USA > Kentucky > Christian County > County of Christian, Kentucky : historical and biographical > Part 21
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DR. JAMES BROWN WALLACE was born in Culpeper County, Va., on the 2d day of September, 1792. On his father's side he was of Scotch extraction, his grandfather, Dr. Michael Wallace, having come from Glasgow, Scotland, to Port Tobacco, Md., as a medical student to a Scotch physician, Dr. Brown, one of the most eminent men in his pro- fession in Maryland. After finishing his studies, and graduating in Edinburgh, the young Doctor married the youngest daughter of Dr. Brown, and moved across the Potomac, and settled in Culpeper County, Va. Nearly all the other daughters of Dr. Brown married Scotch Episcopal Parsons, MeGruder Lomax, Keyes, Monteures, Daniels, Scott, IForner, and whose descendants have multiplied into a legion. Francis Scott Key, the author of the "Star Spangled Banner," was a grand- son of one of the daughters; Gen. Bankhead McGruder, of Virginia, of another. Dr. Michael Wallace left eight sons who fought through the Revolutionary war, the youngest of whom, Capt. Thomas Wallace, was the father of Dr. James B. Wallace. He left ten children of whom the Doctor was the eldest. After leaving school he entered the office of Dr. Carmichael, of Fredericksburg, Va., and read medicine with him, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, and then, like many another young professional man of his day in the " Old Dominion," he launched out South or West to make his fortune, and a home. In a com- pany of young companions he started out on horseback over the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains through east Tennessee, and arrived at Huntsville, Ala., which was a Virginia colony on the confines of civili- zation, all the country south of there to Louisiana being in the possession of the Indians. Not satisfied there, he pressed on through the Indian country to Louisiana. The war of 1812 having closed only a few years before, he found business of every kind prostrate, and selling his horse, he embarked in one of the three or four steamboats then navigating the Mississippi River, for Louisville, Ky. His description of these steamers seems ridiculous when compared with the fleets of the " floating palaces " now seen on all the western rivers. The cabin was in the hold, and they had to land each night and cut cord wood to run them the next day. None were over 300 or 400 tons; the fare was $300, and they were one month making the trip. There were only two or three settlements on the river from Natchez to Louisville, which latter, only contained about
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1,500, or 2,000 inhabitants settled along on the banks of the Ohio. Where the court house now stands was a large lake or pond where the . young people took boat-rides. He found both friends and relatives in Louisville, and remained about two years, practicing his profession, when his father dying, he returned to Virginia to wind up the estate and look . after his brothers and sisters. At this time he formed the acquaintance and married Miss Sarah A. E. Clayton, the daughter of Maj. Philip Clayton, of Culpeper, and after three children were born to them, he, about the year 1825, again started to Kentucky, but this time turned his face to Christian County, where his relations, Capt. Green and family, had settled, Mrs. Lucy Green being his first cousin. After a long and tedious journey in wagons, he arrived, and rented a place below where Newstead stands, and entering into partnership with the late Dr. John A. Steele, he resumed the practice of his profession. He described all South Christian, except along the streams, as a vast prairie. Herds of deer could be seen at almost any time and for miles, and in the spring of the year, when riding over the country the horse's hoofs would be dyed red with the wild strawberries which almost carpeted the ground. There were only a few farms along the road to Hopkinsville from where he rented; the best improved of which he bought after a few years from Dr. Wilkins, who moved to Louisiana, which he improved, and where he resided until his death. The last buffalo ever seen east of the Ohio, was elaimed to be killed at a spring on this place about this time by " Uncle Billy Means," one of the oldest settlers in the county and his near neighbor. Dr. Wallace now virtually abandoned the practice of his profession, and gave himself up to improving his home, educating his children, and cultivating kindly relations with his neighbors, by all of whom he became greatly beloved and respected. He was always a great student, and kept himself posted, and up with all progress of the age, and was one of the first to introduce improved machinery into agriculture, and to educate the farmers. He became a successful planter, and lived a happy and useful life, until, after a brief but severe illness, he died on the 30th of September, 1860, in his sixty-eighth year. His beloved wife sur- vived him only a few months, dying the following December, in her fifty- sixth year. Dr. Wallace was one of the first to organize the Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville, and was one of the first vestrymen, and lived and
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died an honest and devoted Christian. As a man, he was always generous courteous, and eminently domestic in all his habits. His was a virtue that shone with no ordinary lustre; that would bear at all times the closest scrutiny. As a parent, a husband, a master and a friend, he was ever true to the interest of those intrusted to his care. An absence of all pretense, a love of truth in word and action were among his most prominent characteristics. Refinement and culture with him con- sisted not in mere efforts at external display. ITis ideal was correet, and in him was exemplified the Christian gentleman. In brief, in the lan- guage of Pope, he was
" An honest man-the noblest work of God."
