The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 75

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

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cGOODWIN, PRESTON BEAUFORD, M. D., was born June 18, 1801, in Logan County, near Russellville, Kentucky. His father, Daniel McGoodwin, emigrated from Ireland at the age of six, and lived in North Carolina during the earlier part of his life. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Continental army, under his uncle, Abra- ham Beauford, and served gallantly in the cause of the country. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, but during her childhood was taken to North Carolina. His parents removed to Logan County, Kentucky, at an early day, when the facilities for acquiring an education were exceedingly limited. Dr. McGoodwin labored on the farm, and enjoyed the best practicable opportunities for learning, until his eighteenth year, when he entered a select school, under Rev. Dr. Comfort, at Russellville, and, after three years' hard study, became a good En- glish and Latin scholar. He chose the medical profes- sion, and after spending some time teaching school, he entered the office of Dr. Walter Jones, at Russellville, and after completing a thorough course of study, from necessity taught school for a while, and, in 1824, settled at Princeton, and entered with great vigor into the practice of his profession. After seven years' successful practice, he entered the medical department of Transyl- vania University, and graduated in the Spring of 1831. He has practiced medicine with great success, fifty-three years in the samc neighborhood, and has outlived every

resident of Princeton, with the exception of one man. His career, both professional and as a citizen, has been exceptionally valuable; a member of the Presbyterian Church, he has aided in the advancement of every relig- ious and moral interest in the community ; as a physi- cian for half a century, he has been one of the leading men of his county; and, as a citizen, he has been one of its most influential and valuable men. Dr. McGood. win has been twice married : first, in 1831, to Miss Grace Machen, sister of Hon. Willis B. Machen, of Cald- well County, Kentucky ; and, of their thirteen children, only four lived to the age of maturity. After the death of his wife, he was again married, in 1874, to Mrs. Sa- rah Blue, née Dislington, a native of Scotland.

EIR, COL. EDWARD RUMSEY, Lawyer, was born August 13, 1839, in Greenville, Muhlen- burg County, Kentucky. His father, E. R. Weir, was a native of Kentucky, and was one of the leading lawyers of his county. His mother's maiden name was Harriet Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller, a worthy citizen of Chris- tian County. His education was mainly received under Prof. James K. Patterson, President of the Lexington Agricultural College. He pursued his studies under this gentleman for four years, at Greenville; and, on leaving college, followed mercantile pursuits until the breaking out of the war, in 1861. At the opening of hostilities, he joined the Union cause, and succeeded in forming a company in the Eleventh Kentucky Volunteers, which made a good record in the war, doing gallant service in a large number of battles. He participated in the great battles of Shiloh, Perryville, siege of Corinth, and fol- lowed Bragg in his retreat from Kentucky, in 1862. In January, 1863, he was compelled to resign his com- mand, on account of failing health, caused by the cx- posure incident to life on the battle-field, and returned to his home, and resumed his former avocation. It was but a short time till he was again called to the field; for, in May, 1863, he was commissioned second lieuten- ant, in the recruiting service, assisting largely in the recruiting of the Thirty-fifth Kentucky Volunteers. On the 2d of October, 1863, he received his commission as lieutenant-colonel of this regiment, and served with it during the remainder of the war. This regiment was stationed, at various times, in Hopkinsville, Owens- boro, Henderson, Lebanon, and Bardstown. It took part in a number of engagements with prowling bands of guerrillas, whose depredations at this time were a source of great alarm among the loyal citizens. IIe was with Burbridge in his disastrous raid on Saltville, Virginia; and was mustercd out of service at Louisville, in December, 1864, when he returned to his home to

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resume his previous business as a merchant. He fol- lowed this pursuit, in conjunction with that of con- tractor, without intermission until 1874, when, having met with ill-fortune, he abandoned this employment, and decided to enter the profession of the law. After passing through the necessary study, he was licensed and admitted to practice in January, 1874, opening his office in his native town, and having for his office the identical room in which he was born. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Eliza Johnson, daughter of Dr. J. M. Johnson, a prominent physician of Atlanta, Georgia. They have five children-three boys and two girls. His political principles are in accord with those of the Republican party. He was, before and during the war, an uncompromising Abolitionist; after the war, he was found in the ranks of the Republican party, and, in 1874, was induced to accept the nomination for member of Congress from the Second District of his State, but, it being a stronghold of the opposition, he met with de- feat. Colonel Weir is a gentleman possessing many ex- cellent traits of character; as a soldier, he exhibited unflinching bravery ; as a citizen, his conduct has always been exemplary ; and, although barely in the prime of life, has taken position among the first men of his com- munity.

