A history of Kentucky and Kentuckians; the leaders and representative men in commerce, industry and modern activities, Volume III, Part 70

Author: Johnson, E. Polk, 1844-; Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 860

USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky and Kentuckians; the leaders and representative men in commerce, industry and modern activities, Volume III > Part 70

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Mr. Berry married, in 1880, Lizzie New- man, who was born on the line of Fayette and Jessamine counties, a daughter of Robert New- man. Her grandfather, David Newman, a native of Virginia, and a pioneer of Fayette county, married a Miss Gray, and both died ere reaching the prime of life. He was an of- ficer in the Revolutionary war. Robert New- man and his wife, Eliza Caldwell Newman, were both life-long residents of Fayette county and both died in early life, leaving their daugli- ter Lizzie to the care of her aunt, Mrs. J. M. Williams. Catherine Wilson Berry, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Berry, married Albert Woodsen Bryan, and has one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bryan. Mrs. Berry and her daugh- ter are both members of the Baptist church, while Mr. Berry belongs to the Broadway Christian church.

JOSEPH S. WOOLFOLK .- Standing promi- nent among the venerable and honored citi- zens of Lexington is Joseph S. Woolfolk, who has been identified with the highest interests of the city for nearly half a century, during which time he has contributed his full quota towards its upbuilding and advancement. A son of Joseph Harris Woolfolk, he was born May 13, 1828, in Woodford county, Kentucky, of Welsh ancestry.

His paternal grandfather, Sewell Woolfok, was born in Virginia, in Caroline county, it is thought, being a direct descendant of one of three brothers who came from Wales, their native land, to America in colonial days, locat- ing in Virginia. In 1787, accompanied by his family, Sewell Woolfolk traveled westward across the mountain ridge to Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, making the then long and wearisome journey with teams. One of the first settlers of Woodford county, he secured title to a tract of land situated six miles south of the present site of Versailles, and with the help of slave labor there cleared and improved a homestead, on which he resided until his

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death, in 1833, at the good old age of eighty- five years. He married Mary Harris, a na- tive, too, of Virginia. She survived him about two years, passing away at an advanced age. To them nine children were born and reared, as follows: John, Joseph Harris, Thomas, Se- well D., Martha, Sally, Nancy, and Richard and William, who died in early manhood. Martha married a Mr. Givens of Lincoln county, Kentucky; Sally married a Mr. Gan- nett, of Shelby county, Kentucky; and Nancy became the wife of a Mr. Cox, and removed to Missouri.

Joseph Harris Woolfolk was born, in 1787, on the parental homestead, in Woodford county, Kentucky. Succeeding, by inherit- ance and purchase, to the old home farm, he embarked in farming and stock-raising on a somewhat extensive scale, and in his opera- tions met with well deserved success. Sub- sequently buying an adjoining estate, he as- sumed its possession, and there spent his last days, dying in 1860. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Mitchum, was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, in 1797. Her father, Dudley Mitchum, who was born in Virginia, of early English ancestry, migrated to Kentucky about 1785, locating in Woodford county with the pioneers. He bought land lying three and one-half miles south of Ver- sailles, and was there prosperously employed as a farmer and stock raiser until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Allen, was born and reared in Virginia, of English lineage. She survived him for some time, dying when about eighty-six years old. Mrs. Martha (Mitchum) Woolfolk died in 1888, aged ninety-two years, having survived her husband upwards of thirty years. She reared nine children, as follows: John H., Dudley M., Susan A., Mary E., Martha, Sallie, Jo- seph S., Margaret M., and Eliza B.

John H. Woolfolk, the oldest child, married Sally Marshall, a daughter of Rev. C. K. Marshall, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and reared five children. He settled in Missis- sippi, and, meeting with success as a cotton raiser, spent the remainder of his life on his plantation, dying at the age of eighty-six years. Dudley M. Woolfolk, the second-born, who settled as a cotton planter in Mississippi, died in 1861. He married Miss Sallie B. Woolfolk, who lost her life four years later, in 1865, on the ill-fated steamer "Sultana." Susan Woolfolk married David Barrow, of West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, and died there at the age of seventy-eight years. Mary Woolfolk, who became the wife of Albert Harris, of Virginia, died in 1852. Martha

Woolfolk married C. A. Harris, of Virginia, and her descendants own the farm in Wood- ford county that was originally improved by her grandfather, Sewell Woolfolk. Sallie Woolfolk married Coles Mead, of Mississippi, son of Governor Mead, and their daughter be- came the wife of Daniel Saffarrens, of Mem- phis, Tennessee. Margaret Woolfolk, died un- married, at the age of seventy-eight years. Eliza B. Woolfolk, the youngest child of the parental household, lived but sixteen years.

