USA > Kentucky > Memorial record of western Kentucky, Volume I > Part 3
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ROBERT LEE SMITH.
Prominent among lawyers of the first judicial district, is Robert Lee Smith, of Clinton, Hickman county, Kentucky. Mr. Smith is a native of Kentucky, was born in Hancock county, August 14, 1869, and is the eldest of a family of four sons and two daughters, born to Dr. Lee N. and Emma (Kelly) Smith. The parents were born in Ken- tucky, the father in Shelby county, and the mother in Daviess county, and both came of old and prominent Kentucky families. The father has long practiced medicine. From Hancock county he removed his family to Breckenridge county, and in 1885 established the family resi- dence in Hickman county. He now resides in Hailewell, Kentucky. In the main his children have been reared on the farm.
Hence, Mr. Smith, whose name forms the caption of this article,
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was reared amid scenes of farm life, learning the lessons of industry and perseverance, which have been important factors in the success which has come to him in life. Completing a liberal education in Marvin Col- lege, Clinton, Kentucky, he taught in the public schools for five years with more than average success. He taught his first school when only seventeen years of age. While teaching school Mr. Smith studied law, and in March of 1892 was admitted to the bar. Immediately after his admission to the bar he opened a law office in Fulton, Kentucky, and was there engaged in the practice of law until in 1894. From Fulton Mr. Smith removed to the town of Moscow, Kentucky. In the latter place he remained till January, 1898, when he took up the duties of county attorney for Hickman county, having been elected to this office the previous fall. Upon entering into this office he established his residence in Clinton, where he has since continued to reside and practice law. While residing at Moscow he served as magistrate, and as county attorney Mr. Smtih served for four years, to the general satisfaction of the public and with credit to himself. In 1901 Mr. Smith was elected mayor of Clinton, the duties of which office he assumed in January, 1902, the term of office being for four years. As mayor his administration, of the town's public affairs has been of a high moral tone, of business-like methods and progressive- ness.
In politics Mr. Smith is a stanch Democrat, and loyally supports the men and measures of his party. He is a member of the Baptist church, and is numbered not only among leading lawyers, but also among the representative citizens of his county. In 1890, he wedded Miss Dora Eves, a Kentucky lady of accomplishments. To the marriage two daughters have been born.
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In every sense of that much used term, Mr. Smith is a "self-made man." Steadily he has forged his way to the front in professional life, and today enjoys a good and lucrative clientage as a lawyer. His rec- ord has been free of anything of questionable practices, and conse- quently he is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens.
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E. BULLOCK SAMUELS.
E. Bullock Samuels, county clerk of Hickman county, Kentucky, and one of the leading citizens of Clinton, was born on a farm in Nel- son county, Kentucky, December 25. 1871. He is a son of John G. and Clara P. (Bullock) Samuels. John G. Samuels was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, and was there reared. As he advanced in years and · prominence he occupied positions of trust, and was made sheriff of his native county, serving two terms. About 1875 he removed to Texas, and was a merchant in Gainesville, Texas, until his death in 1879, when he was about sixty years of age. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith was a member of the Baptist church. His widow re- moved to Columbus, Kentucky, and from there to Clinton in 1881, where she now makes her home. Three sons were born to these parents as follows: E. Bullock; John G., of Bardwell, Kentucky; and Thomas D., deputy county clerk at Clinton.
E. Bullock Samuels became deputy county clerk under James L. Moss, then county clerk, and served two terms amounting to four years. He was elected to his present office in 1897, and re-elected in 1901, upon the Democratic ticket. Fraternally Mr. Samuels is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic fraternities, and he is a very popular young man and prominent in party affairs. He comes of old and estab-
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areecur
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lished families on both sides, his mother having been a daughter of the late Judge E. I. Bullock, who was so prominent a figure in Hickman county for so many years.
RICHARD GARNETT CALDWELL.
