Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II, Part 30

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1654

USA > Kentucky > Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II > Part 30

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Many sketches of prominent residents of this county will be found else- where-those of John Breckinridge under the head of Breckinridge co., Col. Wm. Russell under the head of Russell co., Richard H. Menefee under Menifee co., George Robertson under Robertson co., Jos. Hamilton Daveiss under Daviess co., Capt. Nathaniel G. T. Hart under Hart co., Capt. John Edmon- son under Edmonson co., Col. Geo. Nicholas under Nicholas co., Col. John Todd under Todd co. See each name in the General Index-also, the names of Rev. John Breckinridge, D.D., Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, D.D., LL. D., Rev. Adam Rankin, Rev. James Welch, Rev. Thos. Williamson, Rev. Stephen Brooks, Rev. Robert Stuart. Rev. John H. Brown, D.D., Rev. James Moore, Rev. James MeChord, Rev. Henry B. Bascom, D.D., Rev. Nathan HI. Hall, D.D., Judge Wmn. C. Goodloe, Rev. Jas. Blythe, D.D , Rev. John Thompson, Dr. Daniel Drake, Rev. Benj. O. Peers, Rt. Rev. Benj. B. Smith, D.D.

ROBERT TODD was one of the two senators from Fayette in the first senate of Kentucky in 1792, was circuit judge for a number of years, and held other offices of honor and trust.

193

FAYETTE COUNTY.

The following extracts are from the oldest files of the Kentucky Gazette, between 1787 and 1792-the only bound copies of which now in existence are in the Lexington Library. They are preserved with very jealous care, having already suffered from the mutilations of dishonest curiosity-seekers. They are filled chiefly with news from abroad :

" Lexington, April 26, .~ 90.

Friday the 10th instant was appointed for the examination of the students of the Transylvania seminary, by the trustees. In the presence of a very respectable audience, several elegant speeches were delivered by the boys, and in the evening a tragedy acted, and the whole concluded with a farce. The several masterly strokes of eloquence, throughout the performance, obtained general applause, and were acknowledged by a universal clap from all present. The good order and decorum observed throughout the whole, together with the rapid progress of the school in literature, reflects very great honor on the president."

Lexington, February 26, 1791.

"The following posts on the frontiers are to be immediately occupied by the guards, for the defence of the district, viz. :

Posts. No. of men.

Posts.

No. of men

Three Islands .

20 Mouth of Salt river

Locust creek

13 Hardin's settlement

Iron works

17 Russel's creek

Forks of Licking

12 Sovereign's valley

Big bone Lick

Widow Wiljohn's

Tanner's .

5 Estill's station

Drennon's lick

Stevenson's

Mouth Kentucky

19 Lackey's .

Patten's creek . . 10 Noke's lick

December 1, 1787.

" Whereas, the subscribers to the proposals for establishing a society, to be called the " Kentucky society for promoting useful knowledge," were prevented from meeting on the fourth Monday in September last, according to appointment, and it is probable that a meeting of the subscribers cannot, in any short time be had, and absolutely necessary that something should be done for the benefit of the society, without further loss of time, it is proposed by sundry subscribers that a select committee, curator, and treasurer, shall be forthwith chosen by the sub- scribers, in the (only) manner which their dispersed situation will at present admit of. The committee, curator, and treasurer to act in their several capacities, till a meeting of the subscribers can be had.

" Each subscriber is therefore requested to forward to Mr. Thomas Speed, at Danville, before the fifth day of February next, a list. of such gentlemen as he chooses to constitute a select committee ; and also the names of such gentlemen as he wishes to be appointed curator and treasurer.

"It is proposed that such gentlemen as are found on the said first day of Feb- ruary next, to have a majority of such votes in their favor, as have then came to hand, shall be a select committee, and act as curator and treasurer, till a meeting as above mentioned can be had.

" A list of all the subscribers is hereunto subjoined ; and it is necessary to ob- serve that the select committee is to consist of seven members, including the chairman, who is to be chosen by the committee."

George Muter, John Jouett,

John Coburn,

Samuel McDowell,

Thomas Allin,

George Gordon,

Harry Innes,

Robert Todd,

Alexander D. Orr,

James Speed,

Joseph Crockett, Robert Barr,

Ebenezer Brooks,

Horace Turpin,

William McDowell, Willis Green,

T. Hall,

Robert Johnson,

Thomas Todd,

Caleb Wallace,

John Craig, James Garrard,

Thomas Speed,

William Irvine,

Gabriel J. Johnson,

Charles Scott,

Isaac Shelby,

Joshua Barbee,

Levi Todd,

David Leitch,

Stephen Ormsby,

· James Parker,

H. Marshall,

J. Overton, jun.,

. Alexander Parker, John Fowler,

Christopher Greenup.