The only survivor of the family of nine children reared by his parents, Joseph S. Woolfolk received excellent educational ad- vantages when young, attending the public schools, Bacon College, and the Georgetown Military Institute. Returning home, he as- sumed charge of his father's business, and when his father passed to the world beyond he succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead. He was there successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, including gen- eral farming, and the raising of cattle and horses, for a number of years. Coming to Lexington in 1866, Mr. Woolfolk was en- gaged in the grain and coal business until 1876. He then became interested in the min- ing of coal, and in iron manufacturing, in Car- ter county, Kentucky, and was associated with the development and advancement of these enterprises until 1892. Disposing then of his mining properties, he has since been exten- sively and prosperously engaged in the real es- tate business in Lexington, which was his home all the while. While in the coal and iron business, Mr. Woolfolk still operated his farm successfully.

Mr. Woolfolk married, in September, 1858, Lucy D. Craig, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, a daughter of Elijah and Almira (Grosvenor) Craig, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Philadelphia. Mrs. Woolfolk died in 1875, leaving five children, namely : Almira, Mary B., John Grosvenor, Lucy D., and Joseph Craig. The two sons, John G. and Joseph C., are wide-awake, progressive men, and are associated in business with their father. Lucy D., the youngest daughter, is the wife of Samuel R. Cruse, of Huntsville, Alabama, and is the mother of five children, Ridgeley, Mary E., Percy Grosvenor, Lucy, and Woolfolk. Religiously Mr. Woolfolk is a sincere member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Woolfolk was a devout Episcopalian. Mr. Woolfolk's political views coincide with those of the Democratic party.

JOHN GUND .- The old Blue Grass state of the Union, with its growing industrial ac- tivities and splendid development, has at- tracted within its confines men of marked

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ability and high character in the various fields of endeavor and in this way progress has been conserved and social stability fostered. He whose name initiates this review has gained recognition as one of the substantial busi- ness men of Lexington, where he has resided since 1903 and where he owns and operates the Lexington Brewery. By his labors, his earnest co-operation in all matters projected for the general welfare and his sterling in- tergrity and worth he has succeeded in win- ning a high place for himself in the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow men.

John Gund was born at LaCrosse, Wiscon- sin, the date of his nativity being the 13th of April, 1862, and he is a son of John Gund, Sr., a native of Germany. George M. Gund, grandfather of him to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born and reared in Germany, was a descendant of one of the prominent noble families of that empire, and he con- tinued to reside there for a few years after his marriage to Sofia Edes. Soon after the Revolution in Germany, however, in 1847, in company with Carl Schurz and other patriots, he emigrated to the United States, bringing with him his family and locating in Freeport, Illinois, where he continued to reside until his death. He and his wife became the par- ents of six sons and two daughters, whose names are here entered in respective order of birth, Abraham, John, Henry, Louis, Martin, Margaret, Elizabeth and Frederick. Eliza- beth married L. Keller, of Le Mars, Iowa. Margaret married M. Hetlinger. Born in Pruehl, Germany, on the 3rd of October, 1830, John Gund, Sr., was there reared and edu- cated. On leaving school he served an ap- prenticeship at the brewer's trade and when, on May 16, 1848, he landed in New York city he proceeded to Illinois, following the work of his trade at Freeport and Galena in that state and at Dubuque, Iowa. Remov- ing from the latter place to Wisconsin in 1854, he located at LaCrosse and there estab- lished a brewery which he managed success- fully for more than half a century, contin- uing its operation until his death, on the 7th of May, 1910, at which time he had attained to the venerable age of eighty years. He mar- ried Miss Louise Hottman, who was born in Hepsbach, Germany, November 24, 1830, and was was a daughter of Eberhart Hottman. Mrs. Gund was summoned to eternal rest on the 18th of May, 1880, being survived by five children, George, Henry, John, Louisa and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. John Gund were prom- inent and influential citizens at LaCrosse dur- ing their residence in that city and there com-

manded the high regard and esteem of all with whom they came in contact.

