The Biographical encyclopaedia of Kentucky of the dead and living men of the nineteenth century, Part 98

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 98

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).

562

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

extensively in Russia, Prussia, Poland, Denmark, Eng- land, and other countries, studying the architecture of each, greatly adding to his own knowledge and expe- rience, besides acquiring the English and other lan- guages, which enabled him to become familiar with the best works on art and architecture; returned to Ham- burg in 1863, where some of his plans were adopted in the building of the railroad depot, and he was appointed to superintend its erection ; soon after opened an office, taking contracts and architectural work of all kinds, establishing a successful business, and winning the con- fidence of his townsmen and patrons by his ability and skill. Thinking America offered a wider field for archi- tecture, he came here, in 1871, and went almost directly to Louisville, where he has since resided. Immediately upon his arrival there, he was employed by A. U. Struck, one of the most prominent builders and con- tractors of that city; also made several plans for private residences; received the contract for the Elizabeth Hos- pital, owned by the Sisters of Nazareth, of which he superintended the building, and established a reputation as an architect; entered into partnership with Casper Mergell, who designed the Louisville. City Hall, and soon acquired a flourishing business; received contracts for some of the finest buildings in the city, prominent among which are the Louisville Club-house, Phoenix Hill Park Buildings, warehouse of Arthur Peter & Co., and many private residences, also taking contracts from neighboring States. He is devoted to his business, in which, however, he makes no display, relying on the merit of his work for success; and, although quiet and unostentatious, has the ability to reach great prominence.

ON BORRIES, JULIUS, Cloth Merchant, was born April 29, 1816, in Munster, Germany. His father, Frederick Von Borries, was an officer in the Prussian Government, and died in 1823. Julius Von Borries came to the United States in 1840, and, in the following year, settled in Louisville; in 1843, opened his business as a cloth and clothing merchant, his business growing with great rapidity from the first, from time to time increasing his facilities with the demands of his trade, and connecting with him men of energy and integrity. In 1875, he associated with him his oldest son, and now his extensive business is carried on under the style of Von Borries & Co. He entered mercantile life from choice, and, from a small beginning, now occupies the position of one of the first merchants of Louisville. He has little of the speculative element in his character, adhering to the legitimate course of trade; has con- ducted his business on sound and honorable principles, winning for himself the esteem of business men, and

the reputation of great integrity. He has never sought public position, although urged by his friends to do so, having a natural aversion to political turmoil. He is ever ready to turn a helping hand to every good cause in the community of which he has long been a most valuable member. For several years he has held the position of President of the First National Bank of Louisville. Religiously, he is associated with the Lu- theran Church. Mr. Von Borries was married, in 1847, to Miss Back, of Germany. They have five sons and one daughter. His son Frank is a partner in his busi- ness, and two other sons are engaged in their house.

EWCOMB, ELEAZER BURBANK, Tobacco Merchant, was born October 10, 1822, in Som- erset County, Maine. The family is of Saxon origin, and its genealogy can be traced as far back as the year 700. His ancestors were among the band of pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock, in 1620. His mother was a member of the Bur- bank family, well known in the State of Maine. His grandfather served with distinction in the war for inde- pendence, being an officer in Gen. Gates's army. He participated in the battle of Saratoga, and came through the Revolution with an honorable record. He witnessed the execution of the British Spy, Major André, at Tap- pan, New Jersey, in 1780. His father, William New- comb, was in the war of 1812, being a captain in the American army. He is a native of Massachusetts, but has spent the greater portion of his life in the State of Maine, where he now resides, having reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years. Eleazer Burbank New- comb received his early education in the town of Kent's Hill, Maine, where he attended the Readfield Seminary, until the age of nineteen years. Upon completing his studies, he joined his uncle, D. R. Burbank, who had established himself at Henderson, Kentucky. He ar- rived at Henderson in 1842, and, accepting a clerkship in his uncle's establishment, soon became thoroughly conversant with the business in all its details. After re- maining eight years in this position, he obtained an in- terest in the concern. In 1856, the interests of the firm required that Mr. Newcomb should move to Livermore, McLean County, Kentucky, for the purpose of establish- ing new factories on Green river, which were conducted under the style of E. B, Newcomb & Co. The opera- tions were a series of successes, and, at the end of four years, he returned to Henderson to open an additional factory, under the same firm name, which proved equally profitable under his management. In 1862, this firm dis- continued active operations, to await the advent of better times, and the partnership was finally dissolved, in 1866. In 1868, Mr. Newcomb recommenced business on his

