The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 123

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

USA > Kentucky > The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century > Part 123

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this regard, but his friends know that upon the lyceum platform he would find few equals in either matter or manner. His voice is clear, melodious, and strong; his enunciation faultless, and his manner fervid and full of grace. He owes much to physical and intellectual inheritance, but more to the labor bestowed, by parental affection, in building the foundation, and rearing the superstructure of his symmetrical manhood. It was in recognition of his attainments in many and various departments of learning, of his success in the field of literary composition and oratory, and of his high char- acter as a Christian gentleman, that the Indiana Asbury University, at its annual commencement, of 1877, con- ferred upon him the degree of LL. D., an honor which this eminent institution has but seldom bestowed, and only upon men of widely distinguished merit.

FAPERTON, REV. ALEXANDER COTTON, A. M., D. D., Clergyman and Editor, was born February 4, 1831, in Jackson County, Alabama. His father was a lineal descendant of the old noted Caperton family of Virginia, originally of French extraction. His grand-parents moved from Virginia to Kentucky in the early settlement of the State, locating in Madison County, where his father, John Caperton, was born. The family subsequently set- tled in Middle Tennessee, where his father was married. When he was quite a child, his parents settled in Mis- sissippi; and there he passed the greater part of his boyhood, on his father's farm. After some hard strug- gles, he succeeded in acquiring some education, his father being unable to give him any material assistance; and, after teaching for some time, and exerting himself in other ways, obtained means to enter Mississippi Col- lege, in 1852, where he graduated in letters, in 1856. Immediately afterwards, he took a course of theological instruction, in the Theological Seminary at Rochester, New York, graduating in 1858. He at once began work actively in the ministry and the educational fields; and, for a number of years, was professor in the college in Mississippi, and at the same time performed his pastoral duties. When the civil war began, he engaged to some extent in farming, but largely devoted his time to preach- ing to the poor ; and throughout the great conflict did not cease to labor. When peace was restored, he was called to the pastorate of the Church at Memphis; was subse- quently stationed at Mayfield, Kentucky, and at Evans- ville, Indiana; and was greatly influential in building up the Churches in those places. In 1860, he was elected by his Alma Mater to pronounce the master oration ; and from that institution received the degree of A. M. In 1871, though broken in fortune by the vicissitudes of war, he went to Louisville, and took

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charge of the "Western Recorder," the organ of the Baptists of the State. The paper had for years been under the management of such men as W. C. Buck and Rev. John L: Waller ; and, although shattered in health, he devoted himself with great zeal to the interests of the paper, and by close attention, uncommon ability, and great energy, he not only carried the paper through its heavy embarrassments, but has placed it among the leading religious journals of the day. In addition to his editorial duties, he has, during the last five years, traveled thousands of miles, and preached not less than five or six hundred sermons, at his own expense. In 1871, he received the degree of D. D. from the Univer- sity of Waco, Texas. He is now barely in the prime of life; is a fine scholar; is an able and logical writer; takes broad and manly views of his subject, but clings closely to the Bible teachings; is a Baptist of the strict- est school; is attractive and companionable in manner ; is full of zeal for the great work in which he is engaged; a man of commanding appearance; has a robust and powerful frame, able to endure any amount of physical exertion ; and is in every way not only one of the lead- ing men in his Church in the State, but is able to carry success to any great work of the Church, or any other position he may be called to fill. Mr. Caperton was married, December 23, 1858, to Miss M. J. Granberry, daughter of Moses Granberry, of Grenada, Mississippi.

HITAKER, JAMES SULLIVAN, Lawyer, was born in 1782, in Kentucky, and was the second son of Col. Aquilla Whitaker. He obtained a good education by great perseverance; was, for several years, assistant to James Craig, the first Clerk of Shelby County, Kentucky ; was sev- eral years Sheriff of that county; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1816; became Clerk of the Shelby County Court in 1818, and held the position for over thirty years; raised a company for the war of 1812; was commissioned its captain; was subsequently promoted major ; served his country well; was a brave and skillful officer; filled many responsible positions in his community ; and was highly honored as a worthy and valuable man. He died at Shelbyville, in 1868, at a very advanced age.

