USA > Kentucky > Trigg County > Counties of Christian and Trigg, Kentucky : historical and biographical > Part 51
USA > Kentucky > Christian County > Counties of Christian and Trigg, Kentucky : historical and biographical > Part 51
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MAT MCKINNEY, editor of the Old Guard. Samuel Mckinney and Charlotte Walker Rowlette were both natives of the State of Vir- ginia. The former was born in Charlotte County and the latter in Prince Edward. They were married in Halifax County in 1821. Mat McKin- ney, their son, subject of this sketch, was born near Appomattox Court House, the 26th day of December, 1825. He labored on a farm until he was a good stout boy, when he was placed in a mercantile establishment as salesman and book-keeper. His health giving way, his father required him to surrender his place in the house and seek employment in some other branch of industry. But little attention up to this time had been paid to his education, and feeling the necessity of a more intimate knowledge of books, desired first the advantages of a few years' schooling. His father being amply able to do so gave a ready and willing assent. He was consequently entered as a student in the male seminary at Cadiz, and afterward at Cumberland College, Princeton, Ky. He continued at school about two years, during which time he had pretty well mastered the Latin language, and made considerable progress in Greek and the higher branches of mathematics. Upon leaving school he commenced the study of law in Cadiz with Judge Collins D. Bradley. Remaining with him
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for the space of two years he was granted a law license, and commenced the practice. He de voted himself to the profession for about eighteen months, when a severe attack of hemorrhage of the lungs so discouraged him that he abandoned the pursuit of the profession forever. Soon after this resolution was taken we find him formally invested with the duties of an editor, which position he has occupied with occasional intermissions up to the present date. His paper has always been very popular with the masses, and his articles read with more than ordinary interest through- out the entire State. As a journalist, he was ever regarded as polite and conservative, but no one doubted his capacity in the use of harsh terms when the provocation was sufficient to justify them. He was a warm friend and admirer of George D. Prentice, and in turn very much beloved by him, and retains in his possession more than one invitation from him to take a position on the editorial staff of the old Journal. As a politician he is always firm, sometimes a little disorderly, but never fanatical, and would prefer to see the business interests of his town enhanced and the people of his county more prosperous and more happy than the success of all the parties and politicians in the world. He has never been an office-seeker, but was elected and served from 1861 to 1864 as Clerk of the County Court of Trigg County, and as a Repre- sentative in the Legislature from 1873 to 1877. He had at one time accumulated quite a handsome little fortune, the bulk of which he spent for negro property, and a few security debts relieved him of the residue. During his whole life it is said that he never refused a friend a favor when he was able to grant it. He is now poor, but, fortunately for him- self, in society at least, his vivacity and cheerfulness have never forsaken him. He married Miss Jennie Bell Watson, a lady of great accomplish- ments and goodness, the 28th day of August, 1855. They have three children living: Mollie Walker, Charles Daniel and Jennie Watson. The elder daughter is married to Mr. G. B. Bingham, a most estimable young gentleman. The other two are still single. He is very proud of his wife, and has high expectations of his children. May the Great Dis- penser of this world's pleasures grant him a full realization of all his hopes !