JOHN C. WHITLOCK, M. D., whose portrait appears in this vol- ume, is one of the old and prominent citizens of Christian County, and is a son of John and Sarah (Ashlin) Whitlock, natives of the Old Do- minion. The Whitlock family settled in Louisa County, Va., prior to the Revolutionary war, where Dr. Whitlock, his father, John Whitlock, and his grandfather, Thomas Whitlock, were all born. Sarah (Ashlin) Whitlock was a native of Patrick County, Va. The parents of Dr. Whitlock removed to Kentucky in 1830, and resided mostly in Trigg County, where Mrs. Whitlock died in 1845; Mr. Whitlock died in Christian County in 1865. Dr. Whitlock was born Mareh 18, 1818, and came with his parents to Kentucky in 1830, when twelve years old. His education was received in the schools of Christian County, mostly at Garrettsburg ; his father being but a plain farmer in moderate circum- stances, was unable to give his son a collegiate education. Upon leaving school young Whitlock commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John A. Steele, a prominent physician of the time, and well known through- out the county. He attended two sessions of the medical college at Louisville, from which he graduated in 1842, and since that time has practiced his profession in this county. While Dr. Whitlock takes a lively interest in political affairs, State and National, he has never been an active politieian nor an office-seeker, his public service having been confined to a term in the lower House of the State Legislature, to which position he was elected in 1846, and the duties of which he faithfully dis- charged. Dr. Whitlock was married, January 13, 1848, to Miss Maria F. Withrow, a daughter of James and Letitia Withrow (nee Edgar), and
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who was a native of Greenbrier County, Va. They have had six chil- dren, of whom three only are living; two of these are married. Dr. Whitlock and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church ; he is also an Elder in the same. Devoted to his profession, Dr. Whitlock has given to its practice and progress his best energies during a long and success- ful career, and is deservedly respected by his brethren of the healing art for his knowledge of the science, as well as by the whole community, for those fine personal traits which make him a valuable and worthy citizen. For more than fifty years his face has been familiar to the people of the county, and all may point to him, and say with truthful- ness, "there is an honest man."
T. L. YONTS was born in Ohio County, Ky., November 10, 1847; his father was Jonathan Yonts ; his mother's maiden name was Abigail Sheard. His parents removed to Muhlenburg County when he was quite young. He received the benefit of a common school education, and upon attaining his majority, bought 1963 acres of land in Muhlenburg County and farmed for several years. After the railroad was built (it passed over his land) he sold out to it for the coal with which his land was un- derlaid. He then removed to Christian County, raised one crop and re- turned to Mulilenburg, but after two years removed again to Christian, where he has since resided. While living in Muhlenburg County the last time, he became involved in debt, and lost all his property. But by his untiring energy he has paid all claims against him, and has again got his head above water. He commenced work, after his failure, with an old mare, a mule and a little household furniture, etc. Ile was married in Muhlenburg County to Miss Millie Dilman, a daughter of H. C. and Elizabeth Dilman. They have had six children, five of whom are liv- ing, viz .: Ella May, Ida F., H. C., Elizabeth and Minnie M. Mrs. Yonts is a member of the Methodist Church.
HAMBY PRECINCT.