RIGSBY, W. R., Lawyer, was born in Nelson County, Kentucky, November 14, 1797; and was the son of Nathaniel Grigsby, a worthy farmer of that county. He received his early education in the country schools, and started in life as a teacher. He afterwards began the study of law, under James I. Dozier, who was then a

law practitioner in Shepherdsville, and began the prac- tice of his profession in 1822. He afterwards removed to Louisville, where he practiced successfully for five years. In the days of Andrew Jackson, he was nomi- nated, on the Whig ticket, in Bullitt County, for seven years in succession, for the Legislature. At first the party was not strong enough to elect a candidate, but he was finally honorably elected, and, for several years, served as a member of the Legislature from Bullitt and Nelson Counties. He removed to Bardstown, Nelson County, and is now the oldest law practitioner of Nel- son County. He is still of vigorous intellect, working successfully at his profession. In politics, he has always been a Whig, and is yet devoted to the principles of that party. He has been, throughout his life, a man of exemplary moral and social habits; occupies a fine posi- tion in his profession; has, for over half a century, been one of the leading members of his community ; and is one of the few remaining landmarks of the old brilliant days of the legal profession in Kentucky. He was mar- ried, in 1844, to Miss Martha A. Newman, sister of the late Judge Newman, of Louisville. By this marriage he had four children.

PENCER, HON. SAMUEL A., Lawyer, was born February, 1803, in Charlotte County, Virginia; and died March 12, 1871, at Greens- burg, Kentucky. His father died when he was quite young, and, in 1817, his mother, who was a pious woman and a lady of great worth, moved to Kentucky, and settled near Greensburg, Greene County. His mother, believing that " he that hath a trade has an estate," put him to learn the trade of harness-making, at the age of fifteen. His opportu- nities for acquiring an early education were very limited, but, having a great fondness for books, he occupied his leisure hours in study, acquainting himself with the literature of the day and obtaining a practical knowl- edge of the ordinary branches of cducation. After commencing business for himself as a saddler, he began the study of the law, and in due course of time was licensed to practice, and for many years devoted his energies exclusively to the practice of his profession. He was a fine speaker and became an excellent lawyer, especially did his reputation become high in the man- agement of land cases. His great earnestness and known honesty gave him great force in the court and with his professional brethren. For the last quarter of a century he connected with his other business the col- lecting of pensions, and that, together with his other extensive professional interests, made him one of the busiest men in the country, and largely absorbed his whole attention, giving him little opportunity to enjoy

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the ordinary demands of society. He served in the State Senate for four years ; was County Judge for a term of years ; was for a long time a Justice of the Peace ; held many offices of minor importance connected with the town schools and other interests in his community. Amidst all his varied employments he did not neglect his duties as a Christian gentleman ; was for many years a member of the Baptist Church ; was a long time super- intendent of its Sunday-school, at Greensburg; and one of its most upright and exemplary and valuable mem- bers. Although his business interests were somewhat extended, he never ceased to practice his profession from the time he first entered upon it; was possessed of many admirable traits ; had fine judgment ; was able to endure a great amount of hard labor, undertaking with alacrity every thing that fell to his care ; and throughout liis life presented a record of active usefulness, com- manding admiration and respect.

OOMBS, CAPT. SAMUEL WILLIAM, M. D., was born August 9, 1830, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. His parents were both native Ken- tuckians, of Virginia ancestry. His father was a physician, but died at the early age of thirty- one, while practicing his profession, in connec- tion with Drs. Bryant and Young, at Elizabethtown, Kentucky. S. W. Coombs was educated at Bowling Green; and, in 1850, began reading medicine with Drs. Briggs, Atchison, and Briggs, and graduated, in the Spring of 1853, at Philadelphia. He entered at once into the medical practice, in connection with Dr. Will- iam D. Helm, of Bowling Green; was subsequently as- sociated with Dr. T. B. Wright; continued that connec- tion until the commencement of the "war between the States;" took charge of Buckner's Division Hospital, which he had organized; remained in that capacity while the Confederate troops had possession of Bowling Green. He was subsequently detailed, by Gen. A. S. Johnston, to organize and take charge of the sick left at that place, on the retreat of the army. While serving in that capacity, he was paroled, on condition of not sustaining further the Confederate cause. In 1871, he became connected with the Green and Barren River Navigation Company, and began steamboating as cap- tain; and has, with the exception of short intervals, con- tinued so engaged since. He is now president of that company; and, since his connection with it began, in 1871, has not been engaged in the practice of his pro- fession. In politics, he has always been a Democrat ; and has been, for several years, Chairman of the Warren County Democratic Executive Committee, but has never held political office of emolument. He occupies a fine position in the medical profession; established a large

