USA > Kentucky > Historical sketches of Kentucky : embracing its history, antiquities, and natural curiosities, geographical, statistical, and geological descriptions with anecdotes of pioneer life, and more than one hundred biographical sketches of distinguished pioneers, soldiers, statesmen, jurists, lawyers, divines, etc. > Part 22
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" Ist. The common bituminous or caking coal.
""ud. A similar coal which does not cake, and adhere in lumps when burning, but each parce keeps separate and distinct.
-3d.
coal."
He adds " All these coals burn well and give out much heat ; but the two latter are far more pleasant for domestic use, and do not emit that kind of smoke from which flakes of 4.xd. like lampblack, are diffused through the air."
The coal of Kentucky is very accessible. The Cumberland, the Licking, the Kentucky, and the two Sandies, penetrate almost every part of the eastern field, and Green river runs right through the center of the western ; and upon the bosom of these streams is a large amount of coal annually carried to the towns on their banks. The amount annually raised from all the mines in Kentucky, cannot be securately stated. Mr. Mather states it at three millions of bushels.
METALS AND OTHER USEFUL MINERALS.
IRON. There are several varieties of iron ore found in Kentucky. In several localities the bog ore is found as a deposit from mineral springs. But this is comparatively unimportant. In addition to this, however, there is
Ist. The ore of the coal measures. This ore is found in layers, or else in courses of nodules, in the shales or sandstones of the coal fields. and is generally sn hydrated peroxide of iron. When found in layers, it is readily broken into rectangular blocks ; otherwise it is taken from the mine in round lumps of various sizes.
24. The ore found in connection with the limestone underlying the coal meas- ures. This ore is very abundant, and is extensively worked for furnaces.
3.1. The ore of the slate formation. This ore too, is very abundant, and is found. either in continuous strata, or in layers of nodules in the slate (formation three). It seems to be a calcareous and argillaceous carbonate of iron. In many places where the slate has been crumbled to pieces, and been washed away, it is found abundantly on the surface. All the above ores are worked more or less exten- wwely for the furnaces in various sections of the State.
" In the coal fields of eastern and western Kentucky, there appears to be an almost iner- haustible supply of iron. Over an area of twelve thousand square miles, there may be probably an average thickness of one yard of iron ore in the coal formation alone, without counting the slate and limestone regions, where there is probably as much more. Each sulle yard of this ore will yield on an average one ton of bar iron, or five thousand tons to the arre, or 3.200,000 tons to the square mile, or 38,400,000,000 on the twelve thousand «juair miles ; a quantity sufficient to supply a ton of iron annually to every individual in the I'nited States (estimating our population at fifteen million of people) for 2,560 years."
It will be remembered that as much more is supposed to belong to the lime- Wie and slate formation.
Like the coal, the iron in every part of Kentucky is very accessible. It is spread over a wide district, penetrated in every direction by navigable streams, and everywhere accompanied by the fuel necessary for its reduction. As yet the satuing business may be said hardly to have commenced, but it is destined to be the source of great future wealth to the State.
LEAD.
In a variety of localities, veins of lead ore have been found in the blue line- stone (formation one), but no where yet in such abundance as to justify mining perations. The cliff limestone ( No. two), and the cavernous limestone ( No. five). especially the former. seem to be the great lead-bearing rocks of our country. and in ither of them appear to be sufficiently developed in Kentucky, to furnish anv trh veins of this metal. It is more than probable, that as long as there is suen an inexhaustible supply of lead from the mines further west, it will never be worked in Kentucky.
SALT.
It bas already been mentioned that the sandstone (formation fourth), which over-
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lies the slate, seems to furnish the salt springs of this State and Virginia, and perhaps of Ohio and New York. This rock underlies the coal measures, forin- ing a kind of basin in which they were deposited, and over the whole area salt water may be reached by boring to this rock. The water is generally stronger near the center of the basin, as for example in the eastern part of Kentucky, and western part of Virginia, though it is sometimes necessary to bore to the depth of a thousand feet, before the salt-bearing stratum can be reached.
