USA > Kentucky > Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II > Part 113
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STATISTICS OF RUSSELL COUNTY.
When forined. See page 26 Tobacco, hay, corn, wheat ... pages 266, 268
Population, from 1830 to 1870 .p. 258 Horses, mules, cattle, hogs ......... page 263
whites and colored. ... p. 260 Taxable property, in 1846 and 1870 p. 270
towns .p. 262 Land-No. of acres, and value of .... p. 270 white males over 21 . p. 266 Latitude and longitude .. .... ....... p. 257
children bet. 6 and 20 yrs. p. 266
Distinguished citizens ......... ' ... see Index.
693
RUSSELL COUNTY.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE FROM RUSSELL COUNTY.
Senate .- Nathan McClure, 1848, '61-63 ; Shelby Stone, 1851-57. From Russell, Clinton, Cumberland, and Wayne counties-Joshua Buster, 1850. From Russell, Adair, and Casey counties-Wm. Bradshaw, 1836-40.
House of Representatives .- Richard Graves, 1828; Ebenezer N. Robertson, 1829 ; Jeremiah S. Pierce, 1830, '31, '32 ; Nathan McClure, 1833, '34, '35, '36, '37, '38, '39 ; Wm. D. Lair, 1840; Edward I. Bullock, 1841; Shelby Stone, 1842, '43, '44, '45 ; Hector Owens, 1846 ; Jesse S. Judd, 1847; Jas. Collins, 1848 : Elijah Coffey, 1849 ; Wm. M. Green, 1850; Napoleon B. Stone, 1851-53 ; Wm. P. Payne, 1857-59 ; Jas. M. C. Lisenby, 1861-63 ; John C. Bolin, 1863-65 ; Bryan S. McClure, 1871-73. From Russell and Casey counties-Chesley W. Jones, 1853-55.
The High Table Land from the water-shed between Green and Cumber- land rivers, is elevated 1,070 feet above tide water, about 600 feet above the Cumberland river where it crosses the state line into Tennessee, about 618 feet above Green river at the mouth of Little Barren river, and about 570 feet above the same river at Greensburg.
The "Rock House" is a remarkable feature in the landscape on the edge of Russell and Cumberland counties. It is fully described under the latter county.
Some of the Iron Ore found on the table land near the road leading from Creelsboro to Jamestown was worked in a furnace about 1834.
One of the "Harpe" band, as he appeared in 1802 to a since distinguished Methodist preacher, is thus minutely described : * (See the accounts under Hopkins county.)
"Returning, I saw the cabin (in now Russell county) pretty well filled with men and women. Although it was late in November, many of them had neither hats nor bonnets on their heads, nor shoes on their feet. I took my stand opposite the door, read a hymn, and began to sing. While I was singing, a remarkable man made his appearance-so distinguished from other ten that I will give some account of him. He was a very large man, with strongly marked features. From the muscles of his face I perceived that he was a man of strong, natural courage. He had a high forehead, very wide between the eyes, with a broad face; his eye-balls were remarkably large, show- ing a great deal of white. His whole form was well proportioned. He fixed his eyes upon me, and looked as if he were scanning my whole person. Had I not been used to seeing rough men on the frontier of Kentucky, I should have been frightened. I looked him fully in the eyes and scanned him closely. His hair appeared as though it had never been combed, and made me think of old Nebuchadnezzar and his head 'like eagles' feathers.' He wore no hat; his collar was open, and his breast bare; there was neither shoe nor moccasin on his feet.
