robert Sprake, all of whom are his grandchildren, built a fort or station near Stamping Ground about 1790. Mr. W O. Calvert states that he remembers seeing a few posts of the old fort which were left standing by his mother, who was a daughter of Anthony Lindsay. This fort, being near the great thoroughfare from Georgetown to the Ohio river, was a regular stopping place for all travelers-

Thomas Herndon and Cornelius Duvall settled on Mc- Connell's Run about the same time - 1790. In this immediate neighborhood there sprung up a school Quite early, and in 1795 a church was organized near Stamping Ground, by the Baptist denomination. This church, first called McConnell s church, was organized by Rev. Ambrose Dudley and 'William Cave. It was rebuilt in 1899 and again in 1858. It is now one of the best country churches in the county The congregation has lately purchased a parsonage at a cost of $1 CC0. '1 l.e church roll now numbers 275 members, with a flourishing Sunday school of 100 pupils. The following are the names of the thirty-five original members: Elijah Craig, Rhodes Smith, John Hawkins, John Payne, Jacob Martin, Thomas II erndon, John Scott. James Key. Richard Sebree, Joseph Wiley, Daniel Baldwin, Benjamin Branham, John Cook, John Brock, Jesse Hambriek, Hannah Scott, Mary Herndon. Vinson Smith, Nelly Branham, Ann Baldwin, Deborah Stewart, Sarah Martin, Susan O'Banner, Lydia Hambriek. Mary Ficklin, Elizabeth Key, Elizabeth Craig, Jane Cook, Ann Threlkeld, Nathaniel Mothershead, Toliver C'raig, Thomas Ficklin, E. Sebree, Ruth Mothershead and Sarah

Among the noted preachers who have mini.-tered to the congregation since its organization may be mentioned Elijah Craig, Lewis Craig, William Hickman, Jacob C'reath, Janies Suggetts, Samuel Trott, Theodrick Bolivar, Silas Noel, J- D. Black, George Hunt, John S. Waller, E. D. Isbell, A. C. Graves, R- M. Dudley, T. J. Stevenson and J- A. Booth, the present pastor.

The Christian church at Stamping Ground was oiganized by Elder John T. Johnson. They worship in a substantial frame house, and have a large and increasing congregation-

"stamp" the ground as they stood under the shade of the trees. The village being the largest in the precinct, naturally enough gave the name to the precinct itself. It now contains three hundred inhabitants, supports four stores, two blacksmith shops, one school, under the management of W- H. Cooper, and containing some forty-five pupils. One distillery, one hotel, one undertaker, one photographer, four physicians, two churches and one colored school and church, one Masonic Lodge, No. 203, and one woolen factory. The first Post Office in Stamping Ground was established in 1814, with Alex. Bradford as Postmaster, an office now filled by J, H, Gatewood.

The distillery, now owned and run by Crigler & Criglcr, was first erected for a woolen mill in 1864 by McMillan & Wright. It was turned into a distillery in 1868 by Robert Samuels & Co,

The woolen mill, now owned and run by Wright & Brother, was first erected in 1844, by A. G. Goodman and used as a college till about 1854, when it was turned into a woolen mill by E. R- Wright, the father of the present owners. Skinnersburg, on the eastern border, and Minorsville, in fhe north, are villages of less importance.

Buffalo Spring 511

The village of Stamping Ground takes its name from the fact that in the first settlement of the country the buffalo used to congregate at the salt springs at this place and

A Town Of The Sixth Class

Stamping Ground is a Sixth Class Town, and i f the thrifty merchants, property holders, and the citizens, in general, will continue the push as they have done in the past year. Stamping Ground will soon take the rank of a Fourth Class City. It has a Marshal, a Board of Trustees, and while there is no tax levy for municipal purposes, still the town has taken on this growth, and it's officials making these emprovements. It is done in this way: The town has two saloons , each of which pay $500 annually putting putting $1000 each year in the treasury. While the Famous Old Ruffalo Springs continues furnishing water for its residents as it did for their ancestors more than 100 years ago, the trustees as a matter of :rcon v i e ne/etro the" p u b lie, and fire protection, a' infihber of wells were drilled in the streets. New streets have opened, new sidewalks and many other improvements and "old Stamp" now is not what "old Stamp" was a few years ago.

Consists of five members, C. B. Roberts chairman Q. A. Jameson, W. L. Hook, J. C. Hamilton, and A. G. Goddard. Ora Jameson, City Clerk recieves $25 annually James Hook, Treasurer $25 John Richard Marshall $40 per month ; Police Judge C. T. Settle is paid by commission on fines.

