USA > Kentucky > Madison County > Glimpses of historic Madison County, Kentucky > Part 25
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"Gov. Francis' visit closed with a brilliant banquet at the Hotel Glyndon. It was an occasion long to be treasured in the memory of all who attended. Senator McCreary was toastmaster and very felicitously introduced each speaker. The speech of the evening was by the guest of honor, Gov. Francis. He made another soulstirring address that but added to his reputation as a post- prandial orator-his manner, his language, his thought surcharging the atmosphere with the magnetism of his wonderful personality. His hearers hung upon his words in rapt attention, and at his close the applause was prolonged to the point of a grand ovation. Gov. Francis took occasion formally to offer to present to Rich-
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mond a costly fountain in commemoration of the Kentucky pioneers who crossed the trackless forests from Virginia and North Carolina and settled here-in his native home. The fountain will be of Missouri granite, upon a base weighing 25,000 pounds. A shaft surmounted by a heroic sized bronze bust of a Typical Pioneer will rise gracefully from the rough-hewn base. On one side will be a place for man to drink, on the other beasts may quench their thirst, as Mr. Mclellan beautifully remarked of the custom in England where such fountains are so numerous, an inscription there being "Drink and let thy cattle drink also."
Gov. Francis described the history of his plan to make some quiet demonstration of his gratitude to the place of his nativity and adopted Prof. Zolnay's masterpiece, "The Typical Pioneer," as most fitting wherewith to crown the gift of beauty and utility that shall be stationed on the court yard corner of Main and First street, facing Cumberland Gap through which his and our pioneer ancestors came into Kentucky. Gov. Francis declared he desired no publicity or glory from this tribute of his devotion to old Madison, and said if the good people of Richmond in their wisdom should see fit to decline the gift he would not assign it to an inhospitable motive. This seemed to be the moment for its ac- knowledgment and Senator McCreary called upon Mayor Woods to respond, the latter having been designated as the person through whom his gift should be officially tendered the city. Mr. Woods declared that such a memorial and such a motive behind it could receive but one response, that of heartfelt acceptance, which sentiment was applauded.
Present at the banquet sat the celebrated sculptor, George Julian Zolnay, chief sculptor of the St. Louis World's Fair. This man of genius came here as the special guest of Gov. Francis to study the best place whereat to locate the fountain-"if my old home folk will but accept it," modestly added the great-hearted donor. Prof. Zolnay was called upon, and though he apologized for his deficiency as a speaker, he really charmed all by his native eloquence and fervent praises for Kentucky-which said he, "gave to me the precious wife that shares my troubles and triumphs like a perfect woman, nobly planned." His wife was a descendant of the celebrated Kentuckian of other days, George Rowan, of Owensboro.
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Others who spoke were Mr. H. N. Davis, a member of the St. Louis Council and prominent merchant and charity worker; his story of the early career and later triumphs of the Francis boys in St. Louis filled all hearts with exultant pride. He too was in a way a Kentuckian, his sister being Mrs. Charles H. Rodes, of Danville. Col. Thos. Francis made a brief but telling talk which all applauded. Hon. Charles J. Bronston made tender references to "Dave, the friend of my youth," and paid him the highest praise. Mr. W. R. Shackelford also thanked Gov. Francis for his munificent gift in eloquent language.
The address of Rev. Mclellan was a great treat, sparkling with wit and wisdom from his inexhaustible supply. He was repeatedly applauded. The speeches were curtailed by the near approach of the midnight train. With warm hand-clasps and good fellowship the party broke up, many escorting the Francis party to their private car which left for Danville at midnight. On board were Gov. Francis, his handsome son who came from Yale College to our Home Coming ( the second son, David, Jr., having left earlier ); the Governor's sister, Mrs. Ellerbe, a most charming lady, who all unite in saying is not second to the Governor in our hearts; the Governor's accomplished and handsome secretary, Col. Thomp- son; Messrs. Davis, Arnold and Zolnay. To them we say "God bless you, one and all!"
HOME COMERS SONG
"We've Come Back To Old Kentucky"
Written for the Climax in honor of Ex-Governor Francis for Madison's Home Coming, Monday June 18, 1906.
We've come back to old Kentucky, To our old time happy home; And we are full of gladness, That we're priveliged to come,
From East and West, North and South, And some from foreign parts,
We are back in old Kentucky, With old friends and loving hearts.