Richard Garnett Caldwell, one of the extensive real estate dealers at Paducah, Kentucky, was born near Glasgow, Barren county, Ken- tucky, September 18, 1849, and is a son of James S. and America (Garnett) Caldwell. Both the Caldwell and the Garnett families are old and honorable ones, the former of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. James S. Caldwell was born in Green county, Kentucky, and was a son of Beverly Caldwell, who belonged to the Virginia Caldwells, of Scotch descent. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Gar- nett, prominent both in Virginia and in Kentucky. James Caldwell was an agriculturist. He lived to the age of seventy years, but his wife died at the age of fifty-five. Both passed away in Barren county. They were pillars of the Christian Church and most highly esteemed residents of their locality. They reared to maturity two sons and five daughters, who survive them.
R. G. Caldwell remained on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, and then entered upon a business career and soon became inter- ested in politics. From 1867 to 1870 he served as deputy sheriff of Barren county. Going south, he then turned his attention to cotton- raising, and bought a plantation in Kemper county, eastern Mississippi, and remained there from 1872 until 1880. Upon his return to Ken- tucky, Mr. Caldwell became a commercial traveler and covered Ken- tucky and southern Indiana in the interests of harvesters. Later he
R.4 Parwill
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became traveling agent through Illinois for a building and trust com- pany, but soon after accepted the position of vice president and general manager for the Paducah Building and Trust Company, remaining with this organization for six years. In 1899 the real estate firm of R. G. Caldwell & Son was founded, which has met with such gratifying suc- cess that it now covers one of the largest fields of activity in the line in this part of the state.
On December 16, 1873, Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Davis, who was born at Glasgow, Kentucky. Six chil- dren has been born to this union, as follows: Michael G., in a real estate business at Mayfield, Kentucky; Louisa; James S., in business with his father; Duke D .; William E., and Nellie. Mr. and Mrs. Cald- well belong to the Christian Church. In politics, like his father, Mr. Caldwell has been active in the Democratic party. He is chairman of the city committee and an influential member of its councils. Fra- tenally he belongs to the Order of Elks.
ROBERT BURK FLATT.
Robert Burk Flatt, one of Hickman county's best and most favor- ably known lawyers and politicians, is a native of this county. His father, the Rev. James Madison Flatt, now nearly eighty years of age and residing on a farm some three miles south of Clinton, has for years been a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, contemporary with Finly Bynum, Simeon Weaver, Wade Frost, James Pirtle, W. C. Harris and other noted divines conspicuous in building up Methodism in Western Kentucky and Tennessee. Rev. Flatt was born in middle Tennessee, and in early life entered the ministry. He
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was among the pioneer Methodist ministers of western Kentucky and Tennessee. His wife was Margaret Isabelle Morris, a native of Ala- bama, and a lady of sterling qualities of heart and mind, a faithful wife and devoted mother, and, like the good minister, a happy and consis- tent Christian. Nine children were born to them, of whom two daugh- ters and three sons are now living and four sons are deceased, three of whom died in infancy, and one at the age of forty-two years. The father of this family is a self-educated man and in politics has been a life-long Democrat.
Robert Burk Flatt was reared upon the farm, attending first the country schools, and there he laid a firm foundation for an education, which was completed by a three years' course in Marvin College, of Clinton, Kentucky. Under the Hon. N. P. Moss, of Clinton, he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1895. He has risen rapidly in his profession, and has always been an active Democrat in politics. He is the present city attorney for Clinton, and by appointment is acting county attorney. Mr. Flatt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, and is a lawyer of no mean ability.
On December 22, 1900, Mr. Flatt was married to Miss Anna Mc- Cullum of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, who is 'a daughter of Dr. J. A. McCullum, an eminent physician and surgeon of Arkansas. One daugh- ter, Elizabeth, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Flatt.
THOMAS LETCHER ATWOOD.