A town hall recently erected on Main street at a cost of $1,500 is used as a meeting place of the Trustees as well as pubic gatherings it is a frame build, ing. The jail is near Buffalo springs. The prisoners pay their fines or else work upon the streets, Many improvements are made in this way.

Stamping Ground has a population of 600, it has 65 residences, 12 business houses, 3 hotels, 2 banks, 3churchas, Masonic Lodge A, O. U. W. Lodge, Odd Fellows Lodge, 4 rural routes, Mrs. Tom Bruner is the Postmistress. Mr. Ben Miller 90 years of age is the oldest citizen. The Marshall recieves $15 per month for keeping up the street lights, Gasoline Lights are used. A bucket brigade and fire extinguisher give fire protection.

Bank And Public School 513 Citizens' And

Among the many different business conducted at Stamping Ground are the two banks. The Citizens' Bank has been established for some years, and the People's Bank was established in 1904. Mr.

Mr. Thurman Southwortli is the cashier of the People's Bank and two better young men than he and Mr. Roberts could not be found to fill the place as cashiers. Both banks have a capital stock of §25,000 and are in a healthy condition and will continue to prosper.

People'S Banks

Three teachers are employed in the public school of Stamping Ground: Prof. James Sprake, principal; Miss Sue Viley. first assistant; and Mrs. C. T. Duvall.

The School Trustees are J. C. Hambrick, Allan Robinson, .1, B. Adams, W. H. Oldham, B, S, Calvert and W m. Gatewood 196 children are enrolled .

M'Farland Precinct

The McFarland Precinct is the Banner Precinct of Democracy in Scott County and better Democrats cannot be found who reside therein. They are Democrats, not of inheritance but from thought, principle and the teachings of Democracy. Among who is Mr. John Chas. Sharfe born in Europe in 1820 and came to this country in 1846. He traveled extensively until 1S61 when he settled at Centerville and began working at his trade as a shoemaker. In the same year he married Miss Margaret Randall and to them four children were born Charlie, William, Robert and Basil Duke. He says while at Centerville he made the first pair of shoes tor Mrs. 0 W. Gaines nee Mary Agnes Collins and continued to make all she wore. He lived in Georgetown for years, but now has a good home in McFarland and expects to remain and continue the cause of Democracy.

If the country was searched a move honorable gentleman, abetter Democrat, and a more devout Christian, than Mr- Jonathan Lancaster could not be found- He was born near Sadieville in 1840and is now in his66th year. His father was James Lancaster. Mr, Lancaster has always lived in Scott county, having resided at Josephine since 1873, He has been a dealer in land, farmer and stock raiser, and has accumulated considerable wealth. He has five children among whom are Charles T- who is a physician and resides in Mc- Farland precinct where he enjoys a large practice Squire who resides in Georgetown and James Robert, who is the County School Superintendent. Mr. Lancaster's mother before her marriage was a Miss Nelson and a Virginian. Mr. Lancaster has always been a Democrat. never failed to vote in a primary or regular election. He supported Greely. There are very few citizens like Mr. Lancaster and Scott county is glad to claim him her son.

Skull Buster Church By Jonathan Lancaster

Josephine was established about the year 1881. some claiming that it was named in honor of Mrs. Nancy Jose phine Merrill and others that it was named by the Postoffice department.

James Jackson was the first postmaster, He was succeeded by N. D. Redding, and Reddii g by C. D. Merrel and Merrel by H. E. James and James by J. E. Sharp and Sharp by PHarwick-

Griffith and N. D- Redding established tiie first General Merchandise store of any note in the year of 1883. They occupied a house built and owned by Jonathan Lancaster. They continued partners until the year 1885 when Griffith sold his interest to Redding. Redding continued the business until 1888 when he built a'new house and continued to sell goods until 1890, closing out his stock just a few weeks before he died May 18th, 1890. He owned and operated a leaf tobacco warehouse which was a great accommodation to the farmers of the community as he would take leans on their growing crops and furnished them with merchandise. Pie was very successful with his business.

Other men who have sold goods at Josephine were Mat Slatten. Barney Gross, C, IJ- Merrel, H. E. Jones, Bud Ratcliff, James Merrel, Harwick & Harkins and P. Harwick the last named being the most successful of any of those except Redding.

Josephine has 2 stores and 2 blacksmith shops, one of which is conducted by G, D. Warnock and the other French. Janathan Lancaster, R. M. Warnick, A. J. Marshall, John L. Jackson, Francis Michal. John and Mace Copage, A. G, Covington, R. H. Risk are thrifty'and well-to-do farmers in the vicinity of Josephine.