"I finished my hymn, kneeled down and prayed, and took my text to preach. The man looked for no seat, but stood erect, gazing on the speaker. Before I was half through I saw the tears roll down his rough cheeks. 1 closed, and told them that on that day four weeks I would be there again. I ivue away, but could not forget the big man. I was sure he had distin- guished himself, some way; which made me anxious to find out his history. I soon found out he was brother-in-law to the infamous robber Micajah Harpe, a character so well known in the history of Kentucky. No doubt they had been together in many a bloody affray. On my next round he joined the church, and soon afterward became a Christian. He could neither read nor write. I procured him a spelling book. His wife taught him to read, and he soon learned to write. On my fourth round I appointed him class-leader. He trimmed off his hair, bought a new hat, clothed himself pretty well, and became a respectable man. I heard of him several years afterward, und he was still holding on his heavenly way." -
Col. WILLIAM RUSSELL, in honor of whom this county was named, was born in Culpepper co., Va., in 1753, and died in Fayette co., Ky., July 3, 1825-aged 67 years. While yet a boy his father removed into the extreme
* Rev. Jacob Young's Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 95-97. Cincinnati, 1859.
696
SCOTT COUNTY.
southwestern part of the province of Virginia. In 1774, the son, when only 15, joined an expedition under Daniel Boone against the Indians, and was in similar excursions repeatedly until 1780. In that year he visited Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, spending the summer near Nashville, and returning to Virginia in the fall. As a lieutenant in the mounted regiment, or as aid to Col. Wm. Campbell, he engaged in the famous battles of the Revolution, at King's Mountain, Whitsell's Mills, and Guilford Court House, and in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians.
Soon after the close of the war of Independence, Capt. Russell emigrated to Fayette county, Ky. In the several expeditions under Gen. Chas. Scott, Col. James Wilkinson, and Gen. Anthony Wayne, against the Indians, in 1791 and 1794, Col. Russell acted a gallant and distinguished part, exhibiting military capacity of a high order. In 1808, President Madison appointed him to the command of a regiment in the regular army. In 1811, after the battle of Tippecanoe, where his courage and skill were again prominent, Gen. Harrison was transferred to the command of the northwestern army, and Col. Russell succeeded him in the important command of the frontiers of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. After Hopkins' campaign, Col. Russell, in conjunction with Gov. Ninian Edwards, of Illinois, planned the expedition against the Peoria Indians, which was crowned with complete success. When peace was restored, Col. Russell retired to his farm.
No man thus distinguished in arms has ever, in Kentucky, been allowed to remain entirely out of civil life. Col. Russell was almost continuously honored with the confidence of the people. In 1789 he was elected a delegate to the Virginia legislature which passed the act separating the district of Kentucky from the parent state-a separation which was not consummated until 1792. He was a representative from Fayette county in the first legisla- ture of Kentucky, in 1792, and again in 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, and 1823-thirteen sessions in all. In 1824 he was a candidate for governor, at one time with strong prospects of success, but was defeated. In 1825 he was called from his sick-room to preside over a public meeting; the exposure increased his illness, and, in a few weeks, death ensued.
SCOTT COUNTY.
SCOTT county, named in honor of Gen. Charles Scott (after- wards governor), was formed out of part of Woodford in 1792; and was the 2d born of the new state of Kentucky, but the 11th in all, including the counties formed by Virginia before the ad- mission of Kentucky into the Union. It is situated in the north middle part of the state ; and bounded N. by Owen county, N. E. and E. by Harrison and Bourbon, s. by Fayette and Woodford, and w. by Franklin. It is well watered by North Elkhorn, South Elkhorn, and Eagle creeks and their tributaries-South Elkhorn forming the s. w. boundary line. The s. and s. E. por- tion, bordering on Woodford, Fayette, and Bourbon, is embraced in that beautiful blue-grass region known as the "Garden of Kentucky ;" with a level or very gently rolling surface, and a deep, rich, black soil, based on limestone and unsurpassed in fertility. In the N. and N. w. portions of the county the surface is hilly and broken, and the soif not nearly so productive. The exports consist principally of horses, mules, cattle, hogs, and hemp ; great attention is paid to the raising of blooded horses and cattle; corn and hemp are the leading products. In 1870, Scott was the 11th county in the state in taxable property.
697
SCOTT COUNTY.