and valuable practice; has fine executive ability ; stands among the leading business men of his section; takes an active interest in all matters of importance to the com- munity, and is one of its most useful and valuable mem- bers. Capt. Coombs was married, June 11, 1853, to Miss Mattie Hampton, daughter of P. D. Hampton, of Warren County, Kentucky. They have eight children, four boys and four girls.

ILSON, WILLIAM MOORE, M. D., was born April 28, 1820, in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer by pur- suit, and a man of fine standing in his com- munity. Dr. Wilson received a fine literary education, mainly at Jefferson College, at Can- nonsburg, Pennsylvania; and, in 1843, commenced the study of medicine at Elizabeth, in his native State ; and, after continuing his medical preparation for four years, he attended one course of lectures, and, in 1847, entered upon the practice of his profession, at Elizabeth. In 1852, he came West, and located at Frankford, Mis- souri, where he established a large and valuable busi- ness. In 1859, he attended lectures and graduated in the Medical College of Ohio, and was soon after located, with a view to educating his children, at Hanover, Missouri, where he remained until the opening of the civil war. He entered the Confederate army; received his first appointment at Fort Pillow, under Gen. Polk; continued in the service until the close of the war, par- ticipating in many of the great battles; and, during the last six months, was in charge of the division field hos- pital. At the close of the war, he located for a time at Cincinnati; subsequently, practiced his profession in Texas, for several years; and, in 1875, settled at Padu- cah, Kentucky. He is a Democrat in politics; is a Pres- byterian in his religious belief; and is a Mason. He stands high in his profession; is energetic and enterpris- ing; is up with the spirit of the times in his profession ; and, is one of the active and useful members of his community. Dr. Wilson was married, in 1842, to Miss Margaret J. Gray, daughter of James Gray, of Stew- artsville, Pennsylvania; and has two children, a son and daughter.

OORE, THOMAS HENRY, M. D., was born November 15, 1835, in Montgomery, Hamilton County, Ohio. His father was long at the head of an educational institution at Montgomery ; afterwards became a civil engineer; and was widely known throughout the State, and died in 1863. Dr. Moore received a liberal education, mainly, at Cooper Institute, Lawrenceburg, Indiana; and, in

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1857, attended lectures in the Medical College of Ohio. He afterwards returned to the country, and entered at once upon the practice of his profession. In 1870, he took another course of lectures, and graduated in the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the following Spring. He soon after located at Madisonville, Ken- tucky, where he has since resided, and established a large and valuable medical practice. He has occasionally contributed articles to the medical papers, and has taken an active interest in matters looking to the advancement of his profession. He has occupied the position of Gov- ernment examining surgeon for several years. He is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church; is the Super- intendent of its Sunday-schools; is a man of exemplary habits, good principles, is honest and upright ; has the confidence of the community ; is in the prime of his life, and has before him a career of usefulness limited only by his own ambition. Politically, he is klentified with the National Republican party. Dr. Moore was married, November 24, 1858, to Miss Jennie E. McNary, daugh- ter of Wm. McNary, who was long a member of the Legislature, serving in both branches of that body, and was otherwise prominent in his community.

UCKER, JAMES EDWIN, M. D., was born October 11, 1839, in Warren County, Ken- tucky. IIis family was of Scotch origin, but was, for several generations back, settled in Virginia, and his father, J. M. Tucker, was a native of that State; moved to Kentucky, in 1827, and was a farmer and tanner of Warren County for many years. His mother was Elizabeth Shobe, a native of Ohio, of German descent. Dr. Tucker at- tended the common-schools until his nineteenth year, when he entered Union University, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and subsequently finished his literary educa- tion at Harrodsburg; then commenced the study of Medicine at Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati ; after- wards attended two courses of lectures at Jefferson Med- ical College, Philadelphia, and graduated in 1864, under Gross, Pancoast, Dickson, Robley Dunglison, and Bache; immediately afterwards located in the practice of his profession, in Oakland, Warren County, Kentucky. He shortly afterwards removed to Louisville; but, in the course of two years, returned to Oakland, where he has built up a large and valuable practice, and has contrib- uted some to the professional journals, besides writing considerably on local matters. In politics, he has always been a strong Democrat, and is a political speaker of considerable ability. He has been a member of the Christian Church for many years; is a man of sound judgment, firm integrity, great ability in his profession, and occupies a high position in the estimation of his

