The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 24

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 24

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).

Engª & Ptd by Homer Lee & Co NY

I35

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

ville City National Bank; also, of the Franklin Insur- ance Company, and one of the Curators of the Kentucky University, at Lexington. Politically, he is a consistent and firm adherent to the Republican party. He is a devoted member of the Christian Church, and for many years has served it in the position of elder. He was never married, but is the support of a large family of relatives, dependent upon him. He has led an active life, and always been a hard and persevering worker. Possessed of the strictest integrity, he is a model of up- rightness and honor; carrying his religion into every business transaction; is a Christian during the week as well as at Church.

ALDWELL, GENERAL JOHN, was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, and came to Kentucky in 1781, settling near Danville. He figured actively in the early Indian wars, and rose, from the rank of a common soldier, to major-general of militia; served in the cam- paign of 1786, under Gen. George Rogers Clark; was a member of the Conventions at Danville, in 1787 and 1788, representing Nelson County; in 1792, under the new Constitution, became the first State Senator from Nelson County ; in 1804, was elected Lieutenant-Gov- `ernor of the State, under Christopher Greenup, and was one of the most highly esteemed and valuable men of his day. In honor of him, Caldwell County was named. He died, November 19, 1804, at Frankfort, when the Legislature was in session.

OERN, GEORGE PHILIP, Editor, was born September 16, 1829, at Nauheim, Duchy of Nassau, Germany. His father, G. W. Doern, was a soldier under Blucher and Wellington ; was awarded a medal for distinguished serv- ices ; was a tiller of the soil in Germany ; but, in order to better his prospects in life, emigrated to the United States, in 1842, locating, in the same year, at Louisville, Kentucky. The subject of this sketch began his career in a printing-office in Louisville; served an apprenticeship of four years, under Henry Brutel ; and, after working as a journeyman a short time, in com- pany with Otto Shoeffer he started the "Anzeiger," the first German daily paper ever published in that city, the first number appearing March I, 1849. This enterprise, at first, met with little encouragement, and he was com- pelled to do the greater part of the composition, deliv- ery, and drudgery of the work; yet, believing that the German population would eventually give support to a well-conducted paper, and feeling their necessities in that direction, he persevered in his work, although sur-

rounded by many obstacles; and, in the times of the Know-Nothing movement, his paper began to be felt as a power in the State. The "Anzeiger" has long been the leading organ of the German portion of the State; and, mainly through its editorial efforts, the German population of Louisville has been increased from a few hundreds to thirty or forty thousand. Adopting the most liberal policy in his conduct of the paper, and en- larging and adapting it to the demands of the times, it has become one of the most prosperous and influential journals published in the German language in the South- west. Aside from his business proper, he has con- nected himself with almost every movement of interest among his countrymen; has been, for many years, Di- rector of the old German Insurance Company, Vice- President of the German Protestant Orphan Asylum, and is prominently connected with many organizations of Louisville, and probably few men have done more toward the natural growth and prosperity of that city. In 1872, he was elected delegate at large to the Dem- ocratic National Convention at Baltimore, and was also a delegate to the Democratic Convention at St. Louis, in 1876. Although taking an active interest in politics, he has mainly confined himself to his business, in which he has accumulated quite a fortune. He has re- cently started, and is conducting with his usual ability, the "Evening News," published in the English lan- guage. Mr. Doern was married, October 2, 1851, to Barbara, only daughter of ex-Mayor Philip Tomppert. They have four daughters and two sons.

e URBANK, DAVID REDMAN, Tobacco Mer- chant and Planter, was born March 4, 1806, in Belgrade, Maine. He came of an ancestry dis- tinguished for courage, patriotism, and gen- erosity. His mother's father was killed at the head of his company, in the battle of Bunker Hill; and his father and paternal grandfather were officers under Gen. Washington, and served throughout the Revolution. His father, Eleazer Bur- bank, at the age of fifteen, enlisted under his father's command, in the Revolutionary army, and, by his gal- lant deportment, soon attained the rank of captain. His mother was Mary Bracket, a woman of superior quali- ties of mind and heart. His parents were in comforta- ble circumstances, and, being highly refined and intelli- gent themselves, placed great value on the education of their children. David R. Burbank was educated prin- cipally at Waterville College, in his native State, an in- stitution distinguished in the East for its production of some of the best scholars of the country. Although he left college before graduation, and entered actively into business life, he was a constant student, and took every