Towns .- Georgetown, the county seat, occupies an elevated site, 17 miles E. of Frankfort, 16 w. of Paris, 12 N. of Lexington, and 70 s. of Covington and Cincinnati ; it contains 8 churches, one flourishing college (under the control of the Baptist denomina- tion), two female institutes of high grade, one newspaper office (Georgetown Times), a large number of business houses, and 6 factories of woollen goods, wool carding, and bagging and rope ; population in 1870, 1,570, a falling off of 114 since 1860, and an increase of only 59 over 1840; when originally settled, in Oct., 1775, it was called Mc Clelland's Station, but from about 1784 to 1790, Lebanon ; in the latter year, it was incorporated by the legislature of Virginia, and the name changed to Georgetown in honor of George Washington. Great Crossings, 4 miles from Georgetown, took its name from the fact that the great buffalo trace from interior Kentucky to the Ohio river crossed North Elkhorn creek at this point. Stamping Ground, 9 miles from Georgetown, was incorporated Jan. 24, 1834; so named from the fact that the herds of buffalo which resorted here for salt water tramped or stamped down the undergrowth and soil for a great distance around. Oxford, formerly Marion, 5 miles from George- town ; incorporated Feb. 27, 1844. Newtown, 9 miles, Minorsville, 8 miles, Stonewall, 16 miles, White Sulphur, 10 miles from George- town. Payne's Depot is the station on the Lou., Cin., and Lex. railroad where most of the shipping business for the county is done.
STATISTICS OF SCOTT COUNTY.
When formed See page 26 | Corn, wheat, hay, tobacco .. pages 266, 268
Population, from 1800 to 1870 ... p. 258 Horses, mules, cattle, hogs. .p. 268
whites and colored. .p. 260 Taxable property, 1846 and 1870 .... p. 270
towns .. .p. 262 Land-No. of acres, and value ....... p. 270
white males over 21 .. .p. 266 Latitude and longitude. .p. 257
children bet. 6 and 20 ... p. 266
Distinguished citizens. see Index.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE FROM SCOTT COUNTY.
Senate .- William Henry, 1796-1800 ; David Flournoy, 1800-04; Robert Hunter, 1604-08; Jas. Johnson, 1808-11; David Thompson, 1811-20 ; Rodes Smith, 1820-28 ; Garrett Wall, 1828-30 ; John Payne, 1830-32 ; John Pratt, 1838-42 ; Jas. M. Shepard, 1850 ; Jas. F. Robinson, 1851-53, '61-65 ; D. Howard Smith, 1853-57 ; Win. S. Darnaby, 1857-61 ; Win. P. Duvall, 1871-75. From Seott and Bourbon counties-Thus. H. Bradford, 1844-46.
House of Representatives .- Wm. Henry, 1793, '94, 1801, '09; John Grant, 1793, '94, '95; Toliver Craig, 1795, '97, 1800 ; John Flournoy, 1796; Col. Robert Johnson, 1796, '97, '98, 1802, '10, '11, '12, '13; Bartlett Collins, 1798, '99, 1801; David Flournoy, 1799; John Hunter, 1800; Fielding Bradford, 1802, '03, '08, '09, '11 ; John Thomp- son, 1803, '04, '05, '06; Col. Richard M. Johnson, 1804, '05, '19, '41, '42; Josiah Pitts, 1806; Jas. W. Hawkins, 1810; Benj. S. Chambers, 1812, '13, '29; Gen. Robert McHatton, 1814, '15, '16; John Johnson, 1814, '15, '17, '18, '28; Samuel Shepard, 1816; Garrett Wall, 1817, '18 ; Balallen Prewitt, 1820 ; Jas. Patterson. 1520, '24, 37 ; Win. Rodes, 1822 ; Robert J. Ward, 1822, '24, '25, '26, '27, '31 ; Jas. Tarlton, 1825, '26; John Duvall, 1827 ; Job Stevenson, 1828, '31, '32, '33, '34, '35, '36 ; Samuct Penn, 1829 ; Euclid L. Johnson, Andrew Johnson, 1830 ; Wm. Johnson, 1832, '33, '34. '35, '59-63; John T. Pratt, 1536, '37, '47 ; Geo. W. Johnson, 1838, 39, '40; Stephen F. Gano, 1838, '44, '63-63 ; Fabricius C. McCalla, 1539 ; Newton Payne, 1543; Wm. Gano, 1843; Lucien B. Dickerson, 1846; Wm. P. Duvall, 1848, '63-67; D. Howard Smith, 1849 ; Alvin Duvall, 1850 ; Win. McMillan, 1851-53; Somerson Green, 1853-55; Hiram Wood, 1853-57; Remus Payne, 1857-59; Jas. E. Cantrill, 1867-71; John A. Bell, 1871-73. [See Owen co.] Newton Craig, 1873-75.
