Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II, Part 95

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 95

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

The most enthusiastic ovation ever tendered to any public man in Ken- tucky, north of Lexington, was that spontaneously offered to Col. Wadsworth in June, 1861, as he returned to his Maysville home from the brilliant canvass for congress-his vote being 12,230, to 3,720 cast for the hero of Cerro Gordo, Maj. John S. Williams; a majority of 8,510, the largest ever given in the state for any candidate for congress. It was an outspoken and generous trib- ute to the Union as it was, and to the Constitution with its guaranties un- impaired and its faith unbroken-before the war of the rebellion became a war for the destruction of slavery, and the humiliation and subjugation of the white race of the South. No voice rang out more clear for the Union, in the valleys and the mountains, than Col. Wadsworth's; and on the floor of congress, no new member so startled with unwonted eloquence and so deeply waked responsive echoes, as he, in behalf of the old Union. He soon found the true friends of the Union borne down by the maddening sway of un- reasoning force. He ranged himself with the friends of moderation. order. and conversatism; and as nothing could stay the whirlwind of passion that ruled the hour, announced his intention and withdrew to private life. It was with great pain that many fond friends, even though differing with him in numerous of his public acts, saw him in 1868, after twice declining the nomi- nation as elector, accept the situation, and become the leader of the adminis- tration party in northern Kentucky. He is, beyond question, the strongest man in their ranks in the state ; a wary politician, a capable leader, an able and learned lawyer, a vigorous and racy writer; remarkably plausible, per- suasive, and effective as a public speaker, whether at the bar, in the senate, or on the stump; and, withal, courageous as a lion.

583

MASON COUNTY.

The following biographical sketch of Judge LEWIS COLLINS, the author and compiler of the first edition of this work, in 1847, was written by Henry Waller, Esq., of Chicago.

LEWIS COLLINS, third son of Richard Collins, a soldier of the Virginia army of the Revolutionary war, was born on Christmas day, 1797, near Grant's Station, several miles northeast of Bryan's Station, in Fayette county, Ky. Left an orphan when quite a youth, he took his first lessons at practical printing under Joel R. Lyle, of the Paris Citizen, during the year 1813; and in 1814 accompanied his old friend and teacher, David V. Rannells, to Washington, in Mason county, and assisted him first in the publication, and afterwards in the editorial management of the Washington Union, until the fall of 1820.

On the Ist of November of that year he became proprietor and editor of the Maysville Eagle, a newspaper founded in 1814 by Richard and Joab Cor- wine, who sold it in 1817 to Aaron Crookshanks, from whom Mr. Collins purchased in 1820. During the succeeding twenty-seven years, to Nov. 1, 1847, he remained the owner and editor of that paper-conducting it, in conjunction with the book business, with much tact, ability, energy, and judgment. It was not only a financial success, but the Eagle exerted a wide influence for good over the whole community. It was a pure, truthful, ele- vated paper, conservative in its political views, and filled with sound and valuable instruction, adapted to the intellectual, material, and moral wants of the people.

On the 1st of April, 1823, he was married to Mary Eleanor Peers, daughter of Maj. Valentine Peers (an officer of the Virginia army of the Revolution, who was with Gen. Washington at Valley Forge) and sister of Rev. Benjamin O. Peers. She became a true helpmate, a devoted, tender wife and mother ; and still survives him (1873), an example and blessing to all around her, one of the noblest of her sex, a true " mother in Israel."

In the same year he retired from the Eagle, he edited and published "Col- lins' Historical Sketches of Kentucky "-a work of rare research, and a most authentic and comprehensive history of the state.

He possessed in a remarkable degree the confidence and the good wishes of all who knew him. The public confidence in his purity and integrity was abso- lute; and his financial skill and administrative ability were highly valued. Hence, although diffident, modest, and unaspiring, positions of public trust were constantly pressed upon him. He was through many years president of one of the turnpike companies, secretary and treasurer of several others, treasurer of the sinking fund of the county-a very important office-school commissioner for nearly twenty years, and the first presiding judge of the Mason County Court, 1851-54.