563

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA.

own account, and, by judicious management and per- | of these organizations. He is now the President of severing industry, his business has steadily increased, until he has become one of the most extensive operators in the tobacco trade. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Ellen Singleton, of McLean County, Kentucky, by whom he had one child; and married again, in 1864, to Miss Mary Atkinson, of Bardstown, Kentucky, and two chil- dren are the fruit of this union. Mr. Newcomb is a man of irreproachable character, and possesses rare discern- ment and sagacity. His path through life has been strewed with numerous obstacles, but, with his indom- itable perseverance, he has overcome every difficulty, and reached a degree of success highly flattering to his efforts. He is a sterling business man in every sense of the term, and his integrity is unquestioned. He is a member of the Southern Methodist Church, and an active worker in the cause of religion. Benevolent and sympa- thetic in his nature, he is always ready to assist his fel- lows, and his many excellent qualities endear him to a host of friends. the State Medical Society, and also Moderator of the Christian County Society. He has been, for many years, a prominent member of the Southern Presby- terian Church; and gives his aid and influence to the advancement of its welfare. He is a Mason, having joined this organization when quite a young man. He was married, in 1840, to Miss Sarah C. Marshall, a native of Virginia; and again married, in 1869, to Miss Mary C. Gaines, daughter of Richard I. Gaines, a worthy farmer of Charlotte County, Virginia. Dr. Gaines has, by his talents, industry, and perseverance, attained a high degree of excellence in his chosen pro- fession ; and his abilities are not only well known and appreciated in his own State, but his fame as a physician has reached the more remote portions of the country. He possesses a character without blemish, and his career has been marked by a strict adherence to justice and honorable principle. He is of a genial, social disposi- tion, and courteous and affable manner, and is held in high esteem by a host of friends.

AINES, RICHARD WHITE, M. D., was born July 5, 1815, in Charlotte County, Vir- ginia. Ilis father was of Welsh descent, and followed the occupation of a farmer. Richard White Gaines was liberally educated, having access to the best institutions of learning to be found in his time; and always gaining from his oppor- tunities the greatest benefit possible. His collegiate course was completed in Randolph Macon College, lo- cated in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where he grad- uated in 1833. He chose the profession of medicine, and, at the age of eighteen years commenced its study, in the office of Dr. Fuqua, a celebrated physician of Charlotte County, Virginia. After passing two years in this office, he attended lectures at Transylvania Univer- sity, at Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated in medi- cine, in 1837. He returned to his home in Virginia, and opened an office; was, in a short time, actively en- gaged in the practice of his profession. In 1853, he came to Kentucky, and took up his residence at Hop- kinsville, where he has since resided. During the first six years of his professional career, in his new location, he was associated with the justly celebrated physician, Dr. F. G. Montgomery, now deceased. In the course of his long and varied professional service, he has per- formed some of the most difficult operations known in surgery, which won for him a wide celebrity in medical circles. He has considerable talent as a writer, and is a frequent contributor to the different medical jour- nals of the country. He was the founder of the first medical society known in his county; and has taken a deep interest in the promotion of the culture and higher aims of the profession, through the medium

ARFIELD, WILLIAM, Farmer and Stock- raiser, was born May 30, 1827, on the Gras- mere estate, near Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky. His father, Benjamin Warfield, was a native of Maryland, whose family was of Welsh extraction, and came to America with Lord Baltimore's colony, settling in Maryland. Benja- min Warfield was a captain during the war of 1812; a lawyer by profession, and bought the estate of Grasmere in 1824, where he finally settled in 1831. William War- field received a good cducation, graduating at Transyl- vania University, at Lexington, in 1846, immediately after returning to the estate, where he has since devoted himself to his farming interest, also giving a great deal of attention to the raising of cattle, chiefly "Short-horns." He has always been a Whig, and, during the war, was a firm Union man; but has not taken an active part in politics since the Presidential contest of 1860. In 1862, President Lincoln appointed him to a captaincy on Gen. Nelson's staff, which he was soon after compelled to re- sign, on account of ill health. He has been a consist- ent member of the Presbyterian Church since 1846; held the office of deacon for a time; has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the Church, and occu- pies a high position in society. In his relations with others, he is always upright and honorable; is liberal- minded, with a natural capacity for business, which he has used to advantage in his own occupation; is tall and handsome in appearance, with refined habits and tastes ; is a fine scholar, and thorough gentleman. 1Ic was married, December 21, 1848, to Mary Cabell Breck-

