The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 69

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 69

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).

RANDEIS, SAMUEL, M. D., was born Decem- ber 4, 1819, in the city of Prague, in Bohemia, an Austrian province. Simon Brandeis, the father of the subject of this sketch, was for many years an extensive manufacturer of calicoes and muslins. The early education of Dr. Bran- deis was in the Catholic Gymnasium at Prague. At a later period, he studied medicine at Vienna; was a pri- vate pupil of Prof. Hyrtal, the great anatomist, and finished his medical studies in 1845. He immediately began practicing his profession in his native city, re- maining there during the next three years; when, hav- ing become involved in the political troubles attending the revolution against the Austrian rule in Bohemia, he was compelled to leave the country; emigrated to the United States, and settled at Madison, Indiana. After practicing some three years in that city, his attention was drawn to the inviting professional opening in the city of Louisville. Having removed thither in April, 1852, he succeeded speedily to an unusually promising practice. In 1860, he was appointed Adjunct Professor in the Kentucky School of Medicine; in 1861, in the earliest hours of the civil contest, he offered his services to the United States Government ; served for a year in the Government Hospital at Louisville, and was detailed to serve as a member of the Board of Examiners, how- ever, resigning this latter position to re-enter upon private

395

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

practice. In 1866, in recognition of his eminent ability and integrity, he was made President of the Board of Examiners of applicants for pensions; and, in this capac- ity, received many letters from the department authorities at Washington, acknowledging his zeal and the value of his services. He also occupied the position of President of the Board of Health of Louisville. Dr. Brandeis is a frequent contributor to medical publications, upon a wide variety of subjects, interesting and valuable to the medical fraternity at large. In 1849, he married a lady from his native town; they have now seven living chil- dren. Dr. Brandeis is unostentatious, and of a warm- hearted temperament. His reputation and practice are not confined to the limits of his home, but extend in the adjacent parts of Kentucky and Indiana. He has been a practitioner for over thirty years, and has always been an eager and zealous student; he stands deservedly high in his profession, and in his private and social life is a man of admirable and exemplary habits.

USH, JOSEPH H., Artist, was born in 1794, at Frankfort, Kentucky ; and was the son of Philip and Elizabeth Bush. He went to Phil- adelphia at the age of eighteen, under the patronage of Henry Clay, and there studied art under Sully, subsequently pursuing his pro- fession in New Orleans, Vicksburg, Louisville, and Lex- ington, and attained considerable distinction. Among his best portraits were those of Gen. Z. Taylor and Dr. Benjamin W. Dudley. He was a religious artist ; and died January II, 1865, at Lexington, Kentucky.

RUCE, BENJAMIN GRATZ, Editor of the "Kentucky Stock Record," was born Decem- ber 19, 1827, at Lexington, Kentucky ; and is of Scotch and English parentage. His father was long a manufacturer in Lexington, when that city was the center of the manufacturing interests of the South-west. He received his early edu- cation under Rev. Charles Crowe, a learned Episcopal clergyman, and finished his literary training in Transyl- vania University. He studied medicine with his kins- man, Dr. J. M. Bruce, and, in 1850, graduated in the medical department of Transylvania University. After practicing his profession for one year, he entered into the wholesale grocery business, which he continued for several years. In 1865, in connection with his brother, S. D. Bruce, he started the "Turf, Field, and Farm," a paper which became widely known and of standard authority throughout the country. In 1873, he sold his interest in that journal, and, two years later, started the

"Live Stock Record," at Lexington. Since his eight- eenth year, he had written for sporting papers, and had now acquired a reputation which insured the success of his new paper. His knowledge on subjects connected with his paper is prodigious, and almost inexhaustible, giving to his writings the respect of all readers of stock literature, and placing him among the best judges in the country on all such topics. His stock of informa- tion on the pedigree and performances of the race-horse is very extensive, embracing as well the horse of Eng- land as of this country, and doubtlessly outranks any American in turf affairs. He was one of the originators of the "Stud-book," laboring on that work for several years, and, mainly through his proficiency, it became the only recognized history of the blooded horse in this country. He disposed of his interest in the "Stud- book" just after the close of the late civil war. Be- sides his writings for his own and other papers, he is the author of some poetic productions of merit. He is a man of large build, weighing over two hundred pounds; is quiet and undemonstrative in his habits, and somewhat retiring in his tendencies, devoting himself mainly to literary pursuits. On November 1, 1849, he was mar- ried to Louisa A. Chiles; and, of their nine children, three are now living.