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We've come back to old Kentucky, While the blue grass is in seed, And June days spread their sunshine Over mountain, vale and mead While the birds sing in the woodlands There's a welcome at the gate We are back in old Kentucky, In our dear old native State.
All hail to old Kentucky, To her sons and daughters true, May their stars be every lucky, And their skies be ever blue.
We've come back to old Kentucky, And we laugh, and shed a tear, So soon we'll have to leave you; But we're glad that we are here. Give us a kindly greeting For we only meet to part; And we ask dear old Kentucky Just to keep us in her heart.
AMY L. GRAY
BOONESBOROUGH IN 1907
Notwithstanding the resolution above there was not another cele- bration at Boonesborough until 1907. The occasion was the un- veiling program of a stone marker on the side of Fort Boones- borough by the Boonesborough chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Richmond. The publication of the ac- count of the exercises in the Lexington Herald, October 6, 1907, is sufficient for this volume. It is as follows:
"Historic old Fort Boonesborough was rehallowed today in the solemn unveiling of the marker erected by the Boonesborough Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Four men were present who attended the great celebration fifty-seven years ago, when Governor Morehead delivered his famous address, Thomas Fowler, of Woodford; J. P. Shaw, of Franklin; Ira Scudder and Samuel P. Phelps, of Madison.
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"The climax of the day's proceedings was reached when, after the exercises, the Model School Cadets, of Richmond under com- mand of Captain F. W. Crawford, headed by the Winchester Mili- tary Band, marched to the top of the mound where the old fort used to stand, followed by no less than four thousand persons.
"After three salutes from the cadet rifles the band played sweetly, "My Old Kentucky Home," and eight children of Boonesborough Chapter lifted from the memorial the national colors which had draped the stone. This exposed to view the inscriptions, and many faces were seen in solemn contemplation of the spot which repre- sented the courage of brave men and fortitude of noble women, ancestors of those who surrounded the historic spot. ...
"The exercises opened by an invocation by Rev. Hugh Mclellan, of Richmond. The first speaker was Col. J. W. Caperton, whose introduction was an explanation of the aims of the Daughters of the American Revolution. He told of the organization of Boones- borough Chapter at Richmond June 4, 1896, and that it had found its work at hand in the marking of the site of Fort Boones- borough. He spoke of the nurturing of patriotic sentiment in these women who are nearly all descendents of the pioneers in the first fortified station west of the Allegheny and Cumberland Mountains.
"He reminded his hearers that on this spot was the first legisla- tion West of the Alleghenies, the first marriage was performed in Kentucky, Elizabeth Callaway to Samuel Henderson a short time after he had assisted in her rescue, and that here was born the first child of parents married in Kentucky. He delineated the peaceful life of the Boones on the Yadkin river and the hard- ships of the families who came to settle the country of "Kaintuckee," and the losses by death in the family of this great leader. Col. Caperton eulogized Boone, and said the nation had its Washington, Kentucky its Boone.
"Other stations in Madison county closely connected with Boonesborough, were enumerated, and their former location de- scribed.
"The monument's inscriptions were then enumerated. That on top is:
Site of Fort Boonesborough 1775-1783
In Memory of The
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Pioneers of Kentucky Erected By The Boonesborough Chapter, D. A. R., 1907.
"Col. Caperton read the list of those whose names are inscribed on the stone. He said:
" "This does not pretend to be a complete list but are some of those whose daring and devotion to duty made them noted among the whole.'
'Many are omitted, among them, Bartlett Searcy, the omission being suggested by Mr. R. R. Perry. William Baily Smith, who commanded the fort during the noted siege is also omitted. Gen- eral Smith on his road from the Yadkin to join General Clark at the Falls came to Boonesborough, and finding the people harassed by Indians stayed.
"Due credit was given to Mr. Thos. H. Stevens, of Lexington, who presented the ground on which the marker is erected. Refer- ence was made to the great address of Governor Morehead, and that it rained harder that day than had ever been known.
"Col. Caperton closed by introducing Senator James B. McCreary. He spoke of the Senator's achievements and his being a Madison county son, but with pride, he exclaimed:
"'He is more-he is a descendent of those pioneers of Boones- borough. He, like myself, has the blood of the peerless Estills and, Sir -- ' addressing the Senator:
"'I am proud to own you kinsman.'
"'And I, you,' answered the Senator.