JOEL MCKINNEY was born in Halifax County, Va., March 25, 1830. He is the fourth child of a family of eight born to Samuel and
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Charlotte W. (Rowlette) Mckinney. At about the age of three years he was brought with his parents to Kentucky. In 1837 his father, in company with Mr. Terry, engaged in merchandising in Wallonia, and later removed to Cadiz, where they continued this business several years. At about the age of seventeen Joel entered this store as a clerk, where he remained about eight years. In 1853 he removed to this farm, which consists of about 400 acres. This is one of the oldest farms in this county, and at one time was known as having the largest field of any farm between Canton and Hopkinsville. Mr. Mckinney was married in 1872 to Miss Susan Crump. She was born in Trigg County. Six children have blessed this union-two sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. McKinney are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
R. W. MAJOR, Cadiz, was born January 13, 1842, in Trigg Coun- ty. He is the second child of a family of eleven born to C. H. and Nancy (Wade) Major, both natives of Halifax County, Va. His father was born in 1817, and came to Trigg County in 1841 ; he first engaged in merchandising in Hopkinsville, where he continued about four years ; he then removed to Trigg County and engaged in farming, continuing till 1875, at which time he moved to Canton, where he has since been engaged in the commission business. His mother died in 1849, aged thirty-two years. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and afterward taught school; he enlisted in August, 1861, Com- pany G, Fourth Kentucky Infantry; was mustered in Second Sergeant, and afterward promoted to Brevet Second Lieutenant, then Second Lieu- tenant, and later to First Lieutenant, and at the close of the war he had command of the company; he participated in the battle of Shiloh; was under fire at Vicksburg, battles of Baton Rouge, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, and all the battles to Dalton. There he was in com- mand of the company, and the last to leave the field ; his next engage- ment was the battle of Resaca ; there he was wounded and was obliged to leave the field. In about forty days he returned to the army and took charge of the company; he then participated in the battles around Atlan- ta, and was wounded at Peach Tree Creek ; also twice wounded at the battle of Jonesboro and then captured. After being out about twenty- five days he escaped and returned to his regiment, which was afterward mounted and sent to South Carolina. There they were engaged in a
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number of skirmishes. After the battle of Statesburg, on capitulated terms of surrender, they were paroled at Washington, Ga., and were the last troops that fired a gun east of the Chattahoochee. There they sur- rendered. He then returned to his father's farm, and soon after was appointed Deputy Sheriff, afterward twice elected Sheriff. Since this term of office expired he has been engaged in merchandising. He has held the office of Police Judge two terms. Is a member of the Masonic order and Chosen Friends. Mr. Major was married October 16, 1873, to Miss Emma Chappell. She was born in Trigg County. Four chil- dren bless this union-three sons and one daughter.
T. J. MITCHELL was born August 5, 1848, in Trigg County. He is a son of James and Martha (Alexander) Mitchell, who were also born in Trigg County. Mr. Mitchell, Sr., followed the cooper trade when young. T. J. took up this trade when a boy and still carries on this business; he is also operating a portable saw-mill and engaged in farm- ing. In the fall of 1879 he removed to this farm, which he owns, con- sisting of 116 acres. Mr. Mitchell was married February 25, 1868, to Miss R. Bell Hawkins; she was born in Trigg County. Seven children have blessed this union-five sons and two daughters.
M. F. PETTY was born in February, 1822, in Morganfield, Union Co., Ky. He is the third child of a family of eight, born to George B. and Maria (Smith) Petty. They were natives of Virginia. The father of our subject learned the tailor trade when young ; this busi- ness he carried on in Princeton, Caldwell County, until his death, which occurred in 1836. M. F. Petty was brought to Trigg County when a child, and has since lived on this farm which was settled by his grand- father Smith, and deeded to him by his Uncle William S. Smith, con- sisting of 300 acres. Mr. Petty was married in 1853 to Martha A. Gray. She was born in Trigg County. She died in October, 1854, aged twenty. Mr. Petty is a member of the Baptist church.
JAMES R. PREWETT was born October 7, 1854, in Caldwell County, Kentucky. He is the youngest of four children born to J. S. and Mary A. (Boyd) Prewett. The father was born in 1816, in Tennes- see. He died January 12, 1855, in Caldwell County, Ky. The mother was born November 23, 1818, in Halifax County, Va. The family came to Trigg County, Ky., in 1838, remained twelve years,
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then returned to Caldwell County, Ky., where they lived until 1864, then returned to Trigg County and located on their present farm of 200 acres. Two of our subject's brothers now live in Texas, one of whom, John W., served eight months in the Confederate Army. The only sister, Mrs. Moseley, now lives in Christian County, Ky.
JOHN D. SHAW, Circuit Clerk, Cadiz, was born October 23, 1845, in Stewart County, Tenn ; son of Capt. Thomas Shaw, one of the first men employed in running the Cumberland River ; in later years he represented the State in the Legislature, and during the session he was taken sick and soon after its adjournment he died. The subject of our sketch received a common school education, and was first employed as clerk in a store, also in a warehouse ; here he remained about two years ; he then engaged a short time in merchandising in Henry County, Tenn., after which he came to Trigg County and engaged in farming. August, 1874, he was elected to his present position, and re-elected in 1880. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Ophelia, daughter of Jesse Wallis, and a native of Trigg County, Ky. This union has been blessed with four chil- dren-three sons and one daughter. Mr. Shaw is also Master Commis- sioner of the Circuit Court and Trustee of the Jury Fund of Trigg County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Honor, and is Deputy Grand Master of Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows.
