The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 80

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 80

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).

OGERS, EDMUND, was born May 5, 1762, in Caroline County, Virginia. He served as a sol- dier in the war of the Revolution, and was at the battles of Green Springs, Jamestown, and at the siege of Yorktown ; and, for his services, refused a pension from the Government. He emigrated to Kentucky in 1783, and began business as a surveyor in Clark's Grant, on the north side of the Ohio river, opposite Louisville; in the Spring of 1784, he changed his operations to the south side of Green river ; made most of the surveys on Little and Big Barren riv- ers; settled himself on a tract where he, in 1800, laid out the town of Edmonton, in Barren County ; served as a Justice of the Peace, by the solicitation of his neighbors, but never desired public distinction ; in fact, he soon resigned that position, and had little respect for official stations, and those who filled them, when he felt that deserved merit was unappreciated. He was a phil- osopher in his habits and life, and, believing in an over- ruling Providence, never depreciated small things, or became greatly disturbed about large ones. He was, himself, a man of great uprightness of character, and, al- though not possessing, in a great degree, the elements of a leader, was universally esteemed and admired for the purity of his life. His dealings with men were noted for their great benevolence ; gave his helping hand to every good and just cause; and was one of the most worthy and useful among the early settlers in Southern Kentucky. He raised and educated his nephew, Hon. Joseph Rogers Underwood. Mr. Rogers died, August 28, 1843, at the home of his son, John T. Rogers. His remains were interred on his own farm, by the side of his wife, near Edmonton. Mr. Rogers was married, in 1808, to Mary Shirley. She died, in 1835, leaving one son and seven daughters.

ULLOCK, HON. W. C., Lawyer, was born in 1813, in Shelbyville, Kentucky. His father, Hon. Winfield Bullock, emigrated from Vir- ginia, and settled in Kentucky at an early day; and was a prominent farmer, merchant, and trader; and, in 1820, was elected to the Lower House of Congress, but died before the time to take his seat. His mother was also a Bullock, daughter of Col. Bullock, of Virginia ; and James M. Bullock, his brother, was Secretary of State under Gov. Clark. The subject of this sketch was educated in Lexington, Wood-

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ford, and Shelbyville; graduated in law in the law de- partment of Transylvania; and commenced his profes- sion in Shelbyville, in the same year, where he has since remained, in regular and successful practice. In 1838, he was elected from Shelby County to the Lower House of the State Legislature, and served one term. In 1850, he was elected to the State Senate from the Seventeenth District, consisting of Franklin and Shelby Counties, and served one term of four years. During this period, the new State Constitution came into effect ; and he was Chairman of the Committee on County Courts, and drafted the bill under which the county court system is now organized. In 1853, he was again elected to the Senate, in the Eighteenth District, now representing Shelby and Spencer Counties, and served four years. During this term, he was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. In 1850, he was elected without opposi- tion; but, in his second candidacy, he was opposed by Judge McHenry, whom he defeated, after a warm can- vass of five months. Mr. Bullock was originally a Whig; but, during the war, was a "Constitutional Union man ;" and is now identified with the Democratic party. He is, religiously, associated with the Presbyterians; and is now leading attorney for the Southern wing of that Church, in the suits pending concerning the denominational prop- erty. He is a man of exceptional moral, social, and pro- fessional habits; is an advocate and speaker of ability and force; usually goes with the popular current on the leading questions of the day ; and is modest and unassum- ing, preferring the advancement and good of society to his own. In 1861, Mr. Bullock was married to Miss Anna Boorom, of Carrollton, Kentucky. They have four living children-three boys and one girl.

OLEMAN, THOMAS C., Iron Manufacturer, was born in Cork County, Ireland, in 1800, and belonged to one of the best families in that country. He received a very liberal edu- cation, at the University of Dublin, graduating therefrom before he had attained the age of twenty years. Then entering upon mercantile pursuits, he was remarkably successful, becoming, while yet young, part owner in a line of steam packets. In 1834, he gave up all his home interests and came to this country, locating in Louisville, Kentucky, and entering at once upon the steamboat business, in which he re- mained for seventeen years. In this he was again suc- cessful, and amassed sufficient means to purchase the Louisville Rolling Mill. Organizing the company, which for many years bore his name, he managed all its affairs, and assumed all the responsibilitet of the head of the concern until the day of his death, July 16, 1861. Tendered the Presidency of the Louisville and