AN SEGGERN, HENRY GERHART, Manu- facturer, was born in Berne, in the Dukedom of Oldenburg, Germany, on the 5th of August, 1814. In 1835, when twenty-one years of age, he landed in New York City, where he was variously employed, principally as carpenter, which trade he had learned in his native place, until 1841, when he moved to Louisville. His first employ- ment in that city was as carpenter, in the shop of Mr. Phillips. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Bahr- man, which, however, only lasted two years. In 1850, he commenced on his own account. In 1855, he com- menced the planing mill on the site now occupied by the Franklin planing mill, and succeeded in securing a good and extensive business, when, in 1861, his estab- lishment was destroyed by fire. He immediately re- built it, and was successful until 1872, when, although he was rapidly accumulating a fine fortune, he was forced to suspend, by being obliged to meet the pay- ments of others, for whom he had become security. His partners purchased the property, and he is now operating the mill for their mutual benefit. His life has been one of activity, and all that he had accumulated was the legitimate result of industry and prudence. In 1865, he was nominated as a candidate for the Legis- lature, and through his popularity was elected, serving one full term and part of the term made vacant by the

396

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

death of Mr. Irvine. For a number of years, he was a Director of the Falls City Tobacco Bank, and one of the organizers of the German National Bank, of which he served for some time as president. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and, for ten years, occu- pied the office of president of the congregation. In 1838, he was married, in New York City, to Miss Margaret Wordell, and is the father of three children, two of whom survive. His son, Frederick, is now en- gaged in the flour, grain, and lumber trade. Mr. Van Seggern is a fine type of the representative German, and is universally respected and esteemed as a good and useful citizen.

AVIS, SAMUEL, Editor, was born August 15, 1809, in Bedford County, Virginia. His father, John Davis, was early a farmer and tanner by pursuit ; moved to Cincinnati, in 1815, and was for many years a dry-goods merchant in that city. Samuel Davis received a good English education, in the best private schools of Cincinnati, and, at the age of twenty, entered the "Gazette " . office, under Charles Hammond, to learn the print- ing business; in 1834, went to Russellville, Indiana, where he published the " Herald," and served two years as Treasurer of the county; returned to Cincinnati, in 1844; became connected with the " Cincinnati Chroni- cle ;" in 1848, established the "Covington Journal," which was continued, with little interruption, until 1876, and in that year he became interested in the "Coving- ton Ticket." Until 1860, he was a member of the Whig party, but has since been identified with the Democracy, and now sustains the policy of President Hayes. He is a man of fine habits, agreeable and attractive manners, and has long occupied an influential position in his com- munity. Mr. Davis was married, in 1834 to Miss Re- becca Wallace, of Logan, Ohio. They have four living children. Two of his sons are printers.

ELM, HON. WILLIAM S., was born in Lin- coln County, Kentucky, May 6, 1806. Joseph Helm, his father, relative of Gov. John L. Helm, was a farmer, and emigrated from Vir- ginia to Kentucky early in the settlement of the State. He was three times married, and was the father of twenty-one children, all of whom lived to mature years. He was prominent in the early Indian troubles ; held important positions in his county; and was justly distinguished among the leading men of the county. On the farm where lie first settled, in Lincoln County, he died, in his eightieth year. The subject of this sketch, after acquiring a, fair education, spent three

