The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 100

Author: Armstrong, J. M., & company, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Cincinnati, J. M. Armstrong
Number of Pages: 946

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Church ; from 1839 to 1841, was pastor of the Baptist Church at Shelbyville, Kentucky ; from 1841 to 1846, had charge of the Church at Russellville, Kentucky ; from 1846 to 1850, preached at Hopkinsville; was in charge of the First Baptist Church at Nashville, from 1850 to 1853, and, while there, received the degree of D. D., from Union College, of Murfreesboro; from that date until 1865, was in charge of the First Baptist Church at Williamsburg, New York ; for the next three years, was pastor of the Wabash Avenue Church, of Chicago, Illinois; was, for the next year, pastor of the Baptist Church at Evansville ; for the next two or three years, was pastor of Herkimer Street Baptist Church, of Brooklyn, New York; and, in 1872, he again re- turned to the pastoral charge of his old Church at Rus- sellville, Kentucky, where he now resides. He has always been a warm advocate of the benevolent agen- cies of the Church, and largely to his efforts before the Bethel Baptist Association, of Kentucky, is due the es- tablishment of Bethel College at Russellville, and Bethel Female College at Hopkinsville. He has one of the finest libraries in the country ; is one of the most thor- oughly read and scholarly men of his Church ; and, in his daily walk, has faithfully exemplified the precepts of that Gospel of which he has been one of the most earnest, able, and successful expounders. Mr. Baker was married, July 1, 1839, in St. Louis County, Mis- souri, to Miss Elizabeth A. Senright. She died in New York, in 1863. In 1864, he was married to Mrs. Sarah A. Bush, daughter of Rev. Hosea Wheeler, Baptist minister, who died in Maine. He has four living chil- dren, the oldest son being a minister of the Gospel.

UBLETT, LEWIS, Retired Merchant, was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, October 15, 1821, and is the last of a long line of ances- tors who bore the name of Lewis Sublett. His father's family trace their descent from the Hu- guenots who emigrated from France and set- tled in Virginia soon after its colonization, and who have, as a rule, transmitted to their descendants an in- nate love of justice, devotion to principle, and hatred of oppression. His mother's name was Susan Coleman, and her family was connected with some of the leading families of Virginia, including that of Zachary Taylor, her mother being a Strother. He received a good edu- cation in the school of his native county, and during his youth led a quiet, uneventful life. When he reached majority, he invested a small patrimony left him by his father in the dry-goods business, which he conducted successfully for twenty years ; in 1859, turned his atten- tion to groceries and general produce, in which line he continued till 1872, with like satisfactory results. Among,

other enterprises of social and scientific interest to which he has freely lent his aid is that of pisciculture, for the encouragement of which he has invested considerably in the construction of trout-ponds. His mercantile life has been marked by uprightness of character, which, with his urbane and conciliatory manner, has won for him the friendship of all with whom he had dealings; has always been conservative in his views, unsectarian and unpartisan; disinclined to force his own opinions upon others, or criticise theirs, either in politics or re- ligion; is liberal and charitable, ever ready with his means in support of a good and worthy enterprise; a respected citizen in all his connections.

EACHMAN, WILLIAM THOMAS, M. D., was born May 15, 1834, in Boyle County, Ken- tucky. His father, Harrison Leachman, was of German origin, and was among the early pioneers of Virginia. He emigrated to Ken- tucky at an early stage of its history, settling in the region now known as Boyle County; and was, by occupation, a farmer. He was an intelligent gentle- man, and was widely known and respected in his local- ity. Dr. Leachman was liberally educated, enjoying the advantages of the best institutions of learning, and the instruction of some of the most eminent teachers of his State, having spent some time in the famous Covington Institute of Springfield, Kentucky. He chose the med- ical profession, and entered upon a course of study, and, at the age of twenty-one years, entered the department of the University of Louisville devoted to medicine; and, after passing through the rigid discipline and thorough study of a course of two years in that institu- tion, he received his degree of M. D. in 1857. He also enjoyed the private instruction of one of the celebrated physicians of Kentucky, Dr. David W. Yandell, having been a pupil of his for some time. After receiving his degree in medicine, he opened an office, in Louisville, for the practice of his profession. He manifested such ability, and was so industrious and obliging in all his duties, that he soon was in possession of an extensive and lucrative practice. He devoted himself most exclu- sively to obstetrics, and became widely known as a most successful practitioner. In 1872, he was chosen School Trustee of his district, and gave such satisfaction as a public servant, that he was shortly afterwards called to a seat in the City Council. But, finding that the duties of his new positions interfered considerably with the following of his profession, he decided to devote his en- tire attention to his steadily increasing practice. With this object in view, he rcsigned his position as member of Council, in 1874, after serving but one-half of the term for which he was elected; and has since been act-