Thomas Letcher Atwood, president of the Hickman County Bank, of Clinton, Kentucky, was born on a farm in Allen county, Kentucky, August 27, 1843. Hle is a son of Lovel and Mary Herndon (Piper)
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Atwood. The father was also a native of Allen county, Kentucky, and both he and his son were born on a farm about five miles north- cast of Scottsville, Kentucky. The parents of our subject drove from Allen county to Hickman county, and in the year 1850 made permanent settlement about six miles north of Clinton, and there lived and died, being sturdy pioneers.
Thomas L. Atwood was reared upon the home farm of his father and given a fair education in the old Clinton Seminary. In the latter part of 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served until the close of the war, under General Forrest, the brilliant cavalry officer, the "wizard of the saddle." He had two brothers, R. L. and W. L. At- wood, who enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the war, the former of whom was captured at Fort Donelson and was im- prisoned at Fort Douglas in Chicago, and died there in August, 1862. WV. L. Atwood served until the close of the war, and now resides in Texas.
Mr. Atwood remained at home after the war broke out to care for his widowed mother, but when she married, in 1863, he was free to enlist, which he did immediately. At present he is a member of Colonel Edward Crossland Camp, United Confederate Veterans. After his return home he commenced teaching, in 1868, and pursued his studies as best he could, and he continued along these lines until 1882, when he was elected county surveyor, and served eight years by election, and two years more by appointment, ten years in all. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and has always taken active part in party issues. Since February, 1893, he has been a resident of Clinton.
In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Hettie F. Bugg, who was born near Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood have chil-
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dren as follows : E. Leland, studying for the ministry in Crozer Theo- logical Seminary at Chester, Pennsylvania, having graduated from Clin- ton College and the Georgetown College; Elmer B., a graduate of the Clinton and Georgetown colleges, is now a Baptist clergyman attend- ing the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky ; May, also a graduate of Clinton College, is a teacher. Both Mr. and Mrs. Atwood are consistent members of the Baptist church, and take an active part in its good work. Mr. Atwood was one of the organizers of the Hickman County Bank, which was established in January, 1902, and he was elected its first president, which office of honor and respon- sibility he lias since filled with great ability, his sagacity, conservative management and excellent judgment placing his bank among the leading financial institutions of the county.
JAMES H. SHELTON.
James H. Shelton, attorney-at-law, of Clinton, Hickman county, Kentucky, was born on a farm in Johnson county, Illinois, on the 18th day of February, 1864. When he was an infant of only four weeks, his mother died, and he was taken into the home of his maternal grand- parents, by whom he was reared up to the age of twelve years, about which time his grandparents died, and he was thrown on his own re- sources for support in life. He secured employment with an Illinois farmer, and by and by visited an uncle in Obion county, Tennessee. There he engaged to work for a farmer, and thus he was further em- ployed until he secured a teacher's certificate and began teaching school. He attended school in his youth as opportunity was afforded him, and to his studies he closely applied himself. By means of wages earned
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while working on the farm he was enabled to defray the expenses of his schooling until he began teaching, and then he taught and attended school alternately, defraying the expenses of further educating himself with earnings gained as a teacher.
He came to Hickman county to teach school, and while teaching here took up the study of law under Judge N. P. Moss as his preceptor. Mr. Shelton was admitted to the bar in 1892, since when he has prac- ticed law in Clinton. His clientage has steadily increased, and to-day he has a lucrative practice, and stands high in his profession. He is a hard and constant student, and in consequence thereof is well informed in the law. He is a strong advocate, and in his arguments and deduc- tions he is clear and logical, and, being a speaker of no mean ability, carries conviction to judge and jury. He is fair-minded, just and im- partial, which traits of character are readily recognized and gain for him the confidence of all who know him, and secure for him much legal business.
In politics he is an ardent Democrat, and fraternally he holds mem- bership both in the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. In 1888 Mr. Shelton married Miss Sallie Farabough, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of Thomas R. and Sallie ( Ward) Farabough. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton have three children, namely : Herschel, Raymond and Mary Frances.
Mr. Shelton deserves much praise for the success he has achieved in life. He was left an orphan from infancy, thrown entirely upon his own resources when only twelve years of age, and under difficulties se- cured his education, and in the truest sense of that much used American term he is a "self-made man."
