The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 96

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

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Company E, of the Fourth Kentucky Infantry, under Col. Trabue ; was first engaged at Shiloh; was shot in the leg on the second day of the battle, and was forced to quit the field ; was totally incapacitated for active serv- ice, in part by a disease which had for months been preying upon him; after making a short trip to New Orleans, in the interest of the army, he returned to Cor- inth, but was soon forced to resort to his friends in Mar- shall County, Mississippi, where he died, as a Christian, October 4, 1862, and was buried in the family burial- ground of Mrs. Hardin, his father's sister.

ONROE, MAJOR THOMAS BELL, Lawyer and Soldier, fourth son of Judge Thomas B. Monroe, was born July 3, 1833, at Frankfort, Kentucky. He was thoroughly educated, grad- uating at the University of Louisiana, at New Orleans, when his father was a professor in that institution ; in 1849, settled at Lexington, Kentucky, and entered upon the practice of the law; rose rapidly in his profession; in 1859, was elected Mayor of that city; became editor of the "Kentucky Statesman," and continued its editor until the commencement of the civil war; was made Secretary of State under Gov. Magoffin ; in September, 1861, having sent his family North, he went into the Confederacy, and was soon after commis- sioned Major of the Fourth Kentucky Confederate In- fantry, and fell, mortally wounded, April 6, in an en- gagement near Burnsville, and his body was buried, by the Federal soldiers, on the field. He was a brave and noble officer. Major Monroe was married, in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth C. Grier, daughter of Judge Robert C. Grier, of Philadelphia. She survives him, with one son.

LASS, BEERI CHRISTY, Farmer and Capital- ist, was born December 4, 1804, six miles from Georgetown, in Scott County, Kentucky, and died at his home in Georgetown, June 20, 1874. His father, William Glass, was a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Kentucky at an early day, and became one of the most substantial and successful farmers of Scott County. Beeri C. Glass received a good education in the best schools and acade- mies then existing in his native county, and made his first step in life as a teacher ; and, although he probably taught school at intervals for several years, it does not appear that he had any design of pursuing that avoca- tion as a profession. He resided on his father's farm until 1847, and was actively engaged with him in the va- rious interests of the place. Under the old State Con-

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but had little desire for political position. In 1847, he removed to Georgetown, where he continued to reside during his life. He was one of the founders of the Farmers' Bank of Georgetown, and remained in its directory until his death. He had accumulated consid- erable mcans, having been remarkably successful in every thing he undertook with earnestncss, before set- tling in Georgetown, and mainly occupied his time for years in loaning and speculating on his capital. His name was associated with all the important interests of his community. He contributed largely to the organi- zation and building of Georgetown College, and was one of its most active managing trustees, and was connected with the Board of Trustees during his life. He was a leader in every movement of advantage to the town, and was one of its most active, influential, and successful business men. In politics, he was always a Democrat ; had strong convictions and adhered to them at all hazard, but was courteous and deferential when any personal feeling or principle of individual honor was involved. When the civil war broke out, he espoused the cause of the South, and, had his health and age permitted, would have entered the army in defense of his princi- ples. In 1852, he united with the Baptist Church, and, until his health and hearing failed, he was one of its most active and valuable members. He was one of the trustees of Georgetown for several years, and held vari- ous positions of trust in the community ; lived an exem- plary, active life; was open-hearted and charitable ; started out in life as a poor boy, and, by superior judg- ment, business ability, and unyielding perseverance, suc- ceeded, mainly unaided, in accumulating a fortune. He was a man of fine habits; of strong sympathetic nature; was strongly devoted to his family ; was a man of fine sentiment and feeling, which he displayed liberally in his home and in his personal friendships; and died uni- versally regretted and respected, leaving the world bet- ter by his having lived in it. Mr. Glass was married, in 1847, to Miss Margaret A. Kenny, daughter of Joseph B. Kenny, a prominent citizen of Georgetown, a lady of great personal and social worth, who still survives him. Their only child, Victor Kenny Glass, married Miss Bettie Foree, of Georgetown, and resides in that place.