136

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

opportunity, throughout his long business career, to in- crease his knowledge, and was one of the most thor- oughly well-informed business men of the country. In the Autumn of 1828, he came to Kentucky, and settled at Henderson, commencing that life of mercantile pros- perity which resulted in the amassing of a large for- tune. His business enterprises were at first confined to his own section of country, but he soon became aware of the advantages of opening a direct trade in tobacco with the European markets, and turned his attention to the establishment of such a trade. His efforts were ex- traordinarily successful; yet he did not permit his in- terests, as tobacco-planter and merchant, to absorb all his energies. He strove earnestly to develop the re- sources of the region where he lived; encouraged every worthy business undertaking; liberally aided all schemes for the common commercial advancement; studied the condition of the mineral wealth of the State; and led to its practical development, by erecting salt-works, ex- ploring lead veins, and opening coal mines. In every quarter he left some monument of his enterprise, and it is largely due to his efforts that Henderson has risen to her present commercial prosperity. He was a man of great business genius, activity, and daring. Of him it might have been written :

"'Tis much he dares; And to the dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety."

Nor was Mr. Burbank a business man only. He appre- ciated and sought the society of cultivated men, and, but for the multitude of his business eares, would have given himself largely to literary pursuits. He traveled much, in this and other countries. In 1855, his indom- itable energy and perseverance, his excellent judg- ment and foresight, led him, in company with Judge Hawes, of Kentucky, Ex-Senator Riee, of Minnesota, and Gen. John C. Breekinridge, on a prospecting tour through the wilds of the great North-west. He made several trips to Europe; and, in-1867, made an extended tour through Egypt, Syria, and the Holy Land, and viewed the wreck and ruin of the famous cities of an- tiquity. His close observation of these great objects of interest, added to a perspicuous and agreeable style of conversation, an extensive general information, and a hearty, eordial manner, made him a delightful and in- structive companion. But of all the qualities that endeared Mr. Burbank to his associates, the one for which he will be the longest and most gratefully remem- bered was his benevolence. No charitable cause, at home or abroad, ever sought his aid in vain. To the cause of religion he was a constant and liberal contribu- tor. The poor, the friendless, the fatherless, and the widow felt the benefits of his charity. To give secretly was one of the pleasures of his life, and often his gifts

were known only to himself and the recipient. With the highest respect of his fellow-eitizens, with the esteem and friendship of the multitudes who knew him, and with the undying love of his family, he passed away, enriching the world by an example of a noble life. While on a tour of inspection over his plantations, he was taken siek and died, October 31, 1872. His remains were brought to Henderson, and interred with every demonstration of sorrow and respect. Mr. Burbank was twiee married. His first wife was Ann Isabella Terry, daughter of Mayor Terry, originally from Virginia ; eighteen months after she married, she died, leaving a son, Robert T. Burbank, who, at the age of sixteen, left sehool at Mt. Holly, New Jersey, and joined Gen. Walker at Nicaragua, where he died. He was a tal- ented, brave, adventurous boy, and aspired to military fame; but fell gallantly, at the outset of his career. He was aid-de-camp to Gen. Henningsen, who compli- mented him highly for gallant deportment on the field of battle. In 1851, Mr. Burbank was married to Miss Mary Frances Taylor, the only daughter of Colonel Charles. Mynn Thruston Taylor, and a descendant of the illustrious Taylor and Barbour families of Virginia. (Vide Bishop Meade's book, "The Old Churches and Families of Virginia.") His wife, and six children, namely, David R., Annie, Charles Mynn Thruston, Mary Taylor, Hannah Eugenia, and John Cabell Breck- inridge Burbank, survive him.

ODMAN, HON. JOHN, Lawyer, and formerly Attorney-General of Kentucky, was born at New Castle, Henry County, Kentucky, August 6, 1820. His father, Col. John Rodman, was a eabinet-maker in the town of New Castle, skilled and efficient as a workman, and proud of his avoeation. He was a man of superior natural talent, of sound political judgment, and of worthy am- bition. A Kentuekian by birth, he desired to take part in her legislation, and, aceordingly, served as member of the House and Senate for twelve years. In the war of ' 1812, he served with distinction ; was taken prisoner at the battle of the river Raisin, and confined for six months at Fort Malden, in Canada. He was a man of high personal courage, great force of character, and nat- urally inclined to leadership. His mother's maiden name was Foree, a member of the Virginia family of that name, having a large braneh in Kentucky. She is still living, at an advanced age, retaining many strong traits of character, and representing the integrity and moral and social power of the old stock. John Rodman was one of six sons, the two eldest of which are now dead, leaving him the senior of the family. One of the older brothers, Dr. Hugh Rodman, of Frankfort, died