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MARCUS L. CUMMINS.
Marcus L. Cummins, who is now living a retired life in Arling- ton, was one of the extensive landowners of Carlisle county and has been very successful in his life work. He well merits the rest which he is now enjoying, and the fruits of his former toil supply him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts and luxuries of life. He was born upon a farm in Nelson county, Kentucky, June 27, 1829, and is a son of Michael and Nancy (Lent) Cummins. His father was a native of Anderson county, Kentucky, born on the Ioth of July, 1786, and was a son of Matthew Cummins, whose birth occurred in Halifax county, Virginia, and who was of Irish descent. At the time the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression Matthew. Cummins joined the American army and fought in the Revolutionary war, loyally aiding in the struggle which resulted in the independence of the nation. He was a weaver by trade and became an early settler of Anderson county, Kentucky, taking an active and helpful part in its pioneer development and progress. There he lived until called to his final rest. He was the father of eleven sons and seven daughters, and seven of the sons served their country in the war of 1812 and had a remarkable record, all escaping injuries and being able to return to their homes at the close of hostilities.
Michael Cummins, the father of our subject, was born in Ander- son county and reared there amid the wild scenes of frontier life. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Nancy Lent, the wedding taking place on Christmas day of 1810. She was a daughter of William Lent, who died in Nelson county, Kentucky, April 10, 1836, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was a native of London, England, and came to
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America when seventeen years of age. He, too, was a hero of the Revolutionary war, participating in the battles of Brandywine, Prince- ton and many other engagements which added to the sum of victories that ultimately quelled British power in the United States. In 1784 he was married in Virginia, and after the death of his first wife was again married. Removing to Nelson county, Kentucky, he there took part in · its pioneer development, and was one of its leading, influential and hon- ored citizens; for over fifty years he was an ardent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and lived an exemplary life. For twenty-five years or more his home was the regular preaching place in pioneer days.
To Michael and Nancy Cummins were born the following children : Mary O., William L., Elizabeth L., Matthew N. and Nancy P., all of . whom are now deceased; John E., a resident farmer of Carlisle county, Kentucky ; and Marcus 1. In January, 1832, the parents came to what is now Carlisle county, Kentucky, settling near Milburn, on O'Bion creek, and there they spent their remaining days, the father devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig in his political views and during the Civil war remained a stalwart advocate of the Union cause, using his influence as far as possible that Kentucky might remain in the Union; and he felt great rejoicing when the legislature finally voted to retain the place which it held in this great government and not join forces with the Confederates. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cum- mins are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their many excellent traits of heart and mind won for them the love and con- fidence of those with whom they were associated. Mr. Cummins died in Carlisle county, March 22, 1863, and his wife passed away on the 7th of December, 1870.
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Marcus L. Cummins was reared upon the old home farm in Car- lisle county, on which his parents located when he was only three years old. He pursued his education in one of the primitive log schoolhouses of the times, where he was instructed in the "three R's, readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic," but though his educational privileges were somewhat limited his knowledge was greatly broadened in later years through ex- perience, observation and reading.
On the 3d of January, 1854, Mr. Cummins obtained a companion and helpmate for life's journey by his marriage to Miss Harriet Ann Pile, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Stayton) Pile, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. Cummins was born in what is now Carlisle county, Kentucky, on the 29th of March, 1836, and by her marriage became the mother of three children: Will- iam, Annie and Julia, all of whom are yet living and are married. Mr. Cummins continued to reside on the old family homestead in Carlisle county after his marriage, and there cared for his parents during their declining days. He lived on that farm for sixty-nine years, and at length left it to locate in Arlington in March, 1899. He was a most prosperous agriculturist, carefully conducting his business along lines that brought him deserved success. He was progressive in his methods of farming and kept in touch with the advancement of the times, using the latest improved machinery and all modern equipments that would facilitate the work of the farm. As his financial resources increased he invested in other property until his realty holdings became extensive. At one time he was the owner of over eight hundred acres of valuable land, and thus he was able to give to each of his children a home.