J. Brown,

II .. 13

194

ROBERT PATTERSON.

Education .- Notice is hereby given, that on Monday the 28th of January next, school will be opened by Messrs. Jones & Worley, at the royal spring in Leb. anon town, Fayette county, where a commodious house, sufficient to contain fifty or sixty scholars, will be prepared. They will teach the Latin and Greek lan- guages, together with such branches of the sciences as are usually taught in public seminaries, at twenty-five shillings a quarter for each scholar, one half to be paid in cash, the other in produce at cash price. There will be a vacation of a month in the spring and another in the fall, at the close of each of which, it is expected that such payments as are due in cash, will be made. For diet, washing and house-room, for a year, each scholar pays three pounds in cash, or five hundred weight of pork on entrance, and three pounds cash on the beginning of the third quarter. It is desired that as many as can would furnish themselves with beds ; such as cannot may be provided for here to the number of eight or ten boys, at thirty-five shillings a year for each bed. ELIJAH CRAIG.

N. B. It would be proper for each boy to have his sheets, shirts, stockings, &c. marked, to prevent mistakes.

Lebanon, December 27, 1787.

Lexington, June 4, 1791.

On Wednesday the 25th ult. seven Indians killed a family about twelve miles from Danville, consisting of a man, his wife and five children. They were pur- sued by a party of men, overtaken, one killed and another wounded.

About the same time they took a prisoner with a number of horses from the neighborhood of Fort Washington, on the north-west side of Ohio.

Lexington, March 10, 1792.

On Monday evening last the Indians stole ten or twelve horses from near Grant's mill, on North Elkhorn ; and on Tuesday night burnt a dwelling house, together with all the household furniture belonging to the proprietors, they having left their houses late in the evening.

July 28, 1792.

Notice is hereby given, that the commissioners for fixing the permanent seat of government, will attend at Brent & Love's tavern in Lexington, on the first Mon- day in August next, and the succeeding day, to receive proposals from any per- sons authorized to make offers concerning the business of their commission, and will proceed from thence to view any place or places which will be thought most eligible.

Lexington, January 5, 1789.

A large company will meet at the Crab Orchard, on the 29th inst. in perfect readiness to make an early start through the wilderness the next morning.

Richmond, Va. October 24, 1788.

I propose attending the General Court in the District of Kentucky, as an Attor- ney, and shall be at the next March term, if not prevented by some unforeseen event.

GEORGE NICHOLAS.

ROBERT PATTERSON was among the early settlers of Lexington. He came to Kentucky shortly after the old pioneer Boone made his location here. He bought all the property on the hill, in the western limits of the city, a large por- tion of which is now very tastefully and beautifully improved. Colonel Patter- son commanded a company in the disastrous battle of the Blue Licks. In the retreat from the battle field an incident occurred, as rare as it was magnanimous and noble. Aaron Reynolds, whom the reader will remember for his rough and humorous reply to Girty at the siege of Bryan's station, after bearing his share in the action with distinguished gallantry, was galloping, with several other horsemen, in order to reach the ford. The greater portion of the fugitives having preceded them, their situation was extremely critical and dangerous. About half way from the battle-ground to the river, the party overtook Colonel (then Cap- tain) l'atterson, on foot, infirm in consequence of former wounds received from the Indians, and so exhausted by recent exertions, as to be unable to keep up

195

FAYETTE COUNTY.

with his companions in flight. The Indians were close after him, and every mo- ment shortened the distance between them. Reynolds, upon coming up with this brave officer, instantly sprung from his horse, aided Patterson to mount into the saddle, and continued his own flight on foot. From his remarkable vigor and activity, he was enabled to outstrip his pursuers, and reach the opposite side of the river in safety. Here, finding that the water absorbed by his buckskin breeches, had rendered them so tight and heavy as to impede his flight, he sat down for the purpose of pulling them off, and was overtaken by a party of In- dians, and made prisoner. The pursuit was continued, and Reynolds, strictly guarded, was compelled to follow on. A small body of the flying Kentuckians, however, soon attracted their attention, and he was left in charge of three Indians, who, eager in pursuit, in turn committed him to one of their number. Reynolds and his guard moved on at a slow pace, the former unarmed, the latter armed with a rifle and tomahawk. At length the Indian stopped to tie his moccasin, when Reynolds instantly sprung upon him, knocked him down with his fist, and quickly disappeared in the thicket which surrounded them. For this act of noble gen- erosity, Colonel Patterson afterwards made him a present of two hundred acres of first rate land. There is a moral beauty in this incident which cannot fail to elicit the admiration of every reader.