ELIJAII ARMSTRONG was born in Scates' Mill Precinct, this county, on May 23, 1811, and is a son of Benjamin and Jane (Brasher) Armstrong. The father was born in Greenville County, N. C., and his parents were of Irish descent ; he grew to manhood in that State, and married Miss Brasher, who was of English descent. In 1809 the twain came to this county and settled in Scates' Precinct; he resided there until March, 1827, when he came to Hamby Precinct, where he resided until his death, which occurred on November 17, 1846. In his life-time he was a member of the Christian Church. The mother died in this county on August 25, 1864. Elijah is the fourth of nine children, and of this num- ber but four are now living, viz .: Mrs. Eliza J. Gilliland, John, David and Elijah. The education of the latter was received in the schools of the early times; he remained at home until about thirty-four years of age, and then commenced farming for himself; he settled on his present farm immediately, and has resided here. ever since; he now owns about 415 acres, of which he has about 200 acres in cultivation. Mr. Armstrong was married in this precinct on March 25, 1845, to Miss Cinderella Ham- by, a daughter of Philip and Jane (Croft) Hamby. The father was a native of Metcalf County, Ky., and came to this county in 1804 with his mother. The family settled in Crofton Precinct, and there Mr. Iamby resided until 1844, when he came to this precinct; he is still living at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Scates' Mill Precinct on August 25, 1825, and was the mother of nine children, all living, viz .: Crittenden C., in Texas; Narcissa C., wife of Isaac Cook; Melissa, wife of John W. Marcus, of Fruit Hill Precinct ; Letitia C., wife of J. T. Owen, in Texas; Benjamin P .; Margaret A., widow of F. Renshaw ; Sarah A. and Elijah H. Mrs. Armstrong died in this ' precinct on August 25, 1864. Mr. Armstrong has served in this town- ship as Constable two years, and has been Magistrate four years. Before the war he was identified with the Whig party, but has since that time given his support to the Democratic party.
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YOUNG BOYD was born in this precinct on May 8, 1835, and is & son of James and Elizabeth (Long) Boyd. The father was born in Vir- . ginia and the mother in South Carolina. The father came to this county with his parents in 1815. The latter settled in the western edge of the precinct, and there resided until their death. James Boyd grew to man- hood in this precinct, and began life on a farm in the eastern edge of it. He finally came to the farm now owned by subject, and resided here until his death on July 24, 1872. During his life-time he was a consistent member of the Mt. Zore Baptist Church. The mother died in this pre- cinct in the spring of 1861. Young Boyd was next to the youngest of twelve children, of whom five are now living, viz .: Francis, in Fruit Ilill Precinct ; Drury, in same precinct; George E., W. H., in Jones County, Texas ; and Young, our subject. The common school of this precinct furnished the latter his education ; he remained at home until twenty-three, and then settled down in Fruit Hill Precinct ; he resided there four years, and then removed to Stewart. In 1870 he came to this precinct and settled on his present farm ; he now owns about 150 acres, of which there are about sixty-five acres in cultivation. Mr. Boyd was married in this county on July 9, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth M. Davis, a daughter of John and Mary (Long) Davis, natives of South Carolina. She was a native of this county, and was the mother of seven children, six of whom are now living, viz .: John H., J. W., Lewis, Mildred M., Effic J. and Thomas L. This lady died on November 10, 1877. Mr. Boyd was next married on January 18, 1878, to Miss Gracie M. Ford, a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Armstrong) Ford. This lady is a native of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the West Mt. Zore Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Boyd is a Democrat.
JOSEPHI EAST was born in this county on July 17, 1843, and is a son of William and Mary (Haskins) East. The parents were natives of Charlotte County, Va., and came to this county in 1838. They first settled south of Hopkinsville, and afterward moved to Lafayette Precinct, where they resided until 1866. In that year they came to this precinct, > and settled on the farm now owned by subject. The mother died on January 13, 1884, but the father is still making his home with his son (our subject). The latter was the fourth of seven children, of whom five are now living, viz .: W. R., Joseph, Benn, John T. and Julia. Joseph took
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HAMBY PRECINCT.
charge of the home farm in 1878, and has since resided there. He now owns about 200 acres of which there are about 80 acres in cultivation. He is unmarried, and his brother, William R., is now living on the home farm. He is a member of the West Mount Zore Baptist Church, and of the Good Templar fraternity. In politics he is identified with the Re- publican party.