Mr. Cummins has voted with the Republican party since its or- ganization, and believes firmly in its principles. ITis wife holds mem-
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bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and though he is not iden- tified with any denomination he has contributed generously to the sup- port of the church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and his life has ever been upright and honorable, winning for him the respect and high regard of those with whom he has been associated. As almost his entire life has been passed in this county, his history is well known to our readers, and that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his youth to the present is an indication that his career has ever been such as to merit the respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. The history of the county from pioneer times to the present is a familiar one to him, and he has borne an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement.
TOM C. PETTIT.
The press has not only recorded the history of advancement, but has also ever been the leader in the work of progress and improve- ment-the herald of civilization. The philosopher of some centuries ago proclaimed the truth that "the pen is mightier than the sword," and the statement is continually being verified in the affairs of life. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper cannot be estimated, but at all events its influence is greater than that of any other single agency. Mr. Pettit is a representative of the journalistic interests of Bardwell, Kentucky, where, since 1899, he has published his paper.
A native of Calloway county, Kentucky, he is a son of the Rev. Thomas H. Pettit, whose birth occurred in White county, Tennessee, and who came to Kentucky in 1866. He was a Baptist minister of considerable prominence, and for thirty-five years continued in the work
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of the holy calling, giving his energies to the upbuilding of the church until his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife was Miss Belisle, and represented a family connected with the pioneer history of both Virginia and Tennessee.
Tom C. Pettit is a native of Calloway county, Kentucky, born in 1867, and with his parents came to Ballard (now Carlisle) county, Kentucky, in 1870. In 1883 his parents removed to Arlington, where he entered the drug business, with which he was connected until 1894. In that year he began the publication of the Carlisle County News, at Arlington, where he remained until 1800, when he removed his paper to Bardwell, where he has since continued its publication with success, securing a good patronage, both from subscribers and advertisers. The paper is well edited, is neat in appearance, and the plant is well equipped for doing high-grade work.
In 1887 Mr. Pettit was united in marriage to Miss Ada Owen, of Arlington, and they have a wide acquaintance in Bardwell, numbering many warm friends.
JUDGE ARNOLD T. HOBBS.
Judge Arnold Thomas Hobbs, who is now serving upon the bench of Carlisle county, and is a distinguished citizen of this part of the state, has directed his activity into various channels which have proved of benefit to the community at large and at the same time have advanced his individual interests. As a member of the medical fraternity, as a merchant and as an agriculturist, he became well known to the people of this locality, and wherever known he has won the confidence, good will and friendship of those with whom he has been associated.
Judge Hobbs is a native of Carlisle county, his birth having occurred
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November 22, 1849, upon a farm on the Graves county line. His parents were George S. and Julia Ann (Stephens) Hobbs. The Hobbs family is of English lineage, and was established in America at an early epoch in the development of this country. George Hobbs and his wife, the grandparents of the Judge, were natives of North Caro- lina, and in pioneer times removed to Carroll county, Tennessee, and there the grandmother died. Soon afterward the grandfather removed to western Kentucky. In the meantime George S. Hobbs, the Judges' father, had been born in Carroll county, and was about six years of age when his father came to this state, the family settling on the farm in Carlisle county which later became the birthplace of our subject. The grandfather was afterward again married, his second wife being a daughter of Garrett Willingham, one of the honored pioneer settlers of Carlisle county. By his second marriage he had no children, and those born of his first union were: Moody Kirby, deceased, was a farmer of Carlisle and in honor of his middle name was named the town of Kirbyton, which was located on his farm; Ann Mariah, deceased, was the wife of Green Rowland, who lived and died in the vicinity of Kirbyton; George S., father of our subject; Rebecca Jane, deceased, married Aaron Green, moved to Texas and there she and her husband died; and Charles Carr and Louis Parsons, who died in early life.
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