USA > Kentucky > Franklin County > The history of Franklin County, Ky. > Part 7
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In the year 1826, "The Commentator" and "The Con- stitutional Advocate" were consolidated; Mr. Kendall in "The Patriot" announced that fact as follows: "Hymencal." "Mar- ' ried on the -inst. in this place, by the R-
"Spirit of Seven and Six," the notorious agent and Prime Min- ister of their Majesties, the ex-Judges of the Old Court, Mr. "Commentator" to the refined and celebrated lecturess, on the moral integrity of the laws, Miss "C. Advocate." We are told that the parties were full cousins before their marriage. The public may expect a hopeful issue from this alliance, especially. as it is understood that Messrs. Darby and Dana are to stand "God Fathers" to the whole progeny. We learn that a few days after the ceremony, the Duke of the Town Fork. ( Robert Wickliffe) the common friend and patron, paid them a visit to congratulate them on their happy union ; what sum he will settle upon them, has not been made public.
"But from the known munificence of His grace, every con-
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
fidence is entertained that it will be amply sufficient to main- tain them during the reign of their present majesties."
The fight which was made against Col. Sharp in his race to represent the county was extremely bitter. The friends of the old court party used every influence known in political war- fare to deaden his influence and defeat him. John U. Waring, the most desperate and dangerous man who ever became prominent in the politics of the state, was an ardent supporter of the old court; he and Patrick H. Darby became the most active and bitter partisans against Col. Sharp. Waring wrote him two letters threatening his life, in which he boasted that he had stabbed to death six men. Ile also took up the story in reference to Miss Ann Cook, and gave it to the public in flaming hand-bills.
Patrick H. Darby took up these charges against Sharp, and a great many threats both private and public were made against him. Darby was heard to say on several occasions, that if Col. Sharp was elected that he would never take his seat, and that he would be as good as a dead man.
The legislature was to convene on Monday morning, No- vember 6th, 1825. On Sunday evening prior thereto, Col. Sharp in the interest of his candidacy for speaker (and to which office he doubtless would have been elected) went first to the Weiseger House where the Capitol Hotel now stands, and met several members of the legislature, and later came down to the Mansion House, at that time the chief hotel in the city, and stayed there until about twelve o'clock, after which he went to his home on Madison street, (the house in which Mr. Louis Weitzel now lives) and about two hours later was called to his door and assassinated. The assassination created the wildest excitement in Frankfort, The legislature convened that day, and authorized the Governor of Kentucky to offer a reward of three thousand dollars for the apprehension and con- viction of the assassin. The trustees of Frankfort were con- vened in extraordinary session, and they too offered a reward of a thousand dollars for the same purpose. After some days sus- picion rested on Jereboam O. Beauchamp, a young attorney located at Glasgow. Kentucky. A warrant was sworn out,
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THIE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
and Beauchamp was arrested, and brought to Frankfort, he was tried before an examining court, and released from custody ; he at the time asserting his innocence, and volunteering to stay in Frankfort for ten days, in order to give the Common- wealth ample opportunity to investigate the case, and formu- late a new charge. The Commonwealth first asked for fif- teen days and at the expiration of that time fifteen days longer were granted in which to secure sufficient evidence.
In the meantime John U. Waring and Patrick HI. Darby had come under suspicion, Mrs. Sharp having stated that the voice of the assassin had sounded to her like that of Waring, a warrant was issued for him and sent to Woodford County, and from there to Fayette County, but an investigation re- vealed the fact, that Waring had been shot through both hips, on the Saturday preceding the Sharp tragedy, which precluded further proceedings against him. Patrick Darby having heard that he was suspected of the murder, in order to relieve himself from that suspicion, undertook to investigate the facts in the case, and it was through his efforts that Beauchamp was again arrested, and afterward convicted.
The indictment now on file in the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk's office charges that, "Jereboam O. Beauchamp, Attorney at Law, on the sixth day of November, 1825, in the night of the same day, at Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky, with a certain dirk, which he held in his right hand. stabbed upon the front side of the body of said Solomon P. Sharp, and two inches below the breast bone of the said Sharp, a mortal wound, of the breadth of one inch, and of the depth of six inches, from which he instantly died." Patrick H. Darby was one of the chief witnesses against Beauchamp.
In the fall of 1824, Beauchamp had applied to him to bring a suit against Col. Sharp, for certain claims, which are not specified in the record on file in the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk's office. In this conversation Beauchamp stated that he had married Miss Cook, and spoke of Col. Sharp's bad treat- ment of her, and he swore that if he ever saw him he would kill him, and said if he could not see him in any other
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way, he would ride to Frankfort, and shoot him down on the street. (From evidence in record.)
Darby went to Simpson County, the home of Beauchamp, to look up the evidence in the case; while there he found a man by the name of Capt. John F. Lowe, who had received a letter from Beauchamp, in which there were some very damaging admissions against himself. (Letter still on file in Clerk's office.)
Lowe also stated that Beauchamp gave him, on Thursday evening, within a few hours after his return from Frankfort, a detailed account of the assassination, and in conclusion said, "Don't speak of this before Ann, you know what a talk has been about Sharp and her, none of the people about here talk to us about him, they all think he was the cause of her leaving society."