GEORGE J. SHOEMAKER was born November 30, 1813, in Adams County, Ohio, and is a son of Solomon and Nancy (Carr) Shoe- maker; the former was born in Virginia, the latter in Ireland. Our sub- ject was reared on his father's. farm, where he remained till the age of twenty-one ; he then removed to the Cumberland Iron Works; there worked five years. In 1839 he came to Trigg County, engaged in agri- cultural pursuits till 1878, when he was elected Jailor ; he is now serving on his second term ; he also held the office of Coroner four years. He was married, December 28, 1835, to Malinda Griffin, of Tennessee, Stewart County ; she died in January, 1870, aged fifty-six ; they had twelve children, seven living-three sons and four daughters. His second marriage was in November, 1870, to Eliza Pallomor, of Trigg County ; four daughters bless this union.
JOHN L. STREET, merchant, Cadiz, was born July 7, 1818, in
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Hanover County, Va. ; son of the Hon. George Street, also a native of Virginia, and an early settler of this locality, coming to Trigg County in 1819, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1831; he rep- resented this county in the Legislature several terms. The subject of this sketch is the youngest child of a family of eight, he being the only remaining one living ; he was raised on his father's farm, where he remained till the age of fifteen ; after attending college in Illinois four years, in 1837 he came to Cadiz and was employed as clerk for John Hill two years ; he then engaged in the tobacco business with his uncle, Spotswood Wilkinson, continuing this business till 1843, at which time he engaged in general merchandising, and which he has since continued, and is now the oldest merchant in Trigg County. On commencing business his sales amounted to about $30 a day; from this small beginning his business has increased to over three times this amount. Mr. Street has often acted as Town and School Trustee, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Since the age of twenty-one years he has been a member of the Christian Church, and is now the oldest male member of that denom- ination. Mr. Street has been twice married ; his first union was blessed with three children-two sons and one daughter-his son, E. R. Street, being a partner in this business.
FRANK T. STREET was born in Trigg County, November 3, 1853. He is a son of John L. Street, the oldest merchant of Trigg County, and a resident of Cadiz. The subject of this sketch, at the age of sixteen, entered his father's store as a clerk ; about six years later he was admitted as a partner ; he continued a member of this firm about two and a half years. September 1, 1883, he bought a half interest in the Glenwood Mill and has since been engaged in this business. This mill is situated on Little River, and is the oldest mill site in the county. It was rebuilt in 1871, and is valued at about $10,000 ; it has a capacity of about fifty barrels in twenty-four hours. Mr. Street was married February 23, 1881, to Miss Gertrude Hart, who was born in Stewart County, Tenn., and raised in Memphis by her uncle, Capt. James Lee, one of the most suc- cessful men of Memphis. This union has been blessed with one child- James Lee. Mr. Street is a member of the Christian Church, and of the order of Chosen Friends.
J. E. SUMMERS was born September 24, 1828, in Christian Coun-
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ty, Ky. He is the eldest child in a family of twelve born to William A. and Harriet A. (Anthony) Summers ; the father was born December 9, 1790, in Fairfax County, Va .; he came to Christian County in 1817; first engaged in teaching school. In 1829 he removed to his farm four miles west of Hopkinsville ; there he remained till his death which occurred April 27, 1857. The mother was born in August, 1809, in Sumner County, Tenn .; they were married November 22, 1827, in Mont- gomery County. The subject of this sketch was born on the farm now owned and occupied by his mother ; there he received his early education, and later attended school in Hopkinsville two terms. In 1854 he removed to Texas; there engaged in farming. In 1857 he was called home on account of his father's death, and superintended this farm five years at a salary of $1,000 a year. During this time, by his judicious management, he made and divided out to the legatees of the estate $21,000. This farm contained about 500 acres improved, and gave employment to about six- teen hands ; this was considered one of the best farms in Christian County. In 1862 he commenced on his own account on a farm of 375 acres ; he later purchased other lands, making in all 750 acres. There he remained five years. In 1867 he sold part of his land and returned to his mother's farm, which he again took charge of, and where he remained four years. January, 1871, he removed to Cadiz, where he has since resided ; he now owns and occupies the residence formerly owned by the late Matthew Mayes, also a farm of 700 acres adjoining the corporation. Mr. Summers was married October 22, 1861, to Corinne Farley. She was born in Vir- ginia ; she died April +, 1866, aged twenty-five. Two.daughters and one son blessed this union. His second marriage took place September 26, 1870, to Miss Mattie, daughter of J. F. Gill of Logan County, Ky. The result of this union is three children-one son and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Summers are life-long and devoted members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church South.