"Senator McCreary dwelt upon the facts of early Kentucky history, and in his usual happy style eulogized the brave men and women, the ancestry of himself and others, who had undertaken the great work of civilization, fighting day and night for the estab- lishment of Christianity. He referred to the fact that the intention of Kentucky legislators to commemorate this spot by an appropria- tion for a monument had been thwarted. Many historical reference were made throughout his remarks. At the close he said:
"'All of the old place has gone forever, succeeded by the marks of prosperity. Nothing remains but the ferry. But God's work still remains, the sulphur well, the freshwater spring, the salubrious climate, the beautiful river still the same to teach that the works of the Lord are great.'
DB
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The Daniel Boone Bicentennial Commission at Boone's grave on the Kentucky River in Frankfort, June 7, 1934. From left to right: C. Frank Dunn (de- ceased), J. T. Dorris, Harry B. MacKoy, Col. Lucien Beckner, Mrs. Grant E. Lilly (deceased), Judge Samuel M. Wilson (deceased), Mrs. Walter F. Rogers, Dr. Arthur Braden, Hon. Keen Johnson, Judge Innes B. Ross ( deceased), Otto A. Rothert, Hon. R. C. Ballard Thruston (deceased), Judge A. Gordon Sulser (deceased), James Isenberg (deceased). Gov. Ruby Laffoon, Judge W. R. Shackelford (deceased) and Mrs. Jouett Taylor Cannon (deceased) were not present.
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" 'Boonesborough,' he said, 'is rich in historic deeds, consecrated by the blood of dead heroes, and today we dedicate it to Daniel Boone and the men and women in the fort with him.'
"The addresses by Judge George B. Kinkead, of Lexington, and Judge J. M. Benton, of Winchester, were both shortened materially because of the later hour. Hon. Curtis F. Burnam, who was on the program, was unable to attend. The following are the names of the pioneers inscribed on the marker: .... (See elsewhere for the names on the stone, some of which were cut on it after the unveiling ).
"Those on the speaker's stand were: Mrs. Jas. E. Pepper, Mrs. Dean Capers, Mrs. C. D. Chenault, Mrs. A. R. Burnam, Mrs. Howard Neale, Mrs. Sallie Phelps, Mrs. Will Louridge, Mrs. Darnell, Mrs. Scanlin, Mrs. Jennings, Col. Caperton, C. D. Chenault, Senator McCreary.
"The monument was unveiled by the children of the Chapter as follows:
"Misses Madge Burnam, Lucy and Sarah Chenault, Mary James Caperton, Ella Gibson Miller, Pauline Scanlin, and Master Howard Neale Thompson, and Albert Lacy Russel. ... "
Judge Kinkead's address was in the Lexington Herald for October 6.
THE DANIEL BOONE BICENTENNIAL
The resolution above to celebrate annually the settlement of Boonesborough was never observed. Not until the bicentennial of the birth (November 2, 1734) of Daniel Boone was there an- other celebration at Boonesborough, except that of 1907.
In the summer of 1933 a futile attempt was made to create a private corporation to commemorate the birth of Kentucky's great pioneer. The plan to launch such an organization was to be made at a banquet in Richmond. The movement collapsed, how- ever, when Senator Alben W. Barkley, who was to be the orator of the occasion, announced his obligation and intention to visit Europe at the time set for the meeting. Circumstances then caused a citizen of Richmond to move the General Assembly at Frank- fort to enact a resolution (approved, January 30, 1934) providing for a Daniel Boone Bicentennial Commission to celebrate the birth of Boone and the settlement of Boonesborough.
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Governor Ruby Laffoon soon appointed the fifteen Commis- sioners, provided in the resolution. This group organized by choos- ing Samuel M. Wilson of Lexington, Chairman; J. T. Dorris of Richmond, First Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Jouett Taylor Cannon of Frankfort, Second Vice-Chairman; Innes B. Ross of Carlisle, Treasurer; and C. Frank Dunn of Lexington, Secretary. The names of the other Commissioners are given with the picture of the group taken at the grave of Daniel Boone in Frankfort on "Boone Day," June 7, 1934.
Since the act creating the Commission provided no funds to defray the expenses of the celebration, one of the first considera- tions of the Commission was to obtain money to finance its program. Several means for this purpose were adopted. The sale of Daniel Boone Bicentennial Buttons, the showing of a Yale historical film of Daniel Boone, the staging of Boone Bicentennial balls, and even the profit on certain publications authorized by the Commis- sion were expected at first to be sufficient.
