The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 136

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 136

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

H. D. Nevanno.

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since which time he has formed new associations in his business. In 1855, he was elected to the Legislature, serving one term, and, although frequently urged to accept political position, he has persistently declined, preferring to devote his energies to his profession, in which he has deservedly taken a high place. In politics, he is connected with the Democracy, and, being a fine popular speaker, is often called upon to advocate the interest of his party before the people. He was origi- nally a Clay Whig. He has been for many years con- cerned in most of the leading causes at law in his district. He is an advocate of uncommon strength; has been characterized through his life for his sense of honor and social integrity ; possesses many admirable personal and social qualities ; and not only as a lawyer, but also as a citizen, occupies a high place in his community. Mr. Russell was married, in 1838, to Miss Mary L. Russell, a native of Kirkaldy, Scotland, and sister of the distin- guished scholar, Rev. James L. Russell. They have reared a family of seven children, all of whom fill hon- orable places in the community.

RICE, A. D., M. D., was born September I, 1839, in Clarke County, Kentucky. His grand- father, Moses Price, a Virginian by birth, set- tled at Lexington at an early day, and served, for a number of years, as Marshal of the State of Kentucky. The Price family is of English origin. His father, Dr. Andrew B. Price, was a phy- sician of some note in Clarke and surrounding counties. He married a Miss Watkins, and their third son is the subject of this sketch. Dr. A. D. Price received his education in the common-schools of his native county, at Harrodsburg High-school, and at Kentucky Uni- versity, then located at Harrodsburg. In 1861, he com- menced the study of medicine under his father, at Har- rodsbarg; in i863, went to New York, and attended lectures in the New York Medical College; attended two courses of lectures in that institution, and gradu- ated; took one course in the medical department of the University of Louisville, under the presidency of Hon. James Guthrie; and, in 1865, commenced the practice of his profession in Harrodsburg, where he has since resided. He is a member of Mercer County Medical Society, of the Central Kentucky Medical Association, of the Kentucky State Medical Society, of the American Medical Association; has been Presi- dent of the Mercer County Medical Society; is now President of Central Kentucky Medical Association ; has been a delegate to the conventions of that and the State society ; has been a frequent contributor to the literature of the profession, his articles being occasionally copied in the medical journals ; and has already taken a prom-

inent and enviable position in the medical profession of the State. He is a member and elder of the Presby- terian Church; and, although passionately devoted to his profession, takes an active interest in every thing re- lating to the public welfare. Dr. Price was married, March 9, 1871, to Miss Linnie Henry, of Mobile, Alabama.

LACKWELL, JAMES S., A. M., was born No- vember 30, 1844, in Henderson County, Ken- tucky. His father, James J. Blackwell, an educated farmer, was a native of Lunenburg County, Virginia, and was a lineal descendant of John Blackwell, who was appointed Gov- ernor of North Carolina, under Charles II of England. His mother's maiden name was Jeffries; she was also a native of Lunenburg County, Virginia, and was a de- scendant of the celebrated Jennings family. James S. Blackwell was educated mainly at Hanover College, In- diana, where he graduated, with the highest standing of his class, in 1868. He was, shortly afterwards, elected President of Ghent College. In 1870, he became asso- ciated with Rev. B. H. McGowen, in the Faculty of Forest Academy, near Anchorage; and, in 1872, was ap- pointed Professor of Languages in Kentucky Military Institute, with the rank of major. In 1871, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred on him by Hanover 'College. In 1876, he was prevailed upon to purchase an interest in Forest Academy, and is now engaged in that institution, associated with Dr. McGowen and Col. Jasper N. Current. In 1876, he received the degree of Ph. D., from two institutions of learning, in recogni- tion of his remarkable attainments as a linguist. Al- though scarcely in the prime of life, probably no man in the State is acquainted with so many languages, or has carried his studies to such a vast extent in that direc- tion, speaking readily French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Danish, and reading Hebrew, Syriac, Ara- bic, Persian, and twenty or thirty other languages, an- cient and modern. Few men of the country have dis- played such ability in the acquisition of language, and have reached such a degree of accurate scholarship at so early a period in life. He is a writer of ability, usually confining his writings to articles for the "Christian Ob- server" -- the representative Presbyterian paper of the South-and to magazine articles, in connection with his researches in the languages, having little time for ex- tended work with his pen. He has the power to sustain any amount of mental labor ; has a good physical organ- ization ; possesses splendid personal habits, and, it would scem, has before him a career of singular literary em- inence. Prof. Blackwell was married, July 8, 1870, to Miss Mary Eva Smith, grand-niece of Hon. Henry S. Lanc, of Indiana.