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ively engaged in the pursuit of his profession. Dr. Leachman is a highly cultivated and refined gentleman, and stands deservedly high in the community. He was married, November 15, 1859, to Miss Letitia E. Field, daughter of Silas F. Field, one of the early merchants of Louisville. He is a respected member of Christ Episcopal Church, of his city; and gives his aid to all movements having a beneficial influence upon society. He is yet a comparatively young man, and, with his past record, there is every reason to expect for him a still brighter future career.

ATE, HON. JAMES WILLIAM, Treasurer of Kentucky, was born January 2, 1831, in the Forks of Elkhorn district, Franklin County, Kentucky, and, since his early youth, has been continuously a citizen of Frankfort. Ifis an- cestry was of the sturdy Scotch-Irish stock of the Old Dominion, noted in the history of Virginia and the West. His father, Col. Thomas L. Tate, a native of Kentucky, and for many years an esteemed and val- uable farmer of Franklin County, participated in the war of 1812. His grandfather, James Tate, served in the Virginia Continentals, as a soldier of the Revolu- tion. His mother's maiden name was Nancy Taylor, a lady of great intelligence and womanly worth. She was twice married. Her first husband was John D. Gray. Her only child, in her second marriage, with Col. Tate, was the subject of this sketch. Her father was the Rev. John Taylor, of Fauquier County, Vir- ginia, who emigrated to Kentucky, then a district of that State, in 1783, finally settling in Franklin County, where he died in 1835, at the age of eighty-three years. His name was distinguished in the annals of the Baptist Church, both in Virginia and Kentucky. Early in life, Mr. Taylor became a minister of the Gospel; crossed the mountains, and entered the trackless wilds of Ken- tucky, where he labored with great zeal, and lived to see his beloved Church established throughout the State, and outnumbering, in its membership, any other Christian denomination. He was one of the most successful, able, and worthy of all the pioneer preachers, and, although he had little opportunity, or need perhaps, for displaying himself as an early writer in the Church, he yet left behind him his "History of the Ten Baptist Churches," a work of rare merit and value, as portraying the growth of the Church, and the life labors of a good man. James W. Tate received a thorough education, especially in that line of study which would best fit him for an active business career, under some of the best masters of the country, among whom were John Lewis, of Llangollan, and Dr. Lyman W. Seeley, one of the first scholars of Kentucky. As a good

name and sound principles, with little of this world's goods, constituted his only patrimony, he may be justly considered the architect of his own fortunes. He commenced business for himself, at Frankfort, in 1848, as a clerk in the post-office, where, by his man- ners and ability, he advanced himself to universal favor. In 1854, upon his own merits, without solici- tation, he was appointed, by Gov. Powell, Assistant Secretary of State, filling the position to the satis- faction of his patron and the public, and with great credit to himself. In 1855, being a consistent Democrat, he retired from the office, on the inauguration of the American party. For the four succeeding years, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, in Frankfort, with va- ried success, always, however, maintaining his personal popularity, and the public faith in his business integrity and capacity. Upon the accession of the Democratic party to power, in 1859, he was again appointed Assist- ant Secretary of State, by Gov. Magoffin, and held the position, likewise, under Gov. Robinson, at the solicita- tion of friends, of both political parties, notwithstand- ing that he was by no means identified with the war measures of the last named Executive. In 1863, he again entered actively into commercial life. He has always been a Democrat of the strictest sect, and was a member of the State Central Committee of the Breckin- ridge wing of the Democratic party, in 1860; and, in the darkest hours of the late civil war, while his lot was cast in the paths of peace, his heart and hand were al- ways open to those who represented in the field that sec- tion of country and those principles with which he was identified by ties of blood and pride of consistency. In 1865, he was elected, by the Conservative House of Representatives, to the position of Assistant Clerk of that body, which he held for two consecutive sessions. In 1867, by a flattering vote, in convention, he was nominated for Treasurer, on the Democratic State ticket, and materially contributed, by his personal popularity, to the great success of his party at the August election of that year. Biennially, since that time, without oppo- sition in his own party, he has been successively re- elected by popular majorities, perhaps exceeding those obtained by any other candidate for office in the State. From these evidences of popularity, it would seem that his lease on the office might be regarded as a fixed fact, during the ascendency of the Democratic party in the State. He possesses great elements of popular strength ; is genial and pleasing in his manners, although making no display of himself ; is firm and reliable in his friend- ships, manly in his bearing, and upright in his dealings ; possesses great faculty for making friends, and ingratiat- ing himself in the favor of those with whom he comes in contact. His official position for years has brought him in contact with county officers, and public men and politicians throughout the State; and probably few men