564

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

inridge, eldest daughter of Dr. R. J. Breckinridge. Two children only are living, both sons, of whom the eldest, Benjamin Breckinridge, is now at the Theological School at Leipsic, Germany. The youngest son, Ethel- bert Dudley, is being privately taught by Prof. J. K. Patterson, Lexington, Kentucky.

OUNG, REV. LAMBERT, Catholic Clergy- man, is a Hollander by birth, the son of Peter Yongen, or Young, of Schyndel, North Brabant, Holland, and was born May 24, 1834. His father, possessing some means, gave his children a good education; but Lambert was especially favored, as he was early destined for the Church. In his eighth year, therefore, he entered upon a course of training and study, which was continued to his twenty-fifth year. In his native town he studied French; and, in 1849, entered the collegiate course in the Gymnasium at Genert, where some of Holland's best scholars have spent their earlier years. Here he prepared himself thoroughly, and graduated in 1853; he now began the study of philosophy and theology, which was prosecuted under the guidance of the Church ; passed the severe examination, and, in 1859, was admitted for, and received ordination at, the Dio- cese of Bois-le-Duc, in Holland. About three months after, at the request of the late Bishop Carrell, of Cov- ington, Kentucky, he came to this country, arriving here October 18, 1859. His first care was to make him- self familiar with the language and customs of the peo- ple among whom he was to labor. To facilitate this, he went to Missouri; remained there but a short time, as he soon gained sufficient knowledge of the language to enable him to begin his ministry; returned to Coving- ton, and, for eleven months, assisted in the services of the Cathedral there; then was sent to Maysville, Ken- tucky ; remained but a year, then was stationed at Paris, Kentucky; afterwards removed to Mount Sterling, and was finally recalled to Covington. At the beginning of the civil war, he was ordered to Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky, and his labors extended to Carter and Greenup Counties. In this field he remained three years, and, though attended with great risk, and en- countering many hardships, he shrank not from his duties, even when his life was in danger. At length, his health failing, he was induced to return to Holland, to recruit his strength; remained but four months, and immediately on his return was assigned to his present field, at Frankfort, Kentucky, where, since May 4, 1867, he has labored assiduously. In the midst of these duties, an incident occurred which has more closely en- cleared him to his people. The indignation of the Irish at Frankfort was aroused against a negro for the murder

of a young Irish girl, and they gathered around the jail, demanding his life. Father Young was called on to pacify the infuriated mob, but, failing, returned home, and Lynch law prevailed. The United States Court, at Louisville, demanded his testimony against the rioters, but he refused it; was imprisoned in the jail for six weeks, and in other quarters several months, but he re- mained firm. The court at length released him, and he had the satisfaction of hearing from Rome that his con- duct was approved by the Holy See. Father Young is beloved by all his followers; his pleasant, genial man- ners, and noblencss of character, win him many friends as a man ; while his principles, both as priest and man, have stood many a test, and prove him a firm supporter of his faith. His scholarship is profound; and, while he is wholly and earnestly devoted to his Church, to all denominations he is extremely liberal. He has been in this country nineteen years, and has met with great success in his ministry, and is one of the most earnest and able defenders of his faith.

