USA > Kentucky > Lewis County > History of Lewis County, Kentucky > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
Gc 976.901 L58r 1535224
M. L
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02303 5774
REV. O. G. RAGAN.
HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY, KENTUCKY
By REV. O. G. RAGAN,
Pastor Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Newport, Kentucky
ยท FIRST EDITION
Gc
976,901
L582
CINCINNATI PRESS OF JENNINGS AND GRAHAM
1535224
MRS. O. G. RAGAN.
My Mlife and Co-laborer IN THIS COMPILATION THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
O. G. R.
0
INTRODUCTION
DEAR READERS: We have gleaned the ma- terial for these pages from every known source, and have spent many days and months in ar- ranging these facts that you might not only be pleased, but instructed. Now, as we present this volume to you, receive it and read it in the spirit in which it is written, and we will be happy.
We owe a debt of thanks to our many friends for the cheerful assistance rendered; and especially do we thank Messrs. J. S. Mavity, John H. McCann and J. B. Bradley for their personal interest and zeal for the successful pub- lication and distribution of this book.
It is proper and right to say that the author is responsible for the historical facts; but for the biographical sketches others are responsible.
Very sincerely,
O. G. RAGAN.
PREFACE
THE richest heritage of any generation is the heroism and valor of a noble ancestry. The mind and the heart are the only secure places for such a glorious heritage. From lip to ear, or from printed page to eye, are the only meth- ods by which such values are handed down. He who collects and puts in lasting form for us the items of such inheritance has done us service that exceeds all possible compensation.
The only apology offered by the author for the production of this book is a desire to render to the former and present citizens of Lewis County that enduring service of a connected history of their devoted fathers. -
What is dearer to us than the traditions of our fathers? What is sweeter than the loving service of our mothers? To have a book telling us of the heroic deeds of our ancestors is a privilege few possess; but with such we are favored in the possession of this book. It tells us that these fertile fields were once peopled with trees and clinging vines that yielded to the swing of the axman's blade in the hand of our fathers. It tells us that the smiling mead- ows were once the wilderness home of the
7
S
Preface
treacherous Red Man, and were bought for us at the price of blood and life. It tells us that these laughing brooks and streams that now sing their songs of wealth and plenty were once the battle lines of our sires contesting with the savage for a home in the wilds. These templed hills of Lewis County that echo the call of the happy plowman or the laughter of the merry milkmaid had their first silence broken by the crack of the rifle and the groan of the suffering pioneer.
But lost in the midst of the gathering years are the glories of those struggling heroes. Buried in unmarked graves of sacred soil are the forms of our immortal dead-forgotten their work; unsung their praises; unthanked their service.
From the fast-fading memory of the oldest inhabitants the author has gathered the folk- lore and traditions that render the unwritten records of Lewis County; and with much care and toil, from documents and letters fading with age, he has gathered the authentic history and put it all in a form convenient and perma- nent.
So that now while the ivy, myrtle, and clambering wild-rose drape with fadeless green and recurring blossom the resting-places of our loved and own, in the chimney seat or parlors of our God-blest "Home, Sweet Home" we
9
Preface
shall read the records of their loving toil. Or while the winter snow blankets with the emblem of purity the narrow beds of the silent dead; or while the wintry winds chant the requiem of peace over those tired but resting servants of the past-with this book in hand we will revive our thoughts and increase our love as we read again and again the undying deeds of our noble sires; and we will drop our tears of gratitude and love to the memory of our precious mothers, those Madonnas of the Woods and Hills.
GEORGE WALTER BUNTON. Covington, Ky., June 1, 1912.