As the Commission proceeded with its plans the members adopted a more plausible and certain method of financing their program. Congress was asked to authorize the minting and sale of Daniel Boone Souvenir half dollars in commemoration of the bicentennial of the Pioneer's birth. That body responded on May 26, 1934, by instructing the United States Mint at Philadelphia to issue 600,000 such coins to be sold "at par or at a premium" by the Commission. The proceeds of the sales were to be used "in furtherance of the Daniel Boone Bicentennial Commission's projects."
A major project of the Commission was the development of a Pioneer National Monument in Kentucky. The park was to comprise the four historic Boone shrines of Boonesborough in Madison County, Boone's and Bryan Stations in Fayette County, and the Blue Licks Battlefield in Nicolas and Robertson counties.
The historical significance of Boonesborough has already been given. Daniel Boone and his wife lived at Boone's Station for eight or ten years. His son, Israel, who was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks, his younger brother Edward and a nephew Samuel were buried there. It was at this station that John Filson inter- viewed Daniel in 1784 and obtained the information for his well known Boone Narrative, published first in his History of Kentucky in 1784. Brothers of Rebecca Bryan, the wife of Daniel Boone,
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settled Bryan Station, and it was there that Boone and others re- pulsed the Indians on August 16, 1782. Three days later occurred the bloody Battle of Blue Licks, where Daniel's son Israel was among those killed by the Indians.
The Commission's resolution required further congressional ac- tion. As in the case of promoting the law authorizing the minting of the coins, officials of the Commission went to Washington to secure such legislation. On June 18, 1934, therefore, Congress enacted a measure providing for the acquisition of the four prop- erties by the Commission. The shrines, when purchased, were to be received by the Department of the Interior to be organized as a Pioneer National Monument and incorporated by the Na- tional Park Service into the National Park System. The Com- mission, of course, was to use profits from the sale of coins and from other sources to purchase the properties. The law further provided for a national highway to connect properly the four shrines when they became the Pioneer National Monument.
Much publicity was given the Boone Celebration. Governor Laffoon announced it over the radio when he awarded the trophies at the Kentucky Derby in May. The press of the State and Nation heralded it. In April a troop of Boy Scouts from Michigan visited the Boone shrines and placed a wreath at the graves of Daniel and Rebecca Boone at Frankfort. One of the stakes of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was named for the Bicentennial Cele- bration. At the Boone Day program in Frankfort on June 7 the Commission visited the Boone graves and placed a wreath of firs from Pilot Knob at the monument. It was from this high posi- tion in Powell County that Boone and his companions first viewed, on June 7, 1769, the Blue Grass Country of Kentucky. The wreath had been prepared by the Winchester American Legion. Other celebrations were held in July and August. In August 2,000 Boy Scouts from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia held a Camporall at Covington during which they staged a pageant commemorating Daniel Boone and Daniel Beard. The latter was the founder of the Boy Scouts of America.
The major celebration, of course, was at Boonesborough on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 1934. An all-day program had been planned and much work done on the grounds in preparation for the event. Some 6,000 people were present, and representa-
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tives of the governors of Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, and Tennessee were there. Senator Alben W. Barkley was the orator of the occasion. Governor Laffoon and Congressman Virgil Chapman were also in attendance. A joint convention of the American Order of Pioneers and the Boone Family Association was held on the grounds in cooperation with the Celebration.
During the exercises of the day there was folk dancing by children from Bourbon County. The Colonial Dances contributed to the program, and the Frankfort high school band furnished the music. A mock wedding was staged, in which the groom rep- resented Samuel Henderson and the bride Betsy Calloway, who were the first couple to be married in Kentucky ( see the "Boones- borough Romance" elsewhere). Members of the State's National Guard policed the grounds. The program was indeed a great success.
In October, 1934, the first issue of the Daniel Boone Bicentennial Souvenir half dollars was placed on sale. The great sculptor, Augustus Lukeman, made the design, or mold, from which the coins were struck. On one side is the head of Boone; on the other Boone and the Indian Chief Blackfish are represented fac- ing each other. Lukeman stated that he thus tried to portray the spirits of Boone and the Indian during the making of the treaty before Fort Boonesborough early in the siege of September, 1778. He pronounced this work of art as the most satisfactory effort of his remarkable career.