"LAYPOOL, ELIJAH, Merchant, was born September 22, 1808, in Warren County, Ken- tucky. His father, Stephen Claypool, was of Scottish descent, and was a native of Virginia. He emigrated to the West at an early day, set- tling in Warren County, Kentucky ; where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years. Elijah Claypool attended the common-schools of his home until the age of eighteen years, obtaining a thorough knowledge of the practical branches of educa- tion. After leaving school, he entered the flat-boat trading business, on the rivers; making as many as twenty-one trips from the Green river to New Orleans, Louisiana, and meeting with fair success. He left the river, and turned his attention to boat-building, and con- tinued to work at this for some time ; when, in 1836, he again entered upon mercantile pursuits. Having, while engaged in the river trade, become extensively ac- quainted with the merchants of a large extent of terri- tory, and with his experience in trading, he was, in every way, well fitted to carry on his chosen occupation. His first venture was in being intrusted with the dis- posal of a large cargo of tobacco, owned by the planters of Allen and Warren Counties; and he succeeded in discharging his trust in a manner satisfactory to all con- cerned. He next directed his attention to the pork business, erecting a large packing establishment in Warren County, and another at the town of Hickman,

on the Mississippi river. He was successful in these un- dertakings, and was soon enabled to open an extensive dry-goods house in Scottsville, Kentucky, at the same time commencing in the leaf-tobacco trade. He con- tinued in this trade, during the years of the war, with great success, his business soon assuming large propor- tions. At the close of the war, being encouraged by the success that had attended his former enterprises, he re- solved to build a pork-packing establishment of large capacity. But, with the closing of the war, there fol- lowed a general decline in the prices of the great staples in which he was largely interested ; and he shortly found himself embarrassed financially, his failure being largely attributable to others, in whom he placed implicit reli- ance. He was not, however, disheartened or despond- ent at this turn of fortune; but, with cheerful alacrity and energy, assisted by his youngest son, set about to regain all that had been lost. It was not long before he had faithfully met every obligation, and was once more on the road to prosperity, with a reputation for commercial integrity that was free from all suspicion, and without taint. He was chosen to the State Legis- lature in 1849, and served creditably. He has been for thirty years a member of the Baptist Church; and ren- ders all the assistance in his power to the advancement of religion, and the general improvement of the commu- nity. He was married, in 1844, to Miss Jane Burnet; and, losing his first wife, was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary Moore, daughter of Jesse Moore, of Warren County. Eight children live, to make light the burdens of his declining years. Mr. Claypool has, in the course of his long and eventful career, felt the sufferings of ad- versity ; but, never losing heart, he has, by his own inde- fatigable perseverance and energy, not only surmounted every obstacle, but has reached a degree of success highly creditable to his earnest efforts. Always upright and con- scientious in all his transactions, he is worthy of the con- fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

LANTON, ERASTUS LEE, Educator, was born April 4, 1844, in Cumberland County, Virginia. His father is of English descent, the family settling in this country about the year 1700, in Caroline County, Virginia, but afterwards removed to Cumberland County, in that State, where they now reside. His mother's maiden name was Rebecca Frances Lee, she being a descendant of one of the most illustrious families of Virginia. She is a niece of Judge Taylor, one of the leading jurists of his State, and related to the family of that distinguished General, Robert E. Lee, who will ever occupy a prominent position in the history of the country. Young Blanton was a very close student, and