DR. J. R. MOORE was born in New Providence, Montgomery Co., Tenn., on November 10, 1840, and is a son of James M. and Mary (Lesembe) Moore. The father was a native of North Carolina and the mother of Tennessee. Both are still living in Montgomery County. Dr. Moore is the second of seven children. His education was received in the common schools of his native county, and subsequently at Stewart College. He then commenced reading medicine with Dr. W. T. McReynolds, of Clarksville, and remained with him three years. He next attended the University at Nashville, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1865. Taking up his chosen profession he began life, and settled in Oakwood, Montgomery County. He remained at that point until 1871, when he came to this county and settled at Crofton. At this point . he remained about three years, and then came to this precinct. IIcre he has since resided, and now has a very lucrative practice. He is now acting as the county physician for the jail and poor-house. Dr. Moore was married in Montgomery County on March 31, 1866, to Miss Mary Gibbs, a daughter of Stephen and Malinda (Duncan) Gibbs, both natives of Tennessee. This union has resulted in seven children, of whom six are now living, viz. : John, Anne, Robert, Clay, James and Willie. Dr. Moore is a member of the Knights of Honor fraternity, and is identified with the Democratic party.
J. M. RENSHAW was born in this precinct on November 8, 1853, and is a son of Enoch and Melinda (McCord) Renshaw. The father is also a native of this county and was born here on August 11, 1811. His parents, John and Nancy (Reed) Renshaw, came from Rowan County, N. C., in about 1805. They settled in this precinct and resided here until their death. Enoch Renshaw grew up to manhood in this precinct and on November 1, 1835, he married Miss McCord, who was a daughter of Samucl McCord, a native of Tennessee. After his marriage he settled in the northwest part of the precinct. IIe has farmed here ever since
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and now owns about 226 acres. In 1846 he commenced merchandising and was engaged in business until January, 1884, when he sold out to Mr. Hamby. He is now living a retired life with his son. The mother died in this precinct on November 15, 1883. Our subject's education was received in the schools of his native precinct, and at Hopkinsville. After completing his education he taught school four years, and then in 1873 he turned his attention to merchandising. He became associated with his father and the firm carried on an extensive business until January, 1884, when Renshaw Senior sold out. The firm is now known as Ren- shaw & Hamby, and carries a stock of about $1,600. Besides merchan- dising, Mr. Renshaw is also engaged in farming on the old home place. He was married in this precinct on November 11, 1873, to Miss Sallie HIamby, a daughter of L. M. Hamby, of this precinct. Three children have blessed this union, two of whom are now living, viz. : Edgar and Carrie. In politics Mr. R. is identified with the Democratic party.
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FRUIT HILL PRECINCT.
DAVID L. BARNES is a native of this county, born November 18, 1829. He has about 1,500 acres of land, which is devoted principally to fruit culture, and is one of the substantial citizens of the county. Ilis parents, William and Elizabeth (Myers) Barnes, were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. His grandfather, George Barnes, was originally from Ireland. He had come over to America on business, but owing to the war troubles could not return, and finally entered the army and served throughout the Revolutionary war. He started for Kentucky with his wife, three sons and three daughters, at a very carly date, and finally located in Mercer County. Two of his sons were either killed or captured upon the way, by the Indians, and William, the father of our subjeet, was saved by falling into the hands of some woman, who after- ward restored him to his parents, and about fifteen years afterward (in 1797) they removed to this county, then a wilderness, and Will- iam Barnes and John Lewis cleared the land on which the Court Hlouse at Hopkinsville now stands. The parents of our subject were blessed with twelve children, of whom there are seven living : Robert D., Maxwell S., David L., Nisan W., Elizabeth A., Ildegirt A. and Mary Z. Our subject devotes most of his attention to fruit culture, apples and peaches being the principal varieties, most of his land being situated upon high land and ridges, particularly adapted to this branch of agriculture. IIe is a member of the Universalist Church, and is a Greenbacker politically. For the last five years he has been Secretary of the Universalist State Convention, of Kentucky.
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JOHN J. BARNES is a native of Christian County, the date of his birth being May 19, 1840; he is a son of Melville and Mary E. (John- son) Barnes, the father a son of William Barnes. The parents had three children : William H., John J. and Elbert M. The subject of these lines has always resided in the county, and has engaged in agricultural pursuits; he has with his brother 500 acres of land, which are devoted to general husbandry. Mr. Barnes has filled the position of Magistrate for
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Fruit Hill Precinct two terms, is a member of the Universalist Church, and gives his support to the Republican party. He was first married to Mary J. Mcacham, a daughter of James Meacham, of this county. This union gave one child-Melissa E. His second marriage was to Miss Margaret M. Croft, daughter of Roland and Peggy Croft. There are two children by this marriage : Lucian E. and Charlie J. Mr. Barnes and his brother are much respected citizens of Christian County, and are very enterprising and substantial farmers.