698
SCOTT COUNTY.
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Georgetown College began its chartered existence in 1829, but the faculty was never full until 1840, and the usual classes were not all formed till 1842. The commencement of the enterprise was a legacy of $20,000 from Issachar Paulding, a native of New Jersey, long settled in Kentucky ; but most of the endowment was obtained in 1839, by the Rev. Rockwell Giddings, from New England, who had settled over the Baptist church in Shelbyville. He was elected president of the college, and in less than a year obtained about $70,000 in subscriptions, but died before he had completed his great work. Rev. Howard Malcom, D. D., succeeded him as president, 1839-49. Rev. Duncan R. Campbell, D. D., LL.D., was the distinguished president from 1852 until his death in 1865 -- by whose judicious management and fine busi- ness tact the institution was placed upon a solid financial basis. Rev. N. M. Crawford, D. D., was the next president, until 1871. In 1858, there were 8 professors, 132 students, and a library of 7,500 volumes. In 1871, there were 7 professors and 145 students. The college has generally been well sustained, and has been eminently useful. In 1873, it had an able faculty, with Rev. Basil Manly, D. D., as president; and energetic and successful efforts were making to increase its endowment and efficiency. In the theological depart- ment were a number of candidates for the ministry.
The buildings and grounds were as represented in the accompanying sketch in 1847. .. The building on the right, then called Rittenhouse academy, and used for the preparatory department and society halls, has been replaced by one much more commodious and handsome.
The Western Military Institute, of which we present a sketch taken in 1846, was established about 1844 by Col. Thornton F. Johnson, who, as well as most of the professors, were educated at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. It was quite flourishing for a number of years; then was removed to the Blue Lick Springs, but after some 15 years discontinued.
Two Female Seminaries in Georgetown have been well sustained for over thirty years past.
The " Royal Spring" was the name given in 1775 to one of the finest springs in the state, which bursts from a high bluff of limestone rock, flows through the west end of Georgetown, and empties into Elkhorn five-eighths of a mile from its source. The spring affords an ample supply of water for the entire population, and the stream flowing from it sufficient water power for a woollen factory and grist mill which are located upon it.
First Settlement .- The late Nathaniel Hart, of Woodford county, advanced the opinion that the first white settlement in Kentucky was made at this spring. Upon what special information Mr. Hart based that opinion, the author has been unable to learn; nor has he been able to find any thing at all confirmatory of that claim. It is almost absolutely certain, from several depositions before him, from the records of the land office, and other data, that the soil about Georgetown was first trodden by the foot of white men engaged in making the military surveys of Col. John Floyd and those of Jaimes Douglas,* both in the months of June and July, 1774; but these com- panies immediately left the neighborhood, and did not return until the summer or fall of 1775, if at all. So far as can now be ascertained, the first settle- ment of more than one family, at any point in Kentucky north of the Ken- tucky river was at Georgetown, in November, 1775. Alex. McClelland, Wm. MeClelland, John McClelland, Andrew MeConnell, Francis McConnell, David Perry, and Chas. Lecompt, f in April, 1775, came down the Ohio river, up the kentucky river, and up Elkhorn creek, and remained for several weeks in the " Eikhorn country."" It is not improbable that, among the number of " improvers' cabins" (usually about breast-high and without a roof), they built a covered cabin at the Royal Spring, and made that their station-camp. Certain it is that in November after, John MeClelland (with his family), David Perry, and three others of them, together with Col. Robert Patterson, Win. MeConnell, and Stephen Lowry came from the neighborhood of Pitts- burgh to this spring, built a house, and made it their home until April, 1776.