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ARTH, GOTTLIEB F., Manufacturer and Dealer in Furniture, was born April 13, 1823, in Würtemberg, Germany. His father, S. F. Barth, a miller and manufacturer of breadstuffs, had ten children, the subject of this sketch being next to the youngest. His parents died when he was at the tender age of five years, and he was reared by the hands of kind friends. He had been called Gottlib when an infant, but, in honor of his providential escape after a fall from a second-story window, he was baptized in the Lutheran Church under the name of "Gottlieb." He attended school in his native town until fourteen years old, when he was ap- prenticed for three years to learn cabinet-making. In 1845, he left the old country, and, after a passage of eighty-five days, on a sailing vessel, landed at New York. About a year later, he shipped as sailor-boy from New York to New Orleans, at which latter place he remained a year, working at his trade. He landed at Louisville, April 13, 1847; began working for Mr. Dodge on Fourth Street, continuing for seven months; then worked for Mr. Moore, on Third Street, and, sub- sequently, for a year, on Walnut Street. In 1850, he commenced business for himself on Market Street ; but, after six months, sold out and worked at his trade for a time; was then connected with John Stokes, as a silent / partner; carried on business until 1854, on Walnut Street, when they dissolved; G. F. Barth removing to Green, between Clay and Shelby Streets, and carrying on until October, 1856, a large furniture establishment ; then sold out, visited his native land, returned after four months, and resumed business at No. 271 Green Street, where he is still located. Mr. Barth has by his business activity acquired a comfortable fortune. He married Annie Barbara Hackman, of Louisville, and has by this union five children, one of whom is deceased. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, having been baptized and confirmed therein in his boyhood. Gott- lieb F. Barth is a gentleman of a charitable disposition, and noted for the hospitality of his house, and the up- rightness of his life.

ILLIAMS, AARON FUQUA, Educator, was born September 6, 1835, in Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky. He is a descendant of Da- vid Williams, one of the patriots who assisted in the capture of Major André. His father, Robert Williams, was a native of Buckingham County, Virginia; and was a minister of the Baptist Church. He was widely known and universally re- spected for his talents and virtues. Aaron Fuqua Will- iams received a very liberal education. Having early formed the resolution of becoming a professional teacher,

he devoted his whole energies to thoroughly qualifying himself for his profession. His earlier years were passed under the instruction of John D. Tyler, of Mont- gomery County, Tennessee; and, after undergoing a thorough preparation, entered Union University, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Here he pursued the study of the higher branches of education, making rapid pro- gress, and, in 1855, received the degree of A. M. He at once entered upon the duties of his profession, taking charge of a school at Bell's Chapel, Todd County, Ken- tucky. He remained at this place for three years, acquir- ing an enviable reputation as a teacher. He was next chosen as Principal of the Masonic Institute, at Cave City, Barren County, Kentucky. In this capacity, he gave entire satisfaction to all concerned; and his exem- plary conduct, varied talents, and accomplishments won for him the confidence and esteem of the public. After a period of .seven years' service as the head of this institute, he resolved to establish a seminary -to be organized and conducted under his own control. In accordance with this determination, he purchased the property of the Green River Academy, located at Elk- ton, Kentucky, where he has since been very actively engaged in the pursuit of his profession ; having, by his own untiring energy and perseverance, obtained a well-earned name for excellence in his calling. He has always been known as an entertaining and gifted extem- poraneous speaker, and, though his profession necessa- rily demands the larger portion of his time, he still is occasionally found on the rostrum. He has delivered lectures upon various topics in all the principal towns of his own and adjoining States, being every-where favor- ably received. When the war broke out, he joined the Confederate cause, and served through some of the prominent battles of the rebellion; he was present at Fort Donelson, participated in the famous engagements of Shiloh, Stone river, and Belmont, and, when peace was declared, laid down the weapons of war, to return to his home and resume his former vocation. He was married, December 22, 1857, to Miss Chloe E. Downer, daughter of John S. Downer, of Todd County. Five children have been born to them, the eldest daughter, Bessie, being a highly talented and accomplished young lady, thoroughly educated and conversant with all the branches of modern culture. Mr. Williams has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church since the age of sixteen years, and has for ten years been deacon of the Church. He is a most zealous worker in the cause of religion, and his labors have not been without a sal- utary influence. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for twenty years, and has delivered some val- uable lectures before his craft. When the Grange move- ment was begun, he became one of its active supporters, and gave his labors and influence to the advancement of the interests of this organization. Though yet a com-

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paratively young man, he has not only reached a flatter- ing degree of success in his chosen profession, but has also attained eminence in paths aside from his regular pursuit. He possesses an irreproachable character, and is of a most genial and happy social temperament ; is an indefatigable worker, and makes his mark in all his undertakings.