Judge Collins was a most genial, engaging, attractive companion ; a friend faithful and steadfast, devoted and tender, but above all he was an " Israelite without guile," a meek and humble follower of the Lord Jesus, abounding in the Christian graces-for he was kind, hospitable, gentle, and good, and full of the spirit of charity, long suffering, and patience. He was for 13 years a deacon, and for 35 years an elder in the Presbyterian church, and often a representative in its various courts-the Session, the Presbytery, the Synod, the General Assembly-trusted, influential, beloved in all. For nearly 50 years he was a teacher and superintendent of the Sabbath School. This was the grand field for the consecrated energies of his life. It was to him, indeed, a labor of love. He had ever in his heart, as exhibited by his works, the precious words of the Saviour-" Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

He died at Lexington, Ky., on the 29th of January, 1870, aged 72 years. The legislature of Kentucky, then in session, unanimously adopted the fol- lowing resolution in relation to his death, and Gov. Stevenson approved it, March 21, 1870 :

Resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky .- That we have heard with deep regret of the death of Judge LEWIS COLLINS, of Maysville, Kentucky, which has occurred since the meeting of this General Assembly. He was a native Kentuckian, of great purity of character and enlarged public spirit ; associated for a

584

MASON COUNTY.

half century with the press of the state, which he adorned with his patriotism, his elevated morals, and his enlightened judgment. He was the author of a HISTORY OF KENTUCKY, evidencing extended research : and which embodies in a permanent form the history of each county in the state, and the lives of its distinguished citizens ; and is an invaluable contribution to the literature and historical knowledge of the state. His name being thus perpetually identified with that of his native state, this General Assembly, from a sense of duty and regard to his memory, expresses this testimonial of its appreciation of his irreproachable character and valued services.

Rev. JOHN ALEXANDER McCLUNG, D. D., a distinguished scholar, orator, and divine, was born near Washington, in Mason county, Ky., on the 25th of September, 1804. He was the son of Judge Wm. McClung, and grandson of Col. Thos. Marshall; both of whom had emigrated from Virginia at an early day. Left at a tender age, by his father's death, to the care of a gifted and pious mother, he was, a few years after, sent to the academy of her brother, Dr. Louis Marshall, in Woodford county, Ky. There he exhibited unusual thirst for knowledge, and made great progress in his studies. In 1820, he became a member of the Pisgah Presbyterian church in Woodford. In his 18th year he was entered as a student in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. In 1825, he married a lady of great piety and refinement, Miss Eliza Johnston, sister of Hon. Josiah Stoddard Johnston, and Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston.

He was licensed to preach in 1828, and soon became one of the most popular young preachers of the West; but in a brief period, his religious convictions were disturbed, and he voluntarily withdrew from the ministry.

In 1830, he wrote and published " Camden," a tale of the South during the Revolution, and in 1832, " Sketches of Western Adventure"-both works of decided merit, the former published in Philadelphia, the latter by Judge Lewis Collins, senior author of this work.

He commenced the practice of law in 1835, and soon ranked with the foremost in the profession, for learning, eloquence, logical power, and exalted integrity. During the years 1838 and 1839, he was a member of the Kentucky legislature, and acquired high reputation as a debater-particularly for his masterly argument in opposition to the South Carolina Railroad and Bank bill.

After years of patient inquiry his religious difficulties disappeared ; in 1849 he was reunited to the church, and shortly thereafter resumed his long abandoned ministerial labors. For some months in the summer of 1851 he preached to crowded congregations in the First Presbyterian church, Louis- ville; afterwards, for several months to the Seventh Presbyterian church, Cin- cinnati; then had charge, for over four years, of the First Presbyterian church in Indianapolis; and in June, 1857, became pastor of the Presby- terian church in Maysville, Ky. During these last years, he received urgent calls from Augusta, Ga., Cincinnati, New Orleans, and other places; and was unanimously elected President of South Hanover College, Indiana-all which he declined. In the early part of 1859, his health became very much impaired, and on the 6th day of August of that year, during a tour of recrea- tion, he was drowned whilst bathing in the Niagara river.

In no aspect was he an ordinary man. Nature and education had fitted him for high trusts, and he filled them worthily. His literary labors in early life evinced rare scholarship and taste. His career in the law and in legis- lation displayed the highest qualities of the jurist and statesman: and in the closing years of his eminent life, he was a mighty man in the Scriptures, a preacher of almost apostolic simplicity and power, who wrought out a great work of good to man and glory to God.

Rev. and Judge LORIN ANDREWS, a native of East Windsor (now Vernon), Connecticut, was born April 29, 1795; at the age of 10, became a resident of Portage co., Ohio; took his arts course at Jefferson college, Pa., and his theological course at Princeton, N. J. When quite young, came to Maysville, Ky., and worked a portion of his time for several years in the Maysville Eagle printing office of his friend, the late Judge Lewis Collins, author of Collins' History of Kentucky ; he was at the same time a popular teacher in Mays-

585

MASON COUNTY.

ville, and afterwards in Washington. Aug. 15, 1827, he married Mary Ann Wilson, daughter of Rev. Robert Wilson, then deceased, but for years pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, and one of the most faithful, earnest, and popular ministers of that region.