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are more generally known and universally esteemed. His political party and personal friends take special pride in the manner in which he has discharged the du- ties confided to his care. As Treasurer, as Commis- sioner of the Sinking Fund, and one of the managers of the State finances, his judgment is held in high es- teem ; and his integrity, prudence, and foresight are regarded as of the highest order. Mr. Tate was married, June 3, 1856, to Miss Lucy J. Hawkins, the accom- plished and beautiful daughter of W. W. Hawkins, of Woodford County. His son Howard was born June 28, 1858, and died when about three years of age. His only other child, a daughter, Edmoina Lloyd, is now living, and in her fourteenth year.

ENDERSON, REV. HOWARD ANDREW MILLET, Superintendent of Public Education, was born August 15, 1836, at Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and came of a family of sea- men, one branch of which settled in North Carolina, some of whom emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Henderson County, which bears their name. He was a man of fine scholarly attainments ; was edu- cated at Exeter Academy and Yale College ; was the author of a grammar, for many years extensively used in the schools ; came to Kentucky about 1825; was prin- cipal of a female school at Paris, and was killed by a fall from his buggy, when the subject of this sketch was five years old. His mother was the daughter of Andrew Moore, of Harrison County, Kentucky, a law- yer and member of a family of great worth, and occu- pying a high position in that county. His grandmother was a Morin, a member of a family distinguished for their generosity and integrity. His mother, a woman of many accomplishments and of high culture, still lives in widowhood at Forest Hill, hear Millersburg, and is a wonderfully well-preserved woman, a representative of the highest order of refinement in her State. Her last husband, William Nunn, was a man of large wealth and magnanimity ; made his home the center of social refinement, and was a most generous, useful, and earnest friend to Howard A. M. Henderson, who was designed by his mother and step-father for the legal profession, and although they took some early step towards carrying out their cherished purpose, it never seemed to wholly meet his own desires. He began his academic education, strictly speaking, after reaching his twelfth year, at Dover, New Hampshire, but mainly finished his literary cducation at the Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. HIe also passed some time in the Cincinnati School of Law and Commerce, but, while residing in that city, and being an inmate of the house of Rev. W. McD).