137

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

of injuries received by being thrown from his buggy while going to New Castle on business eonneeted with the bank, of which he was president. He was distin- guished for his skill as a surgeon, and, for his great per- sonal worth, was mueh beloved in the community. As regards education, Gen. Rodman has little to reeapitu- late, having received his early training at what was known as "The Old Field School-house," near New Castle, where, to use his own expressive phraseology, " diplomas were not in order." If, however, he failed in an opportunity to distinguish himself at college, he did not fail in using his natural aptitude and ability to pick up an education as he went along. Sprightly and quick in intelleet, he received impressions with great ra- pidity, and had a remarkable faculty for retaining every sound truth and principle that came in his way. He be- gan active life as a merchant, presumably upon money furnished by his family, before having attained his ma- jority ; and, in a very short time, gave conclusive evi- dence that he was not designed for that sphere of use- fulness. After the éclaircissement of this adventure, he turned his attention to the law, began the study, and, in less than a twelve-month, was admitted to prac- tice. In this matter, however, he had excellent oppor- tunity, being a part of the time under the tuition of Judge Nuttall, of New Castle, and a part of the time under Judge James Pryor, of Covington. He refers with gratitude to the kindness of these teachers in the infancy of his career. He started the practice at La Grange, Oldham County, in 1842; remained there until 1853, when he went to Frankfort, where he has been ever since. He represented Oldham County in the Legisla- ture of 1850, serving only onc term. In 1852, being a Whig, he was elected as an Elector, in the Presidential race between Pierce and Scott. In 1859, he again became a member of the Legislature, representing Frank- lin County. He continued the practice of the law at Frankfort, with eminent success, up to the breaking out of the late war, when, on account of his sympathy for the Southern States, he was compelled to abandon his home, and, for two years, was resident in Canada. Re- turning about the close of hostilities between the sec- tions, he resumed his practice; and, in 1867, was nom- inated and elected Attorney-General of Kentucky, by the Democratic party. At the close of his term, in 1871, he was re-elected, and served until 1875, when he declined to be a candidate. As a lawyer, he is regarded as able, industrious, and brilliant. He prepares his cases well, and combats them with untiring fidelity. In debate, he is ready, easy, and sometimes eloquent. As a stump speaker, he is exceedingly popular, having the facility to make his points agreeably and clearly, and combining with logical demonstration a rare vein of humor. In satire and ridicule, hc can be decidedly aggressive; and, in a political campaign, according to Kentucky phrase-

ology, he is " hard to handle." Socially, he is the peer of any one; his wit is rapid, and his repartee quick. He has a wonderful facility in throwing aside all business eares, and entering happily into the amiabilities of the home eircle. Gen. Rodman was married to Miss Ann E. Russell, in 1844; and, after her death, in 1851, mar- ried her sister, Harriet V. Russell. He has had ten ehildren. His oldest son, John W., is now his law partner at Frankfort, a young man of industry and capa- bility, who has already attained an enviable place at the bar. His second son, Thomas, is a merchant at Frank- fort; his third, Russell, is engaged largely in the manu- facture of lumber at the same place. His oldest daugh- ter, Nannie E., has been lately married to Judge Grubbs, of Russellville; she is a lady of rare excellence, brilliant in society, easy and elegant, and thoroughly educated ; a woman of fine intelleet, and great strength of judg- ment and finely balaneed nature; she was the constant companion of her father. The rest of his children are under age and unsettled in life.

RAHAM, HON. ASHER W., Lawyer and Judge, was born May 17, 1799, in Harrison- burg, Rockingham County, Virginia. His father moved to Kentucky when he was seven years old, settling first at Versailles, finally locating at Bowling Green. He received his education under the care of Rev. John Howe, at Greensburg, Kentucky; studied law under S. P. Sharp; was admitted to the bar in 1820, and at once entered upon his legal and political career, in which he became greatly distinguished. In 1831, he was appointed Cir- cuit Judge by Gov. Metcalfe, holding the position until 1837, when all the judges resigned. On the reorganiz- ing of the courts, Gov. Clark appointed him to fill the vacancy caused by his own resignation, he being the only resigned judge who received reappointment. He held the position until .1849, when, by the resignation of Chief-Justice Breck, Gov. Crittenden appointed him to the Appellate Bench. After the inauguration of the new Constitution, in 1850, although he had strongly opposed that document, he again stood for the office in his own circuit, being elected without opposition. He held the position of Circuit Judge for thirty-six years, one of the longest terms ever known in the history of the bench, and with great ability and honor. He was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, serving in that capacity at Bowling Green, where he resided, until his death. He was prominently connected with some of the social organizations of the day ; was a man of un- doubted integrity; was distinguished for his dignity, honor, and justice as a judge, and for the purity and universal benevolence of his private life. IIe died, uni-

138

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

versally admired, honored, and lamented, in October, 1866. Lawrence A. Graham and Mrs. Sarah Smoot, the son and daughter of Judge Graham, were the only surviving members of his family.