F. G. TERRY was born in Christian County, Ky., April 28, 1838. He is the fifth of nine children born to Abner R. and Eleanor (Dyer) Terry, natives of Virginia. In 1839 his father engaged in merchandis- ing at Wallonia, where he remained until 1844. He then came to Cadiz and continued in business here until his death, which occurred in 1847, aged forty. The subject of this sketch came to Cadiz with his parents
1
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when he was six years old. His education was received in the schools of this town. When fifteen he went to Princeton, where he sold goods for about six months. He then attended the naval school at Annapolis, Md., where he remained two years; he then went to Washington, D. C., and received the appointment of Clerk in the Third Auditor's office. This position he held until the breaking out of the war, when he returned to Cadiz. Soon after his arrival here he enlisted in Company G, of the Eighth Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, C. S. A. Went out as Third Lieutenant, and in the fall of 1862 was elected Captain of com- pany. He held this position until May, 1865, when he was paroled with his company. Among the battles in which he participated might be men- tioned Fort Donelson, first siege of Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Miss., Guntown, Tupelo, Franklin, Tenn., and in all the engagements from that point on to the retreat of Hood's army to the Tennessee River. He then returned to Cadiz, opened a drug store, and has been engaged in this business ever since. Mr. Terry was married in 1868 to Miss Dannie, a daughter of Judge A. B. Dyer. This lady is a native of this county, and is the mother of two daughters. Among the offices which our subject has held are those of Town Trustee and Trustee of High School, which office he has held since the organization. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and of the K. of H. fraternity.
J. J. THOMAS was born March 19, 1833, in Trigg County ; he is a son of Starkey Thomas, now deceased, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. February, 1857, he settled on his present farm, which was deeded him by his father, consisting of 300 acres. Mr. Thomas was married in July, 1856, to Mary Cunningham ; she was born in this coun- ty ; this marriage has been blessed with nine children-six sons and three daughters.
ALFRED THOMAS was born April 29, 1835, in Trigg County; he is a son of Starkey Thomas, who died September 14, 1881, in his eighty- third year. Our subject was raised on his father's farm, where he remained till about the age of twenty-two; he then came to this land, which was deeded to him by his father, consisting of 248 acres ; he now owns in all 1,600 acres, which are included in six farms; he also owns one house and lot in Cadiz; he employs about sixteen hands and is largely
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engaged in live stock. Mr. Thomas is one of the largest and most suc- cessful farmers in this county; he handles large quantities of tobacco and is the administrator of several estates, having served in this capacity the past eight years; he was married in 1863 to Eliza Martin ; she was born in Trigg County; they have a family of four children-one son and three daughters.
F. M. THOMAS was born August 5, 1839, in Trigg County; he is the seventh child of a family of eleven born to Starkey and Mary (Bridges) Thomas; the former was born in North Carolina June 29, 1799; he died September 14, 1881; the latter was born in North Carolina, July 25, 1807, and now lives with her son Starkey at their old homestead. About 1806 the father of our subject was brought with his parents to Trigg County, where he remained till his death. They first settled on Donald- son Creek; there the family was reared. At about the age of twenty- three, F. M. Thomas settled on his present land, which was deeded him by his father, consisting of 400 acres. His father had owned over 2,000 acres ; before his death it was divided among his children ; he was mar- ried December 21, 1876, to Mary F. Rogers ; she was born January 25, 1862, in Trigg County ; four children have blessed this union-three sons and one daughter.