ILWARD, JOSEPH, Farmer and Retired Mer- chant, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, Au- gust 22, 1803. He was the only son of a respect- able merchant of Baltimore; his father died a few months before the birth of his son. When he had attained the age of four years, his mother removed to Lexington, Kentucky, where she remarried, and continued to reside until the date of her death. Joseph Milward attended the common-schools of his home, and obtained a sound, practical knowledge of the most useful English branches. Obliged to leave school at the age of sixteen years, to commence the bat- tle of life, he was bound to Thomas B. McGowen, of Lexington, as an apprentice in the furniture business. After mastering his trade, he left Lexington, to follow his trade as a journeyman in other places. He went to Cincinnati, working there for some time; from here, he came to Richmond, Kentucky; but, not being able to accomplish any thing, he left, and soon found his way back again to his native town. With the small capital of thirty dollars, he resolved to embark in business for himself; and, accordingly, opened a shop in the furni- ture business, on Broadway Street, in Lexington. Here he struggled along, encountering numerous . obstacles, and meeting with many discouragements, until about the years 1836-7, that period of universal bankruptcy among merchants throughout the country, when he found himself about three thousand dollars in debt. With this heavy load to carry, in the depressed condi- tion of trade on all sides, his future prospects did not look the most encouraging. But, taking heart, instead of being discouraged at the magnitude of the task be- fore him, he set diligently to work to redeem himself from all obligations. In this work he was eminently successful; for, in ten years' time, he had not only paid every dollar of his indebtedness, but had accumulated ten thousand dollars clear profit, by his industry. With this increase of capital, he began to enlarge and ex- tend his business, which continued to grow more and more extensive with each year. He changed his loca- tion, removing to Main Street, where he could have better accommodations for his increasing business, and finally removed to the spacious and commodious build- ing now occupied by his enterprising sons, who have taken charge of their father's business. When the war commenced, his sympathies were with the Union cause,

and his sons entered the Union army; one of them, Charles Milward, losing his life in the defense of his country. In 1865, after an active business life of nearly half a century, he purchased a farm near his native town, and decided to retire from business, leaving it in the hands of his sons, and seek the quiet and repose of a life in the country. In his politics, he was a member of the old Whig party up to the time of its disband- ment and the organization of the Republican party, when he became an active supporter of that party. By his first wife, he had eleven children, of whom seven have reached the age of maturity, and are honored mem- bers of society. He was remarried, in 1858, to Mrs. Keturah H. Grenell, daughter of Gov. Metcalfe. Two of his sons, Joseph and William, in partnership with a cousin, Joshua P. Shaw, are engaged in carrying on the original furniture business of their father in Lexington. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lexington, having joined it in 1834, and has always given his influence to the advancement and moral improvement of the community. Mr. Milward's path through life has been strewn with many difficulties, but, by his indefatigable industry and unbending determina- tion, he has surmounted all obstacles, and may in his declining years look back with pride upon a career which is a shining example of what sterling integrity and perseverance may achieve, unaided by any brilliant inherent qualities or auspicious surroundings. He is a man of firm convictions and sound judgment; devoted to principle, he is always found on the side of justice, and his career has been marked by an unwavering adher- ence to right in all his transactions with his fellow-men.

ELECMAN, WILLIAM EUGENE, Lawyer, was born April 28, 1844, in Nelson County, Kentucky. His parents were John F. and Lucy Selecman ; the former a native of Prince Will- iam County, Virginia; and the latter, of Nel- son County, Kentucky, and daughter of Will- iam McKay, a farmer of that county, also a Virginian by birth. His father came to Kentucky in 1819; at first, located in Washington County ; in 1832, removed to Nelson County; followed agricultural pursuits; and died in 1852. William E. Selecman was raised on the farm, and educated in the good select schools of the country. In 1865, he began to read law at Bardstown, under the direction of E. E. McKay, a prominent law- yer of that place; was admitted to the bar, in 1867, and at once entcred on the practice of his profession at Springfield, Washington County, where he has since re- sided. In 1870, he was elected County Attorney of Washington County. In politics, he is a Democrat. Religiously, he is connected with the Baptist Church.