In October The Filson Club of Louisville held a special Boone Bicentennial meeting with Chairman Wilson as the speaker. In November a grand reception and ball commemorating Boone were given in the Governor's mansion. At Reading, Pennsylvania, near the birthplace of Daniel Boone, occurred in November, the last program of the Boone celebration. Chairman Wilson was also the orator on this occasion.
The special publications recognizing the Bicentennial were few in number, but they were worthy of the celebration. Dr. Willard R. Jillson edited and published another edition of John Filson's Boone Narrative of 1784. The First Vice-Chairman of the Com- mission prepared A Glimpse at Historic Madison County and Richmond, Kentucky, of which this volume is intended to be a considerable revision and extension. The summer 1934 number of
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the Kentucky Progress (magazine) was devoted to the celebration, as was also the September, 1934, issue of the Kentucky School Journal, which the author of A Glimpse, etc. edited. The press of Kentucky gave much space to the Bicentennial.
THE PIONEER NATIONAL MONUMENT ASSOCIATION
Late in September, 1934, the members of the Daniel Boone Bicentennial Commission organized and chartered the Pioneer National Monument Association. This organization was created to carry out the program of the sale of coins and the purchase of the four Boone shrines which the Commission planned during the summer. Members of the Commission automatically became members of the Association.
The legal talent on the Commission, especially Judge Wilson, insisted that the authorized function of the Commission ended with the celebration, on September 3, at Boonesborough. There were members who believed the Commission should and could legally continue to function. The lawyers had their way, however, and a private organization was created for the purpose stated. When a member insisted that the Pioneer National Monument Associa- tion was illegally using funds properly belonging to the Com- mission, which was after the sale of coins had ceased, the Attorney General at Frankfort was appealed to for a ruling on the question. His office was of the opinion that the Association was legally acting in carrying out the program of the Commission. No question of the legality of the Pioneer National Monument Association has yet arisen in Washington. The laws of May and June, 1934, auth- orizing the coins and the expenditure of the profits from the sales therefrom mention only the Commission. No plan for the Asso- ciation had been made at the time the laws were enacted. The authorities at Washington, however, have acted in good faith with the Association as the agency of the Commission.
The members of the Association chose Judge Wilson President, Keen Johnson Vice-President, and Judge Ross Secretary-Treasurer. C. Frank Dunn, who had been Secretary of the Commission, was appointed agent of the Association to sell and distribute the coins. An office was provided in the historic Phoenix Hotel in Lexing- ton, and Mr. Dunn operated from that quarter.
According to an auditor's report of January 20, 1951, there were
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108,500 coins minted in several issues, but only 87,000 were ac- tually sold. The remaining 21,400 were returned to the mint. The proceeds of the sales, after Mr. Dunn was paid for his services and certain other expenses met, were $59,722.53. As the money accumulated the Association purchased United States bonds. This was advisable since the purchase of three of the Boone shrines could not be negotiated.
The Association was more fortunate in purchasing 252.93 acres joining the State Blue Lick Battlefield Park for $27,500. Judge Wilson, Judge Ross and others had obtained 32 acres of the Battle- field as a State Park, and had dedicated a monument thereon in 1927.
The Association's purchase made it possible to enlarge the Blue Licks State Park, which was done in 1950. The Park now contains nearly 100 acres. After farming the Blue Licks purchase for several years, at a gain of several thousand dollars, the As- sociation sold the remaining acreage, after the donation to the State, for $24,441.30. The purchase was therefore a gain to the State Park System with no loss to the Association.
In 1944 the General Assembly enacted a law providing that the State would turn the Blue Licks Park over to the National Park Service when the Department of the Interior was ready to re- ceive it under the law of June 18, 1934. That Department has not been disposed to accept said property until the other three Boone shrines have been acquired and titles thereto ready to be transferred to the national government.
Late in 1954 the Pioneer National Monument Association pre- vented the sale of 71/2 acres of government land at Boonesborough to private parties. The United States Corps of Engineers had classified this parcel of land of the 23.55 acres owned by the United States on the Madison County side of the Kentucky River at Lock No. 10 as surplus property and advertised it for sale. Fortunately the officers of the PNMA learned of the proposed sale in time to prevent the loss of the property in the program which the Association ultimately expects to mature at Boones- borough.
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