* Military Surveys in Land Offices of Virginia and Kentucky.
t Depositions of Alex. MeClelland, Robert Patterson, Chas. Lecompt, and others, in 1797, 1803, 1804, and 1818.
. CROSVENO ..
FEMALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, GEORGETOWN, KY.
WESTERN MILITARY INSTITUTE, GEORGETOWN, KY .. 18;5. (Now Warren Female Institute. )
699
SCOTT COUNTY.
Mc Clelland's Station or Fort, at the Royal Spring, where Georgetown now stands, was the first fortified station built anywhere north of Kentucky river-unless McGee's, in now Clark county, 3 miles N. of that river at Boonesborough, was settled a few weeks previous, which can not now be de- cided. It was erected in the summer of 1776, by most of the persons above named as having assisted in building John McClelland's house in Nov., 1775, together with several others from John Hinkson's cabin on South Licking and from a temporary cabin or camp at Drennon's Lick in now Henry county. .
On the 20th of December of the same year, when defended by only about 20 men, it was attacked by 40 or 50 Indians under the famous Mingo chief Pluggy-three days after they had defeated, near the Lower Blue Licks, Col. John Todd's expedition after the powder (see under Nicholas county). The attack lasted for several hours, and was only discontinued then by reason, -as was afterwards learned, of the death of Pluggy. Of the whites, 2 were mortally wounded, John McClelland and Chas. White. (Gen. ) Robert Todd and Capt. Edward Worthington were seriously wounded, but both recovered. The terror inspired by this event, caused the occupants to abandon the fort and retire to Harrodsburg. Col. Patterson* assisted in building the fort, and was one of its defenders until the beginning of October, 1776. The supply of pow- der being nearly exhausted, he and six others started to Pittsburgh to procure am- munition and other necessaries. On their way they spent several days at the Blue Licks, curing buffalo jerk and tallow for their journey up the river. At Lime- stone (now Maysville) they procured a canoe, commenced their journey, and ar- rived at Point Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, without encounter- ing any Indians. From the Point they proceeded on their journey, traveling very cautiously,-starting before daybreak and going on until after dark, and sleeping without fire.
Late in the evening of the 12th of October, they landed a few miles below the mouth of Hockhocking, in the present State of Ohio, and, contrary to their nsual practice, made a fire,-having become less cautious in consequence of their near approach to the settlements. They laid upon their arms around the fire, and in the night were attacked by a party of eleven Indians, who gave them a volley, and then fell upon them with their tomahawks. Col. Patterson received two balls in his right arm, by which it was broken; and a tomahawk was struck into his side, between two of his ribs, penetrating into the cavity of the body. He sprang out into the darkness and got clear, supposing all his companions were killed. He made for the river, in hopes of getting into the canoe and floating down to Point Pleasant ; but as he approached it, he discovered that there was an Indian in it. In a short time the whole party of Indians went on board, and floated down the river. Col. Patterson then made an attempt to get to the fire, in which he succeeded. He found a companion, named Templeton, wounded in a manner very similar to his own case; another, named Wernock, wounded dangerously ; and another, named Perry, slightly. Of the other three, one was killed, one was missing, and the other, named Mitchell, was unhurt. They had saved one gun and some ammunition. They remained on the ground until morning, when they attempted to proceed up the river on foot ; but Wernock was unable to move, and they were forced to leave him. They, however, found themselves unable to pro ceed farther than a quarter of a mile from the camp, and it was then agreed that Perry should endeavor to reach Grave creek, and' bring them aid, while Mitchell was to remain and take care of the others. Wernock, who was left behind, died in the evening; and Mitchell, who had gone back to assist him, lost his way in returning to Patterson and Templeton, and did not find them until next morning. They then moved a couple of hundred yards further from the river, and the next day got under a cliff, which sheltered them from the rain, where they remained until Perry returned from Grave creek with assistance. They were removed to that place, after lying eight days in their suffering condition. Patterson laid twelve months under the surgeon's care.t
In the latter part of May, 1778, a party of Indians stole twenty horses, near
.See the interesting incident in the battle of the Blue Licks. Col. Patterson was a brave and mer- itorious officer and valuable citizen. He removed from Lexington in 1804, to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, where he resided on a farm till his death, in August, 1827, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. t American Pioneer, vol. 2, pp. 344-5.