SIX-MILE VIEW OF VANCEBURG.
y Mie View of Una River and Vanceburg, By
475
--
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
PAGE
EARLY SETTLEMENTS: SALT LICK, KINNICONNICK, QUICK'S RUN, CABIN CREEK, SYCAMORE, POP- LAR FLAT, CONCORD, TOLLESBORO, VANCEBURG, CLARKSBURG, QUINCY, VALLEY, PETERSVILLE, GARRISON, AND BURTONVILLE. 15
CHAPTER II
COUNTY ORGANIZATION: ACT RELATING TO-FIRST COUNTY SEAT-FIRST COURT-REMOVAL OF COUNTY SEAT TO CLARKSBURG-RIVAL TOWNS -REMOVAL TO VANCEBURG- CONVENIENCES AND INCONVENIENCES ARISING THEREFROM- CHANGE OF COUNTY OFFICES-THE INFIRMARY -GROWTH OF VANCEBURG-WISE HEADS WHO BOUGHT PROPERTY AT THE RIGHT TIME-PRES- ENT CONDITION OF THE CITY-ITS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE. 87
CHAPTER III
LEGISLATIVE ACTS IN FAVOR OF THE COUNTY. 137
CHAPTER IV
SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS-LIST OF REPRESENTA- TIVES-POLITICS-ISSUES IN THE VARIOUS CAM- PAIGNS-DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS 240
11
12
Contents
CHAPTER V
PAGE
COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM-COMMISSIONER-SUPER- INTENDENTS-BOARDS OF EDUCATION-TEACH- ERS-GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE COUNTY-DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLHOUSES . 348
CHAPTER VI
WAR PERIODS: INDIANS-SOLDIERS OF 1812 AND 1861 - COMPANIES ORGANIZED - OFFICERS - NUMBER OF ENLISTED MEN-THOSE KILLED IN ACTION-G. A. R. POSTS-MONUMENTS. 362
CHAPTER VII
PUBLIC ROAD SYSTEM: MACADAMIZED ROADS- ORIGINATORS OF IN THE COUNTY-THE FIRST BUILT-NUMBER NOW IN THE COUNTY, AND LOCATION-COST OF CONSTRUCTION-COUNTY SUBSCRIPTION-PRESENT ROAD SYSTEM 367
CHAPTER VIII
BIOGRAPHY OF IMPORTANT MEN: THE BAR-THE
PULPIT-THE FORUM-TEACHER-THE DOCTOR 375
CHAPTER IX
WEALTH OF THE COUNTY-POPULATION: CENSUS OF 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910-AREA-OCCUPATIONS: AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, MINING, MAN- UFACTURING - SOIL - CLIMATE - SOCIETY - CHURCHES-SUNDAY SCHOOLS-SECRET SOCI-
-
13
Contents
PAGE
ETIES-WATER TRANSPORTATIONS-RAILROADS -POLITICAL PARTIES-NEWSPAPERS - PUBLIC DEBT-CAPITATION AND PROPERTY TAXES- DIVISION OF COUNTY FUND-MAGISTERIAL DIS- TRICTS AND VOTING PLACES-MAP 464
CHAPTER X
ANECDOTES AND TRADITIONS-CLOSING REMARKS .. 490
HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY, KENTUCKY
CHAPTER I
EARLY SETTLEMENTS: SALT LICK, KINNICONNICK, QUICK'S RUN, CABIN CREEK, SYCAMORE, POPLAR FLAT, CONCORD, TOLLESBORO, VANCEBURG, CLARKS- BURG, QUINCY, VALLEY, PETERSVILLE, GARRISON, AND BURTONVILLE.
THE HISTORY of Lewis County begins con- temporaneously with that of the State of Ken- tucky, for within its borders Vanceburg was one of the landing places for emigrants who came from Pennsylvania down the Ohio to the famous hunting grounds of "Old Kainturckee." It is stated in Collins' History of this State that the first horses brought to Kentucky were landed from a flat boat at the mouth of Salt Lick Creek, and that there was a marked trail from the salt works at Vanceburg up the creek and on past Burtonville to the Cane Ridge Settlement in Bourbon County.