ICE, REV. DAVID, Clergyman, was born December 20, 1733, in Hanover County, Vir- ginia. He acquired a fine education; studied theology under Rev. John Todd, and became minister of the Presbyterian Church, having been led to Christianity under the preaching of Rev. Edwards; took an active part in the struggle for American independence, and did not consider it uncler- ical to harangue the people on their duty, and British

tyranny; in 1783, moved to Kentucky, and, besides organizing and ministering to the Churches, gave his attention largely to the cause of education; was the first teacher in Transylvania Seminary ; was for several years Chairman of its Board of Trustees; afterwards took an active part in establishing the Kentucky Academy; was member from Mercer County to the Constitutional Con- vention of 1792; exerted his influence in that body for the introduction of an article favoring gradual emanci- pation in Kentucky ; was one of the first in the State to oppose solemnizing marriages by magistrates; preached the first sermon ever delivered on the banks of the Salt river; was a man of plain, practical, sound judgment, living an exemplary life, and a man of great influence in the new country. In person he was tall and slender, and remained very active in his old age. . He died June 18, 1816, saying: "Oh, when shall I be free from sin and sorrow ! "

OHNSTON, GEN. ALBERT SIDNEY, Sol- dier, was born February 2, 1802, at Washing- ton, Mason County, Kentucky ; and was the son of Dr. John Johnston, a man of talents and fine standing in his profession, at Salisbury, Con- necticut, from which place he emigrated to Kentucky, in 1785. Hon. J. Stoddard Johnston was his brother, and a native of Connecticut; graduated at Transylvania University, became a lawyer; was distin- guished in his profession ; was Judge of United States District Court ; represented Louisiana, to which he had moved, in 1805, in the Lower House of Congress from 1821 to 1823; and was a member of the United States Sen- ate, from 1824 until the time of his death, which occurred by the explosion of the steamboat "Lioness," on the Red river, in 1833. IIis brother, Amos, was a planter of Louisiana, and the father of J. Stoddard Johnston, of the Frankfort "Yeoman." Other brothers became prominent men; and one of his sisters was the wife of John A. McClung, and another, the wife of Hon. James Byers. Albert Sidney Johnston began his education in Transylvania University, and graduated at West Point Military Academy, in 1826, seventh in his class; entered the Second Regular Infantry ; soon afterwards became Ad- jutant of the Sixth Regiment ; served with distinction in the Black Hawk War; resigned his commission, in 1835; in the following year, enlisted in the service of Texas; in 1837, became commander-in-chief of her forces; in 1839, became Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas, being at the same time, general-in-chief of the army; warmly supported the annexation of Texas to the United States. Engaged in cotton planting in that State; at the breaking out of the war with Mexico, in 1846, became Colonel of the First Texas Infantry ; soon after was made Inspector-General of Butler's Division; dis-

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tinguished himself at Monterey by re-forming Mitchell's Ohio regiment, and leading it in a charge on the Mexi- can forces ; in 1849, was appointed paymaster, filling the position for several years on the frontier of Texas. In 1854, he became Colonel of the Second Cavalry, with Robert E. Lee as Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding the department of Texas; subsequently, conducted the ex- pedition against Utah, and established terms with the Mormons ; was afterwards assigned to the department of California, and, while in that command, resigned his posi- tion, to join his State in the war of the rebellion ; was assigned to the command of the unorganized territory west of the Atlantic States; met with various defeats, owing undoubtedly, to some extent, to the incompetent force which he operated, and other circumstances over which he had no control; after meeting the indignation of the people, reorganized his troops, and on April 6, 1862, began the battle of Shiloh, and, when the fortunes of the day were turning against him, placed himself at the head of his column, and was killed while leading the charge. He was a soldier of great bravery and undoubted skill; was a man of many admirable and magnanimous traits; and gave his life for a cause which he did not originally support. Gen. Johnston was twice married; in 1828, to Henrietta Preston, eldest daughter of Major William Preston, of Louisville, Kentucky, who died in 1836; and was afterwards married to Miss Eliza Griffin, who survived him.

AJOR, HON. SAMUEL IRE MONGER, Ed- itor and State Printer, was born September 14, 1830, near Frankfort, Kentucky. His father, S. I. M. Major, was a Kentuckian by birth, of Virginian parents, who emigrated to this State at an early day ; and was a man of strong, admirable traits of character and superior culture. His mother, Martha Bohannan, was a woman of remarkable brilliancy of mind, and was one of the most refined and accomplished ladies of the country. They raised a fam- ily of five children, who were educated in the best schools of the country, and now fill important positions in society. The subject of this sketch was educated chiefly under B. B. Sayre, one of the most popular teachers of Kentucky, having had for his pupils some of the first men of the State. He enjoyed a thorough collegiate course of instruction, and also obtained a good knowledge of French. After leaving school, he engaged for a few years in teaching and surveying. His connection with the "Frankfort Yeoman " began in 1852, and he has been its editor for over twenty-four years, and still holds that position. Although con- stantly attending to the editorial and other demands of the " Yeoman," he has given his attention, largely and almost constantly, to the public and social affairs of his