The amount of salt annually manufactured at the various salines of the State, may be estimated from 500,000 to 1,000,000 of bushels.
SALTPETER, GYPSUM, HYDRAULIC LIME.
Saltpeter is found in most of the caves, which are so numerous in the cavern- ous limestone. It exists in the caves as a nitrate of lime, and is converted into saltpeter (nitrate of potassa), by leaching through wood ashes. It is not largely manufactured.
Gypsum or plaster of Paris and hydraulic limestone, are found in several places. It has already been mentioned that Gypsum forms a complete coating or incrustation, over the walls in some branches of the Mammoth Cave. The hy- draulic limestone is in some places found imbedded in the slate, and doubtless a more accurate survey of the State, will serve to discover both these materials in many localities where they are not now imagined to exist.
MINERAL SPRINGS.
Mineral and medicinal springs abound in Kentucky, especially in those sec- tions adjacent to and underlaid by the slate. The gradual decomposition of the sulphuret of iron in this rock, probably affords the sulphuretic hydrogen of the sulphur waters, and sulphuric acid, which combining with oxide of iron, soda, magnesia, etc., form the various salts held in solution by these waters.
Sulphur, chalybeate and Epsom springs, are all very common, and in the watering seasons are much resorted to by invalids.
At the Blue Licks, near the bank of the Licking river, is a sulphur spring con- taining besides a variety of other ingredients a large amount of common salt, whose waters are highly prized and much used for medicinal purposes. It is an- nually resorted to by hundreds, for pleasure or health; and large quantities of the water is barreled and sent off through the country, where it meets a ready market. It rises in the blue limestone, though it probably has its origin in the slate.
This, however, is not the only instance of a mineral spring in this formation. At Drennon's Lick, at Big Bone Lick, and in a number of other places in the blue limestone, water is found which is said not to be very dissimilar to that of the Blue Licks.
At Harrodsburg, near the center of the State, are numbers of springs whose predominate ingredient seems to be sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt. And near Crab Orchard, thirty miles from this place, are several more springs of the same kind, together with sulphur and chalybeate waters. Both of these places are much visited in the watering season. But besides these, a great variety of valuable waters are known; as for example, the springs in Rockcastle, Estill, Bath and Lewis counties.
ORGANIC REMAINS.
Organic remains abound more or less in all the strata of the state. Sufficiently minute examinations have not, however, been made to ascertain the number and variety of species belonging to the different formations. In the lower rocks (fx- mations one and two), fossil remains are exceedingly abundant. The blue lime- stone in many places seems to be almost entirely composed of the shells of ma- rine animals. " Among the most common are delthyris, atrypa, orthis, stophe- mena, trilobites, orthocerotites, corallines, cyathophylla, encrinites and a number of other radiata."
In formation two. fossils are perhaps not so numerous, but larger and more dis- tinct than in the preceding rock. Many genera are common to both, though generally shells prevail most in formation one, and radiata in two. The penta- merus, trilobites, cyathophylla, catenipora, retepora, lithodendron, etc., are very abundant in this rock.
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Formations third and fourth, the slate and sandstone are barren of organic re- mains.
Formation fifth is a limestone, and is much richer in fossils. In some places miscroscopic shells are exceedingly abundant.
In the conglomerate, which underlies the coal beds, only a few traces of fossil plants can be discovered. The coal itself is now generally understood to be of vegetable orgin, and the impressions of plants are always more or less distinctly traceable in all the varieties of it.
But besides these remains disseminated so profusely through some of these rocks, there are others of a very different epoch, and in some respects of a much more interesting character. These are the bones of extinct quadrupeds.
In many places on the surface of the rocks already described, and as appears of a much more recent date, there has been deposited, a deep marshy soil; occu- pying the natural valleys of the country. In these marshy grounds, and especially in the neighborhood of " Licks," to which the animals seem to have been at- tracted, are often found the bones of several species of extraordinary but now ex- tinct quadrupeds. The most remarkable locality is in Boone county, at Big Bone Lick. Here a large number of bones, perfectly sound and well preserved, have been dug up. And while perhaps in no case has a complete skeleton been found, yet it has been computed that to furnish the specimens carried off from this place alone, there would be required of the
Mastodon maximus, - 100 individuals.