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Mr. Selecman was married, October 28, 1873, to Miss Sallie Robertson, of Washington County, and daughter of Wm. J. Robertson, a merchant of that county.

IRWAN, EDWARD E., Lumber Dealer, was born August 4, 1831, in Kilkenny County, Ire- land. His father, John Kirwan, was a mem- ber of the celebrated family of that name, which attained great prominence in Ireland by their learning and talents. He was an exten- sive farmer in Kilkenny County, and possessed marked ability, and wielded considerable influence in his neigh- borhood. His wife, Catherine Nolan, was a descendant of the distinguished family of this name, whose mem- bers were among the most eminent and learned priests and bishops the Catholic Church has ever produced. Her uncle, Edward Nolan, being such a gifted rhetori- cian that he was known as the "Silver Tongue of Ire- land." Edward E. Kirwan passed the early part of his life upon his father's farm. He received such an educa- tion as could be procured, while spared from the duties of the farm, in the common-schools of his locality. When he had reached his twentieth year, he resolved to leave his native land, and become a citizen of the United States. Upon his arrival on this side of the At- lantic, he decided to take up his residence in the great West; and, making Kentucky his State, settled in Louisville, then a rapidly growing town. He was suc- cessful in soon finding employment, taking a position in a hotel called the Galt House. He kept this situation for two years; and, having shown ability and judgment in the discharge of his duties, was, at the end of this time, selected to take charge of the celebrated Mammoth Cave Hotel. About this time, the great excitement which followed the discovery of gold in California began to spread throughout the country; and he, with a few companions, concluded to emi- grate thither, and try their fortunes in the search for the precious metal. After undergoing all the diffi- culties and perils of the long journey, they at length reached the gold-fields; and at once purchased what was known as the "Indiana Claim," and began the laborious operation of mining. Their labors were rewarded, after a time, with tolerable success; and, after a stay of about six years, he had accumulated a sum of considerable amount. He now resolved to leave California, and returned to Kentucky to engage in busi- ness. Upon his return, he made the acquaintance of Mr. Van Seggern, an extensive owner and manager of saw-mills; and entered into his service. He remained in this business for a period of ten years, within which time he enjoyed a visit to his native land. In 1866, he became a member of the firm, which carried on the.

business of lumber dealers and manufacturers of house- building material, under the style of Hyde, Kirwan & Campbell. This was one of the largest concerns to be found throughout the South and West; and did an ex- tensive and prosperous business. The term of agree- ment expiring, the other partners withdrew, and he was left sole proprietor of the establishment. In 1872, he entered into partnership with Mr. John Henry in the lumber business; and has continued, under the firm name of Kirwan & Henry, in this trade, up to the pres- ent time. He was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, daughter of Henry Smith, and has five children. Mr. Kirwan's career is a bright example of what indomita- ble perseverance and untiring industry, unaided by any auspicious surroundings, may achieve; coming to this country poor, and without friends and means, he has, by his assiduous attention to business, reached a degree of success which reflects the greatest credit upon his efforts. He has just reached the prime of life, and is a splendid specimen of manhood ; stands well in the com- munity, and is an upright and conscientious citizen.

IMON, JACOB THEOPHILUS, Lawyer, was born September 9, 1846, in Grant County, Kentucky. His father, Francis Simon, is a na- tive of Normandy, in the north of France ; has through life followed agricultural pursuits ; em- igrated to the Island of Martinique, in the Lesser Antilles, about the year 1823, where he resided till 1834, when he came to the United States and settled in Grant County, Kentucky. He is now a thrifty farmer of that county. Eliza (Musselman) Simon, the mother of the subject of this brief sketch, is a native of Grant County, and daughter of Jacob Musselman, one of the pioneers of that county, and a soldier of the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on the farm, and was mainly educated in the private schools of the country. His nineteenth year he spent in Commercial College, at Covington ; and, in 1866, be- gan reading law at Owenton, under the supervision of Hon. H. P. Montgomery. In 1868, he was admitted to the bar, and at once began the practice of his profession at Williamstown. In the following year he located at Falmouth, Pendleton County, where he has since re- sided, actively engaged in a large, growing, and repu- table practice. In 1874, he was elected County Attorney for Pendleton County. In 1875, he was elected City Attorney, and re-elected in 1876. In politics, he is a Democrat. Religiously, he is associated with the Meth- odist Church. He is a man of fine personal habits; of exceptional business and professional ability ; is greatly devoted to his profession, in which he is remarkably successful; and, altogether, is one of the most able and

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worthy self-made men in his section of the State. Mr. Simon was married, September 17, 1872, to the beauti- ful and accomplished Miss Maggie T. McClure, a lady of great intellectual and moral worth, sister of John T. McClure, Ex-Sheriff of Grant County, and of the widow of the late Hon. W. S. Rankin, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Northern Kentucky, and daughter of John A. McClure, one of the oldest, most worthy, and successful farmers of Grant County.