community, and has, to a very great extent, become prominently identified with the important interests of the State. In 1867, he was elected to the Legislature, and served on the Committee on Federal Relations, the Committee on Management of the Penitentiary, and was Chairman of the Committee of Public Offices. He in- troduced the bill providing for the erection of the new Capitol buildings; was the writer of the bill for the es- tablishment of the House of Correction, for juvenile offenders; and was one of the most active and spirited members of that body. From 1867 to 1871, he was Mayor of Frankfort, having been elected four times to that office. While Mayor, the public-school system was established in Frankfort, toward which he was greatly instrumental; and to him is mainly attributable the present steam fire department of the city, and several other public works. Since 1857, he has been one of the most influential and active members of the Democratic party, and, since 1851, has been a member of the Cen- tral Democratic Committee of the State. He has long held the position of Public Printer and Binder, to which he has continuously been elected by his party. Although constantly alive to the interests of his party, he does not seek greater preferment, and never loses sight of the general good of his community and State. He is an able writer, and probably has no superior as an editor in the State. He has been, for years, collecting ma- terial for what will undoubtedly be a most valuable and reliable history of Kentucky. He has, for many years, been a member of the Episcopal Church, and is prominently identified with several social organizations; and is one of the most widely known, highly esteemed, and valuable men of Kentucky. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary B. Scott, daughter of Hon. Robert W. Scott, one of the most successful and distinguished farmers of the State. They have no living children.

HAMBERS, HON. JOHN, Lawyer, Soldier, and Legislator, was born October 6, 1780, in New Jersey. In 1794, he was brought to Ken- tucky, and lived for some years in Washington, Mason County. He received a thorough educa- tion, which was partly obtained at old Tran- sylvania Seminary. From 1797 to 1800, was a Deputy in the District Court, in the mean time studying law; entered upon the practice of his profession in 1800; was engaged in the war of 1812, and, with the rank of major, was aid to Gen. Harrison, at the battle of the Thames; was elected to the State Legislature, in 1812 and 1815, and was two or three times re-elected; was for some time Commonwealth's Attorney ; served in Con- gress from 1828 to 1829, and from 1835 to 1839; was offered a seat in the Court of Appeals in 1832; in 1835,

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accepted an appointment as Associate Judge of the Court, from Gov. James T. Morehead, but resigned on account of ill health soon afterwards; and, from 1841 to 1845, was Governor of the Territory of Iowa. Gov. Chambers died, September 21, 1852, at Paris, Kentucky.

NAPP, LINTON, was born March 6, 1819, near Mt. Washington, in Bullitt County, Kentucky. His father, Lewis Snapp, came from Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1805, and settled in Bullitt County, where he followed agricultural pur- suits. Linton Snapp received a good educa- tion, in the best schools of his neighborhood, and at Georgetown College. In 1843, he began merchandis- ing, at Mt. Washington ; and was there successfully en- gaged in that business for fourteen years. In 1857, he removed to Clinton County, Missouri, engaging for several years in successful mercantile pursuits, at Platts- burg. In 1862, he returned to Kentucky, and located at Louisville ; engaged in mercantile business until 1870, when he was elected City Collector of Taxes, and has since been continued in that position, with honor to himself and great satisfaction to the people. In poli- tics, he has always been a Democrat. He is connected with some of the popular social organizations; and, since 1839, has been a member of the Missionary Bap- tist Church ; was, for twelve years, moderator of the Church at Mt. Washington ; and was long a deacon. His personal, private, and social habits have been ex- ceptionally good; and, throughout his life, he has been distinguished as a most exemplary Christian, and one of the most earnest and valuable citizens. Mr. Snapp was married, December 19, 1844, to Miss S. R. Beauchamp, daughter of Preston Beauchamp, of Spencer County, Kentucky. She died April 7, 1875. Of their seven children, five are now living.