Nashville Railroad, he was obliged, on account of fail- ing health and the request of his physicians, to decline the position. He was, in many respects, a remarkable man, being characteristically methodical in all his un- dertakings, and thereby enabled to accomplish the work of three or four ordinary persons. So completely was every thing systematized at his death, that a few minutes sufficed to audit his accounts and elect new officers, the work going on as usual. None could decide upon the acceptance or rejection of a business proposition quicker than he; and his decision was as inflexible as the laws of the Medes and the Persians. Contrary to the general custom in business, he made no allowance for failure, nor any provision for retreat ; and, with his mind de- terminedly set for success, he succeeded. A man whose word was his bond, he has left a reputation for integrity and veracity second to that of no man. But Mr. Coleman's most pleasing traits of character were never seen in the street or at the office. When his name shall have passed away entirely on 'change; when the busy merchant or banker, who knew him, shall allow weeks and months to pass without recalling his memory ; and when the last echo of his voice shall have died out in the recollection of his workmen, he shall still live in the hearts of his family. He had learned, to perfection, that most excellent of all accomplishments, that of making his family love home. Seven sons, Thomas C., Jr., J. Morgan, Barry, Evan J., William P., Edward R., and Richard L. Coleman, survive him; all of whom are grown to man's estate. He fitted up a gymnasium, bowling alleys, and billiard tables in his house, and even admitted wine and other "forbidden " things on his table, and. in many other ways showed his implicit confidence in the manhood and self-respect of his family ; and the result was a lasting and most grati- fying well-spring of affection, which was the pride of the old man, and the admiration of the many who vis- ited his home.

ARREN, CHAS. N., Banker, was born July 21, 1818, in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachu- setts. His father, Jonas Warren, was a distin- guished farmer and merchant of Stow. He obtained his primary education in the schools in that place, and afterwards entered Harvard College, where he graduated, in 1834. After graduation, he engaged in teaching, in his native State, and in Bal- timore, Maryland. In 1836, he came to Kentucky, and was, soon after, appointed Professor of Mathematics in Georgetown College, filling that pesition until 1838, when he was appointed Engineer of the Lexington and Louisville Railroad, and, after completing the road, became its Superintendent, holding the position until 1849. During his connection with, and management of,

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that road, he made the reputation of being one of the most skillful engineers, successful financiers, and able railroad men of the State. In 1849, at the time of sev- ering his connection with the road, he started, in Louis- ville, a private banking-house, known as C. N. Warren & Co., which he continued, with great success, until 1865. With the change in the banking system of the country, his house became the Louisville City National Bank, of which he has since been President. His busi- ness career has been a most remarkably successful one, characterized by his usual skill and ability, never meet- ing with reverses. He is largely interested in the Eighth Street Foundry, in Louisville, but has mainly given his attention to the banking business. He has accumulated a fortune, and is one of the most systematic, exact, and upright business men, and one of the most liberal, open-handed, public-spirited, and valuable citizens of Louisville. In early manhood, he took great delight in literary pursuits, wrote quite extensively, and was de- cidedly scholarly in his habits; but, in later years, has given his attention to business, and the public and pri- vate demands of society. Mr. Warren was married, May 30, 1843, to Miss Myra Aldridge, daughter of John Aldridge, of Garrard County, Kentucky.

OHINSTON, JAMES CHEW, M. D., was born July 31, 1787, on the present site of Cave Hill Cemetery, near the city of Louisville, Ken- tucky, and came of Scotch parentage; and was the son of William Johnston, and grandson of Benjamin Johnston and his wife, Miss Chew, of Virginia. When Louisville was a small town, his father settled there, and, in 1784, married his mother, Eliza- beth Winn. His father was a prominent actor in the early Indian wars, and served for many years as Clerk of the Jefferson County Court. Dr. Johnston graduated in letters at Princeton College, New Jersey, and began the study of medicine at Philadelphia, as a pupil of Prof. Chapman. In 1810, he graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and at once began the practice of his profession in Louisville. His collegiate advantages, his fine attainments, and his personal popu- larity, soon gave him prominence, leaving him without a successful rival at that early day. At that time, few students were able to attend a course of lectures, and his superior qualifications furnished great attractions for the young disciples of Æsculapius. He was greatly de- voted to their interests, which both his natural inclina- tions and his wealth enabled him to further in every possible way; and to receive a certificate of qualifica- tion from him was considered of the greatest importance to the medical student. Many men who became distin- guished in the medical profession were his students; his