By Edward Stockdell

HE Christian Church at Corinth, Lytle's Fork, was estab- / ~t lished some time between 1837 and 184 2. The hist cturc erected was a log building about 16 by 18 feet with one door and that a very low one. The church w ent by the name of "Skull-buster" for a long time. The way it got its name was by Mr. John Cartenhour, w ho died just a shorttimesince. A young man and a friend, a very tall man, was entering the house together and the tall man struck his head against the cap of the door and Mr. Cartenhour remarked to him, to look out or he would "bust his skull", hence the name ''Skull-buster".

The present house was erected about the year 1S59. Rober Whitter, Sr., (known as Dad Whitter) who was thrown from a horse and was killed at the age of 90 years, paid for the building out of his own money, A carpenter by the name of Obedia Wallace erected the building; aman named Lincoln plastered it; and Robert Jones Christened it by calling the house Dad's Chapel and Wallace's botch. Elder P. II. Whitter was pastor for years. Since his death several different preachers have had care of the church. Elder John Foster, an old soldier, who served in the war with Mexico, is the present pastor.

The First Post Office established in the precinct was at Griffie's Mills, and Simeon Griffie was post master. It was established in 1852 by the influence of the representative in Congress, John C. Hreckinridge, but it was discontinued in 1861, when the postmaster was arrested and taken to Camp Chase as a political prisoner. There is no Post Office in this precinct at the present time. The mail being delivered to nearly all of the precinct by rural mail carriers.

Porter Precinct

0 LITER lies in the Northwestern portion of the County Jjf - about 4 miles ot the Owen county line and is in Magis- T -I terial District No. 5- Ithasa School House, a Clirisra tian Chu roll twelve dwellings, a population of 53 people, W a store, a grist mill and turnpike. The inhabitants lament the fact that Porter has neither a telephone or -telegraph office. Joseph Oreen is the Magistrate and .1 T. Wright, the Democratic Committeeman and S. T. Penn, the Republican- In November election of 1903 the precinct gave Beckham 95 and Belknap 37 votes.

This is one of the largest precincts in the County. Prior to the establishments ot the Rural Routes ihere were Postoffices at Biddle and Long Lick in this precinct. Long Lick was given this name because of the Buffalos congregating there in herds licking the salt rock. The salt water around Long Lick now is plentiful and there is ever reason to believe that some day valuable mineral writer will be found there in great quanities. A number of wells have been drilled and in a number of instances r 'me of the finest water has been struck that a human ever drank. There is just a sufficient amount of salt in it to make it fine to drink and the more one drinks the more he wants. No annalyisis of the water has been made.

Litle S Fork

That division of Scott County known as Lytie's Fork, as it is most generally called, adjoins t lie Owen County line on the northwest. The Stamping Ground touches it on the southwestern border; Georgetown on the south, and Turkey Foot on the east, complete the boundary.

Lytle's Fork of Eagle Creek, with its tributaries, Indian Creek, Lake's and Hess' Branch, takes a tortuous northerly course through the center of the precinct. The general slope of the great majority of the land is with the course of this creek, the water-shed between it and the waters of Elkhorn being near the southern border of the precinct.

The surface in the northern part is considerably broken and hilly. In the south the land is still uneven and rolling, but the breadth of the ridges afford arable fields of larger size. The soil, though subject to the usual washing away of a hilly country, is yet fertile in character, being a part the Silurian formation, and is admirably adapted to the culture of tobacco, wheat corn and other staple products.

The timber growth consists of pine, chestnut, the usual varieties of oak, linn, sycamore, white and black history, beech, sugar-tree and persimmon, the last, as its name (Diospyros - fruit of the gods) implies, being much valued for its fruit.

Little is known of the settlement of this precinct prior to the year 1790. Near that time a settlement was made on Little Eagle Greek, by Col. John Stone, on land now owned by William Wiggington. One of Col. Stones grand-children, Mr. B. Hall, is still a resident of the ccunty. About the same year (1790) Daniel Gano, settled on the farm. On a branch of little Eagle, and near Salem Meeting- House may still be seen the remains of his old house. He was the youngest Captain of the Revolutionary war having command of a company of artilery. He lined many of the guns used in the siege of Quebec. When they were making their assault, he remarked that there was one cannon left loaded. An old drunken Irish soldier, hearing him, said "Give her one more kick." By its discharge, Gen. Richard Montgomery was killed, and so great was the dismay caused in the American ranks by this fatal disaster that the success of the assault was frustrated. Among the early settlers may also be mentioned John Harwood, William Boyce (from Delaware), and Obadiah Ellis (from Baltimore), Paris and William Griffith (from Delaware); all of the above came out I and settle. 1 here not far from the year 1790.