JOHN HOWARD was an early adventurer to this county. He made a settle- ment at Boonsborough in 1775. He was a firm and decided whig in the revo- lution ; and was a volunteer at the battle of Guilford. While in the act of taking a wounded man from the field, he was attacked by Tarleton's light horse, and received five wounds, three of which were pronounced mortal by the surgeon who dressed them. He was a native of Virginia, and completed his education with the celebrated Dr. Samuel Davies, afterwards president of Princeton college. He was a devoted christian, having lived an exemplary member of the Presby- terian church for upwards of eighty years. His only son, Governor Benjamin Howard, of Missouri, died at St. Louis in 1814. Mr. Howard out-lived all his family, except his second daughter, and died at the advanced age of 103, at the residence of Maj. Woolley (who married a grand-daughter) in Lexington.

JOHN CARTY, Sen., born in New Jersey in 1764, died Nov. 25, 1845, aged 81, emigrated to Lexington shortly after the close of the Revolutionary war, and was out against the Indians, at the battle of the Fallen Timber, under Gen. Anthony Wayne. JOHN CARTY, Jr., his son, born in Lexington in 1806, died April 8, 1867, won the high praise of being the most successful merchant in a city which has produced many superior merchants. He was a man of remarkable judgment and sagacity, generous and popular.

ANDREW MCCALLA, the father of Rev. William L. and General John M. Mc- Calla, was another of the pioneers of Lexington. He spent most of his life in acts of charity and kindness. He was the projector, and main stay in its infancy, of the lunatic asylum. He died at a good old age.

JOHN BRADFORD was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, in the year 1749. He married Eliza James, daughter of Captain Benjamin James, of said county, in the year 1771, and had five sons and fous daughters. He served for a short time in the revolutionary army, and came to Kentucky for the first time in the fall of the year 1779. He was in the battle with the Indians at Chillicothe. In the year 1735, he removed his family to Kentucky, and settled about four miles north of Lexington, on Cane run. In the year 1787, he, in conjunction with his brother, Fie.ding Bradford. (a venerable man, who in 1847 was living 2 miles nearly north from Georgetown), established the " Kentucke Gazette," the first number of which was published in Lexington on the 11th of August in that year; under which title it was continued until the 14th of March, 1789, when it was changed to the " Kentucky Gazette," in consequence of the legislature of Virginia requiring certain advertisements to be inserted in the Kentucky Gazette. Fielding Brad- ford remained a partner until the 31st of May, 1788, when he withdrew from the concern ; after which it was continued by John Bradford until the 1st of April, 1602, when he conveyed the establishment to his son, Daniel Bradford, who continued the publication of the Gazette for many years, and was yet residing in Lexington, an acting magistrate of Fayette county, in 1847.

The first number of the Gazette was published on a sheet of demi paper-the

196

WILLIAM TAYLOR BARRY.

second on a half sheet of the same size ; but owing to the difficulty of procuring paper, it was soon after reduced to a half sheet fools-cap, and thus published for several months. It has been reported that the type on which the paper was issued, were cut out of dog-wood by Mr. Bradford. This is not true, except as to particular sorts, which fell short, and also as to a few large letters, although he was a man of uncommon mechanical ingenuity.

One of the most noted citizens of Fayette, is GEN. LESLIE COMBS. He was a lawyer of high repute in his profession; and, during the late war with Great Britain, was a brave and gallant soldier under Harrison. While out on the north- western frontier, he was highly distinguished as a brave, vigilant, and efficient officer. He was attached to the force under General Green Clay, which went to the relief of Fort Meigs in May, 1813. He volunteered at the head of five men, in an open canoe, to carry to Harrison the intelligence of Clay's approach, through swarms of hostile savages, who occupied every known avenue to the beleaguered fort. In this daring attempt he narrowly escaped death, and lost nearly all his men. He took part with distinguished courage, in the disastrous attack made upon the British batteries by Colonel Dudley, and was severely wounded, and taken prisoner, in that affair. Gen. Combs represented Fayette county in the legislature in 1827, '28, '29, '30, '33, '45, '46, '47, and '57, and was speaker of the house in 1846; was defeated for congress in 1851 by Gen. John C. Breckinridge, after a most gallant race; served six years, 1860-66, as clerk of the court of appeals. Although born in Clark co., Ky., Nov. 28, 1793, and now in his 80th year, he is still the figure-head of, and chief speaker at, all re-unions of old soldiers of the War of 1812, the youngest and most genial of them all.