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encountered many impediments in his early pursuit of knowledge ; but, with his indomitable perseverance and ability, he surmounted all obstacles, and acquired a liberal education. He pursued his academic course at Hampden Sidney College, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, and made such progress in his learning, that, in 1864, at the age of twenty years, he was sufficiently advanced to take the position of Assistant Professor of Mathematics, in Roanoke College, where he gave gen- eral satisfaction, and remained until the close of the war. Among his many self-taught accomplishments was that of music, in which he attained considerable proficiency, and was chosen Professor of Music in the Ann Smith Female Seminary, at Lexington, Virginia, discharging the duties of his new station with his usual ability. About this time he was obliged, on account of failing health, to give up teaching for a time, and take up a residence in the mountains; where, under the influence of the invigorating air, and healthful surroundings, he hoped to regain his former strength. Finding his health restored to such a degree as to allow the resuming of his labors, he went South, and, in 1870, took charge of Trinity High-school, at Pass Christian, Mississippi. He remained at the head of this institution until the Summer of 1873, when, find- ing the climate not agreeable to his health, he decided to return North. He accordingly left Pass Christian, and, coming North, located at Bowling Green, Ken- tucky, and opened a select school, for the teaching of applied mathematics, and the higher branches of learn- ing. He soon secured a reputation as a man of su- perior knowledge and culture, and, being so well quali- fied in all educational matters, was chosen member of the board which has charge of the examination of teachers, which position he held until called away to take the Presidency of Princeton College, which he honorably fills at present. He was married, in De- cember, 1869, to Miss Anna Margaret Snyder, daughter of Dr. J. M. and Lavinia Snyder, of Romney, West Virginia. They have three children, named respectively Kate L., Annie Lee, and Wallace C. Blanton. He has been a steadfast member of the Presbyterian Church since the early age of fourteen years. He assisted Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., in the compilation of a small work entitled, " Parliamentary Principles, and their Ap- plication to the Courts of the Presbyterian Church." This book is of great benefit to the Church, as a work of reference. He has considerable merit as a writer, his style being plain, and unembellished by any pretentious sophistries, and of invincible logic. Professor Blanton is a gentleman of great firmness and dignity of char- acter, his course has been one of unswerving fidelty to his trusts. He has been successful in his profession, and deserves to be classed among the first educators of the State. He is yet a comparatively young man, and

gives his whole attention to his chosen profession, in which he has reached his present high standing by his own perseverance and untiring energy.

RNOLD, THEODORE GRANVILLE, Edu- cator, was born February 13, 1851, in Hardin County, Kentucky. His family was of Irish descent, although several generations had lived in Virginia. His father, John C. Arnold, was born in that State, and, during his early life, was a teacher, but afterwards became a farmer in Hardin County, Kentucky. The mother of Theodore Arnold, was Lucretia Morrison, daughter of Isaac Morrison, of Hardin County, who emigrated to Kentucky during its early settlement, and was also a farmer. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was thrown upon his own efforts to obtain an education. This, to some, would have been almost an impossibility, situated as he was upon a farm, hard at work the year round, with only short intervals for study. But at an early age he had manifested a desire for knowledge, and a love for books, that were insatiable ; and these intervals as they occurred were so well improved, that, at the age of six- teen, he entered Salem College, at Garrettsville, Ken- tucky, that being the first year of its existence. One year only was spent in this college; and now he might be considered to have fairly entered upon his literary career; for, leaving Salem, he taught a school of two terms, at Vinegrove, Kentucky. He then took the posi- tion of assistant with Prof. W. B. Haywood, in his school at Sonora, Kentucky; and afterwards taught at Litchfield and at Hartford; he next taught at Caverna, Kentucky, where he remained one year, as principal of the school ; from there removed to his present position as Principal of the School at Oakland, beginning his labors, February 16, 1874. During the Summer of 1865, the degree of B. A. was conferred on him by the Cecilia College of his native county. In 1872, he mar- ried Miss Lydia B. Rogers, daughter of John Rogers, of Hardin County ; in the same year, united with the Christian Church, and has proved himself an earnest Christian ; he is also a member of the Order of Good Templars, and a strong advocate of the principles of temperance. Although young, Mr. Young has the matu- rity of mind and steadiness of character which mark him a man certain to succeed in whatever path of life he may tread ; while his modest and retiring disposition gain the esteem of all. Energetic, industrious, a close student, he is devoted to the cause of education, and in his short life has gained a position of greater trust than many men attain in a life-time. His seminary is large and flourishing, and he conducts it with skill and success.