Abbett, surrounded by religious influences, joined the Methodist Church, and determined to enter the ministry. In 1857, he joined the Kentucky Conference, at Lexing- ton, and was immediately transferred to the Alabama Conference. He filled several important positions in that Conference; took rank at once as a gifted spcaker, a bold independent thinker, and a zealous laborer in the Church. After the commencement of the civil war, he entered the military service of the Confederacy, as captain in the Twenty-eighth Alabama Infantry, where he was known throughout a large part of the army as " the soldier-preacher." He preached every Sabbath, when circumstances of the war permitted, and became very popular as a preacher and soldier, sharing every hardship of the camp and danger of the field. Finally, disabled for entering the line, he was assigned to the staff-position of assistant adjutant-general; acted as com- missioner in the exchange of prisoners, early in 1864; effected the exchange of thirty-five thousand prisoners on each side, and was greatly instrumental in alleviating the asperities of the desperate struggle, now looking back with satisfaction to many occasions in which it was his privilege to minister alike to the spiritual and temporal wants of the "forlorn and shipwrecked brother." Towards the close of the war, he was com- missioned lieutenant-colonel, with the pay of brigadier- general. For some time succeeding the close of the war, he was editor of the " Demopolis ( Alabama) New Era;" returning to Kentucky, in the Fall of 1866, be- came pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Frankfort, becoming, probably, the most popular minister who had ever had charge of that Church; in 1870, was assigned to the Church at Lexing- ton, where he labored with great success for a year, resigning his charge, in September, 1871, to assume the duties of Superintendent of Public Instruction, to which he had been elected. In 1874, he was again nominated by his party, and was re-elected by a ma- jority over his opponent of ten thousand votes more . than any other candidate on his ticket. He has con- ducted the affairs of his office with great ability; being liberal and progressive in his views, has used every ex- ertion, by intermingling with the best teachers of the country, examining the systems of other States, and be- stowing great personal effort, to advance the school system of the State to a favorable comparison with any in the nation. By his great energy, learning, and executive ability, he has done a noble work for the schools, for which the people of the State owe him a debt of grati- tude. Ile is President of the State Teachers' Associa- tion, has been Grand Master of the Odd-fellows, and is a conspicuous working member of several popular social organizations, and is one of the most intelligent, enter- prising, and vigorous, and valuable men of Kentucky. In addition to the great labors of his office, he has en-

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gaged largely in literary pursuits, and is editor of the "Freemason," the "Eclectic Leader;" contributes ex- tensively to his Church papers, and the periodical magazines; and, besides writing many sermons and lec- tures, is the author of "School-house Architecture," a volume of Odd-fellows' addresses, "Commentary on Kentucky School Law," and "National School Law- yer," and is engaged upon " Representative Kentucky," a work embracing the Ethnology, Topography, History, and Biography of the State. He is a man of fine sensi- bilities, of great exactness of habit, liberal in his views, fearless in his advocacy of what he deems right; is ex- ceedingly restless and active in temperament; is agree- able and genial in manners; warm in his attachments; and surrounds his home ("St. Elmo"), in Frankfort, with every accompaniment of a refined mind. Dr. Henderson was married, February 5, 1861, to Miss Susan Wilkins Vaughn, daughter of a distinguished physician and planter of Marengo County, Alabama. Dr. Henderson has been honored with the degrees of A. M., D. D., and LL. D.

RINLY, THOMAS E. C., Plow Manufacturer, was born June 10, 1822, in Middletown, Jef- ferson County, Kentucky; and is the son of John Brinly, who was a blacksmith, and at one time one of the largest manufacturers and best mechanics in the State. His mother was Miss Bradbury, daughter of John Bradbury, the distinguished botanist, of Manchester, England. Thomas E. C. Brinly received a good education in the schools of his native town, but, on account of the failure of his father, was prevented from carrying out his desire for an educa- tion. He was raised to the trade of a blacksmith, and early displayed great mechanical genius, and, being fond of farming pursuits, began to give his attention to the improvement of agricultural implements. To him be- longs the honor of substituting the steel plow for the cast-iron one, and his life has been largely devoted to the improvement and manufacture of the plow, having invented twenty-seven different plow patterns, and secured nearly as many patents for his improved workmanship. He has given particular attention to adapting his plows to the wants of the cotton lands of the South, suiting them to all kinds of soil, and has re- ceived over six hundred and fifty first-class premiums, twice the number of any other house in the United States. He has also succeeded in manufacturing a plow which has greatly reduced the ordinary draught. At the great fair of 1853, his plow received the medal for cut- ting a furrow seven and one-half inches deep, and nine and one-half inches wide, with a draught of three hun- dred and fifty pounds; and at the great exhibition of