Lewis County was formed from Mason County in 1806. Its first county seat was at Poplar Flat, and the logs which formed it are
15
16
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
still extant, and are now builded into a barn on the farm of John McCormick. The county was named in honor of Captain Merriweather Lewis, the great explorer, and was the fo"ty- eighth in order of formation. It is situated in the northeastern portion of the State, and is bounded on the east by Greenup, on the south by Carter, Rowan, and Fleming; on the west by Fleming and Mason Counties; and on the north by the Ohio River to the extent of fortv miles. Its surface is much diversified by hi'l and dale, and watered by many creeks whos . sparkling depths, clear as crystal, are full of fish of many kinds.
Among the principal streams are Kinnicon- nick, Salt Lick, in the eastern portion of the county; and Sycamore, Crooked Creek, and Cabin Creek in the western; and Mud Lick, Buck Lick, and North Fork of Licking in the southern portion.
Products .- The valleys of the Ohio and the creeks are very productive of all the cereals and roots usual to the Western country. The eastern portion is of free-stone formation, and produces the best of stone for building purposes. It is also famous for tan-bark, hoop-poles, staves, and cross-ties. The southeastern portion is of limestone formation, and the uplands are gen- erally very productive as well as the bottoms.
17
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
The timber of this section consists of oak, ash, hickory, walnut, maple, dogwood, and kindred growths, which at one time densely covered the virgin soil and was the natural bivouac of the Red Man and the bear. But mighty changes have taken place here also, and the forest and its untamable occupants have given place to the fields of golden grain, rich pasturage, and the beautiful homes of peaceful citizens.
Fruits .- The county is noted for its apples, peaches, pears, plums, and all the small fruits.
Exports .- Cattle, hogs, tobacco, corn, wheat, timber, lumber, cross-ties, and cooperage.
Mineral Waters .- There are many mineral springs in the county, the most noted of which are McCormick, Esculapia, and Glenn Springs, at the head of Salt Lick Creek. Esculapia was a famous watering place in 1840 and 1850 under the management of Gould & Company. Its buildings were allowed after this to fall into decay, and in 1860 were destroyed by fire. Within the last few years the place has been re- built and modernized, and under the man- agement of Walker Bros. bids fair to become the most popular watering place along the Ohio River.
There are other wells and springs, the most important of which are the Salt Wells, near Vanceburg, and Kirk Springs, near Burtonville.
2
18
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
The salt wells have long since been abandoned, and the charcoal remains of the salt furnaces testify to their exact location and stand as a souvenir to daring deeds of the pioneer, while the Indian mounds on the hills just above as fully testify who were their wily foe and cunning adversary.
Minerals .- Of minerals near Vanceburg, we quote Collins' History, page 467:
"Near Vanceburg, in this county, is a large quarry of slate stone; and immediately at the water's edge at a common stage of the river, at the same place, is a quarry of white limestone rock, which produces remarkably white lime, and is said to contain from fifty to sixty per cent of magnesia. Free white or sand stone is found in great abundance on the Ohio, a few miles from Vanceburg, where there is also a large quarry of alum rock. On Salt Lick Creek, near Vanceburg, there is a copperas bed, from which the people of the county supply them- selves with that article; and one mile distant there is an extensive blue clay bank, suitable for stone ware and fire brick. There are also in the neighborhood two salt wells, three hundred feet deep, which afford a large quan- tity of water, from which this part of the State was formerly supplied with salt."
There has also been a lot of zinc discovered
19
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
near the mouth of Quicks Run, and it is said a silver mine exists on the same creek. Also silver has been found on "Kinney" in the days gone by, and is supposed to have been mined and minted by one Waite, who came over from Adams County, Ohio.
Surrey .- The first survey within the bounds of Lewis County was made in Forman's bot- tom by Captain Thos. Bullett, in June, 1773. The land was afterward sold to William Trip- lette, who came to it in 1776. (See "Collins" History," page 465.)
Surface .- Ours is a hill county, with narrow but fertile valleys. Along the river front the hills are much higher than those in the interior, and also the valley along the Ohio, in places, is wide, level, and fertile, with few swampy sections as is common along some parts of the river.