USSELL, COL. WILLIAM, was born, in 1758, in Culpepper County, Virginia. In 1774, he joined an expedition, under Daniel Boone, against the Indians, and, from that time for- ward, was prominent in the Indian warfare of the West. He also engaged as a lieutenant in a mounted regiment, and, as aid to Col. William Campbell during the Revolution, participated in the en- gagements at King's Mountain, Guilford Court House, and other points of note. After the close of the war, he settled in Fayette County, Kentucky, about 1783, and took an active part in expeditions under Gov. Scott, Gen. Wilkinson, and Anthony Wayne; in 1808, was appointed to the command of a regiment in the regular army, by President Madison; and, after the battle of Tippecanoe, in which he distinguished himself, he succeeded Gen. Harrison to the command of the frontiers of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. In 1789, he was elected to the Virginia Legislature; and repre- sented Fayette County in the First Kentucky Legisla- ture, in 1792; and subsequently in thirteen sessions of that body, until 1823. In 1824, he made the race for Governor, but was defeated. After the close of the war of 1812, he retired to his farm, where he spent the re- mainder of his days, when not engaged in public life. Col. Russell died July 3, 1825.

OWLING, JOHN VALADON, was born Sep- tember 26, 1809, in Savannah, Georgia. His father was a Virginian by birth, and English by descent, and followed mercantile pursuits through life. His mother was of French origin ; was born on the Island of San Domingo; was educated in France; came to the United States in 1800, and died in 1863, at the age of eighty-three years. When a child, he was brought by his parents to Kentucky, and resided near Lexington for six years; but, in 1816, they removed to Augusta, Georgia; and, at the age of ten, was sent to Bacon Academy, at Colchester, where he was educated. On his return home, he entered a chemical laboratory, in Augusta, with a view to the study of medi- cine; but, after three years; was induced by his friends to enter a cotton commission house, where he continued until 1839. With the tide of emigration, he went to Texas; but, dissatisfied with the prospects of that coun- try, he came to Louisville, in 1841; and, soon after, en-

gaged in the book business, with James Maxwell. After the death of Mr. Maxwell, he went into the pork and provision trade, in which he actively and successfully engaged until 1863. From his earliest years, he had been a hard student; and, being compelled to use the night for his reading, his sight soon began to fail him; and he was forced, about this time, to retire entirely from active business pursuits. He was on the staff of Maj .- Gen. Wm. H. Montgomery; and, afterwards, served as aid-de-camp to Gen. Scott, in the Florida War. He was reared in the Protestant Episcopal Church, having been identified with that denomination throughout his life. In the Masonic Order, he has been especially distin- guished, being concerned in all the leading charities of that organization, and especially in the establishment of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home and Infirmary, of Louisville; has filled important financial positions in the order; has been one of the most distinguished and trusty workers; and is now Knight Commander of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor; an honor emi- nently deserved, as, by his great devotion to the order, in his night-work in connection with its books and busi- ness affairs, he mainly lost his sight; and now, although blind, his hands and thoughts are groping after the suffering and needy; being every-where surrounded by friends, and with the assurance of the presence of the Great Master, who works in the hearts of men to will and to do. Mr. Cowling was married, November 9, 1834, to Sarah J. Jones, eldest daughter of Hon. W. D. Jones, for thirty years Chancellor of South Carolina, who, with his father, Maj. John Jones, is honorably mentioned by Ramsey, in his History of South Carolina; and also by Weems, in his Life of Gen. Marion. He has four liv- ing children-three sons and one daughter.

ILLETT, ELDER WILLIAM W., Clergyman, was born March 8, 1848, near Meadville, Meade County, Kentucky, and is the son of Richard Willett, also a native of that county, and a worthy and successful farmer. His mother was the daughter of John Shacklett. He remained on his father's farm until his eighteenth year. He com- pleted his literary education in 1869, at Salem College, in Meade County ; studied theology for some time under Rev. Isaac W. Bruner, at Salem College; and was licensed to preach in the Fall of 1869, in the Baptist Church, in which he had been reared, and into which he had been baptized at the age of seventeen, uniting with the Church at Hill Grove, in his native county, in the Fall of 1866. After leaving college, he at once began to teach, at Vine Grove Academy, Meade County, occasionally preaching, until 1871, when he was publicly ordained, by a council of the Church called for