HIERMAN, HENRY A., Wholesale Liquor Dealer and Rectifier, was born January 8, 1836, in the village of Lohe, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany. His parents are now residing, in venerable years, upon the farm on which the subject of this sketch was born. He received a common-school education from his seventh to his four- teenth year; he then assisted his father in farming till May, 1855, when, in company with two young men, neighbors, and of about the same age, he sailed for America, landing at Baltimore the 20th of July follow- ing. They came to Cincinnati, where, finding his uncle removed to Louisville, Kentucky, he bid his companions farewell, and started for that city. His uncle gave him work on a dairy farm for about a year, when, being dis- satisfied, he was taken into the liquor house of Kinder- man & Thierman, remaining with them as clerk till 1861 ; he then bought an interest in the dairy of a brother, who had followed him to this country, doing moderately well in this investment. In December, 1861, he visited his parents in Germany, and has since twice visited them. Returning in the Spring of 1862, he remained in the dairy business till 1863, when he accepted a position in the liquor store of Thierman & Webber. In 1865, he and Henry Leisman bought out the interest of Webber, the firm becoming H. A. Thierman & Co .; in October, 1866, he and Leisman sold out their interest, and com- menced business under the firm name of Thierman, Prante & Co .; upon the decease of Leisman, in 1868, the firm became Thierman & Prante; and, in 1872, Prante retired, the firm then becoming H. A. Thierman & Co., under which name they still continue. This firm has been very successful, and is ranked as one of the finest liquor houses of the Falls City. At the age of fourteen, he was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and has always been a devoted member of that religious society. In May, 1871, he made a trip, with his entire family, to his parents and the home of his childhood. He married, May 9, 1865, Louisa, daughter of John Simm, of Louisville; and has one deceased and three living children. Mr. Thierman is a member of the Knights of Honor and the United Workmen; is a man of warm feelings; and is prompt and upright in all

business relations, and is one of the most active and influential men among his countrymen residing at Louisville.

ARGIS, JUDGE THOMAS FRAZIER, Law- yer, son of John and Elizabeth ( Weddington ) Hargis, was born June 24, 1842, at Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky. His father was a native of Washington County, Virginia; was a lawyer, and never has changed his pro- fession; came to this State in 1826; first located in Pike County; in 1839, went to Breathitt; in 1856, removed to Rowan, where he now resides, at More- head, in the practice of his profession. He was for twelve years Clerk of the County and Circuit Courts of Breathitt County; was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1849; was Assistant United States Mar- shal, in 1850; and has been, for eight or nine years, County Attorney for Rowan County. His grandfather, Samuel Hargis, was of English origin, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The mother of this subject was also a native of Washington County, Virginia, of Ger- man origin, and daughter of Jacob Weddington, an early settler of Pike and Morgan Counties of this State, and a soldier in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and was educated in the private schools of the country. During the Fall and Win- ter of 1860, he studied law, while looking after his father's mercantile interests at Morehead. In August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Fifth Kentucky Confederate Infantry, under Col. John S. Williams. He served with this regiment until its time expired. After the battle of Princeton, West Virginia, in May, 1862, he was promoted to brevet second lieutenant, for gallant conduct in action, as a leader of the skirmish line. During this service he was engaged in the battle of Middle Creek. In October, 1862, he enlisted in Col. Jack May's Tenth Kentucky Confederate Cavalry, as a member of Company E; remained associated with the regiment until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles of Blue Springs, Blountsville, siege of Knox- ville, Big Creek, Crocket's Cove, Cynthiana, Mt. Ster- ling, and various smaller engagements. He was wounded in a skirmish at the foot of Card Ridge, in the Fall of 1863, by a minie-ball; was wounded, by a ball in the right shoulder, at the battle of Cynthiana, June 12, 1864, and captured ; on the following night, escaped; was wounded, by a musket ball, in the left knee, and taken prisoner, in Gen. Sheridan's fight with Early, in Vir- ginia ; was sent to Harper's Ferry; escaped, and was soon after rccaptured; sent to Old Capitol, at Washing- ton, and afterwards removed to Johnson's Island, where he remained until the close of the war. April 8, 1863, he was made First Lieutenant of Company E; on June

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 136

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