years as Deputy Clerk in the County and Circuit Courts of Lincoln County. February 23, 1830, he was mar- ried to Miss Rebecca Henton, of Shelby County, whose father, Major Wm. Henton, was believed by some to be the first white male child born in Kentucky, at Harrod's Station. During the year of his marriage, he settled on a farm in Shelby County, where he lived until 1874. In 1842, he was induced by his friends to become a can- didate for the Legislature. This was during one of the most remarkable monetary and business crises in the his- tory of the State, when the productions of the farm sold at a merely nominal rate, and general bankruptcy threat- ened the country. He took the relief side of the di- lemma, advocating the necessity of the State Govern- ment coming to the relief of the people. This made him popular, and secured his election. He served one term in the Legislature, with honor to himself, and ac- ceptably to his constituency. He was many years mag- istrate in the county, and was "High Sheriff" at the time the new Constitution came into effect. He was afterwards often sought to take public positions; but these he declined, preferring the quiet and certainty of home to the vexations and chances of politics. He has always been a man of strong and well-defined political and social views; and, when the rebellion broke out, convictions of right induced him to take the side of the South; yet he took no active part in the war against the Union. In 1874, he removed to Eminence, Henry County, where he has since resided, actively engaged in the coal and lumber business. He has for many years been a member of the Christian Church. He is one of the oldest men of the county, and few men of his age, anywhere, enjoy such a high degree of physical and men- tal strength. He is now, at seventy, one of the finest specimens of a well-preserved gentleman, in every way sustaining the traditional popular characteristics of the Helm family. January 3, 1856, Mr. Helm was again married, to Miss Ann Collier, who is now living. From his first marriage, he had ten children, seven of whom are now living. He has also raised the three children of his first daughter, Mrs. Mary Hocker.

HARP, COL. SOLOMON, Lawyer, a native of Virginia, was born in 1787, and while a boy was brought to Kentucky by his parents, who settled near Russellville. His father had been a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Col. Sharp enjoyed the limited educational advan- tages peculiar to many men who have become distin- guished in the affairs of the country, and, at the age of nineteen, was admitted to the bar. He entered the law profession without influence, and rose to be one of the most distinguished and able men of the State. As soon

Eng ª & Pt4 by Homer Les & Co.N.Y.

399

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

as eligible he was elected to the Legislature and was frequently re-elected, both from Logan and Franklin Counties, and acquired distinction in the deliberations of that body ; from 1813 to 1817, he was a member of Congress, and was one of the foremost supporters of the administration of President Madison, who considered him the ablest man of his age who had represented the West. He married the accomplished daughter of Col. John M. Scott, of Frankfort, and removed to that city, where he remained during his life, and where he estab- lished the reputation of being one of the most able and successful lawyers of Kentucky. He was appointed, by Gov. Adair, Attorney-General of the State, filling that important position with great satisfaction to the country. In the midst of a most honorable career, he was assas- sinated at his own house, in Frankfort, November 6, 1825. The terrible event caused a feeling of horror throughout the country, and the Legislature offered a large reward for the apprehension of the murderer.

AYRE, DAVID A., Banker, was born March 12, 1793, in Madison, New Jersey. His parents were in humble circumstances, but were indus- trious and honest, and, above all, were Chris- tians. In 1811, he came to Kentucky and settled at Lexington, where he resided continu- ously until his death. At the time of his arrival in Lexington, he was without money and without friends. He had acquired a knowledge of silver-plating, and to that devoted himself until 1823, and for the next six years connected with his trade a broker's office. In 1829, he turned his attention wholly to the banking business, in which he amassed a large fortune, and for half a century was one of the most valuable citizens Lexington ever had. He had a rare combination of gifts; although greatly devoted to the acquisition of wealth, was at the same time a cheerful giver, and never displayed the traits of the miser or spendthrift ; trusted to his head in trading, and to his heart in giving, and rarely found either to fail him; without a very lib- eral education, he belonged to that class of men who despise alike help or hinderance in making their way in the world. He brought unbounded cheerfulness every- where into his presence, and, while being innately mod- est, detested rowdyism and profanity. He possessed peculiarities and eccentricities, but they rather served to bring him into general favor. He was a man of strong and subtle intellect, which gave him great promptitude in action, and his conclusions hardly cver failed in bringing about the highest good. He was always ready to co-operate in any public enterprise by which the city in which he resided, or the State of his adoption, might receive bencfit, ever contributing with a liberal hand to

