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 76
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Russell is a small county, embracing 118,544 acres of land, the average value of which, in 1846. was $2.01 : total valuation of taxable property, same year, $523.967 ; number of white males over twenty-one years old, 825 ; number of children between five and sixteen years of age, 1,307. Population in 1810, 4,238.
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RUSSELL COUNTY
JAMESTOWN, the seat of justice, contains four lawyers, five phy- sicians, six stores, three' taverns, eight or ten mechanics' shops, the usual public buildings, and about 150 inhabitants. Creelsburg is a small village, situated on the Cumberland river, and contains about 50 inhabitants.
Colonel WILLIAM RUSSELL, in honor of whom this county was named, was born in the year 1758, in the county of Culpepper, in the then province of Vir- ginia. Whilst yet a boy, his father, a man of an enterprising and adventurous disposition, and who afterwards attained considerable distinction in the strng- gles of the revolution, removed into the extreme south-western portion of the province-then an exposed frontier settlement. Here the youthful days of Wil- liam Russell were spent in acquiring such information as the means of a new settlement afforded him, or in the hardy and robust exercises incident to a fron- tier residence.
It is not our purpose, in this sketch, to detail minutely the various transactions of his useful life. The limits to which we are necessarily prescribed, will per- mit us only to glance at some of the most prominent events of his military and political career. In the year 1774. young Russell, at the early age of fifteen, was engaged with a party under the command of the illustrious Daniel Boone, in repelling the aggressions made upon the settlement by a tribe of southern Indians. During his expedition, his comrades, from his tender age, were com- pelled to relieve the weight of his rifle. by carrying his portion of baggage and provisions. From this period, until the year 1779, both before and after the epoch of Independence, he was engaged in frequent excursions against the sava- ges, who waged a continued warfare with the white settlers. In the spring of 1790 he visited Kentucky, and thence proceeded to West Tennessee, where a settlement had just been effected on what now forms the site of the flourishing city of Nashville. Here he spent the summer, generously aiding the settlers in defending their infant home against the repeated assaults of the neighboring In- dians. He returned to Virginia the ensuing fall. During his absence the war of the Revolution which hitherto had raged at a distance, had now, besides assuming a much more appalling aspect, approached the vicinity of his own abode. That courage and intrepidity so often evinced in his previous engage- ments with the Indians, combined with a natural love of liberty, soon nerved his still youthful arm for the patriotic struggle. The memorable battle of " King's Mountain," which may be considered the most decisive of the revolution, burst like a meteor light upon the drooping spirits of the American army. The imme- diate results of this victory proved an epoch in the struggle, and has conferred the boon of immortality upon the principal actors. In this glorious contest, young Russell bore a valiant and distinguished part. He was a lientenant in the moun- ted regiment from Virginia. and owing to the indisposition of his captain, led his company in the action. He was, it is believed, the first man in the advance, to reach the summit of the mountain, and among the first to receive a sword from the vanquished enemy. In the course of the same season. Captain Russell joined an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, which led in its results to a treaty of peace. The succeeding spring he joined a company of volunteers under the command of Colonel William Campbell, and in the capacity of his lieutenant, marched to the assistance of the southern army. During the service that ensued, he fought in the battle of Whitsell's mills, and subsequently was engaged in the memorable action of Guilford court-house. Soon after the conclusion of the war. Captain Russell migrated to Kentucky, and settled himself in Fayette county. then the constant serne of Indian depredations. Hence the event of peace, far from terminating his military operations, served only to enlarge their field and add to his exposures. The promptitude and alacrity which he ever displayed in leaving his home and fireside, and marching to repet the slightest encroachment of the savage upon the defenceless inhabitants, endeared him to the early settlers, and rendered him distinguished for all the noble traits of the western pioneer. In almost every general expedition in the western country. he bore an active par- ticipation. In each of the expeditions which were conducted in the course of the same season respectively by the late Governor Scott and General Wilkinson
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WILLIAM RUSSELL.
against the Indian towns in the North-western Territory, he volunteered as a private. His patriotic services, however, had been too conspicuous to permit his merit to escape the attention of his commanders. In the first he was invested under General Hardin, by the intrepid Scott, with the command of the advance of the army. In the second, he was selected by General Wilkinson and assigned to the chief command of the same post of danger and of honor.