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OBSON, JONATHAN, Clerk of Courts, was born in Halifax County, Virginia, in 1774, and died in November, 1863. His family removed to Greene County, Kentucky, while he was still young, and he there passed his early life; was made deputy sheriff of the county in his eight- eenth year, then went to Adair County, where he en- tered the office of the clerk of the court, and after be- coming familiar with the duties of that position, went into the office of William Chaplin, who was Clerk of the Court of Warren County; was also committee clerk in the Kentucky Legislature, and, upon the death of Mr. Chaplin, in 1811, was advised by his friends to become a candidate for his office; was elected, and held it till 1840. Politically, he was a strong Clay Whig, and an avowed Abolitionist, so much so, that, as a member of the American Colonization Society, he sent his slaves to Africa, and, with much trouble and expense, supported them there until his death; during the late civil war, was an active supporter of the Union cause ; in the war of 1812, participated in an expedition under Gen. Hop- kins, as far as the Wabash river, lasting only forty days, and which constitutes all his military experience; was an earnest professor of religion, exemplifying its prin- ciples in all his daily life; a thorough gentleman, and respected and valuable citizen ; a man of great natural talent and strength; of moral and religious convictions; of methodical and admirable habits, and possessed of those elements of character which would have given him success in any cause or position of life.

OBSON, ATWOOD G., Banker, was born No- vember 2, 1815, in Greene County, Kentucky; his father, William Hobson, being a merchant of that county, and one of the early settlers of the State. He received a good education ; and, at the age of fourteen, entered the office of his uncle, Jonathan Hobson, then clerk of courts at Bowl- ing Green, remaining with him twenty-one years, ten of which he was deputy clerk; in 1841, was appointed clerk of both circuit and county courts, and held the office till 1851. During this time he studied law, with Judge Graham; and, although he has never practiced, it has been useful to him in his other business. In 1857, he was made cashier of the Bank of Kentucky, holding the position till the beginning of the war, when he was obliged, on account of the Confederate forces taking possession of Bowling Green, to convey the funds to Louisville, for greater security ; being a strong Union man, was appointed recruiting officer, and mustered into the Federal army four regiments; returned, with the forces under Gen. Boyle, to Bowling Green, where he spent a short time in arranging business matters; at

Corinth, was attached to the staff of Gen. Beattie, of Ohio; and, in 1862, after the evacuation of Corinth, began the organization of another regiment ; before he completed it, Gen. Buell gave him the position of aid on his staff, and he accompanied him in his expedition against Bragg, in Kentucky. With him was his son Jonathan, a lad of fourteen, who had rendered the Union army valuable service, by making his way through the Confederate lines, at Bowling Green, and obtaining in- formation of the number and condition of their troops ; and, while with Gen. Buell, participated in the battle of Perryville, again rendering him important service. Gen. Buell now returned to Lebanon, Kentucky, and Mr. Hobson was ordered to Bowling Green, with the Fourth Cavalry; and, Gen. Rosecrans assuming com- mand, he was appointed aid on his staff; went to Nash- ville and Stone river, and was ordered into Kentucky for special duty, which being executed, he was permitted to retire from active service, in 1863; was then commis- sioned, by President Lincoln, Provost-Marshal of the Third District, and held the position till 1865. He not only served his country faithfully himself, but his son, William E. Hobson, became prominent in the army, he having entered, under an uncle, Col. E. H. Hobson, when only seventeen; was afterwards promoted major ; at the battle of Shiloh, commanded as lieutenant-colo- nel, and soon after was made colonel, his uncle having been advanced to the generalship. He was the youngest colonel in the army, being only twenty-one when mus- tered out of service. Mr. Hobson was married, in 1836, to Miss Juliet A. Vanmeter, daughter of Jacob Vanme- ter, a highly respected citizen of Bowling Green; and has a daughter and four sons-the latter in official posi- tions under the Government, and emulating the useful and active life of their father.