extensive means enabling him, in many cases, to extend a helping hand to young men of promise; but, unfor- tunately for the medical profession, no doubt, he pos- sessed a large fortune; and the necessity of giving his attention to his pecuniary interests early led him to abandon medical practice; and, although possessed of superior qualifications, and endowed with naturally fine talents, and possessed of uncommon polish, he retired from the profession before an opportunity presented of taking a place among its early teachers and the shining lights that arose in the country during his day; such as Galt, Rogers, Pendergrast, Caldwell, Drake, Gross, Mil- ler, Dudley, and Yandell. He was a man of great re- finement and literary culture ; and his home, the seat of a wide, extended hospitality, was surrounded by every display of wealth and taste. In religion, he was con- nected with the Episcopal Church, and was one of the original trustees of the first Church of that denomina- tion organized in Louisville. In person, he was over medium height, robust and compact in frame, with a fine face, and admirable general appearance. Dr. Johnston was twice married: first, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Miss Maria Booth, daughter of Col. William Booth, of Shenandoah County, Virginia; and, in 1828, ten years after the death of his first wife, he was married to Miss Sophia H. Zane, oldest daughter of Noah Zane, one of the early pioneers of Wheeling, Virginia. Zane Johns- ton, the oldest son by his last marriage, died, at the age of twenty-eight, in 1857, and was a graduate in medi- cine; his other children are James C. Johnston, William Johnston, and Mary E. Wooley, wife of Robert W. Wooley, of Louisville. By his first marriage, he had one son, who died in childhood. His widow survived him. Dr. Johnston died December 4, 1864, greatly mourned by an extensive circle of friends, and a family of which he was the idol.

WEENEY, PROF. WILLIAM OGLESBY, M. D., is a native of Jefferson County, Ken- tucky, and was born near Louisville, January 24, 1841. His father, the late Joseph A. Sweeney, was a farmer of Jefferson County, and a minister of the Gospel, well known and respected in his own and adjoining counties, and re- garded as an example of noble Christianity and un- flinching integrity. He died in 1877. Dr. Sweeney was placed at Eminence College, Henry County, in 1858, but in a year or two changed to Kentucky Uni- versity, then located at Harrodsburg ; but did not com- plete the course, owing to disturbances incident to the war. He returned home in 1862, and commenced the study of medicine, afterwards going to Eminence, where he read for some time under Dr. E. C. Bright. He

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graduated in March, 1865, at Bellevue Medical College, New York; and commenced practice, in partnership with his former preceptor, at Eminence, Kentucky ; but, desiring a wider field, he removed to Lexington in the . Fall of 1865; applied to Prof. Peter, analytical chemist of Kentucky University, for a position in his laboratory, in which he showed such proficiency as to obtain the appointment, in 1867, of assistant to the Chair of Chem- istry ; in 1869, was appointed to the Chair of Physical Science in Hocker Female College; and, since 1872, has been the regular lecturer, in that institution, on chemistry and physiology. Upon the organization of the medical department of Kentucky University, he was appointed to the Chair of Anatomy and Surgery, with the late Dr. Bush, continuing at the same time the practice of his profession, and utilizing all his oppor- tunities for improvement in that direction. His zeal in medical science is exceptional, and is manifested in the careful attention given to young men who take their preparatory course in his office. In the midst of his professional duties he finds time to aid in the temporal and spiritual advancement of the community; is a large- hearted, earnest Christian, without bigotry or fanaticism, and a member of the Christian Church; brings to bear upon all his affairs, a well-balanced, clear, and logical mind, and, by his ability and talent, has acquired a high place in his profession. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Margaret Prewitt, daughter of Levi Prewitt, a valuable citizen of Fayette County, Kentucky.

'ARVEY, REV. WILLIAM P., Baptist Minis- ter, was born in the village of Kappa, County Galway, Ireland, March 15, 1843. His parents were of good families, and began life with fair prospects, but with time changes came, with poverty. In 1849, his father, James P. Harvey, emigrated to Kentucky, United States. In 1851, he sent for his family, who arrived in New Orleans, De- cember 10, and proceeded by steamer to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they had to stop on account of the river freezing over. Here his mother, Sibinah Kelley Harvey, died, December 31, 1851, before seeing her husband, who was in Mason County, Kentucky, near the city of Maysville. In two days after her burial, he arrived to find his wife dead, and his children orphans among strangers, and in a strange land; he took them to Ken- tucky and found homes for them. The subject of this sketch, though very young, made his own contracts, be- ginning by working for farmers for his board and cloth- ing, and, when older, included in his contracts a certain number of months' schooling for each year. When four- tecn years old, he hired by the month, and during harvest made a hand binding after a cradle. Year by