mechanical instruments at Macon, Georgia, in 1870, he again received the medal, cutting a furrow eleven inches deep, and nine and one-half wide, with a draught of three hundred pounds, the lightest supposed to have been attained in the United States. At Crystal Springs, Mississippi, in 1859, and at the State fair, in 1867, under great competition, his plow again took the first premium. He first commenced the plow business in 1842, continu- ing alone, and in connection with his father, until 1859, when he formed a partnership with Miles & Hardy, and of their large establishment he is now the superintend- ent. Their business has reached vast proportions, ex- tending throughout the entire South and West, and is one of the most beneficial manufacturing interests to the city of Louisville. Besides devoting himself with great earnestness and success to his business, he has taken an active part in all matters relating to the public good, being prominent in the business organizations of the city, and actively connected with its social affairs. He was one of the organizers of the Louisville School of Design ; took a prominent part in the organization of the Louis- ville Exposition ; has for a long time been a member of the Police Commission ; served as a member of the Board of Aldermen for some time, and is now a member of that body. Ile is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and has been prominently identified with some of the social organizations. Few men have done more in build- ing up the city, in which he has been, throughout an active life, one of the most liberal, public-spirited, ener- getic, and valuable citizens. Mr. Brinly has been twice married ; first, November 4, 1844, to Miss Jane McDowell, of Shelby County. From this marriage, three children are now living. February 14, 1854, he was married to Miss Catherine Goodright, also of Shelby County. From this marriage they have five living children.

ICKEN, REV. EDWARD NICHOLS, Baptist Clergyman, was born September 26, 1835, in Campbell County, Kentucky ; and was raised on the farm of his father, Charles Dicken, a native of Campbell County, of Virginia par- ents, who removed to Kentucky at an early day. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. His mother's maiden name was Cherry. Mr. Dicken was liberally educated, entering Georgetown College in 1857; after pursuing a thorough course, grad- uated in 1861. He taught school at Alexandria, in his native county, for two or three years; and, in 1864, be- came Professor of Greek and Latin in Georgetown Col- lege, occupying that position until 1870. In that year he removed to Pembroke, and became pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church. In the same year he was elected Trustee of Bethel College, at Russellville; and,

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in 1872, was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bethel Female College, at Hopkinsville, now occupy- ing both positions. After first leaving college, he stud- ied law, with a view to entering upon its practice; but circumstances induced him to abandon his designs in that direction. He has grown rapidly into favor in the ministry ; and is one of the most earnest, conscientious, and scholarly men of his Church. He has recently taken a prominent part in the associations of his Church; and, although holding no public office, has taken an active part in all affairs pertaining to the public good; and is one of the most stirring and valuable men of his com- munity. Mr. Dicken was married, July 18, 1861, to Miss Louisiana Griffin, daughter of Hon. William M. Griffin, a distinguished citizen of Louisiana. They have two children-William Lee and Charles Edward Dicken.

NDERSON, HON. SIMEON H., was born in Garrard County, Kentucky; studied law, and practiced it with great success; was elected to the Legislature in 1828; was several times re- elected to that body ; was elected a Represent- ative in Congress, from the Fifth Congressional District of Kentucky, in 1839, serving as a member of Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads. He died at his residence, near Lancaster, Kentucky, August II, 1840, before the expiration of his term in Congress. He was an able and successful lawyer; was a man of great activity and energy, and was considered one of the most amiable, useful, and upright men of his day.

NDERSON, HON. WILLIAM C., son of Simeon H. Anderson, was born December 6, 1826, in Garrard County, Kentucky. He grad- uated at Centre College, Danville, Kentucky; studied law at Frankfort, with his grandfather, Gov. William Owsley; was admitted to the bar; began the practice of his profession at Lancaster; and soon after located at Danville, where he remained until his death. In 1851, he was elected to represent Boyle County in the Legislature; at the expiration of his term, was re-elected without opposition; in 1856 was Presidential Elector on the Fillmore ticket; in 1857, he became a candidate for Congress in the Fourth Congressional District, and was defeated by a small majority; in 1859, was again nominated for Congress, and was this time elected, at the close of a severe con- test, serving as a member of the Committee on the District of Columbia; in 1861, he was again elected to the Legislature, and died while serving in that body, December 23, 1862. He practiced law at Danville,

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 100

Author: Armstrong, J. M., & company, pub Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Cincinnati, J. M. Armstrong Number of Pages: 946

Author: Armstrong, J. M., & company, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Cincinnati, J. M. Armstrong
Number of Pages: 946