ALCUTT, CAPT. JOHN, Retired Marine Mer- chant, was born December 4, 1822, at Colum- bus, Ohio. His father, John M. Walcutt, was a Virginian by birth, and one of the pioneers of Ohio, having moved to that State in 1815. His mother was Marilla Broderick, a native of Kentucky, whose parents moved to Ohio when she was quite young. He received a very good education, in the best schools of his day, and entered the United States navy at the age of seventeen, continuing in the service till 1856, when he was retired, while in China. He immediately began merchandising, on his own account, in Chinese waters; was soon after made mate of an opium store-ship, owned by Russell & Co., one of the largest American commission firms in the world. About this time, the second war between China and Great Britain had begun; and, finding his own and other ves-

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sels very unsafe in the harbor at which they were lying, he took the responsibility, in the absence of his captain, of hiring a steamer to tow them all beyond reach of danger, thus saving a vast quantity of valuable mer- chandise; was rewarded, for this act of duty, by the captaincy of one of the vessels. In 1859, a steamer was sent from the California coast to China, for sale, and he bought a fourth interest in her, the other owners being two Americans, a Welshman, an Irishman, and a China- man. But this company possessed prudence; and, by hard work and economy, they soon built up an exten- sive and increasing carrying trade; and, when their ves- sel had earned them about one hundred thousand dollars, it was sold to the Chinese Government. Their success encouraged the formation of a large company of capital- ists in the same trade, which now has a fine fleet of vessels plying between China and other countries. In 1860, Capt. Walcutt retired from his active labor in this company, and resolved to travel in other lands; and, as a mark of respect and good-will, one of the best vessels belonging to the company was placed at his disposal, and he was escorted to it, by his friends and old com- panions, with every demonstration of esteem. Among his messmates he was always popular; and, when he left the naval service, was presented by them with a fine gold watch. In 1863, he arrived in his native land, where he was called the " Lucky Man of China." He went first to Columbus, Ohio; but, preferring a warmer climate, removed to Kentucky, and bought a farm of five hundred acres, in the vicinity of Frankfort, where he still resides. Shortly after his return, in 1863, he married Miss Anna Brown, daughter of Henry Brown, of Columbus, one of the earliest settlers of the town, and who has since been both State Senator and State Treasurer of Ohio.

ARLAN, WILLIAM BAUGHMAN, M. D., was born July 1, 1828, near Danville, Ken- tucky ; is a son of Henry Harlan, and relative of Hon. John M. Harlan, of Louisville. His grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh descent. He received his early edu- cation in the schools of the county, and, in 1849, en- tered upon the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. T. W. Jackson, of that place ; in 1853, graduated at Louis- ville University, which was, at that time, under the able management of Professors Benjamin R. Palmer, Luns- ford P. Yandell, Sr., Samuel D. Gross, Henry Miller, Louis Rogers, Benjamin Silliman, Austin Flint; Hon. James Speed being president. He immediately com- menced practice at Danville ; on his father's death, pur- chased the homestead, about five miles distant, where he resided and continued to practice till 1873, when he

again took up his residence in Danville. He is a mem- ber of the County Medical Society, and of the Central Kentucky Medical Association, of which he was the principal founder; has furnished an article on Belladonna, written for the "American Medical Weekly," and has won high encomiums on his successful application of that remedy in the cure of bronchitis, and also for his skill in general practice. His professional success is due, mainly, to his own careful and earnest research, as his early opportunities for study were limited. He has been married twice : first, April 3, 1855, to Miss Sarah E. Middleton ; after her death, he was married, in 1862, to Eliza Owsley Middleton, sister of his first wife. Dr. Harlan is a zealous member of the Christian Church; stands deservedly high in his profession, has the highest sense of professional honor, and, in his business rela- tions, is a model of uprightness; and is one of the most useful and valuable men of his community.

OHNSON, HON. FRANCIS, Lawyer, was a native of Caroline County, Virginia. He was a Representative in Congress from 1821 to 1827, and was an active and valuable member of that body. In 1812, 1813, and 1815, he had repre- sented Warren County in the State Legislature. He was a warm partisan of Henry Clay, and was promi- nent in his opposition to Gen. Jackson, in 1824. He occupied an eminent position in his profession.

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 75

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