Elephas primigenius, 20
Megalonyx Jeffersonia, 1
Bos bombifrous, 2 66
Bos pallasii, 1
Some of these animals, especially the mastodon, must have been of extraordi- nary size, and while there can be no doubt that they are now extinct, there can be as little, that geologically speaking, they were very recently tenants of the earth. The nearly complete skeleton of a mastodon found in the State of New York, and put up by Mr. Peale in the museum in Philadelphia, measures fifteen feet in length, and is nearly eleven feet high. This animal must once have roamed through this whole country, as its remains are found in many States, and many localities. How long since it became extinct, or why it perished, is un- known to us.
SOILS.
Perhaps it may be proper to add a few words in regard to the connection between the geology and soils of different sections of the State. It is well known that the soil takes its character from the underlaying rock ; that it is formed by its decomposition, and varies with it. In Kentucky, the blue limestone, or forma- tion one, forms the richest soil. That beautiful section of country,-the garden of the State-embracing Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Scott, Jessamine, and the counties between them and the Ohio river, is underlaid by this rock. The soil over this section is not everywhere equally fertile, but altogether is the best in the State.
Formation second and formation fifth are both limestone, and form good soils. The former is, as has already been mentioned, developed only to a very limited extent in this State. The latter covers a much larger territory. The " Barrens" are underlaid by it. The soil is good, and in some places of an excellent quality.
The slate and sandstone generally form poor soils. In some places, however, a proper mixture of limestone with the clay of the slate, forms an excellent soil. The soil over the coal measures is generally poor, though it varies much in its qualities.
EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
The plan of this work would be incomplete, if it did not contain some account of the spirit and manners of society in the primitive ages of Kentucky history. The following sketch of early life is drawn from various sources; but we are principally indebted to " Doddridge's Notes."
The household otlices were performed by the women; the men cultivated the soil, hunted the game and brought in the meat, built the houses, garrisoned the ·11
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STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY.
forts, and freely exposed themselves to danger and privations in defence of the settlements.
Most of the articles in common use were of domestic manufacture. There might have been incidentally a few things brought to the country for sale in a private way, but there was no store for general supply. Utensils of metal, ex- cept offensive weapons, were extremely rare, and almost entirely unknown. The table furniture usually consisted of wooden vessels, either turned or coopered. Iron forks, tin cups, &c., &c., were articles of rare and delicate luxury. The food was of the most wholesome and nutritive kind. The richest meat, the finest butter, and best meal that ever delighted man's palate, were here eaten with a relish which health and labor only know. The hospitality of the people was profuse and proverbial.
'The dress of the settlers was of primitive simplicity. The hunting shirt was worn universally. Many of these garments are still in use in the back settle- ments, and their appearance is familiar to almost every reader in the west. This backwoods costume was peculiarly adapted to the pursuits and habits of the peo- ple, and has been connected with so many thrilling passages of war and wild adventure, that the Kentucky hunting shirt is famous throughout the world. The hunting shirt was usually made of linsey, sometimes of coarse linen, and a few of dressed deer skins. The bosom of this dress was sewed as a wallet, to hold a piece of bread, cakes, jerk, tow for wiping the barrel of the rifle, and any other necessary for the hunter or warrior. The belt. which was always tied behind, answered several purposes besides that of holding the dress together. In cold weather. the mittens, and sometimes the bullet bag occupied the front part of it. To the right side was suspended the tomahawk, and to the left the scalping knife in its leathern sheath. The shirt and jacket were of the common fashion. A pair of drawers, or breeches and leggins were the dress of the thighs and legs, and a pair of moccasins answered for the feet much better than shoes. These were made of dressed deer skin. They were generally made of a single piece, with a gathering seam along the top of the foot, and another from the bottom of the heel, without gathers, as high as the ankle joint. Flaps were left on each side to reach some distance up the leg. Hats were made of the native fur; the buf- falo wool was frequently employed in the composition of cloth, as was also the bark of the wild nettle.