ROBERT S. TODD, born in 1792, died July 16, 1849, was a useful citizen ; clerk for many years of the Kentucky house of representatives ; representative from Fayette co., 1841, '42, '41; senator, 1845-19, and when he died was a candidate for re-election; president of the Lexington branch of the Bank of Kentucky from the date of its establishment, about 1836, until his death. Several of his children survive him-among them, Mrs. Lincoln, widow of the late U. S. President, Abraham Lincoln.

Colonel JAMES MORRISON, one of the most wealthy and influential citizens of Lexington in his day, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1755. The son of an Irish emigrant, his native strength of mind gradually ele- vated him far above his humble origin. He served for six years in the army of the revolution, and distinguished himself as one of Morgan's select corps of rifle- men. After the war, he went into business at Pittsburgh, and rose to be sheriff of the county. In 1792, he removed to Lexington, then presenting an inviting field to the adventurous and enterprising. Here he filled, in succession, the high and important trusts of land commissioner, representative in the legislature, su- pervisor of the revenue, navy agent, contractor for the north-western army during the war of 1812, quarter-master general, president of the Lexington branch of the United States bank, and chairman of the board of trustees of Transylvania university. Col. Morrison was a man of commanding appearance; stern but courteous ; of great decision of character, native talent, wide experience, and con- siderable reading .* He acquired immense wealth, which he disbursed in elegant hospitality, judicious patronage of deserving young men, and the promotion of letters. He died in the 68th year of his age, at Washington city. April 23, 1823, whither he had gone to obtain the settlement of a large claim against the govern- ment.

WILLIAM TAYLOR BARRY .- Among the many distinguished men who have re- flected honor upon the west, the subject of this sketch ranks high for great abili ties and lofty virtues. No man who has figured so largely in the well-contested arena of western politics, ever left it with fewer enemies, or a larger number of admiring and devoted friends. He was born in the State of Virginia, on the 5th day of February, 1783, of reputable parentage, and early in life removed to Lexington, Kentucky, which continued to be his residence until he removed to

* Dr. Davidson's History of the Presbyterian church

197

FAYETTE COUNTY.

Washington in 1829, to form a part of President Jackson's cabinet. In 1835, he was appointed minister to Spain. He sailed for his destination by the way o.' Liverpool, but on his arrival at that city, he was arrested by disease, which, 30th Aug. 1835, consigned him to a premature grave.

. Major Barry was eminent as a lawyer, and pre-eminently eloquent as an advo- cate. During his professional career, he came in contact with men of the high- est order of talents and merit; and among those who formed the pride and strength of the bar in Kentucky between the years 1800 and 1825, he held an equal rank with the foremost. Those who were witnesses of the struggles at the bar in interesting and important causes, between Major Barry and such men as Mr. Clay, Judge Bledsoe, and many others of similar grade, all unite in ex- pression of admiration for the man and the orator.

In Kentucky, the legal profession has always furnished a large proportion of its legislators. The ardent patriotism, the high order of talents which distin- guished him, as well as his benevolence of disposition, early pointed him out as a popular favorite. The fiery eloquence with which he stirred the minds of the multitude, gave him a controlling influence with the people, which was increased and secured by his many private virtues. He was accordingly early called to occupy places in the legislature of the State, by large majorities ; and at length, in 1820, he was elected lieutenant governor. During his legislative career, he was the zealous advocate of every public measure calculated to benefit the peo- ple. His report upon the subject of public education, is still referred to by the statesmen of Kentucky, as their guide on that all important subject. While holding the latter office, the division of parties, called old and new court, took place in Kentucky, which was accompanied by more violence than any which ever agitated the State. It divided the bar and the bench, as well as the people ; and those who, from this era, look back upon its struggles, may even doubt the correctness of a triumph over constitutional principles which were sustained by a Barry, a Rowan, a Bledsoe, and a Haggin.