year his great desire for an education increased, and he resolutely persevered, against many obstacles, never doubting that success would finally be his reward. In 1857, he united with the Baptist Church, in Maysville, which was then under the pastoral care of Rev. George Hunt, who, in connection with S. S. Minor, William N. Howe, and George L. Forman, offered to assist him through college. Having gone to school about two years in Maysville, in September, 1859, he entered Georgetown College to take a regular course, where he continued for two years. He then taught one year, and enlisted and served one year in the Tenth Kentucky Vol- unteer Federal Cavalry, having paid his friends who so generously aided him. In October, 1862, he entered the Kentucky University, where he continued as a student until 1865, when he completed his literary education, in- cluding the course of ethics. June 27, 1865, he married Miss Kittie A. Payne, daughter of William Payne, a prom- inent merchant of Harrodsburg, which union has resulted in four children ; viz., William Payne Harvey, Lilie Har- vey, Sibbie M. Harvey, and Frank Wayne Harvey. In October, after his marriage, he entered the drug business, in partnership with his father-in-law, in Harrodsburg. In this business, with his energy and tact, he was success- ful, but not satisfied; for early in life he felt impressed with the duty of prcaching the Gospel. In 1861, he was licensed to preach, by his Church, in Maysville; and, June 24, 1871, he was ordained to the ministry, by a council called by his Church, in Harrodsburg; and, by the resignation of Rev. J. M. Frost, Sr., he was called as its pastor, March 1, 1872, which he accepted without any salary, on condition that the membership would raise two thousand dollars to repair their house of wor- ship, which amount was promptly raised. March I, 1873, he, with the consent of the Harrodsburg Church, accepted a call, for half his time, extended by the Law- renceburg Baptist Church. Here he labored with great acceptance for four years, having resigned the carc of the Church in Harrodsburg. In July, 1875, he accepted the care of the Salvisa Baptist Church, for half his time. In February, 1877, he was unanimously called to the pastorate of the Baptist Church in Harrodsburg, for all his time. Seeing the advantage of concentrating his labors, and being with his family and people, he very re- luctantly resigned his Churches, who were loath to give him up. In 1876, he took a prominent part in the Bap- tist Centennial work, and his oration on the occasion of the Harrodsburg Centennial, for research, historical ac- curacy, and statistical information, received the highest commendation; and was adopted as a campaign docu- ument throughout the State. He is a man of great energy and enthusiasm, a close student, a good speaker, and has nobly filled his place in the ministry; and his fine administrative and executive mind makes him a man of great usefulness in his labors for the Church. He

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possesses a fund of good humor that is cheering to all who meet him, and renders him a genial and pleasant gentleman.

ARSHALL, HON. EDWARD COLSTON, Lawyer and Agriculturist, was born June 15, 1821, near Versailles, Kentucky, and is the son of Dr. Louis Marshall, brother of Chief-Justice John Marshall, and one of the finest scholars of the West. (See sketch of Dr. Louis Marshall.) His grandfather, Col. Thomas Marshall, was an officer in the Revolutionary army, and, belonged to the famous Marshall family of Virginia, and, after the Revolution, settled in Kentucky, where he became one of the most distinguished of its early settlers. His mother was Aga- tha Smith, a member of one of the most extensive and distinguished families of Virginia, her mother being a Preston. Edward C. Marshall received a fine literary education, under his father, and at Lee College, Lex- ington, Virginia, and at Danville, Kentucky, and grad- uated in law at Transylvania University, in 1843. In the same year he commenced the practice of his profession in Versailles; soon after removed to Baltimore, Mary- land, remaining one year; removed to Cincinnati, where he practiced his profession until the breaking out of the war with Mexico; entered the Fifteenth Regiment of Infantry under Gen. George W. Morgan, and partici- pated in all the battles, from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. At the close of the war, he returned to Cin- cinnati, but soon after went to California, where he en- gaged actively in the pursuit of his profession, and, in 1851, was elected the first Congressman from that State, upon its admission to the Union. He served one term, and, a year or two afterwards, returned to Kentucky, where he has since divided his time between his profes- sion and the interests of his farm. He has taken a prominent part in the political contests in his State, and over the country, and is a strong advocate of the prin- ciples of the Democracy. In 1860, he ably supported the cause of Mr. Douglas. He is distinguished by many of the notable traits of the Marshall family, and probably was never excelled by any of them as an ora- tor; few men of the country having a greater command of language, and the ability to use it with more force as a popular speaker. He is a man of strong convictions; is his own leader ; does not believe in party because it is party ; as a lawyer, displays great power in the court ; is unsurpassed before a jury, and is one of the most thor- oughly read, eloquent, and able lawyers of Kentucky. Mr. Marshall was married, in 1852, to Miss Josephine Chalfant, daughter of Robert Chalfant, a merchant of Cincinnati. They have three living children, two sons and a daughter; their son, Louis Marshall, is a business man of San Francisco, California.