Going further back into the county you find the surface broken by high hills, but for the most part tillable. Along the principal streams you find the most level land, although there are broad plateaus of very rich soil on the uplands.
Our county is not made principally in hills or valleys, but there are parts of the country gently sloping plateaus of very rich soil. In fact, there is scarcely a part of our county but
20
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
can be utilized in one way or another to the great advantage of our farmers, either in till- able soil or pasture lands.
In those sections of the county where is the really rough part, high cliffs and deep gorges break the earth's surface. Here, too, is found the most rugged scenery in great boulders, tall trees, and the ivy clinging to the precipitous cliffs in absolute profusion. Here is found the nest of the eagle and the den of the fox and mountain lion.
Towns. - The principal towns are Vance- burg, the county seat; Clarksburg, Tolesboro, Fire Brick, Quincy, Garrison, Concord, Sand Hill, Poplar Flat, Petersville, Burtonville, and Valley.
Manufacturies .- The manufacturing indus- try is chiefly confined to lumber mills at several points in the county ; flour mill, a button factory, and can factory, hogshead heading mill, spoke factory, saw mill, and planing mill at Vance- burg.
There are still great possibilities in the quar- rying and manufacturing of freestone blocks. There is a brick plant at Fire Brick of large capacity, and at Garrison is a heading mill and spoke mill.
Religion .- Chief among the denominations represented in the county are the Methodist
21
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
and Southern Methodist, Disciples, Baptist, Presbyterian, and New Light Disciples Church.
SALT LICK .- As Salt Lick seems to be con- nected with the first route from the river back to the settlements, we would suppose that settlers would probably be attracted to it sooner than to other parts, and for this reason we will
Ox TEAM.
give the history of its early settlers first, as it has been related to us from the children of those who actually made the settlements. We refer to Elijah Thomas and Dudley Calvert, both dead. The following is as Mr. Calvert related it :
"The first cabin in the Salt Lick Valley, I think, was near the mouth of Dry Run, where the remains of the first salt furnaces are yet to be seen, about one mile from Vanceburg.
22
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
Where the next was I am not sure, but I think it was not far from the "fork," as it is called- say the farm owned by Mr. Bertram or the farm owned by Wm. E. Carrington. The first was made by John McDaniel, and the other by Isaac Halbert, the grandfather of Wm. C. Halbert, late of Vanceburg, now deceased. When we get on as far as the year 1800, there were several cabins in different parts of the valley, occupied by the Carringtons, Thomas, Shortridges, Campbells, Wilsons, John- sons, Eshams, Cottinghams, Calverts, Melsons, Harpers, Fishers, Davis, and others.
"We now come to the year 1806, that gave birth to our dear old Lewis County. Landon Calvert was the first justice of the peace for Lewis County after the county was organized. A Baptist Church was organized and an edifice erected in the primitive style of the times. The graveyard on the pike, near Mr. Bertram's residence, is where the old house stood. It is now among the things of the past. There was also another church building near where the Meffords lived, and this will bring us up to the year 1808. At this time there was some trouble to get corn ground for bread. There was a grist mill on the creek about one and a half miles below the Esculapia Springs; but it was said that a hungry hen could eat as much as it would
23
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
grind. This mill was owned by one Wilson. After this a grist and saw mill was built near Clarksburg by Rowland T. Parker, and a horse mill was started near Bethel Church by Wm. Cordingly. A horse mill was started by Mr. Swearingen, and a grist and saw mill on Cabin Creek by Swearingen, and one near what was known as Old Union Church.
"But I have left Salt Lick Valley. I will now come to the year 1812, when the first steamboat passed down the Ohio. She was called the 'Orleans.' This year, '1811,' there were great shocks of earthquakes that alarmed the people very much, and also strange sounds in the air, crashing like the falling of many large trees, sometimes like drums beating. And in the year 1812 we all know was the beginning of the war with Mexico. There was much stir and commotion about this time among the people in the valley. Half of the young men volunteered this and the next year.