the accomplishment of that end. His influence and power were not felt alone among business men. His office was the resort of the most distinguished men of Central Kentucky, numbering among his associates, Clay, Crittenden, Wickliffe, and Morehead, and by them his advice was considered wise and good. The manner in which he used his wealth, probably more than any thing else, is worthy of regard; avarice never took possession of him, and bitter thoughts never poi- soned the milk of human kindness in his heart. As he grew rich, he commenced distributing; and, as he ad- vanced in age, he became gentler and more loving. He was an earnest Presbyterian of the Calvinistic school, and yet was without narrowness or bigotry in his views and charities. He recognized his dependence on his Creator, and therefore felt his obligations to man. It was this, no doubt, to a great extent, which led him to bestow his bounties, and to extend his hand for the good of those around him. He looked well after the interests of his family, then to the interests of his neigh- bors, and, finally, to the general public; and, having no children of his own to be educated, he devoted his means and heart largely to the education of others. In 1854, he donated to the trustees, in perpetuity, for female cducation, the costly buildings and grounds now occu- pied by the institution known as the Sayre Female Insti- tute. To that magnificent gift he added largely during his life, until the institution which bears his name, in the completeness of its appointments for educational purposes, ranks as one of the first in the valley of the Mississippi. In 1825, Mr. Sayre married Abby V. Ham- mond, of Norfolk, Virginia, who was his faithful coun- selor, and encouraged him in his good works. She still survives him. He died in Lexington, September II, 1870, and his death was accompanied by every demon- stration of sorrow and respect, from the citizens at large, the officers of Sayre Institute, of which he was the founder and benefactor, and from the Northern Bank of Kentucky, with which he had been from time to time connected. The fountain of his moral life and actions was Christianity, and, abiding firmly in the fulfillment of the great faith in which he had lived, he sank peacefully into the arms of death. His place may not be filled in a generation.

UDLEY, HON. WILLIAM A., Lawyer, was born June 9, 1824, at Lexington, Kentucky, and was the son of Dr. Benjamin W. Dudley. He received a liberal education, graduating at Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1842; studied law, and entered into practice at Lexington, in 1844; was appointed Quartermaster-General of Ken- tucky, in 1861; was elected to the State Senate, and served in that body from 1865 to 1869; in 1866, became

400

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

President of the Louisville and Lexington Railroad, and | member of the firm of J. T. & J. Speed, composed of soon after began the construction of the Louisville Short Line, from La Grange to Cincinnati. He was a man of admirable executive ability, and displayed many of the fine traits which had distinguished the old families from which he descended. He died March 19, 1870.

PEED, HON. JAMES, Lawyer and Statesman, was born March II, 1812, in Jefferson County, Kentucky. His ancestors came from England, and settled in Virginia about 1695. His grand- father, James Speed, was a captain in the Revo- lutionary War, and came to Kentucky in 1783. His father, John Speed, settled in Jefferson County, when a young man, and there resided until his death. James Speed is the oldest son of a large family of chil- dren. He received his early education at a school in his father's neighborhood, from which he entered St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1828. He then spent two years in the office of the Clerk of the Jefferson County Court; at- tended lectures in the Law School at Lexington; in 1833, entered on the practice of the law at Louisville ; gave his undivided attention, with great success, to the profession until 1847; in that year, was elected to the State Legislature; in 1849, was the emancipation candi- date, against James Guthrie, pro-slavery candidate, for the office of delegate to the State Convention, called to frame a new Constitution for Kentucky, but was defeated; from 1856 to 1858, was Professor in the law department in the University of Louisville, while at the same time assiduously and successfully prosecuting the business of his profession; in 1861, took a decided stand for the Union, against secession ; was appointed mustering officer for the Union troops organized in Kentucky, under Mr. Lincoln's first call for volun- teers; in the same year, was elected to the State Senate, and served until 1863. In 1864, he was ap- pointed Attorney-General of the United States, by Mr. Lincoln, and continued to occupy that position until July, 1866, when he resigned, because of the de- cided difference in political sentiments between himself and Andrew Johnson. In 1866, he presided over the Convention of Southern Unionists who were opposed to the policy of President Johnson, which met at Philadel- phia. In 1868, he received the vote of Kentucky, in the National Republican Convention, for nomination for the Vice-Presidency ; was a delegate to the National Republican Convention of 1872, and in 1876, serving each time on the Committee on Resolutions ; in 1872, was again made Law Professor in the University of Louisville, which position he now fills; and is also act- ively engaged in the practice of the law, being senior