Shortly after, he was ordained, by the presbytery of Ebenezer, a minister and missionary of the Gospel to the heathen in the Sandwich or Hawaiian Islands ; and on Saturday, Nov. 17, 1827, with his wife and several other missionaries and their families-under the auspices of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (which connection was subsequently dissolved)-set sail from Boston, in the ship Parthian, direct for those islands, reaching Honolulu, their capital, on March 30, 1828; thus occupying 4} months in a voyage which is now made, by railroad to San Francisco, and steam thence, in half a month. He preached and taught there for many years.

In 1845, King Kamehameha III. appointed him judge-an office worthily filled for many years, and with great advantage to the country. In 1852, the king gave to his subjects the homesteads upon which they lived. Before that, the land was held by the king and his chiefs, and occupied by the ten- ants as feudal servants. Under that munificent act, all conflicting claims were determined by a commission of which Judge Andrews was a leading member.

For many years and up to the time of his death, he held the office of secre- tary of the king's privy council. He was a member of the privy council of Kamehameha ILI., and an honorary member of the privy councils of Kame- hameha IV. and Kamehameha V.

Judge Andrews devoted much of his time to Hawaiian literature, and per- haps did more than any other man for that language. He was the author and publisher of a number of school-books, translations of parts of the Bible, etc .; and edited and published the first Hawaiian newspaper at Lahainaluna. He taught the pupils in the seminary to engrave, and much of his authorship was connected with plates, maps, and chronological charts. He was the author of the standard grammar and dictionary of the country. At the time of his death, he was preparing a history of the Life and Times of Kamehameha I., which would have been a complete history of the islands. He was, also, about to translate and publish the historical poems of the people. These he had procured by great and laborious effort, and was the only white man who understood the dialect in which the poems were repeated by the old minstrels. They were unwritten, and could of course only be obtained in that way. The manuscripts of these works have been secured by the Hawaiian government, and it is hoped they may be properly edited and published.

Judge Andrews died Sept. 29, 1868, aged 73, at Honolulu, where he had resided for many years. He left, him surviving, his widow and several chil- dren and grandchildren. For about the first twenty years of his residence in the Sandwich Islands, he was one of the most laborious and efficient preachers of the Gospel. He preached for many years at Lahaina, Maui; then, in connection with teaching the Boys' High School, at Lahainaluna, . which school he helped to found in 1832, and which subsequently became the Hawaii University. Afterwards he preached as seamen's chaplain at Lahaina; and still later, at the Fort street church in Honolulu. Hle con- tinued to preach the Gospel to the last, and feared not to say and do the right. He left his impress wherever he appeared. Such of the kings and others in authority as were themselves worthy of confidence-as did all the people-hield Judge Andrews in the highest esteem as a man, and especially as a true and faithful herald of the Saviour of men.

Major General THOMAS S. JESUP, the distinguished soldier, passed his early years amid the peaceful and picturesque uplands of Mason county, and within three miles of the village, Washington, which gave birth to the famous Confederate leader, Albert Sidney Johnston. The name Jesup (or Jessup, as o.her families spell it) is said to be a corruption of the Italian, Giuseppi ; but the family from which the general sprang is believed to have been of Scotch-Irish descent. They came from Pennsylvania, in the early part of

586

MASON COUNTY.