ITTELL, HARDING H., Superintendent Lou- isville City Railroad Company, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, of which place his father, Oliver W. Littell, was a farmer for many years. His education was commenced in the common county schools, and continued, upon the removal of his father, in the public-schools of New Albany, Indiana, until he attained the age of fourteen years. At this period he was thrown upon his own re- sources, and soon succeeded in finding a situation as clerk in the store of James F. Lindley, then one of the leading dry-goods merchants in that city. After remaining there for two years, he crossed the Ohio river and engaged with C. P. Barnes, the well-known jeweler of Louisville,

pursuing that vocation until the middle of November, 1864. At this time, Louisville was developing into a great commercial city ; and the system of street railways, which now thread it in every direction, had just gone into operation, under the direction of the Louisville City Railway Company; Mr. Littell being selected to fill the position of receiving clerk. After discharging the du- ties of that office with credit and satisfaction for six months, he was promoted to that of assistant superin- tendent, during the administration of A. O. Durland and C. B. Pratt as superintendents. Upon the resigna- tion, in 1867, of C. B. Pratt, he was elected superin- tendent of all the lines which had extended over the city during his connection with the company, and which position he now holds. Socially, Mr. Littell is a most agreeable gentleman, having a host of friends, among whom are the best men of Louisville. He is a man of great administrative ability, exercising his authority over the hundreds of men under his charge with a firmness that secures their obedience, and with a kindness that wins their respect. With remarkable industry and en- ergy, being quick in his decisions, correct in his judg- ment, and firm in his opinions, with a rare knowledge of human nature, he is peculiarly qualified for the posi- tion. Few men, at the age of thirty-one years, have accomplished so much by personal effort. He is in- debted to neither fortune nor favoritism for his success in life. His honesty, integrity, industry, and laudable ambition will, in the future, give him a life record worthy of a place among the prominent self-made men of his day. Mr. Littell is a member of the Masonic and Odd-fellow fraternities. He was married, in April, 1876, to Miss Nellie B. Green, of Logansport, Indiana.

OSSO, PROF. JOSIE, one of the oldest and most distinguished music teachers and violinists of this country, was born August 3, 1802, in Mexico, and, at his baptism in the Cathedral, received the name of Maria De Los Angelos Josie Tosso. His father, Carl Tosso, was the son of a distinguished barrister of Turin, kingdom of Sardinia; and his mother, Marie (Yrel) Tosso, was the daughter of the Governor of Mont Casal, a province in Piedmont. In 1800, they obtained from King Fer- dinand of Spain a passport to visit his province in Mexico. At the age of seven, his parents took him to Europe, and left him in the care of a nobleman, M. De Ligny, in Paris, to be educated. At the age of ten, he was admitted to the Conservatoire de Musique, by the celebrated Cherubini, then president of that institution. He studied solfeggio under Chateauneuf; and violin, first, with Prof. Maille; and, afterwards, under J. B. Baillot, the first solo violinist of Paris, In the Fall of 1815, he

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was brought to the United States, by some friends of his father; and, at Richmond, Virginia, again joined his parents. At the age of thirteen, he made quite a sensation as a violinist ; became connected with a quar- tette party in Philadelphia; afterwards joined a similar organization in Baltimore; in 1820, came down the Ohio river in a flat-boat ; after a tedious trip of forty days, landed in Cincinnati; spent some days, by invitation, at the residence of David T. Carneel, who then owned a large tract of land where Ludlow, Kentucky, now stands; but soon after took up his residence in Louis- ville, Kentucky. In 1824, he married Miss Caroline D. Aarcambal, daughter of Louis D. Aarcambal, Consul- General of France. Shortly afterwards he joined a troop of horse, called the Lafayette Guard, to escort Gen. La- fayette, on his expected visit through Kentucky. At Frankfort, he was honored by being selected as aid-de- camp to Gen. Lafayette, and his brother became aid to Governor Desha. At Lexington, he and his brother were urged, by Gen. Leslie Combs, to play the violin at the great ball given in honor of the distinguished for- eigner. He engaged for several years in teaching music in Louisville; often visited Cineinnati, then a city of twenty thousand people, to play for the societies; and, in November, 1827, by urgent request of friends, re- moved to that city. He was then the only music teacher in Cincinnati. He became leader in the Columbia, Third Street, and National Theaters; taught music in Prof. John Locke's Female Academy, for twelve years; was organist at St. Xavier's Church; and, for many years, performed at numerous concerts and innumerable public occasions. For a number of years, he has re- sided with his family at what he calls " Rose Cottage," at Latonia Springs, a few miles south of Covington, Kentucky. Prof. Tosso has traveled over a large part of the South, where he is widely and favorably known; is one of the most interesting and honored members of the Cincinnati Association of Pioneers; is probably the oldest living teacher among the pioneers of music in the Ohio Valley; and one of the most esteemed members of his profession who have flourished in the West.