ARCHIBALD BATES was born in the State of Rhode Island April 10, 1823; he married in his native State, and at twenty-five years of age moved to Vermont. For many years he worked in the Eastern cotton factories, but in later years has given his attention to farming; he has a farm of 130 acres, and raises farm products generally ; he is a son of John and Betsey (Jordan) Bates, both of whom were natives of Rhode Island. John Bates worked some at carpentering, and was a son of a farmer of the same name. The parents of our subject had six children, of whom Eliza, Archibald, Susan and William are living. Our subject has lived in Christian County since leaving Vermont, about the close of the war, excepting two years, during which period he resided in Arkansas. He wedded Armina P. Bliss, a daughter of Joshua Bliss. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom survive: William, who married Lucy J. Whittaker, a daughter of Richmond G. and Eliza (Courtney) Whittaker, and has four children : Carrie L., William A., Ada and Oscar G .; and John, who resides in the East. Mr. Bates is a Republican politically, and is a much-respected citizen of the county ; he possesses that Yankee energy and practical sense which have always been such material factors in the civilization of our country.
JOHN H. CAVANAHI was born in Christian County, March 7, 1836, to James F. and Naucy (Vaughan) Cavanah, both of whom were also natives of this county. The father devoted his energies to farming pursuits, was a Captain in an old militia organization, and died when our subject was young. His venerable widow is still living in this county. She bore him two children : Celina J. (wife of Seth HI. Myers), and sub- ject. She was married to Elijah Carneal, which union gave one child- Susan V., wife of William Wilkins. Our subject's grandfather was Charles Cavanah, who, with his brother William, came from North Car-
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olina and located at a very early date in Fruit Hill Precinct. The former's residence and home property were burned to the ground several times during his residence here, and he was compelled to suffer many misfortunes. Our subject married P. E. Fruit, a daughter of T. C. Fruit. (See sketch of S. T. Fruit, Mt. Vernon Precinct.) This union has been blessed with eleven children, of whom ten survive: William T., James F., George T., Mary B., Cora C., Samuel N., John H., Alexander D., David, Edward C. and Otho M. James F., twin brother to William T., died when three weeks old. William T. was married in Labette County, Kan., December 18, 1883, to Vannie Lacy. Mr. Cavanah is a member of the Masonic fraternity, L. M. Cox Lodge, No. 327, and is one of the Magistrates for Fruit Hill Precinct. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Greenbacker in politics.
T. W. GOOCH is a native of Robinson County, Tenn., and came to Christian County in 1844, after residing some time in Muhlenburg Coun- ty, this State. He is a son of Gideon Gooch, who removed from Vir- ginia and located in Tennessee at an early date. The latter carried on a carding factory at the time of his death, and had been engaged in the same business for many years of his life. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom but the subject of these lines survives. John G. Gooch, the eldest of the family, died in Texas, where his family yet resides. He was a former resident of Muhlenburg County, Ky., and had represented it in the Legislature in 1850. James C. Gooch, another of the deceased children, was a practicing physician, and Elijah was for many years connected with the asylum at Hopkinsville, and Gideon Gooch was a Methodist preacher. Mr. T. W. Gooch, the subject of these lines, has devoted a considerable share of his life to working at the car- riage-maker's trade, and for a period of six years had charge of the County Poor-House. His supervision of this charitable institution was attended with gratifying results. Many of its parts were remodeled and refitted, and the whole institution subjected to a systematic overhauling, and it , was left in a condition which indicates the general ability he possessed and exhibited during his administration of its affairs. IIe now resides upon his farm of 223 acres, and gives his attention to farming pursuits. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., K. of II., the Grange, and other orders of note. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and
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gives his support to the Republican party. He first married Priscilla Robinson, who bore him one child, now deceased ; his second marriage was with Miss Lou Whaling, by whom there are two children : Margaret E. and William Gidon. His present wife was formerly Miss Sarah A. Mitchell. This union has given one child-James C.
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