The forts in which the inhabitants took refuge from the fury of the savages, consisted of cabins, block houses, and stockades. A range of the former com- monly formed at least one side of the fort. Divisions or partitions of logs sepa- rated the cabins from each other. The walls on the outside were ten or twelve feet high. the slope of the roof being invariably inward. A few of these cabins had puncheon floors, but the greater part were earthen.
The block houses were built at the angles of the fort. They projected about two feet beyond the outer walls of the cabins and stockades. Their upper stories were about eighteen inches every way larger in dimensions than the under one. leaving an opening at the commencement of the second story to prevent the enemy from making a lodgment under their walls. A large folding gate made of thick slabs closed the fort on the side nearest the spring. The stockades, cabins, and blockhouse walls were furnished with ports at proper heights and distances. The entire extent of the outer wall was made bullet proof. The whole of this work was made without the aid of a single nail or spike of iron, which articles were not to he had.
The inhabitants generally married young. There was no distinction of rank. and very little of fortune. The first impression of love generally resulted in marriage, and a family establishment cost but a little labor and nothing else.
A Kentucky wedding in early times was a very picturesque affir, and was an event which excited the general attention of the whole community in which it occurred. The following description of the proceedings had on these interesting occasions, is taken almost verbatim from the account of one who had been pres- ent at many of these joyful assemblies :
In the morning of the wedding day, the groom and his attendants assembled at the house of his father. for the purpose of proceeding to the mansion of his bride. which it was desirable to reach by noon, the usual time of celebrating the nuptials, which ceremony must at all events take place before dinner. Let the
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reader imagine an assemblage of people, without a store, tailor, or mantua maker within an hundred miles ; an assemblage of horses, without a blacksmith or sad- dler within a like distance. The gentlemen dressed in shoe packs, moccasins. leather breeches, leggins, linsey hunting shirts, and all home made. The ladies in linsey petticoats and linsey or linen bedgowns, coarse shoes, stockings, hand- kerchiefs, and buckskin gloves. If there were any buckles, rings, buttons, or ruffles, they were relics of old times. The horses were caparisoned with old sad- dles, old bridles or halters, and pack saddles, with a bag or blanket thrown over them ; a rope or string as often constituted the girth as a piece of leather.
The march, in double file, was often interrupted by the narrowness or obstruc- tions of the horse path, for roads there were none; and these difficulties were often increased by the jocularity, and sometimes by the malice of neighbors, by felling trees and tying grape vines across the way. Sometimes an ambuscade was formed by the way side, and an unexpected discharge of several guns took place, so as to cover the wedding company with smoke. Let the reader imagine the scene which followed this discharge : the sudden spring of the horses, the shrieks of the girls, and the chivalric bustle of their partners to save them from falling. Sometimes, in spite of all that could be done to prevent it, some were thrown to the ground. If a wrist, elbow, or ancle happened to be sprained, it was tied with a handkerchief, and little more was thought or said about it.
Another ceremony took place before the party reached the house of the bride, after whisky was introduced, which was at an early period. When the party had arrived within a mile of the house, two young men would single out to run for the bottle. The worse the path the better, as obstacles afforded an opportunity for the greater display of intrepidity and horsemanship. The start was announced by an Indian yell; logs, brush, muddy hollows, hills, and glens were speedily passed by the rival ponies. The bottle was always filled for the occasion, and the first who reached the door was presented with the prize, with which he re- turned in triumph to the company. The contents of the bottle were distributed among the company.
The ceremony of the marriage preceded the dinner, which was a substantial backwoods feast of beef, pork, fowls, and sometimes venison and bear meat roas- ted and boiled, with plenty of potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables. After din- ner the dancing commenced, and generally lasted till next morning. The figures of the dances were three and four handed reels, or square sets and jigs.