A bright, ambitious student, John Gund, Jr., was given excellent educational advan- tages in his youth. After completing the cur- riculum of the public schools and of the high school at LaCrosse he attended the Brewers' Academy, in New York city, and then went abroad to finish his education in Berlin and Vienna. Returning to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Mr. Gund was associated with his father in the work and management of the latter's ex- tensive business until 1894, in which year he made an entire change of occupation. Going to Ashland, Wisconsin, he there turned his attention to the lumber industry, continuing to be identified with that line of enterprise for a period of three years, at the expiration of which, in 1897, he went to the city of Chicago; Illinois, where he erected what at that time was the leading pneumatic malting plant in this country. In 1899 he disposed of his malting plant to the American Malting Company and for a few years thereafter was not closely identified with any business, devot- ing his time to traveling in this country and abroad. On July 10, 1903, he purchased the Lexington Brewery, which was established by Chicago parties in 1897. The plant at the . time of its establishment had a capacity of twenty thousand barrels per annum but Mr. Gund has since enlarged its output, in order to supply the demands for its products, its present capacity being seventy-five thousand barrels annually. It will thus be seen that under Mr. Gund's supervision the business of the above concern has practically been quadrupled. In connection with his business Mr. Gund is a valued and appreciative mem- ber of the Kentucky Brewers' Association, in which he is now serving a second term as president. In addition to his other interests he is a director in the First National Bank of Lexington and he is recognized as one of the leading citizens in this beautiful little me- tropolis. He is an able and experienced busi- ness man and is very popular among his as- sociates, as well on account of his square and honorable dealings as by reason of his un- questioned probity.

On Jan. 8, 1890, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Gund to Miss Carrie E. Bohn, who was born and reared at Winona, Minne- sota, and who is a daughter of Conrad Bohn, a native of Germany. Mrs. Gund is a woman of rare charm and gracious per- sonality and she is deeply beloved by all who have come within the sphere of her gentle influence.

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In his political convictions Mr. Gund ac- the advanced age of seventy-eight years, his cords an uncompromising allegiance to the length of service bearing evidence of his ability, integrity, and efficiency. He married Nancy Tevis, who was born in Madison county, Kentucky, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza- beth (Harris) Tevis. She died when sixty- eight years of age, leaving eight children, as follows: J. Tevis, William B., Elizabeth, Christopher H., James, Mary, Lucy, and Dudley. principles and policies promulgated by the Democratic party and while he has never manifested aught of desire for political pre- ferment of any description he is ever on the qui vive to do all in his power to advance the best interests of the community in which he resides. His loyalty and public spirit are of the most insistent order and his exemplary life and high ideals command to him the un- alloyed regard of all who know him. In their religious faith he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church, to whose charities and benevolences he is a most liberal contributor. Fraternally he is a member of Lexington Lodge, No. 89, Benevolent and Protective Or- der of Elks. He is genial in his association, affable in his address, generous in his judg- ment of his fellow men and courteous to all. As a citizen and enthusiast of his home city it is but just to say that communities will prosper and grow in proportion as they put a premium on men of his mould. As a man he is thoroughly conscientious and it may be said concerning him that the list of his friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances.

J. TEVIS WILKERSON .- An esteemed and capable business man, and a successful finan- cier, J. Tevis Wilkerson is ably managing the affairs of the Union Bank and Trust Com- pany, of Lexington, as its president having won the confidence and trust of the people, and placed the institution among the leading ones of its kind in Fayette county. A son of William E. Wilkerson, he was born, July II, 1851, in Whitehall, Madison county, Ken- tucky.

His grandfather, William Britt Wilkerson, was born either in Virginia, or in Kentucky, of Virginian ancestry. He was a landholder in Madison county, Kentucky, where he operated a large farm with slave labor, living on his estate until his death, at a ripe old age. He married a Miss Harris, and their children were all born and brought up on the home farm,

Born in Madison county, Kentucky, William E. Wilkerson was reared to agricultural pur- suits, and finding the occupation congenial to his tastes he bought land in the neighborhood of Boonesboro, where Daniel Boone erected a fort in 1775, and there improved a farm from its original wildness. Selling his property in 1864, he removed to Fayette county, settling near Clay's Ferry, where he bought a farm, which he managed until 1878. Being then elected jailer, and removed to Lexington. He was continued in that office by continuous re- election until his death, twenty years later, at

J. Tevis Wilkerson was educated in the rural schools of Madison county, and in the public schools of the city of Lexington. He subsequently began his active career in Rich- mond, Madison county, where he was en- gaged in the grocery business for two years. Embarking then in a new line of industry, Mr. Wilkerson was employed in buying and ship- ping stock in Madison and Fayette counties until 1901, when he was elected and served four years as sheriff of Fayette county. In 1906 he was one of the organizers of the Union Bank and Trust Company, one of the strong- est financial corporations of Lexington, and has since served as president of this institu- tion, his talent, tact, and trustworthiness ren- dering him an ideal man for the responsible position which he holds.