HRUSTON, CHARLES M., JR., was born December 24, 1832, in Louisville, Kentucky. His father, Charles M. Thruston, was one of the most successful lawyers of his day, and one of the most universally admired and esteemed citizens of Louisville. (See sketch of Hon. Charles M. Thruston.) And his mother was the accom- plished daughter of Hon. Fortunatus Cosby, and was noted as one of the most noble of women. Her father was one of Louisville's most influential and useful men, and her brother, Fortunatus Cosby, Jr., was a gentleman of great refinement and elegance of manners and life ; and, besides being one of the first scholars of his day, was one of Kentucky's most admired poets. He received a good English education, and, at the age of sixteen, be- came Deputy Clerk in the office of the Jefferson County Court, under Col. Curran Pope, occupying that position until 1854, when he was elected Clerk of the Jefferson County Court ; was re-elected in 1858, and served until 1862. In that year he removed to New York City, but, after two years, he again returned to Louisville, and, in 1870, was elected to his former position ; was re-elected, in 1874, and still holds that office. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has been one of the most efficient and active men of his party, taking great interest in its local and State affairs. He has also taken an active part in the commercial and business affairs of Louisville; stands deservedly high as a successful, energetic, and honora- ble man; is a man of generous and attractive habits, and of admirable personal appearance. Mr. Thruston was married to Miss Leonora Keller, daughter of J. Kel- ler, an old and esteemed merchant of Louisville.

565

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA.

AVIS, JEFFERSON, Lawyer, Soldier, Politi- cian, and Statesman, was born June 3, 1808, in Todd, then a part of Christian, County, Ken- tucky; and is the son of Samuel Davis, a planter. His father was an officer during the Revolution, in the Georgia troops; after the establishment of American independence, removed to Southern Kentucky, and resided there for several years after the birth of his son, when he settled in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. Jefferson Davis was early placed at Transylvania University, where he remained until his sixteenth year; received an appointment to West Point Military Academy in 1824, where Robert E. Lee, Jo- seph E. Johnston, Leonidas Polk, and others who be- came distinguished in the rebellion, were among his companions. He is said to have conducted himself with great honor in that institution, and graduated in 1828, receiving an appointment in the regular army; was as- signed for duty on the North-western frontier, and ac- quitted himself with such distinction, in 1831 and 1832, as to be promoted to the first lieutenancy, and made adjutant of a regiment of dragoons, in 1833; served in the Black Hawk War, and afterwards actively for two years against various Indian tribes. In 1835, he re- signed his commission, and gave his attention to cotton culture and the acquisition of knowledge. In that re- tirement he laid the foundation for his future distinction in politics; and there, also, he married the daughter of Gen. Z. Taylor. After a period of eight years of prep- aration, in the quiet seclusion of his farm, near Vicks- burg, in 1843 he first appeared on the political arena in his adopted State, amidst a galaxy of brilliant men, like S. S. Prentiss, Foote, Thompson, Claiborne, and Ghol- son. In that year he was a delegate to the State Demo- cratic Convention at Jackson, and there made his first political speech, and introduced a resolution instructing the delegates to the National Convention to vote for John C. Calhoun as the second choice for President, should it appear impossible to nominate Martin Van Bu- ren. During the campaign of 1844, he was an Elector, and established at once a high reputation as an orator; and ever afterwards remained a member of the Dem- ocratic party, and a strong supporter of its extreme States Rights doctrines. In fact, around that dogma his political principles revolved; and largely to that doctrine he devoted his public life. In 1845, he was elected to the Lower House of Congress, with a solid Democratic representation from his State, and rose rapidly into favor among his associates, partici- pating prominently in the debates on the important questions, and gave promise of the polish of speech, and refinement and hreadth of thought, which subse- quently distinguished him. Ile opposed Native Amer- icanism ; spoke, in that term of Congress, in favor of increasing and strengthening the army; in opposition to