About nine or ten o'clock, a deputation of young ladies stole off the bride and put her to bed. This done, a deputation of young men in like manner stole off the groom and placed him snugly by the side of his bride. The dance still con- tinued, and if seats happened to be scarce, every young man when not engaged in the dance, was obliged to offer his lap as a seat for one of the girls, and the offer was sure to be accepted. In the midst of this hilarity, the bride and groom were not forgotten. Pretty late in the night, some one would remind the com- pany that the new couple must stand in need of some refreshments ; ' black betty,' which was the name of the bottle, was called for and sent up stairs, but often ' black betty' did not go alone. Sometimes as much bread, beef, pork and cab- bage was sent along with her, as would afford a good meal for half a dozen hun- gry men. The young couple were compelled to eat and drink more or less of whatever was offered them.
'The marriage being over, the next thing in order was to " settle " the young couple. A spot was selected on a piece of land of one of the parents for their habitation. A day was appointed shortly after their marriage, for commencing the work of building the cabin. The fatigue party consisted of choppers, whose business it was to fell the trees and cut them off at the proper length. A main with a team for hauling them to the place, and arranging them properly assorted at the sides and ends of the building, a carpenter if such he might be called, whose business it was to search the woods for a proper tree for making clapboards for the roof. The tree for this purpose must be straight grained and from three to four feet in diameter. The boards were split four feet long with a large troe, and as wide as the timber would allow. They were used without planing or shaving. Another division were employed in getting puncheons for the floor of the cabin ; this was done by splitting trees about eighteen inches in diameter, and hewing the face of them with a broadaxe. They were half the length of
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the floor they were intended to make. The materials being prepared, the neigh- bors collected for the raising. The roof and sometimes the floor were finished on the same day the house was raised. A third day was commonly spent by the carpenters in leveling off the floor and making a clapboard door and table. This last was made of a split slab and supported by four round legs set in auger holes. Some three legged stools were made in the same manner. Pins stuck in the logs at the back of the house supported clapboards which served as shelves for the table furniture. A single fork placed with its lower end in a hole in the floor and the upper end fastened to a joist. served for a bedstead, by placing a pole in the fork with one end through a crack in the logs of the wall. This front pole was crossed by a shorter one within the fork, with its outer end through another crack. From the front pole through a crack between the logs. of the end of the house, the boards were placed which formed the bottom of the bed. A few negs around the wall for a display of the coats of the women and the hunting shirts of the men, and two small forks or bucks' horns to a joist for the rifle and shot pouch, completed the carpenter's work.
The cabin being finished, the ceremony of house warming took place before the young people were permitted to move into it. This was a dance of a whole night's continuance, made up of the relations of the bride and groom and their neighbors. On the day following the young people took possession of their new mansion.
At house raisings, log rollings, and harvest parties, every one was expected to do his duty faithfully. A person who did not perform his share of labor on these occasions, was designated by the epithet of ". Lawrence." or some other title still more opprobrious ; and when it came to his turn to require the like aid from his neighbors, the idler soon felt his punishment in their refusal to attend to his calls.
Although there was no legal compulsion to the performance of military duty, yet every man of full age and size was expected to do his full share of public service. If he did not, " He was hated out as a coward." Thefts were severely punished.
With all their rudeness, these people were hospitable, and freely divided their rough fare with a neighbor or stranger, and would have been offended at the offer of pay. In their settlements and forts they lived, they worked, they fought and feasted or suffered together in cordial harmony. They were warm and constant in their friendships; but bitter and revengeful in their resentments. Instances of seduction and bastardy did not frequently happen. Indeed, considering the chivalrous temper of the people, the former could not take place without great personal danger from the brothers or relations of the victim of seduction. family honor being then estimated at a high rate. There was no other vestige of the Christian religion than a faint observation of Sunday, and that merely as a day of rest for the aged and a play day for the young.
ADAIR COUNTY
ADAIR was formed in the year 1801. It is situated in the south middle part of the state, and lies on the waters of Russell's creek and Little Barren river, which flow into Green river : Is bounded on the north by Green county : east, by Casey and Russell ; south. by Cumberland ; and west, by Barren. Contains 209,551 acres of land ; average value per acre, $2,54. Total value of taxable property in the county, in 1816, $1.228,776 ; number of voters, 1408; number of children between five and sixteen years, 1844; total population in 1830, 8,220-in 1910, 8,466.
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