Mr. Wilkerson married, in 1872, Ellen Rus- sell. She was born in Madison county, Ken- tucky, a daughter of Richard and Sally (White) Russell. Mr. Wilkerson is identi- fied with various fraternal organizations, be- ing a member of Lexington Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M .; of Lexington Lodge, No. 89, B. P. O. E .; and of Lexington Tent, No. 20, K. O. T. M.

HON. CHARLTON HUNT .- For many years a prominent figure in the legal circles of Lexing- ton, Honorable Charlton Hunt occupied a foremost place in the ranks of his profession, which has been honored by some of the bright- est minds and best men of the state of Ken- tucky. A man of broad culture and high mental attainments, he was eminently quali- fied, not only by education and training, but by his personal endowments and great force of character, for a leader in affairs. He had the distinction of serving as the first mayor of Lexington, and was influential in the es- tablishment of beneficial enterprises, and in the advancement of the best interests of the new municipality. He was a life-long res- ident of this city, his birth occurring in Lex- ington December 20, 1801, and his death, which occurred December 27, 1836, at the early age of thirty-five years, was a cause of general regret throughout the county.

John Wesley Hunt, his father, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, of English ancestry.

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Left motherless at the age of fifteen years, he started, a penniless boy, to seek his fortune. Following the march of civilization westward, he came to the wilds of Kentucky, and after working for a few years where ever oppor- tunity presented he settled permanently in Lexington, Fayette county. Energetic and am- bitious, he became identified during his life with many enterprises that proved profitable, at one time having been associated with John Jacob Astor in the purchase and sale of furs. He was for years one of the leading manu- facturers of hemp goods, and was one of the most extensive landholders of the county. He was very active in the cause of religion, being, in 1811, one of the founders of the Kentucky Bible Society. In the same year he erected, at the corner of North Mill and Second streets, a commodious brick house, which was built in true colonial style, regard- less of expense. This house has since be- longed to the Hunt family, and is now owned by his granddaughter, Mrs. John Reid, who occupies it, it being still one of the most beatt- tiful and attractive residences of the city.

John Wesley Hunt married Catherine Grosh, who was born in Frederick, Md., and was an own cousin of Francis Scott Key, im- mortalized as author of "The Star-spangled Banner." She bore him twelve children, name- ly Mary, who married John W. Hanna; Theo- dosia married a Mr. Strother; Charlton, the subject of this brief biographical sketch ; John ; Eleanor married Richard Curd; Henrietta married Calvin Morgan; Abraham D., for many years a banker in Louisville; Thomas H .; Francis Key; Catherine died at the age of twenty-one years; Anna married William Reynolds; and Robert. The death of the mother of these children was several years before that of her husband, who died in Au- gust, 1849.

A bright and brilliant student from his early boyhood, Charlton Hunt was given ex- cellent educational advantages, and having completed the classical course at Transyl- vania University went to Frederick, Mary- land, his mother's early home, and there studied law with Roger B. Tawney, later chief justice of the United States. Returning to Kentucky, Mr. Hunt began the practice of his profession in Paris, Kentucky, but a short time later opened an office in Lexington, where he continued in active practice until his death, while in manhood's prime. An obituary notice published at the time of his death bears testimony to his legal accomplishments and forensic ability, even from his first appearance

as a speaker, placing him among the more suc- cessful lawyers of his day. He was active in public affairs, and rendered such excellent service as the first mayor of Lexington that he was subsequently twice re-elected as head of the municipality. 3 Many improvements were inaugurated in the city under his wise ad- ministration, one of the more important of which was the establishment of the first free school within its limits.