MOSES S. THOMPSON was born April 5, 1849, in Trigg County ; he is the youngest child of a family of seven born to Moses and Clarissa H. (Smith) Thompson, who were both natives of Virginia. His mother was born in 1813, and when a child came to Trigg County with her par- ents, all coming here on horseback. They settled on a farm about three miles from Cadiz, where she has since lived. His father was born in 1807; he died March 16, 1884. When a boy he was apprenticed to the tanner's trade, and this business he followed through life ; also engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owned previous to the war from thirty to forty slaves. Moses S. was reared on his father's farm. After receiving a common school education, at the age of fourteen he attended Asbury University, Indiana, and later the Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky. After graduating at Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., he returned to Cadiz, and at the age of nineteen he engaged in merchan- dising on his own account. Commencing with a stock of about $3,500, he has since been continually in business here, doing a large and prosper-
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ous trade, carrying a stock of about $12,000. He occupies one of the finest store-rooms in Cadiz, located in the Hotel Block. This store is 23x90 feet, and well lighted from front and rear. Mr. Thompson was married in 1873 to Miss Nannie, daughter of Thomas H. Grinter. She was born in Cadiz. Five children gladden their home-three sons and two daughters.
THOMAS K. TORIAN was born January 31, 1845, in Cadiz, Ky., and is a son of George L. and E. E. (McCarty) Torian, who were natives of Halifax County, Va. His parents emigrated to this county in an early day; here the father kept hotel. After living here some time he moved to Christian County, and there settled on a farm. After residing there a few years, he sold out his farm and moved to Wallonia. There he bought a farm, but lived on it only about one year; he then returned to Cadiz. In 1869 he removed to Paducah, Ky., and there engaged in the tobacco business three years. In 1872 he returned to Cadiz and engaged in farming, but is at present living a retired life. Prior to the war Mr. Torian, Sr., was a large slave owner. Thomas K. has during the most of his life had charge of the farm which he has conducted for his father. In the spring of 1883, he opened a livery stable at Cadiz, and is at present still engaged in the business.
JESSE WALLIS was born January 7, 1813, in South Carolina. He is the son of James and Winnie (Jones) Wallis. The former was born October 10, 1786, in South Carolina ; he died November 3, 1855. The latter was born August 19, 1791, also in South Carolina ; she died December 17, 1855. The father of our subject learned the blacksmith trade when a boy ; this he followed during life. Jesse remained with his father till the age of twenty-seven, also working at this trade. When they came to Cadiz his father opened a shop. Here he worked six years. In 1841 he went to Canton, there opened a shop and carried on this trade thirty-one years. While in Canton he was elected Town Marshal, and held the office two years. In 1882 he returned to Cadiz, and opened a confectionery and notion store, which he still continues. He was mar- ried in 1840, to Lucinda A. Moore. She was born in North Carolina ; had six children, two living-one son and one daughter. On first coming to Cadiz, he was elected Captain of a nlitary company which was formed here, and held that office as long as musters were kept up.
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JESSE T. WALLIS was born July 26, 1816, in Trigg County. He is a son of William, Sr. and Ellen (Young) Wallis. They were born in South Carolina. His father followed school teaching, this being his principal occupation ; he died in 1856, aged seventy. Our subject received his first schooling from Smith Martin, then from his father, and later from James B. Wallis. At the age of twenty-two he was placed as overseer for Beverly Dillard. . After remaining one year he bought a farm of 200 acres, where he remained about eight years, after which he removed to his present farm, consisting of 200 acres, where he has since lived. He was married, in 1846, to Mary E. Harris. She was born in Virginia, and partly reared in Christian County. This marriage has been blessed with eight children-three sons and five daughters : George, now living in Graves County, Ky., engaged in farming; Miner H. is a clerk in Little Rock; their youngest son, Charles is at home assisting on the farm.
C. H. WALLIS was born July 3, 1827, in Trigg County, about three miles south of Cadiz. He is the eldest of nine children born to William and Elizabeth (Wallis) Wallis. The father was born in South' Carolina, February 2, 1802. He came to Trigg County, in 1824, and now lives on the farm where he first settled. The mother was born April 30, 1809, in Trigg County. She died in 1849, and was buried on their farm. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm. There he remained till the age of twenty, when he removed to the Cumberland River; there he worked at the carpenter's trade about five years. In 1852, he went to Christian County, where he was overseer of a planta- tion about ten years. He then returned to Trigg County, and worked about three and one-half years in a still-house. In 1865, he removed to his present locality, and opened a wheel-wright shop, and has since been engaged at this business ; he has also been toll-keeper at this point since coming here. Mr. Wallis was married in 1847, to Caroline Stokes. She was born in Tennessee; she died in 1877, aged forty-seven. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Wallis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
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