In the celebrated expedition under Wayne, Colonel Russell commanded one of the regiments of Kentucky volunteers, and when in the second campaign of that distinguished officer, these regiments were reduced to battalions, he again appeared in the field at the head of a battalion. At the close of this campaign, which led in its results to the restoration of peace to all of our savage frontier, Colonel Russell returned to the pursuits of agriculture. But the patriotism, zeal and fidel- ity which he had so often exhibited in a military capacity, soon pointed him ont to his fellow citizens as eminently qualified to do service in another department. Accordingly, in 1789, he was elected a delegate to the Virginia legislature which passed the act separating the district of Kentucky from the parent State. Imme- diately after the organization of the State government, he was annually returned a member of the legislature from Fayette. except one or two years, until 1808. During the whole of this period. he was the intimate associate of Nicholas and Breckinridge. In 1808, Colonel Russell was again called to resume his original profession ; Mr. Madison, in anticipation of the rupture with Great Britain, hav- ing appointed him to the command of a regiment in the regular army. In 1811, after the battle of Tippecanoe, where as much gallantry and intrepidity was evinced as on any subsequent occasion during the war. General Harrison by a combination of circumstances was transferred to the command of the north-wes- tern army, and it became important that he should be succeeded by an officer of judgment and experience. The whole frontier of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri was nakedly exposed to the depredations of the Indians, and Colonel Russell was assigned to this important command by General Harrison. Taking into con- sideration the almost boundless frontier which he had to protect from the merei- less attacks of the savage. and the comparatively small force under his command, consisting only of one regiment of rangers, scattered in forts at great distances apart, we must admire, even at this day, when much of the character of the Indian warfare is forgotten. the activity, sagacity and courage of the man who could thus avert the ruthless butchery of so many innocent women and children.
After Hopkins' campaign, Col. Russell, in conjunction with Gov. Edwards, of Illinois. planned the expedition against the Peoria Indians. The secrecy and ce- lerity attending the movements of this expedition, together with the complete success that crowned the enterprise, exhibit the strongest evidences of the skill of the commander. When peace was restored, Col. Russell retired again to his farm, in Fayette county, where, surrounded by a large family and numerous con- nexions, he devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of the soil. In 1623, during the prevalence of great political excitement in the State. the attention of his fellow-citizens was, with one accord, directed to Col. Russell; and he was induced, reluctantly, to leave the quiet and retirement of his farm, and to become a candidate for the legislature. The contending parties seemed to forget their feuds, and all rallied around the "old soldier." Subsequently, he was urgently solicited to offer as a candidate for the chief magistracy of the State. The mod- esty of his nature shrunk from the solicitation as the result of the paruality of friendship. He was urged to it by some of the most distinguished men of the State. In fact, he seemed to be the only individual of his party who off red vy promise of success. He was presented as a candidate, and when both parties seemed, in consideration of his public services, about to forget the difference ot sentiment that divided them. and unite in his unanimons choice. some strange in- fatuation seized the minds of his own party, and he was suddenly discarded in favor of another candidate, and the State thus deprived of his ripe experience and valuable services. In the spring of 1825, he was called from his sick room to preside over a public meeting ; and, from the exposure of the occasion. contracted an illness which resulted. in a few weeks. in his death.
Possessing an amiable disposition, a kind heart, and a high moral character, few men were more useful in society. From the age of sixteen to that of sixty- seven, in the field or in the cabinet, he may literally be said to have been employed
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in the service of his country. In both stations, many have served their country with a greater glare of personal renown-some more successfully ; but no man ever served his country with a more steady and persevering zeal, or with a more fervent and devoted patriotism. J. H. T.
SCOTT COUNTY.