Mr. Hunt married in 1824 Rebecca Tilton Warfield, who was born in Lexington, Ken- tucky, January 2, 1806, a daughter of Dr. Elisha Warfield. From a history of the War- field family, compiled by Prof. Joshua Dorsey Warfield, we learn that she was a lineal de- scendant in the sixth generation from Richard Warfield (I), who settled in Maryland in 1662. John Warfield (2), a native of Mary- land, married Ruth, daughter of John Gathier, and settled in the parish of South River. Their son, Benjamin Warfield (3), was twice married. The maiden name of his first wife, through whom the line of descent was con- tinued, was Rebecca Ridgely. She was a daughter of Nicholas Ridgely, and grand- daughter of Col. Henry Ridgely, a member of Lord Baltimore's Council. Nicholas Ridgely married Sarah Worthington, a daughter of- Captain John and Sarah (Howard) Worth- ington, and granddaughter of Matthew and Sarah (Dorsey) Howard. Elisha Warfield, (4) was born at Dover, Maryland. He also was twice married, the line of descent being continued through his second wife, whose maiden name was Ruth Burgess. She was a daughter of Captain Joseph Burgess, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a granddaughter of Michael Dorsey, who was a son of John Dorsey, and grandson of Edward and Sarah (Wyatt) Dorsey.

Dr. Elisha Warfield (5) was a highly ed- ucated man, and for many years was a mem- ber of the faculty of Transylvania University, as professor of surgery and obstetrics gain- ing distinction. He married Mary Barr, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Tilton) Barr, and to them the following named chil- dren were born : Rebecca Tilton, Thomas Barr, William Pollock, Elisha J., Ann Eliza, Mary Jane, Caroline, Julia Genevieve, Laura Ruth, Robert Barr, and Charlton Hunt. Rebecca Tilton Warfield (6), the oldest child of the parental household, married as above stated, Honorable Charlton Hunt, and into the home thus established seven children were born, namely : Elisha Warfield; John Wesley ; Mary Thomas; Katherine Grosh, wife of John Reid,

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of whom a brief sketch may be found else- where in this volume; Ann and Elizabeth, twins; and Rebecca Charlton.

JOHN REID .- A native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Mason county, De- cember 20, 1822, John Reid was of honored ancestry, some of the best blood of old Vir- ginia coursing through his veins, supplying the stimulus that ever led him onward and upward to honorable achievements. Distinguished for his manliness, integrity, pronounced ability, and strong personality, he was held in high esteem in whatever community he resided, and was numbered among the citizens of value and worth.

His father, Hon. Walker Reid, was born in 1785, in Virginia, and was there brought up and educated. Crossing the mountains while yet a young man, he came to Kentucky in the very early part of the nineteenth century, and began the practice of law in Mason county. A man of versatile talent and vigorous men- tality, he soon became prominent in public affairs, and in 1810, 1811, 1813, and again in 1817, was elected as a Representative to the State Legislature. He met with eminent suc- cess in his professional career, and in 1832 was appointed circuit judge, an office which he held by appointment until 1850, when the new constitution went into effect, making that an elective office. He was then prevailed upon by his many friends to become a can- didate for the position which he had so long and ably filled, and was elected by a very large majority, his popularity among the people be- ing shown at the polls. On June 21, 1852, while holding court at Alexandria, Campbell county, he died suddenly of cholera, his death depriving the Kentucky bar of one of its most brilliant members, and the state of one of its most distinguished and loyal citizens. Throughout his career as judge, no voice of reproach was ever heard; no shadow of sus- picion ever darkened his pathway; and his rulings were uniformly fair and impartial. While independent in his views, and bold and fearless in the expression of his opinions, Judge Reid was not aggressive or unreason- able, his simple dignity of manner being marked by genial courtesy and kindliness. His reminiscences of the occupancy of the bench are all of a pleasant character as his treat- ment of lawyers and litigants was pleasant and impartial, winning for him an enviable reputa- tion as a just judge.

Judge Reid married Anna Tebbs, of Mason county, Kentucky, and they became the par- ents of four sons and three daughters as fol- lows: Charlotte, who married Adam Batty; Elizabeth married a Mr. Taylor; Walker, Jo-

seph Botts, William Tebbs, John, and Mary, who married John James Key. Walker Reid went to Texas when young, and as cap- tain of a company of soldiers fought for the independence of that republic. He subse- quently died of Texas fever while yet in the prime of early manhood. Joseph Botts Reid was educated as a physician, and died ere reaching the prime of life. William Tebbs Reid, who also died in early manhood, was a lawyer by profession.

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A history of Kentucky and Kentuckians; the leaders and representative men in commerce, industry and modern activities, Volume III, Part 70

Author: Johnson, E. Polk, 1844-; Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 860

Author: Johnson, E. Polk, 1844-; Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 860