fellow-townsmen. He was married, in 1864, to Sallie D. Moore, daughter of John Moore, of Columbus, In- diana. They have two children.

cFERRAN, JAMES BROWN, Lawyer, son of J. M. McFerran, a well-known farmer of Boyle County, Kentucky, whose father was a native of Virginia, was born September 17, 1841; he graduated at Centre College, Danville, Ken- tucky, in 1862, and for a while turned his at- tention to stock-raising ; but, in 1868, entered the law school at Louisville; received license to practice, the following year, from Judges Fox and Pirtle; opened an office in Danville, where he has since practiced with great success ; was at one time a partner of Judge Breckinridge, who entertained a flattering opinion of his talents and prospects. In politics, he is an active Democrat, and, in 1873, was elected to the State Legis- lature for two years. He was married, May 17, 1876, to Miss Mattie S. Davis, daughter of James H. Davis, of Danville. In his personal appearance, he is engag- ing, being of fine stature and commanding figure; and his exceptional success already places him in the front rank among the young lawyers of his section, and shows him to be one of the most promising members of his profession in Central Kentucky.

RADLEY, THOMAS, Banker and Merchant, was born June 23, 1811, in Madison County, Kentucky. He attended the common-schools of his home, and obtained a thorough knowl- edge of the plain English branches of learning. He was early compelled to commence the strug- gle for his daily bread; and, at an early age, appren- ticed himself to James R. Shaw, a blacksmith of his native town, to learn the trade. After mastering his trade, he resolved to leave his native town to try his fortunes in new fields of labor. Possessing a good knowledge of his trade, and, with a strong determina- tion to achieve ultimate success, he went to Lexington, Kentucky, the scene of his future toil and triumph. Arriving here with scanty means, he began the search for employment, and soon found a situation to work at his trade, on a salary of eight dollars per month. He continued to work at his trade, saving what little he could, from time to time, until he was twenty-one years of age. He then concluded to invest his dearly earned savings in a shop of his own, and thus commence busi- ness on his own responsibility. This was the humble beginning of a long and prosperous career. His busi- ness grew more and more extensive with each year; and,

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by his untiring industry and sterling integrity, he se- cured the confidence of all citizens. In 1845, his busi- ness had reached such a degree of prosperity as to enable him to add to blacksmith that of a hardware merchant. He established himself in this business at the corner of Barr and Mulberry, remaining in that lo- cation for five years. Here he found his business in- creasing so rapidly that in a short time he decided to change his store to more roomy quarters in the business portion of the town; and, in 1850, he removed to the commodious building he at present occupies on Main Street. Here his business continued to increase steadily until overtaken by the disastrous financial panic of 1873, which brought to ruin many a prosperous merchant and business man. Although trade was necessarily depressed for a time, during this universal stagnation, he came through the storm in a manner reflecting the greatest credit upon his business integrity and sagacity. In 1856, he purchased a fine farm of five hundred acres adjoining the cemetery at Lexington ; his grounds were adorned in the highest style of the landscape gardener's art, and were considered among the most beautiful in the State. He made this his family residence for a period of fifteen years; at the end of which time he decided to take up his residence in the city of Lexington; where he now oc- cupies one of its most palatial mansions, ornamented by all that wealth and refined taste can contribute. In 1873, he added to his acquisitions of real estate two large farms: one located near Sandersville, three miles from Lexington; and the other, consisting of two hun- dred and twenty-five acres, on the Richmond road. He takes great pleasure in farming, and, when spared from the arduous duties of the counting-room, is found en- gaged in healthy recreation on the farm. In 1863, he engaged in the banking business, having for his partner James A. Grinstead, a gentleman of sound business in- tegrity and moral worth, establishing the banking-house of Grinstead & Bradley; which institution has met with uniform success, and has been conducted, through every crisis, with the characteristic energy and prudence of its managers; and stands to-day one of the most reliable banking-houses in the State. He has studiously avoided any steps toward public life; though frequently solicited to accept positions of "honor, trust, and profit," he has only once yielded to the wishes of his fellow-citizens to hold office; and was chosen member of the City Coun- cil, and held his scat for a term of two years. He was married, in 1836, to Miss Belle Beard, daughter of Col. Henry Beard, of Fayette County. The issue of this marriage was eight children, of whom but three sur- vive-two sons and one daughter. His sons are business men of Lexington. He lost his first wife May 14, 1858; and was remarried, in 1862, to Miss Nannie C. Clark, daughter of William Clark, of Indiana. He had two children by this union, of whom one now lives.