Early History Long Lick Baptist Church

Lin the early times the majority of the people did not know the purpose for which churches were established and in many places there was more curiosity awakened than there was interest in the saving of souls. The notes copied from the old records of the church and furnished for this history by Mr. Edward Stockdell bear us out in the above statement,]

It appears that John Rees was the first pastor, March, 1805; elected Brother Edward Shearley, clerk; received by experience Isaac Smith and Anna Smith, April, 1805; received by letter. John Vawton and John Lucas; appointed Arge Shirley, Solin Vawton and John Lucas to prepare rules for the church; Brother Arge Shirley chosen deacon.

May, 1805 - Agree to build meeting house as large as they can. July, 1805 - appointed Brethren John Vawton and John Lucas to bear letter to Association and apply for admittance. August, 1805 - agree that next meeting be a communion session. September, 1805 - allowed Brother John Vawton twenty-one shillings for table.

1805. - It appears from tlie'records that John Rees and Lambert Vawton served the church as preachers, June, 1805, agree to pay fifteen shillings for chinking mud with rock and plastering with lime the meeting house below the round logs and above with wood and mortar; called Brother James Suggett.

August 16, 1806. - Brother Elides Shirley set forward to exercise his gift in public in bounds of in all charges brought before the church. * * * * * * *

February, 1816 - Called Brother Lambert. June - Brother Lambert accepted call; agreed to meet three Thursdays in month for fasting and prayer. September, 1816 - L. Shirley appointed deacon ; appointed Brother Cobb to act in behalf of church in a lawsuit between us and Ballard. November, 1816 - agree to tolerate Brother John Wakefield to sing, pray and exhort in bounds of church.

June, 1817. - Requested Brother John Foster to preach. Brother Isaac Smith appointed singing clerk. October, 1817 - Called for help to ordain Brother Foster and at next meeting he was ordained by Brethren Suggett and Finklin and his ordination certified by the County Clerk.

January, 1819 - Agree to move the church to cross roads. August, 1819 - Brother Duvall to make his own appointments and preach when and where he pleases. September, 1819- Brother M. Lindan wants to know if it is right for a member of society to sign over his property to keep from paying his debts. Brother E. Shirley wants to know if it, is right for a member to go to law iwith his brother; also if it is right to sell liquor on the Sabbath day without license. Brother Lewis Smith wants to know if it is right for a member to trade offa bad note. Church says no.

April, 1820 - Brother Cornelius Duvall ordained by Brethren Field, Lambert arid Ficklin: also Brother Shirley as deacon. Call Duvall, May, 1820, preaching two Sundays in each month; requested Brother John Foster to preach once a month.

Long Lick Baptist Church Established March 3D, 1805

May, 1822 - Call Brother John Foster: accepted. A1 c'diiirnittee to cite members for failing to till their seats- July; 1822- Granted Brother John Finklin the ristht to exercise1 hite "gift.

October, f823 - Called Brother ,T. I). Black, November, accepts. January, 1824 - .7- D. Tressel led in a complaining against himself for going to the. ho'usg of" truth- 'July, .182^4- Brother J D. Blapk ordained by' fer'etlareii D. .T. Flu-ruoy and .Field, May, 1826 - Refused a member a letter for they .believe, d him under temptation.. August, 1826 - AH 'letters, to" be "written;, "The Baptist .Church of jesnp, Christ at jLong Lick."

February, 1827 - Brother /. Kirby to.pxefifise l)is gift at any time and Iplace. September. 1829 - Call Bro.tlim'.johnTip.d.er. January, 1830 - Called Brethren Black :aji-d. John. Lucas to assist him. March. 1830 - Z. Kirby to keep the house at five dollars, to be paid in trade in the fall. February, f831 - John Tinder called March, accepts., December,. 1832 - .Brother .Mjlhort called. .nbrntn

Interesting History

August, 1828 - Janies Tinder elected deacon. September, 1828 - Received Brother Jacob Garwood by letter, as he was deacon recommended from his letter condensed Set apart three Saturdays for fasting and prayer that the Lord will carry on His good work among us and preach it universally 'over the world.