Scorr county was formed in 1792, and named in honor of Gov- ernor CHARLES SCOTT. It is situated in the north middle part of the State, and watered by North Elkhorn and Eagle creeks-both of which flow into the Kentucky river : bounded on the north by Owen ; east by Harrison and Bourbon ; south by Fayette and Woodford ; and west by Franklin. The surface of the county presents quite a variegated appearance-level, undulating, and hilly. The southern and south-eastern portion, bordering on Woodford, Fayette and Bourbon, is embraced in that beautiful region known as the " Garden of Kentucky ;" with a level or very gently undulating surface, and a deep, rich, black soil, based on limestone, and unsurpassed in fertility. In the northern and north-western parts of the county, which are drained by Big Eagle and Elkhorn, the surface is hilly and broken, and the soil less rich and productive. The exports consist, principally, of horses, mules, cattle and hogs. Hemp and corn are the staple products, and wheat is cultivated to some extent.
Valuation of taxable property in Scott in 1846, $5,945,662; number of acres of land in the county, 167,179 ; average value of land per acre, $20.73 ; number of white males over twenty-one years old. 1,917 ; number of children between the ages of five and sixteen years, 1,697. Population in 1840, 13,668.
There are five towns in Scott, viz : Georgetown, Great Cross- ings, Marion, Newtown, and Stamping Ground.
GEORGETOWN, the seat of justice, occupies an elevated site, se- venteen miles east of Frankfort, sixteen miles west of Paris, twelve miles north of Lexington, and seventy miles south of Cov- ington and Cincinnati. Contains six churches,-Regular Baptist. Particular Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian, and Afri- can, under the Regular Baptists,-one college, two female schools. four primary schools, (including a common school), ten lawyers, ten physicians, ten dry goods stores, two drug and book stores. thirteen grocery stores, one shoe store, five taverns, two wochen manufactories, two carding factories, two bagging and rope the- tories, one printing office, (Georgetown Herald), ope tannery, and forty-five mechanics' shops. Population, 1,800. Incorporated by the legislature of Virginia in 1790, and named in honor of George Washington. One of the finest springs in the State .- called at an early period the " Royal Spring "-and affording an ample sup- ply of water for the entire population,-bursts from a high blutl' of limestone rock, and flows through the west end of the town,
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GEORGETOWN COLLEGE.
and empties into Elkhorn five-eighths of a mile from its source. The stream from this spring affords sufficient water power for a woollen factory and grist mill, which are located upon it. The late Nathaniel Hart, of Woodford county, advanced the opinion, that the first settlement in Kentucky was made at this spring.
BAKER.ERO.SC.
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE GEORGETOWN, KY
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE occupies a fine swell, on the south-eastern border of the town, and affords a handsome view of the surround- ing country. The buildings consist. 1, of a President's House." with fifty acres of land. 2. The Main Edifice, one hundred feet long by sixty wide, two stories high, and a basement. It contains a handsome chapel, sixty by forty feet-spacious halls for library, philosophical rooms, cabinets, museum, laboratory, ve. 3. Pauld- ing Hall, appropriated to the use of candidates for the ministry. It contains, besides chapel and dining-room, apartments for a stew- ard's family and thirty-two students. 4. Rittenhouse AAcademy,
. This building does not appear in the engraving.
GROSVENOR
PEMALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, GEORGETOWN, KY.
WESTERN MILITARY INSTITUTE, GEORGETOWN, KY.
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SCOTT COUNTY.
forty-five feet square, two stories high, with a cupola. The lower story accommodates the preparatory department, and the upper furnishes two good halls for the voluntary societies connected with the college. The lawn embraces about sixteen acres, beau- tifully elevated, and laid out with trees and shrubbery.
The library contains about four thousand volumes, many of them rare and valuable ; besides a large collection of ancient and modern maps, charts, &c. The philosophical apparatus is of the most recent construction, and has been procured at great expense. It includes a standing telescope, for astronomical observations, Chamlain's great air-pump, fine magnetic and galvanie imple- ments, and abundant means of illustrating mechanical powers. Chemical experiments are given ; and the cabinets of minerals, fossils, shells, and natural productions, furnish many facilities in the natural sciences.
The institution began its chartered existence in 1829, but the faculty was never full till 1840, and the usual classes were not all formed till 1842. The commencement of the enterprise was a legacy of $20,000 from Issachar Paulding. a native of New Jersey. long settled in Kentucky : but most of the endowment was obtained in 1839. by the Rev. Rockwell Giddings, from New England, who had settled in Shelbyville, over the Baptist church in that place. He was elected President of the college. and ob- tained, in less than a year, about $70,000 in subscriptions, but died before he had completed his great work. In 1810, Rev. How- ARD MALCOM, D. D., was chosen president, and is still in office- (1847).