cCLOSKEY, RT. REV. WILLIAM GEORGE, D. D., Bishop of Louisville, was born Novem- ber 10, 1823, in Brooklyn, New York, of Irish parents. He was educated at Mt. St. Mary's College, Maryland. He chose the law for his profession, and engaged for three years in a thorough and systematic study, with a view to entering upon the practice; but, feeling that his duty lay in the ecclesiastic field, in September, 1846, he abandoned the law, to which he was devotedly attached, and entered Mt. St. Mary's Theological Seminary-the "Mother of

Priests and Bishops"-where he remained for six years, and, during that long period of preparation, had for his associates many who are now prominent in the priest- hood of the Catholic Church in America. He was or- dained priest, October 6, 1852, by Archbishop Hughes, New York, and, after remaining for a few months in that city, as a missionary, was returned to his Alma Mater as a professor. In May, 1857, he was made Director of the Theological Seminary, and Professor of Moral Theology and Sacred Scripture. Later, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, from Georgetown College, District of Columbia. When the project for establishing an American College for Ecclesiastical Students, at Rome, was agreed upon, and the necessary funds provided, Dr. McCloskey, at the recommendation of the American Hierarchy, was selected to be its first Rector, and re- ceived his appointment as President of the new college on December 8, 1859. On that same day, Pope Pius IX opened the new college in person, visiting it again on the 29th of January, 1860; shortly after which visit, Dr. McCloskey arrived in Rome and took possession of his presidential charge. After spending eight years at the American College, in Rome, endeavoring to give the institution a distinct basis of action, and characteristic features of its own, to suit American candidates for the sacred ministry, Dr. McCloskey was nominated to the Bishopric of Louisville, Kentucky, and was consccrated, May 24, 1868, in the chapel of the American College, Rome.

DMONDS, JOHN THOMAS, Lawyer, Farmer, and Merchant, was born February 30, 1833, in Christian County, Kentucky. His father, Thomas Randolph Edmonds, was a native of Sussex County, Virginia, and removed to Ken- tucky in 1832. John T. Edmonds received a liberal education, which he finished at Princeton Col- lege, New Jersey, in 1851, and at onee entered upon the study of the law, in the office of Sharp & McKee, at Hopkinsville, Kentucky. After undergoing a thorough preparation for three years, he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession, in which he continued for one or two years only, after which he turned his attention to farming. In 1855, he also began to deal in tobaceo, stemming largely for the English mar- ket. He has since extended his business to trading in cotton and general produce, and is now one of the most successful and extensive farmers and traders of the coun- try. He has been President of the Hopkinsville To- bacco Board of Trade since its organization, in 1870. He was elected member of the Town Council for several terms, and, in 1872, became its President. He is a prominent Mason. He is liberal, and gives freely to the cause of religion and the advancement of every social

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good; is public-spirited, takes an active interest in all beneficial enterprises in his community, is just in his dealings with men, is kind and genial in nature, is of undoubted integrity, and stands among the most solid and influential merchants and traders of Southern Ken- tucky. Mr. Edmonds was married, in 1857, to Miss Mollie Campbell, third daughter of Capt. John R. Campbell, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Hopkinsville.

GINTON, THOMAS MCGRATH, Lawyer, was born March 23, 1847, in Winchester, Kentucky. His father, Ilon. Charles Eginton, was a native of Pennsylvania; and his mother, Sarah Taylor, a daughter of Reuben Taylor, was of Virginia parentage, but came to Kentucky as early as 1818, and settled in Clarke County. He received his education in the celebrated Sayre Academy, at Frank- fort, Kentucky. In 1865, he was admitted to the bar at Winchester, Kentucky; and, in 1867, graduated at Har- vard College Law School, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Winchester. He was at once appointed Register in Bankruptcy for the Seventh Congressional District of Kentucky, which position he now fills. He is a Republican in politics, and has always adhered to the principles of that party. Relig- iously, lie is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is also prominent in several social organizations. He is known as an active, industrious, and energetic man, and is possessed of superior mental qualities ; presents his causes with great ability, and oc- cupies a high position at the bar, as well as in the esteem and regard of the community. Ile was married, May 28, 1873, to Miss Kate Winn, daughter of J. N. Winn, of Clarke County, Kentucky.

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The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 96

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