the present century, and settled near Washington, on the place of Col. John Pickett, building a cabin and cultivating a small tract of land. The house in which they lived has long since disappeared, and nothing marks the spot except a small heap of stones which formed the "jams " and back wall of the wooden chimney. The Jesups are distinctly remembered by the old peo- ple of the vicinage, who speak of them in terms of high respect. The family had a very limited abundance of worldly goods, and, unassisted by slave-labor, toiled for years to but little purpose on rented land; but they were proud, in- telligent, and self-respecting, and stood high in the esteem of all who knew them. The general seemed to have derived the more conspicuous traits of his character from his mother-towards whom, throughout his entire career, he manifested the most tender and respectful devotion, frequently deserting the brilliant circles of Washington city to visit the proud old lady in the - home which, as soon as he was able, he had spared nothing to render com- fortable and happy. The distinguished visitor is still remembered in the neighborhood for the dignity and simplicity of his manners ; a plain, silent, and unassuming gentleman, dressed in citizen's clothes-usually a blue frock coat with velvet collar and " gimlet handle " buttons, blue-gray pantaloons, buff cassimere vest with brass buttons, a black stock supporting a neatly turned shirt collar, and a high crowned black hat with a narrow rim. To the neighbors this simple gentleman was the general; but to the proud old mother, he was still-" Tommy Jesup." His achievement of distinction bad not surprised her. He had been a studious plodding youth, working when others idled, and reading when others slept. Not the old mother only, but all the neighbors anticipated a splendid future for a boy who chopped and carried the wood which lighted his " study " fires. Tommy Jesup, as he lay stretched before the blazing logs which cast their ruddy glare upon the cabin floor, was preparing himself for something-he knew not what. Hlis adoption of the military profession was purely accidental. He began life as a clerk or assistant in a store at Maysville; and with his happy faculty for adminis- tration, might have pursued a mercantile career with distinguished success. But while the capacity of Jesup was fully equal to all the proper requirements of commercial life, his sensitive conscience exacted too high a standard of commercial morality for the purposes of his employer; and so, after a decisive difference of opinion in reference to a certain transaction, they parted com- pany.

Entering the army as 2d lieutenant of infantry, in 1808, Gen. Jesup passed rapidly through intermediate grades-receiving brevets "for distinguished and meritorious conduct in the battle of Chippewa," and for " gallant conduct and distinguished skill in the battle of Niagara," where he was severely wounded .. May 8, 1818, he was appointed quartermaster general, with the rank of brigadier general ; and was actively engaged in its responsible duties until three days before his decease-except for two years, " when he was intrusted with an important military command, which he discharged with credit and fidelity," bringing order and success out of the dire contusion of the Florida. war. He died June 10, 1860, aged about 75 years. In general orders No. 16, issued the next day from the U. S. war department, the highest honors of war were directed to be paid to his memory-as that of " one of the few veterans remaining in the regular army of that gallant band who served in the war of 1812, a man long known, respected and beloved alike for his varied and distinguished public services, his sterling integrity, untiring devotion to business, constancy in friendships, and genial social qualities."

Gen. Jesup was an intimate and trusted friend of Henry Clay, and acted as his second in the remarkable duel with John Randolph-who, in 1325, shortly after Mr. Clay had become U. S. secretary of state in the cabinet of John Quincy Adams, outrageously insulted him in a speech on the floor of congress. Mr. Clay promptly challenged him. When the parties had taken their positions, Randolph's pistol was accidently discharged before the word was given. The moment this took place, Gen. Jesup called out that he would instantly leave the ground with his friend, it that occurred again. Mr. Clay at once exclaimed, it was entirely an accident, and begged that the gentle- man might be allowed to go on. On the word being given, Mr. Clay tired,

587

MASON COUNTY.

without effect, Mr. Randolph discharging his pistol in the air. "The moment Mr. Clay saw that Mr. Randolph had thrown away his fire, with a gush of sensibility he instantly approached Randolph, and said-with an emotion which (adds the interested writer) I can never forget-' I trust in God, my dear sir, you are untouched ; after what has occurred, I would not have harmed you for a thousand worlds.'" Mr. Randolph had communicated to his second, Gen. James Hamilton, of South Carolina-the authority for this ac- count-his intention " not to return Mr. Clay's fire; nothing shall induce me to harm a hair of his head. I will not make his wife a widow, nor his chil- dren orphans. Their tears would be shed over his grave; but when the sod of Virginia rests on my bosom, there is not, in this wide world, one individual to pay this tribute upon mine."

Col. JAMES C. PICKETT, son of Col. John Pickett, was born in Fauquier co., Va., Feb. 6, 1793, and brought when three years old to Mason co., Ky., to a home which is still in possession of the family. Enjoying the advantage of a superior education, young Pickett was at early age fitted for public service. In the war of 1812, he was an officer of U. S. artillery, and won deserved rep- utation for ability and patriotism ; served, also, in the U. S. army, 1818-21; resigned, and returning to Mason county, entered upon the practice of the law ; was editor of the Maysville Eagle, for a year, about 1815; representative in the legislature of Kentucky, 1822; secretary of state of Kentucky, 1825-28, during a very stormy period in her history ; appointed, by President Jackson, secretary to the U. S. legation to Colombia, 1829-33, and, part of the time, acting charge d'affaires; commissioner of the U. S. patent office, 1835; fourth auditor of the U. S. treasury, 1835-38; commissioned plenipotentiary to Ecua- dor, 1838; chargé d'affaires to Peru, 1838-45-when he retired to private life, leaving it for a few years to become editor of the Congressional Globe at Washington city.