139

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

that purpose, and in that year took charge of his first regular Church, at Rockridge, in Meade County. After one year's successful ministration he removed to Jeffer- son County, and opened the school called Beachland Seminary, situated ten miles from Louisville, which he carried on for four years, at the same time preaching for the Churches at Knob Creek and Pitts Point, in Bullitt County ; in 1875, he took charge of the Bardstown Church, where he has remained, performing the duties of his ministration with great acceptableness, making many additions to the Church. He is zealously devoted to the cause of his Church, working assiduously in the name of the Master. He is studious in his habits, and, possesses considerable literary attainment ; has written quite extensively on various subjects connected with his calling, and is a poet of no mean abilities. He is a prominent member of some social organizations, and is an earnest advocate of every good cause and work in his community. Mr. Willett was married, August 4, 1870, to Miss S. K. Partlow, of Garnettsville, Kentucky. They have two living children.

EATTY, JUDGE ADAM, was born May 10, 1777, in Hagerstown, Maryland. He came to Lexington in 1800; studied law with Hon. James Brown; began to practice at Washing- ton, Mason County, Kentucky, in 1802; in 18II, became a Circuit Judge by appointment from Gov. Scott, and, after remaining on the bench, with distinction, for twelve years, retired to his farm, where he mainly spent the rest of his life. In 1809, he was elected to the Legislature, from Mason County; was sev- eral times re-elected; served in the State Senate from 1836 to 1839; was defeated for Congress, in 1829, by Nicholas D. Coleman, and, in 1831, by Thomas A. Mar- shall; and, in 1840, as Presidential Elector, cast his vote for Gen. Harrison. He was a man of excellent literary attainments, and a fine writer; and, in 1844, published his work on Agriculture. Judge Beatty died, in 1858, on his farm in Mason County.

ANUARY, ANDREW M., Merchant and Cot- ton Manufacturer, was born August 3, 1794, in Fayette, now Jessamine, County, Kentucky. His parents were Ephraim and Sarah January, both Pennsylvanians by birth. His father came to Kentucky in 1780; lived for three years at the fort, at Lexington; in 1783, located in Jessamine County ; was prominent in the Indian troubles of his times; was of French Huguenot origin; and died in 1823. His mother was the daughter of Andrew McCon-

nell, one of the early pioneers, who came to Kentucky in 1775, and was killed by the Indians in the fatal bat- tle of the Blue Licks, in 1782. Mr. January received a limited early education, but, throughout his long and active life, was an extensive reader, and a close observer, and was one of the well-informed men of the country. In 1812, he left the farm, and began learning the trade of silver-plating at Lexington, Kentucky. He served his apprenticeship, and worked at his trade for several years in that city. In 1818, he settled in Maysville, Kentucky, and engaged in the produce, grocery, for- warding, and commission business, successfully, until 1848. His trade extended over a large area of country, and established for him the reputation of being one of the most energetic, discerning, and upright merchants of North-eastern Kentucky. In 1848, he purchased an in- terest in the Maysville cotton-mills, and, until his death, in June, 1877, was, with his partner, B. W. Wood, en- gaged in the management of this business, which, in their hands, has not only been profitable to them, but has been of great benefit to the community. He never sought or held political office of any kind, but was al- ways actively identified with all matters of publie inter- est. In 1829, he was elected a director of the Maysville and Lexington Turnpike; and the building of that road was largely the result of his energy and wisdom, and the success of this work gave the first impetus to public improvements throughout the State. Mr. January was a Director of the branch of the United States Bank, at Lexington, Ky .; was the first President of the branch of the Bank of Kentucky, at Maysville, and afterwards of the Bank of Maysville, its successor, until his death-in all, a period of over forty years. He was the Vice-Pres- ident of the Maysville and Lexington Railroad Com- pany ; and to the Maysville and Lexington Railroad Company, northern division, its successor, he subscribed and lost more than twenty thousand dollars. He was largely instrumental in building up the little city of Maysville; his private residence, the block of business buildings which bear his name, the court-house, the Presbyterian Church, the improvements to the cotton- mills, etc., are all monuments to his industry and enter- prise. . His contributions to the Presbyterian Church, to Centre College, at Danville, Kentucky, and to every other worthy and .charitable purpose, were large. Mr. January was tall and erect ; always a man of good hab- its; of extreme courtesy and gentleness of manners; of great kindness and strong sympathies; and, altogether, was one of the most admirable, useful, and public-spir- ited business men Maysville ever had. He was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and was, for over fifty- five years, a deacon or elder in his Church. In pol- itics, he was a conservative, and was identified with the Whig party during its existence. His first Presidential vote was cast for James Monroe. In 1860, he voted for

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 24

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