Mr. Bradley's course through life has been fraught with many vicissitudes of fortune, but, never despairing, he always looked on the brightest side of all misfortune, and, by his perseverance, eventually surmounted all obstacles, reaching the goal of his ambition. Beginning in life a poor apprentice boy at the anvil, he has, by his individual efforts, risen to be one of the most affluent, highly esteemed, and influential citizens of his town.

cNARY, THOMAS LOGAN, M. D., was born July 1, 1805, at Walnut Hill, Fayette County, Kentucky, and died May 20, 1874. He was of Scotch descent, and from that people inherited the sterling principles which distinguished his life. He acquired in his youth a good English education, and was a student in Cumberland College, at Princeton, Kentucky, soon after its establishment. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Daniel Caldwell, a prominent physician of Russellville; then attended lectures at Transylvania University, Lexington, and subsequently at the University of Louisville, receiv- ing the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the latter in- stitution. In 1831, he established himself at Princeton, where he soon became a physician of acknowledged ability and large practice, and, for forty years, was one of the leading practitioners of his section, and an active member of the State Medical Society. In January, 1833, he was married to Miss Maria L. Flournoy, a Vir- ginia lady. Their eldest son, Dr. Hugh McNary, is a successful physician of Princeton. Dr. McNary was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and contributed largely of his means and ability to advance the moral interests of the community. The ground on which Princeton College stands was his gift, and he also as- sisted in the erection of the building. In all the duties and requirements of his profession, he held a high posi- tion among his medical brethren. By his honorable character and sterling integrity, he became a shining example in his community, and his death called forth many warm expressions of regret, as well as earnest tes- timonials of his worth and usefulness.

ADDILL, OTWAY, Lawyer, was born some fifty years ago, in Trigg County, Kentucky. His father, Joseph Waddill, was a respected farmer of that county, and resided there for many years. Otway Waddill obtained a very good education ; attending Cumberland College, at Princeton, Kentucky, and afterwards completed his studies under George P. Street, of Christian County, a widely known and eminently worthy gentleman and scholar. Upon

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finishing his literary education, he decided to make the law his profession ; and, in 1845, commenced its study. He went into the office of Judge Collins D. Bradley, of Princeton, Kentucky, where he applied himself dili- gently, and, in September, 1846, was licensed to prac- tice, and shortly afterwards removed to Madisonville, Kentucky, where he opened an office, and has since been engaged in his profession. He rapidly rose in favor, and soon became a conspicuous member of the Madisonville bar. In 1851, he was chosen to the office of County Attorney, and held it for four years, and was elected to the same position in 1863, for a term of four years. He is a man of pronounced political opinions; was a member of the old Whig party, and, when that organization ceased to exist, identified himself with the Republicans, and is an active supporter of the Repub- lican policy. He was married, in May, 1851, to Miss Sarah E. Pary, of Madisonville; and, after her death, was married, in April, 1865, to Miss M. Maria E. Pratt, daughter of William Pratt, an old and worthy citizen of Madisonville. He has three children-a daughter by his first wife, and two boys by his second. He is an active member of the Christian Church, and has been an elder since 1851. Mr. Waddill has reached a high rank in his profession ; his abilities as a lawyer are unquestioned, and his success, attained through his indefatigable efforts and perseverance, is well merited. He is a gentleman of great moral worth, benevolent and philanthropic; is active in every good cause, and stands deservedly high in his community.

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 123

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