Besides the usual four years' course, there is a shorter or scien- tific course, which may be completed in two or three years, accord- ing to the proficiency of the student at the time of entering. It embraces the regular course, except the Latin and Greek lan- guages, and on completing it, the student is entitled to a diploma certifying the fact. Persons whose circumstances do not permit them to complete either course, may study particular branches and receive certificates of their actual attainments. Chemistry is now taught in the institution with special reference to agricul- ture and the improvement of soils.
The college is not in debt, and possesses revenues, aside from tuition, sufficient to maintain the faculty even with the present average of students, which is about 130. The Institution is deservedly enjoying great prosperity ; and from the high qualiti- cations of the faculty, combined with its salubrious location, the intelligence, refinement and elevated morality of the inhabitants of the beautiful and thriving town, it must continue to grow in popular favor.
Two flourishing Female Institutions, of high grade, are located at Georgetown.
The Female Collegiate Institute, T. F. Joursov, Esq., principal, was organized in March. 1838, and has continued steadily to advance in public estimation. The number of students at pres-
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ent (1847) in attendance is about 100. The Institute is provided with splendid philosophical and chemical apparatus, and has a select library containing five hundred volumes. The pupils have free use of these without charge. The assistants, who are expe- rienced teachers from the best female schools in the United States. reside at the Institute, and are constant in their attentions to the pupils. The pupils are permitted to attend any place of wor- ship they may prefer, but are not allowed to visit or receive vis- its, or to attend night meetings or parties of pleasure. The col- legiate year is divided into two sessions ; the first commencing on the first Monday in March, and closing on the third Friday in July ; the second opens on the first Monday in August, and closes at Christmas.
The advantages possessed by this school, together with the high character of the estimable gentleman at the head, makes it one of the most eligible institutions of the kind in the United States ; and it bids fair to have a career of extensive usefulness and prosperity.
The Western Military Institute, also under the superintendence of Professor JouNsos, was recently established with a view to unite civil education with military discipline. It has been incor- porated by an act of the legislature, with all the powers. privi- leges and rights in conferring literary degrees and honors, and granting diplomas, which are exercised by any college in the State. The professors are men of science, and have had a large experience in the instruction of youth. The principal, together with several of the professors, were educated at the National Mil- itary Academy at West Point. The design of the Institution is to afford to youth a course of instruction as varied and more practical than can be obtained at most seminaries of learning. In the scientific and mathematical departments, are taught chemis- try, mineralogy, civil engineering, architecture, navigation, sur- veying, drawing, &c. In the languages, Greek, Latin, French German and Spanish. In the department of law, is taught the elements of constitutional, international and common law. In the military department, special attention is paid to field fortifica- tions, infantry, ritle and artillery drills ; and, where circumstan- ces justify, to the sword exercise, cavalry drill, &c. The insti- tute, already, has a large number of students, and is in a most flourishing condition.
Great Crossings is a small but neat village, containing one Baptist church, one school, one physician, two stores, one grocery. one tavern, one paper and touring mill, six mechanics' shops. an 1 a population of 130. Took its name from the fact that the great bnifalo trace from the southern part of Kentucky to the Ohlu river, crossed North Elkhorn at that point. Marion is a small village, having a population of about tifty souls -- with one Meth- odist and one Christian church, one school, one physician, and five mechanical trades. Newton contains Methodist and Presbyterian churches, one school, store, grocery, post office, and several
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COLONEL PATTERSON.
mechanics' shops -- population 100. Stamping Ground has a Bap- tist and a Christian church, two schools, three physicians, two taverns, four stores and groceries, one tannery, ten mechanics' shops, with a population of 150. Incorporated in 1834. Derived its name from the fact that the herds of buffalo which resorted here for salt water, tramped down the undergrowth as well as the soil for a great distance around-hence the name of " Stamping Ground."