himself, his son, James Speed, Jr., and Thomas Speed, a relative. As a man, he is void of all pretense, is gener- ous and confiding ; is firm in maintaining what he con- scientiously believes to be right; while desiring the approval of his fellow-men, is yet ready to support his principles against opposition ; his high integrity, uniform courtesy, punctiliously fair dealing with members of his profession, having won for him the highest esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a speaker of great force and precision, often rising to eloquence; possesses fine practical business talent ; displays an unu- sual amount of accurate legal learning and executive skill ; and is not only one of the most distinguished and successful lawyers in Kentucky, but also stands in the front rank of his profession in the country. Mr. Speed was married, in 1840, to Jane Cochran, daughter of John Cochran, a Scotchman, who came to Kentucky, from Philadelphia, in 1835. They have had seven sons, six of whom are living. The oldest entered the Union army at the age of eighteen, and served as staff officer throughout the war. In the family circle, the most pleasing traits of Mr. Speed's character are displayed; his house being unshowy, and surrounded by an air of comfort and contentment. At his hearth-stone, youth, manhood, and age mingle in freedom unrestrained, save by love and respect.

ANDELL, LUNSFORD PITT, JR., M. D., Surgeon and Physician, was born June 6, 1837, at Craggy Bluff, Rutherford County, Tennessee. His father, L. P. Yandell, Sr., is a physician, of Scotch-English ancestry, who located at Louisville, Kentucky, attaining the highest pro- fessional eminence and distinction for a period of over forty years; and is, perhaps, as widely known as any other physician in the State. The subject of this sketch received his early education in a select school, at Louis- ville, where he remained till his seventeenth year; he then began the study of medicine, in the University of Louisville, where he graduated in 1857; he afterwards studied one year in the dispensary and hospital at Louis- ville. In 1858, he removed to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began the practice of his profession. In 1859, he was appointed to the Chair of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Memphis Medical College. On the 4th of May, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army, as a private, in the Fourth Tennessee Regiment ; was soon appointed assistant surgeon, and subsequently sur- geon, of his regiment. He afterwards served as brigade surgeon, medical inspector, and medical director. He took the oath of allegiance, and was paroled April 15, 1865, in North Carolina, serving at that time on the staff

401

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA.

of Major-General Hardee. In August, of the same year, he came to Louisville to practice his profession ; in 1869, he was appointed Professor of Materia Medica and Clin- ical Medicine in the University of Louisville, where he is now Professor of Therapeutics and Clinical Medicine. In 1867, he went to Europe to study venereal and skin diseases. While there, he was the active correspondent of the "Louisville Courier," "Louisville Journal," "Western Journal of Medicine," "Nashville Journal of Medicine," and the " Atlanta Medical Journal." As a writer, he has fairly earned the reputation of being forcible and pungent. His medical contributions have many admirers in the ranks of the profession, and have been extensively copied by the medical press. IIis style is vigorous and compact, without verbiage, and especially marked by good common sense. His letters to his father, during the war, were occasionally printed in the "Cour- ier," and widely copied. One of these letters complete was adopted by the Government in its records of the rebellion. Dr. Yandell was married, in December, 1867, to Louise, daughter of William R. Elliston, of Nash- ville, Tennessee, and by the union he has three children. As a physician, he has a large practice, and belongs to a family whose name is almost synonymous with the pro- gress of medicine in the State during the last half cent- ury. He has attained professional eminence and honors while yet barely in the prime of life. He is very practi- cal, cautious, and provident ; is a man of splendid ap- pearance, and pleasing, attractive manners; is a genial companion, and extremely broad and charitable in his life; is one of the most easy, able, and versatile writers in the country, and one of the most accomplished and successful physicians in Kentucky.

HILLIPS, REV. WILLIAM, Clergyman, was born May 7, 1797, in Jessamine County, Ken- tucky. In 1828, he was licensed to preach; and, after engaging as a local preacher until 1831, was received on trial by the Kentucky Conference, and appointed to the Winchester Circuit. Hc was next stationed at Lexington, and sub- sequently at Newport and Covington. He not only ex- hibited a high order of talent, but also began to be felt, in the Church, as a writer of great force. His articles in the "Western Christian Advocate," on Campbellism, were remarkable for their force and clearness, and attracted general attention throughout the Church, they being published in book form, afterwards, by request of the Kentucky Conference. In 1836, he was elected assistant editor of the " Western Christian Advocate," but was soon after attacked with fever, and died August 4, 1836. He excelled in every department of the Chris- tian ministry, and, as a practical preacher, had few

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 69

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