ARPENTER, CHARLES F., M. D., was born July 9, 1826, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His family is of English origin, and is tracea- ble back through several centuries, embracing some of the noble families of England, and owning one of the finest estates for more than five hundred years. The Quaker, William Carpenter, came from Gloucestershire, England, during the days of William Penn, and settled at Philadelphia; and from him descended Thomas Carpenter, the father of the subject of this sketch, who was extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits, and, long before his death, re- tired upon a large fortune. Dr. Carpenter received a thorough English education; and, at the age of sixteen, began the study of medicine, at the University of Penn- sylvania, where he graduated in 1849. He practiced his profession in his native county until 1856, when he removed to Louisville, Kentucky, where he established a fine medical practice, in which he continued actively engaged until the breaking out of the civil war, when he was appointed surgeon in charge of several hospitals ; and afterwards retired from the active duties of his pro- fession, devoting himself to scientific pursuits. From early youth he displayed great mechanical talent; and, at the age of seventeen, constructed a working-beam steam-engine, the stroke of the cylinder not being over three-eighths of an inch, and the whole structure occu- pying one inch of space. He has taken out many pat- ents for improvements in machinery; and, since 1866, has been interested in operations in metallurgy in Col- orado; has made several important improvements in furnaces for extracting metals from ores; and has taken out patents for the improved manufacture of plate- glass. In 1873, he was appointed by the Government as one of the Commissioners to the Vienna Exposi- tion. In 1874, he was instrumental in organizing the Microscopical Society of Louisville, and was elected its first Vice-President. He is a man of scholarly, lit- erary tastes, and is proficient in painting and music, devoting his time almost exclusively to the enjoyment of his literary pursuits, and to his scientific investiga- tions. He is a man of many personal and social graces; and is a fine example of a cultivated gentleman. Dr. Carpenter was married June 21, 1852.

OORE, REV. WILLIAM THOMAS, one of the most able and distinguished clergymen of the Christian or Disciples' Church, was born August 27, 1832, in Henry County, Kentucky, and is of Scotch-Irish origin, his immediate an- cestors being Virginians. His father died when he was nine years of age, leaving six children and their mother dependent upon their own exertions for support.

Galaxy Pub. Co. Philadelphia

N.Y. moore

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His early life was necessarily surrounded by privation ; and toil and poverty were the lot of his boyhood. But his early struggles were not without their good effect, no doubt mainly conducing to the development of those natural elements of character which would sometime give him rank among the first preachers of his day. His uncommon mental strength early distinguished him among his fellows, and at the same time attracted to him the attention and friendship of the leading citizens of his neighborhood, who yet take great pride in his success. By great self-denial and determined effort, he gathered a rudimentary education at home, and was, while yet a boy, entered in the academy at New Castle, a few miles from his native place. In that institution he studied and taught for several years, and, in 1855, entercd Bethany College, Virginia. In 1858, he gradu- ated, and had the honor of being selected valedictorian of his class. Soon afterwards, he became pastor of the Christian Church at Frankfort, Kentucky, occupying that position until 1864. In that year, he was forced to resign his charge for a time, on account of failing health, brought about by overwork and over-study. After a rest of a few months, in 1865, he became pastor of Jefferson Avenue Christian Church, Detroit, Michi- gan ; resigned that charge, in the following year, to ac- cept a professorship in Kentucky University, then re- cently established at Lexington; about that time was also invited to the pastorate of what is now Central Christian Church, Cincinnati; accepted that position, and delivered a course of lectures every season in the University, while residing in Cincinnati and per- forming the duties of his pastorate, until the increas- ing importance of his work in his Church com- pelled him to abandon his professorship, in 1869. The prosperity of the Central Church, under his long and able ministration has been very great, its member- ship now reaching nearly one thousand, and being one of the most important, while it is probably the largest, Church in the city. After a visit to the chief cities in Europe, in 1868, he returned with renewed vigor to his Church; and, about that time, started the "Chris- tian Quarterly." He is a voluminous writer. Most prominent among the productions of his pen are, " Views of Life," a beautiful book, full of practical thoughts on every-day subjects, and free from pulpit cant ; and, the " Living Pulpit of the Christian Church." But, added to these, are vast numbers of sermons, lectures, addresses, and controversial papers, which have from time to time emanated from his active brain. He was also, for many years, one of the editors of the "American Christian Review;" was one of the compilers of the "Christian Hymn-book; " was the editor of the "Christian Hym- nal," in which his hand and taste are well displayed ; edited Alexander Campbell's "Lectures on the Penta- teuch ;" and was editor-in-chief of the "Christian Quar-

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 80

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