Col. Pickett's natural abilities were of the first order. While his scholar- ship was varied and profound, he was distinguished as a linguist. Indeed, he seemed to have attained excellence in every branch of study ; and has left numerous proofs of his extensive acquirements. In matters pertaining to the diplomatic history of our country, he was justly esteemed an oracle. As a writer on science, he established a high reputation-one admirably sustained in his papers addressed to the National Institute. His literary essays were numerous and able; as a reviewer, he excelled. In selecting and marshaling his facts and arguments, his power was peculiar; his style was remarkable for clearness, strength, and elegance. A unique illustration of his cheerful intellectual vigor, was the volume of poems, published in his 75th year, and all written within eighteen months of publication. His friendships were choice and strong, lasting through life. The firm and un- varying friendship of 58 years between Col. Pickett and the late Judge Lewis Collins, makes this brief tribute of regard from the son of the latter a labor of love.

Singularly observant, of vast and varied attainments, of unwearied industry, and unimpeachable integrity, of cultivated taste, and pure and fervent pa- triotism, Col. Pickett won high distinction in the service of his state and country. After a long, honored, and useful life, he died near the scene of some of his sweetest and greatest triumphs-in Washington city, July 10, 1872, in the 80th year of his age; and was buried beside his wife, a daughter of the late Gov. Joseph Desha, of Kentucky. Two sons survived him-JOSEPH DESHA PICKETT, & minister of the Christian church, professor in Bethany College ( West) Virginia, chaplain in the Confederate army, and, since 1866, professor of English literature and sacred history in Kentucky University, Lexington, Ky .; and Col. JOHN T. PICKETT, U. S. consul to Vera Cruz, 1853-57, and again, 1858-61, and Confederate States special envoy extraordinary to Mexico, 1865.

Gen. RICHARD COLLINS, son of Rev. John Collins, one of the most distin- guisbed and eloquent of the pioneer ministers of the Methodist E. church in southern Ohio, was born in New Jersey, June 3, 1797 ; was liberally educated;

588

MASON COUNTY.

studied law, and practiced with great success at Hillsborough, Ohio, 1818-32; represented Highland county successively in both branches of the Ohio legislature, 1820-25 ; was defeated for congress, Oct., 1826, by a division of the Adams vote among three candidates, but led that ticket; removed to Maysville, and became a dry goods merchant, 1832-52; represented Mason county in the Kentucky legislature three times, 1834, 1844, and 1847; re- fused a re-election each time, and more than once refused to make the race for congress ; was president of the Maysville city council for over 12 years ; first president of the Maysville and Lexington railroad, 1850-53 (see engrar- ing of Railroad Presidents); removed to the old family homestead, near Bantam, Clermont co., Ohio, 1853, and engaged in farming until his death, May 12, 1855, aged 58 years. He was one of the most intelligent agriculturists in Ohio.

Gen. Collins was, indeed, a remarkable man. Had his ambition equaled his ability as a lawyer, public speaker, and legislator in two states, no position short of the presidential chair but he might have reached. He was the in- timate personal friend and peer of Thomas Ewing and Thomas Corwin, side by side with whom his professional and political career in Ohio ran for years, until he abandoned the excitement of - law and politics for the more quiet and congenial life of a merchant. His adopted state, Kentucky, ten- dered him position and fame, but he had no taste for it and declined. His intellect, of a high order naturally, was cultivated and refined by education ; his judgment was clear, prompt, discriminating; his manners fascinating, his taste exquisite, his bearing dignified, his appearance imposing; his style of elocution was brilliant and captivating to an extraordinary degree; un- swayed by party or prejudice, few could resist his logic, while he conciliated and persuaded ; if he indulged in sarcasm, that most dangerous of weapons, it was keener than a Damascus blade, never rough nor jagged ; his wit was sparkling and irresistible ; in every line of life in which he chose to move he was distinguished. His last audible words, uttered in full view of imme- diate death, but in full assurance of a blissful immortality, were among the most characteristic and sublime that have signalized the dying moments of the heroic great. They were-" This, my daughter, is the greatest day of all my life."

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.

Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. II, Part 95

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