"The only school house in the valley was near where the Grange Hall stood. The first teacher occupying the old house was Edward Viers, or Veers. The scholars who attended school then are about all passed away. In the days spoken of we were much troubled by wild beasts of the forest, such as wolves, bears, panthers, wildcats, etc., so that it was hard
24
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
to raise hogs or sheep, and even cattle and colts."
Some of the citizens of Salt Lick to-day will be interested to know the names of those old pioneers of a hundred years ago.
Beginning at Esculapia Springs, which was at that time a forest, never having been touched by the ax, the first man to begin improving was John Powling, an Englishman. He built a few rough houses, lived there a while, then moved to Maysville. The first improvement below the springs was by Jesse Melson. He cleared four acres of land, and built a cabin and moved in. The next to build, or rather to improve, was John McDaniel, who bought out Jesse Melson, and lived in this homestead until he died. This now leaves Mr. McDaniel the uppermost in- habitant of the valley.
We now come to what was known as the Carmack farm. This was owned by William Wilson. This old settler had several sons who built cabins on his land, one of which was built on the site of the old Jones' tanyard, and two others above and below the old home place in the same vicinity. One of the boys owned and operated a grist mill.
The next home was built by a man named Parker, from Ohio, and was afterwards known as the Cropper farm. In later years it was
25
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
bought by Carmack, and became a part of his farm.
Down the creek farther was what was known as the Martin farm, first settled by Fisher and Joseph Melson, and was afterwards owned by Spurgin Melson, who built a grist mill and saw mill, then sold out to Martin.
The next farm down the valley is the Pugh farm, first settled by Henry Armstrong and afterwards sold to Daniel Thomas, who sold in turn to William Esham, and then was bought by Pugh. Down the valley, farther still, was the home of John Tulley, who seems to have been a tenant. John Tulley was the grand- father of John D. Tulley, of Cabin Creek. This place, after Tulley's time, was sold to Michael Dean, who sold to William Harper, and he sold to Daniel Thomas, and Thomas sold to Joseph Frizzell, and he to William Strade.
Next in order is the farm on which the above-named Harper lived when he owned both farms. The next home was owned by James McPike, and when trouble began to arise about land claims, McPike pulled up and left.
Next in order is the Campbell farm, owned by by an old Revolutionary War veteran. He served under Washington and fought at Brandy- wine Creek. Now comes the Calvert farm, settled by Landon Calvert in 1800. The Israel
26
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
Thomas farm is next in order, laid out by by Bartholomew Thatcher, and subsequently bought by Israel Thomas. The Carrington farm was laid out by Samuel Shortridge, then sold to Jesse B. Carrington, who lived and died there.
First Deaths, Births, and Marriages .- The first death was an infant son of Israel Thomas. The next was Landon Calvert. He was the first man that died, and was buried in the ceme- tery back of the old Baptist Church, long since torn down, and no one can tell the spot. It has long been a resort for cattle and sheep. The first birth was that of Sarah Thomas, March 16, 1802. The first marriages were Israel Thomas and Catherine Thomas, William Campbell and Mary Tulley, Henry Halbert and Sallie McDaniel, Archibald Frizzell and Alice Hance. The last of the early marriages ' was in the spring of 1805. The first settlers who belonged to any Church were Baptists, except George Thomas, who was a Presbyterian. William Carrington's family was grown when he arrived in the valley. His son Jesse taught the first school. The house stood on the pike, north of where the second tollgate used to stand, near the Valley post-office. Carrington married Margaret Esham, eldest daughter of William Esham.
27
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
It was here the author of a few notes for a part of this article, Elijah Thomas, witnessed his first dance. It was in the year 1809 or 1810, and the fiddler was Randall Smallin. He said one of the dancers was dressed in buckskin moccasins and hunter's shirt and trousers, with red fringe.