700
SCOTT COUNTY.
Col. Johnson's mill. They were pursued by Capt. Herndon with a small body of whites, but escaped. On this occasion, a most singular manœuvre was exe- cuted by one of the Indians, probably the leader. The party, after traveling about twenty miles, halted in a brushy copse of wood, and were overtaken by the pur- suers, who came upon them before they were discovered or saw their adversary. 'The whites, on discovering the marauders, made instant preparation to fire ; and, at the same moment, the Indians gave a loud yell, sprang to their feet, and, with one exception, ran in various directions. One, who remained in view of the whites, continued to yell and scream and jump-now flying to one tree, then to another-now dodging, then springing aloft, as one perfectly frantic. This strange exhibition attracted and so engrossed the attention of the whites, that they did not even fire-thus, without doubt, effecting the very object intended by this dex- terous and wily savage. In the mean time, the other Indians had secured their guns and blankets, and made their escape, as did also the partisan hero, in an in- stant after his followers were safe-leaving an enemy, superior in numbers, to express their wonder at the enchantment which had thus deluded them .*
About the 20th of June, 1788, three Indians made an incursion into Scott county, and stole three horses from the farm of Jacob Stucker, on North Elkhorn. On the succeeding day, a lad was killed near Col. Johnson's mill. The neighbor- hood was roused, and Capt Henderson, immediately assembling a company, gave pursuit. He struck the horse trail, and, pursuing it with great vigor, soon over- hauled the Indians. At the first fire, two of the Indians fell dead, and the third, though wounded, effected his escape. The horses were recovered, and the whites returned to their homes without having received the slightest injury.
The first paper mill in Kentucky was erected by Elijah Craig and Parkers, near Georgetown, in the year 1792, and burned, in 1836.
Captain WILLIAM HUBBELL .- The subject of this brief notice was a native of Vermont, and served five and a half years in the revolutionary army, in the vari- ous stations of private, sergeant, ensign, and second and first lieutenant. He participated in the capture of St. John's and Montreal, and was engaged in many skirmishes during the war. Some years after the close of the revolutionary war, Captain Hubbell removed to Kentucky, and settled in Scott county, where he resi- ded until his death at a very advanced age-enjoying throughout life, in an emi- nent degree, the confidence and esteem of the community among whom his lot was cast. In the year 1791, while the Indians were yet troublesome, especially on the banks of the Ohio, Captain Hubbell, who had been compelled to go to the eastward on business, was returning to his home in Kentucky. On one of the tributary streams of the river Monongahela, he procured a flat bottomed boat, and embarked in company with Mr. Daniel Light, and Mr. William Plascut and his family, consisting of a wife and eight children, destined for Limestone, Kentucky. On their progress down the river Ohio, and soon after passing Pittsburgh, they saw evident traces of Indians along the banks, and there is every reason to believe that a boat which they overtook, and which, through carelessness, was suffered to run aground on an island, became a prey to the merciless savages.
Though Captain Hubbell and his party stopped some time for it in a lower part of the river, it did not arrive, and has never to their knowledge been heard of since. Before they reached the mouth of the Great Kenhawa, they had, by several successive additions, increased their number to twenty, consisting of nine men, three women, and eight children. The men, besides those mentioned above, were one John Stoner, an Irishman, and a Dutchman, whose names are not recollected, Messrs. Ray and Tucker, and a Mr. Kilpatrick, whose two daugh- ters also were of the party. Information received at Gallipolis confirmed the expectation which appearances previously raised, of a serious conflict with a large body of Indians ; and as Captain Hubbell had been regularly appointed commander of the boat, every possible preparation was made for a formidable and successful resistance of the anticipated attack.
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