river and harbor appropriation ; on the Oregon question ; and in favor of a vote of thanks to Gen. Taylor; and made, in his first appearance in the National House of Representatives, a most favorable impression as to his ability ; even drawing from John Quincy Adams the remark : "That young man is no ordinary man. He will make his mark, mind me." While serving in Con- gress, he was appointed Colonel of the First Mississippi Volunteer Regiment ; resigned his seat in Congress; met his regiment at New Orleans, and soon joined Gen. Tay- lor on the Rio Grande, in the Summer of 1846. This was, doubtless, one of the most agreeable events of his life, as he was greatly devoted to the army, and to military life, and was ambitious of fame in that direc- tion. He had resigned his place in the regular service on account of his marriage, and not from a distaste to the life. And now, when his State had called him to aid in the cause of the nation, he was only too glad to again enter the army. His first engagement was at Monterey, where he gained great credit for his gallantry in storming Fort Teneria at the head of his riflemen; and much honor did he receive for the heroic part hc bore with the Mississippi Rifles in the Mexican War, being most favorably mentioned by Gen. Taylor, and taking his place deservedly among the heroes of Buena Vista. In July, 1847, the term for which his regiment was enlisted having expired, he returned home. He was subsequently offered a commission as brigadier- general of volunteers, by President Polk, but declined, holding that, under his States Rights doctrines, no such commission could be conferred by the President, or by act of Congress. He was, in 1847, appointed by the Governor of his State to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate, caused by the death of Gen. Speight. He was afterwards elected by the Legisla- ture, and served until 1851, appearing prominently in the debates of that body, as he had in the House of Representatives. During the Thirty-first Congress, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs. He was a bitter opponent of the "Com- promise of 1850," the great scheme of Kentucky's greatest statesman for yet a little while prolonging the peace of the nation. He believed the measure was fatal to his section, and was founded on principles inimical to his pivotal doctrine of States Rights. During the great excitement in the South, the Clay Whigs and Compro- mise (or Union) Democracy were successful in the elec- tion of a member to a State Convention to consider Federal relations, denominated " aggressions;" the unex- pected result causing John A. Quitman, the States Rights candidate for Governor of Mississippi, to decline making the race; and Mr. Davis was induced to resign his place in the United States Senate, to which he had been re-elected, to make the race; but, as had been ex- pected, was defeated by Mr. Foote. IIc warmly advo-

566

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

cated the election of Franklin Pierce, in 1852, and was made Secretary of War in the new adminstration, filling the responsible position with apparent satisfaction to his party, and with rare ability undoubtedly. While yet holding his position in Mr. Pierce's Cabinet, he was again elected to the United States Senate by the Legis- lature of his State, and took his seat March 4, 1857. But, with the inauguration of the administration of Mr. Buchanan, came the Kansas-Nebraska troubles, and the old territorial issues, and alarming symptoms of division appeared in the ranks of the Democracy. He became one of the most conspicuous figures in the great Congres- sional contest that now startled the country, and was one of the most prominent defenders of his section, and one of the most able exponents of the extreme States Rights doctrines of one faction of his party. In 1858, he made a trip to New England and the Middle States, and was every-where received with great cordiality, mak- ing a remarkable speech at Portland, Maine. In May, 1860, he made his notable speech in Congress, in reply to Stephen A. Douglas. A new party had been formed on the dissolution of the Whig party, which had as one of its leading purposes the checking of the aggressions of the slave power; and the great division of the Democracy, causing a distrust in the North in the purposes of many of its leaders, insured "an easy victory for the new organization, in 1860. The crisis had now come, in the affairs of the country, which had been foreseen and long averted by Clay, Crittenden, and other patriots, who also saw that civil strife would not only be a calamity in itself, but doubt- less bring absolute destruction upon the most valued interest of the South. On January 9, 1861, Mississippi passed the ordinance of secession, and on the twenty-first of that month he withdrew from his seat in Congress. He was soon after appointed to the command of the State militia, and at once began to organize the State on a war basis. February 5, 1861, at Montgomery, Ala- bama, he was chosen President of "The Confederate States of America," by the Convention of delegates from the seceded States, there assembled. Peaceable separa- tion had been deemed possible, but speculations on this point gradually began to assume a more positive shape. On February 18, 1861, he was inaugurated, and at once organized his government. On April 12, Fort Sumter was fired upon, and the great civil war was commenced. In May the seat of the Confederacy was removed to Richmond, Virginia, and he remained at its head until its final downfall, and, although he gathered around him some of the most able men of the South, he was undoubtedly, both as a soldier and as the executive head, the equal of any man south of Mason and Dixon's line. He was a soldier by education and by natural bent of mind, and at the same time a polished scholar, a de- termined and adroit manipulator of means; endowed

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 98

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