We have had a history of the early settlers and their deaths, births, and marriages; now we will study the people for a while. The Carrington people were well represented in the valley. In that early day the McDaniel family consisted of eight children, four boys and four girls, all grown to manhood and womanhood, and were married at the old homestead, except the eldest daughter, who died in childhood. Two sons and two daughters moved to Ar- kansas, and the eldest and youngest sons and the third daughter moved to Missouri. Am- brose, the eldest son, stopped in Rock House Prairie, Buchanan County, and was murdered by the guerrillas in 1864. Nancy Celia settled in the same county. She was the first woman to settle in Buchanan County, and died there
in 1865. The youngest son, William, settled in Caldwell County, and was murdered by a highwayman. The same year, the "Squire, as he was called, after the death of his wife, sold the old home farm and bought the Halbert farm,
28
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
and built a tanyard. Soon after this he died, and was buried by the side of his wife, on the point of the hill in the woods on the east side of the creek, opposite his old farm.
Landon Calvert had five sons and three daughters, and all grew to maturity and mar- ried. After the death of the father, the widow with her family, except the eldest and youngest daughters, moved to Arkansas. The youngest son came back among his people and made a permanent home with them.
KINNICONICK .- Next in order comes the settlements of Kinniconick, which are of about equal date with those of Salt Lick. The Bruces were, perhaps, the most conspicuous among the early settlers of what is known as lower Kinny. Henry C. Bruce, a father, I believe, of a worthy citizen of Vanceburg bearing the same name, settled at the mouth of Spy Run in the year 1812, and built a mill at that place; and shortly afterwards George W. Bruce, Sr., and his brother Alexander, commenced their memorable career. At one time they had seven water mills running on Kinny, four of them sawing lumber, and three grinding grain. At an early date in the history of our county, John Craig located near the mouth of McDowell's Run. About the same time J. Moore, Thomas Clark, Basil Duke, and Abner Brightman set-
FISHING CAMP ON "KINNY."
31
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
tled on the same creek, above the mouth of the run. Oliver Dewey built a small cabin at the mouth of Trace Fork, and lived at that place about the time Lewis County was struck off from Mason. A short time afterwards, in 1807, Aaron Stratton and Basil Burriss located Ken- tucky land warrants on the west side of the main creek, opposite the mouth of Trace Fork, and lived upon their premises respectively for a number of years. The next early improve- ments on the creek, above the last named, was by Balden Smith, at the mouth of Town Branch, about five miles from Vanceburg, and is now occupied by a man named Conrad.(?) Major McDaniel, an old citizen then living on Salt Lick Creek, located a Kentucky land warrant at an early date on the creek, near and opposite the mouth of Laurel Fork, and settled a tenant upon it by the name of Morgan. About this time Ambrose D. McDaniel, a son of the old major, made an improvement on the Laurel, and went into the stock-breeding business, and finally sold out to Thomas Stone, Sr., and emigrated Westward.
About this time the Bloomfields, Eulitts, Staggs, Dyers, Staffords, and others also commenced their careers on Laurel Fork. Simultaneously with these move- ments were those settlements made on what is known as Upper Kinny, or the Big Elk Fork,
32
History of Lewis County, Kentucky
by McEldowneys, Wallingfords, Jones, Burriss, Rankins, and others. With a few exceptions, all these old citizens of Kinniconick have been gone for a number of years, and some of them have now not a single descendant left in the county to tell the story of their lives.
QUICK'S RUN .- The general course of Quick's Run is nearly east or a little north of east. This stream, for more than half its length, is only separated from the Ohio River by a ridge with many low gaps. Collins says, in his "History of Kentucky," that a line of forts was built on the Ohio River. in 1784, and fortified possession was taken of Kentucky, and was never after relinquished. So now, in the ab- sence of any other historical information, we conclude that the old Block House Fort was built near the mouth of Quick's Run about this time, and that John G. McDowell was placed in command and was still in command when the Red Man gave up his beloved hunting ground for ever. Caldwell's "History of Adams County, Ohio," tells of two children being toma- hawked and killed by the Indians near the mouth of Quick's Run. They were John and Obadiah Stout, children of Obadiah, Sr.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.