During the summer of 1776, several families, collected from the mouth of Ken- tucky river, from Kingston's settlement, and from Drennon's Lick, built a fort at Royal Spring, where Georgetown now stands, which received the name of Mc- Clellan's fort or station. On the 29th of December. of the same year, a large body of Indians made an attack on this fort, and killed MeClellan and two others. The terror inspired by this event, caused the occupants to abandon the fort and retire to Harrodsburg. Col. Patterson* assisted in building the fort, and was one of its defenders until the beginning of October, 1776. The supply of pow- der being nearly exhausted, he and six others started to Pittsburgh to procure am- munition and other necessaries. On their way they spent several days at the Blue Licks, curing buffalo jerk and tallow for their journey up the river. At Lime- stone (now Maysville) they procured a canoe, commenced their journey, and ar- rived at Point Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, without encounter- ing any Indians. From the Point they proceeded on their journey, traveling very cautiously,-starting before daybreak and going on until after dark, and sleeping without fire.
Late in the evening of the 12th of October, they landed a few miles below the mouth of Hockhocking, in the present State of Ohio, and, contrary to their usual practice, made a fire,-having become less cautious in consequence of their near approach to the settlements. They laid upon their arms around the fire, and in the night were attacked by a party of eleven Indians, who gave them a volley. and then fell upon them with their tomahawks. Col. Patterson received two balls in his right arm, by which it was broken; and a tomahawk was struck into his side, between two of his ribs. penetrating into the cavity of the body. He sprang out into the darkness and got clear, supposing all his companions were killed. He made for the river, in hopes of getting into the canoe and floating down to Point Pleasant ; but as he approached it, he discovered that there was an Indian in it. In a short time the whole party of Indians went on board, and floated down the river. Col. Patterson then made an attempt to get to the fire, in which he succeeded. He found a companion, named Templeton. wounded in a manner very similar to his own case; another, named Wernock, wounded dangerously ; and another, named Perry, slightly. Of the other three, one was killed, one was missing, and the other, named Mitchell, was unhurt. They had saved one gun and some ammunition. They remained on the ground until morning, when thev attempted to proceed up the river on foot ; but Wernock was unable to move, and they were forced to leave him. They, however, found themselves unable to pro- cred farther than a quarter of a mile from the camp, and it was then agreed that Perry should endeavor to reach Grave creek, and bring them aid, while Mitchell was to remain and take care of the others. Wernock, who was left behind. dird in the evening; and Mitchell, who had gone back to assist him. lost his way in returning to Patterson and Templeton, and did not find them until next morning. They then moved a couple of hundred yards further from the river, and the Best day got under a chif. which sheltered them from the rain, where they remained until Perry returned from Grave creek with assistance. They were removed to that place, after lying eight days in their suffering condition. Patterson laid twelve months under the surgeon's care. t
In the latter part of May, 1778, a party of Indians stole twenty horses, near
" Si" the interesting incidem in the battle of the Blue Lacks. Col. Patterson was a brave and mer. For our offices and valable citizen. He removed from Lexington u led to the velly of Dayton. Ono, where he posted on a tarm till his death. in August, 1-27, in the seventy-tinh year of his age.
1 American Pioneer, vol. 2, pp. 344-5.
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Col. Johnson's mill. They were pursued by Capt. Herndon with a small haly of whites, but escaped. . On this occasion, a most singular manoeuvre was me- cuted by one of the Indians, probably the leader. The party, after traveling about twenty miles, halted in a brashy copse of wood, and were overtaken by the pur- suers, who came upon them before they were discovered or saw their advers.ry. The whites, on discovering the marauders, made instant preparation to rire ; dud. at the same moment, the Indians gave a loud yell, sprang to their feet. and, with one exception. ran in various directions. One, who remained in view of the whites, continued to yell and scream and jump-now flying to one tree, then ; another-now dodging, then springing alott. as one perfectly frantic. This strange. exhibition attracted and so engrossed the attention of the whites, that they did not even fire-thus, without doubt, effecting the very object intended by this dex- terous and wily savage. In the mean time, the other Indians had secured their guns and blankets, and made their escape, as did also the partisan hero, in an in- stant after his followers were safe-leaving an enemy, superior in numbers, to express their wonder at the enchantment which had thus deluded them .*
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