July, 1833 - To commune on three Saturdays in July ard attend to foot washing. January, 1833 - Brother Wilhort agrees to preach another year. April, 1833 - The church will not appropriate any money to pay Brother Wilhort. May, 1833 - Granted Brother Tressed privilege to preach at Long Lick meeting.

January, 1834 - Brother Duvall called. April, 1834 - Brother Z. Kirby ordained by Brethren Duvall and Lucas to help Brother Duvall, May, 1834 - Brother E. Coppage made June call roll for his ordination, July: ordination postponed.

May, 1843 - Called Brother Lockwood. December, 1843 - Ordained Brother Lockwood by prayer and imposition of hands. Clerk Y.R. Pitts, prayer: Win. Craig, charge to the candidate : Rev. J. T>. Black, charge to church.

Brother B. F. Kenney, 1844, finished log house. October, 1844 - Called Brother Pitts and invited Brother Sparrow to preach. March, 1845 - called Brother William Combs. 1846 - A collection taken up to pay Brother Wm. R. Combs for his services for 1846. Brother McLoud presented an excellent Bible to the church, which he said was a present from him. Brother Thomas Smith, a young Brother at Georgetown College, sent a letter of thanks to Brother Smith. October, 1846 - Appointed Brother Isaiah Garwood, James Powers and M. K. Kirby to help constitute a church at Caney Fork.

1848 to 1854 - The back is 'so torn that it is impossible to give a correct statement, but my recollection i3 that Brother Coppage and Brother Brooks supplied the church.

December, 1856 - The church agrees to pay Brother Arnett lifty dollars, the first time the church says how much they will pay a preacher and the first time money is named in reference to paying a preacher this fifty-one years, after it was established.

January, 1859 - The clerk ordered to give Brother Arnett an order to the Elkhorn Association. July, 1859 - Received by letter Elizabeth Offutt and Mary Withers; Mary F. Covington, Nancy Jane Alsop, George Alsop and Susan Stockdell by baptism - all that are members out of thirty-one that joined at that time. August, 1859 - Gave Brother Arnett an order to the B >anl of Home Missions for twenty-five dollars.

No meeting from July, 1888, to July, 1869. Called Brother A. C. Davidson. December, 1868 - Received by letter Brethren James S. Perry, Sanford Perry and W. W Sutton.

May, 1870 - Brother Thos. Dalzell to visit different churches to raise money to build church. Brother E. II. Black assisted in raising money. June, 1870 - Appointed Brethren A. E. Stockdell, M. C. II. Kirby and E. Coppage to write history of church : book sent to Dr. Black to write history.

May, 1871 - Brother Davidson resigns care of church. September, 1871 - Calls Brother Willi am Harris: Brother Harris! requests meeting twice a month. December, 1871 - Calls for ordination of Brother Harris and set the third Saturday in January, 1872.

January 19, 187a - Report from the Stamping Ground, Dry Run and Caney churches. Dr B. Manley and Elder N. Mc- Donald, from Georgetown, proceeded to ordain Brother Harris. Brother Manley made Brother .1. (). Bane clerk.

Established March 3D, 1805

Prayer by the moderator: examination of candidates by the moderator ; ordination service hy Elder McDonald ; prayer by L. H. Salem: charge to church by Dr. Manley; hand of fellowship by counsel : benediction by candidate.

January, 1877 - Called on board for help. November, 1877 - Committee to raise money tor mission- July, 1877 - Called Brother J. T- Bastin. October, 1884 - Designed care of church. December, 1884 - Farewell sermon.

October, 1884 - Called Brother T. H. Coleman. December, 1885 - resigned; resolutions of respect. January, 1886 - Recalled. J une, 1887 - Brother Coleman resigned. Brother Morgan acted as a supply-

The Old Country Home A. E. Stockdell, At Long Lick

HE above is the home of Mr. A. E. Stockdell, on Lytle's £ I Fork, one mile east of Long Lick. The likeness of the place shows it to be the ideal, old-fashioned country home of years ago. In front of the house are members of the Stockdell family, as well as the guests, Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Parker. The names of those in front of the building, from bottom to top of the picture, are: Thos. Cunningham, Mrs. Cunningham, Nannie Stockdell, Edna Stockdell, Miss Whitton, Mrs. A, E. Stockdell, A. M. Maines, Miss Mary Withers, A. E. Stockdell, Mrs. Mollie Parker, M. W. Parker, Fred Parker, Mary Gardner, servant. Mr. Stockdell is a farmer. His place is in the Northern portion of the county, and consists of what is known as "hill land." He has profited by grazing instead of cultivating his land.