When the series of outrages which England offered to this country, previous to 1812, were rousing the public indignation, Major Barry warmly advocated the cause of his country, and by his ready eloquence, greatly aided in bringing the public mind to the issue which national honor and national safety alike deman- ded. After the declaration of war, he advocated its vigorous prosecution. When Governor Shelby led his countrymen in 1813, to take vengeance on England and her savage allies for the massacre of the river Raisin and fort Meigs, Major Barry held the responsible station of one of his aids. In that post he served during the severe and glorious campaign which terminated in the capture of the British army, the death of Tecumseh, and the conquest of a large portion of Upper Canada. His courage and conduct in that campaign, secured to him the appro- bation of his veteran commander, and the affection of his comrades.

In the change of parties which Mr. Clay's adherence to Mr. Adams in 1825, produced in Kentucky, Major Barry adhered to the democratic party, in whose ranks he remained without deviation until his death. He became, in fact, its head and leader in Kentucky, and contended, with his characteristic zeal and ability, for its principles and measures. Being a candidate for the office cf go- vernor in 1828, he canvassed the State, and in pursuance of the custom of Ken. tucky, he addressed numerous public meetings of the citizens. Although he failed in his election, being defeated by a majority of less than seven hundred votes, he acquired additional reputation by the contest, and aided greatly in pro- ducing the triumph of the democratic party in the presidential election which fol- lowed, when the vote of Kentucky was given to General Jackson, against Mr. Adams, hy nearly eight thousand majority. The bitter feelings which were crea- ted by the old and new court contest, which prevented many democrats from supporting him, alone prevented his election to the office of governor.

Upon General Jackson's accession to the executive office, he called Major Barry to the office of postmaster general, which he continued to hold until unable, from physical debility, to discharge its onerous duties. In the hope to retrieve his health, and to place him in a situation where his high qualities might be made eminently honorable to himself, as well as useful to his country, the president appointed him to the office of ambassador to Spain. But the decrees of a higher power had gone forth, and the amiable, the generous and the exalted Barry was

1.98

JOSEPH C. BRECKINRIDGE.

destined to close his life in a foreign land. His remains were re-interred, Nov. 8, 1854, in Frankfort Cemetery.

Major Barry was twice married. His first wife was Miss Overton, daughter of the late John Overton, of Fayette county. Of their children, only one, Mrs. Taylor, wife of James Taylor, Esq. of Newport, Kentucky, survives. His second wife was Miss Mason, of Virginia, sister of General John T. Mason. Of that marriage, one son only survived.

A portion of his fellow citizens of Lexington have erected a plain. unpretending monument to his memory, which, by unanimous consent of the county court, was placed in the public square. But a more interesting monument of his virtues will be found in the heart of every one who knew him as he was, and could judge him without the bias of party prejudice.

JOSEPH CABELL BRECKINRIDGE was the second child and eldest son of the late Hon. John Breckinridge, and was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, the 24th day of July. 1788. Some account has been given of his paternal ancestors in the notice of his father. His mother, Mary Hopkins Cabell, was the daughter of Colonel Joseph Cabell, of Buckingham county, Virginia, whose name he bore; and of Mary Hopkins, the daughter of Arthur Hopkins, an Irish gentleman, who emigrated to Virginia early in the eighteenth century, and was the ancestor of a very numerous family of his own and other names, scattered over the middle and southern states. William Cabell, the great grand father of the subject of this notice, was an Englishman by birth, but emigrated to Virginia at an early period, and at the commencement of the American revolution, his four sons, who were all born in America, embarked with great ardor in that struggle, and were all colonels in the Virginia militia. William Cabell and several of his sons, amongst them Joseph, were by profession physicians. The family was originally Italian, and the name Capellari, changed in France to Capel, and became in English, Cabell. This modification of names in the various languages of Europe, is extremely com- mon in families of ancient origin. There is a tradition in this family that they are remotely descended from a Catawba Indian chief, whose name was Davis, from whom various other families (Floyd, Burke, Venable, Williams, Morgan, &c.) are also descended ; and in this branch of the Breckinridge family, the evi- dences of its truth have been carefully collected.

In 1793, when Joseph was in his fifth year, his parents removed to Lexington, Kentucky. The country was newly settled, and the facilities even for elementary instruction, by no means ample. At the age of fourteen, he was sent to a gram- mar school in his native state, and after the usual preparatory studies, entered one of the lower classes in the college of Princeton, New Jersey, where he graduated with distinguished honor in 1810. While a student there, he formed an attach- ment for, and soon afterwards married Miss Mary Clay Smith. daughter of Dr. Samuel Stanhope Smith, president of the college, and grand daughter of Dr. John Witherspoon, a former president, and a whig statesman of the revolution.

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Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II, Part 30

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn Publication date: 1874 Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co. Number of Pages: 1654

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1654