There has been a doubt in the minds of some, as to whether or not the alleged confession of Beauchamp was made by him; but it is perfectly evident from the facts disclosed in the damage suit of Darby vs. Jereboam Beauchamp, uncle of the assassin, that Beauchamp did make the confession, which was given to the public at that time. Darby not only sued Col. Beauchamp, but he also brought suits for libel against Dr. Leander Sharp, Mrs. Eliza T. Sharp, and Amos Kendall. The three last named cases were tried in the Woodford Circuit Court on a change of venue.
The depositions of Ben Hardin, General Andrew Jackson, and Governor Desha were taken as witnesses in these cases, all of which are on file in the clerk's office of the Woodford Circuit Court.
Jereboam O. Beauchamp was the second son of a man who owned a small farm and a few slaves, his father gave him a good English education. Young Beauchamp tried merchan- dising, and afterward school teaching, and at the age of eigh- teen commenced the study of law at Glasgow, Kentucky, where he became acquainted with Col. Sharp. While Beauchamp was at Glasgow, Miss Ann Cook purchased a small farm in Simpson county, about a mile from the home of Beauchamp's father, after his return to his home, he persisted in calling on
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
her, and in a short time he found himself desperately in love with her; he solicited her hand in marriage, she refused him, but afterward said she would marry him upon the condition that he would kill Sharp; Beauchamp agreed to her proposition, and he came to Frankfort for that purpose in the fall of 1821, but his plans failed and he returned to his home without accom- plishing what he came for.
In the year 1824, Beauchamp became of age, and about that time was admitted to the bar, and in a short time there- after, (June, 1824), he and Miss Cook were married. IIe came to Frankfort after dark on Sunday night. November 5th, 1825; after considerable effort he secured a room at Joel Scott's, who was at that time warden of the penitentiary; he brought with him a mask, two pairs of yarn socks, and some old clothes; he slipped out of his room carly in the night, hid his shoes, coat and hat down on the river near the foot of Mero street, and. waited there until about two o'clock in the morning.
In his confession, he describes the circumstances of the murder as follows: "I put on my mask, drew my dagger, and proceeded to the door, I knocked three times loud and quick, Col. Sharp said: "Who's there"-"Covington," I replied, quickly Col. Sharp's foot was heard upon the floor, I saw un- der the door he approached without a light. I drew my mask from my face, and immediately Col. Sharp opened the door. I advanced into the room, and with my left hand I grasped his right wrist, the violence of the grasp made him spring back, and trying to disengage his wrist, he said, "What Covington is this," I replied John A. Covington, "I don't know you," said Col. Sharp, "I know John W. Covington." Mrs. Sharp appeared at the partition door, and then disappeared, seeing her disappear, I said in a persuasive tone of voice, "Come to the light Colonel, and you will know me." and pulling him by the arm, he came readily to the door, and still holding his wrist with my left hand, I stripped my hat and handkerchief from over my fore- head, and looked into Col. Sharp's face. He knew me the more readily I imagine, by my long, bushy, curly suit of hair. Ile sprang back, and exclaimed in a tone of horror and despair, "Great God it is him," and as he said that he fell on his knees.
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I let go his wrist, and grasped him by the throat, dashing him against the facing of the door, and muttered in his face, "die you villain." As I said that I plunged the dagger to his heart.
The next morning Beauchamp left Frankfort, "when the sun was about half an hour high, reached his home on Thurs- day afternoon, and was arrested the afternoon of the next day. There were a large number of witnesses in the case, who came from all parts of the State. Beauchamp was prosecuted by Charles S. Bibb, (Prosecuting Attorney for this district), Daniel Mays, and Attorney General James W. Denny, he was defended by J. Lacy, Samuel Q. Richardson, and John Pope. Mr. Pope closed the argument for the defense. He became so personal against Darby, that Darby attempted to assault him with his cane, and this little incident caused the wildest excite- ment, which resulted in a stampede from the court room.
"The Patriot," of May 22nd, 1826, says, "During the whole of this tedious trial, the courthouse has been crowded with citizens and strangers, and the most intense interest is manifested by every person acquainted in the least with the history and progress of the prosecution. The trial has been managed on both sides with considerable ability, which has much increased the public curiosity and interest." Beauchamp was on Friday, after an hour's consultation, found guilty by the jury. His wife on Saturday, was taken before the justices, on a charge of having been accessory to the murder, but was acquitted."
Beauchamp was publicly hanged on Friday, July 7th, 1826. At an early hour the drums were beating, and a large crowd of people from all sections of the country, filled the streets, and thousands surrounded the gallows, which was erected near where the Glenn's Creek road intersects the Ver- sailles road on what is now the F. M. I. property. Mrs. Beau- champ remained with him until just prior to his removal to the scaffold. Some days prior to this she had secured a vial of laudanum, which was divided between them, each of them took a dose, but it failed to have the desired effect, she then secured a case knife, and about ten o'clock in the morning, on the day of the execution, upon the urgent request of Mrs.
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Beauchamp, the guard went up the ladder, and turned the trap door, when Beauchamp called to him, he immediately returned, and Beauchamp said, "we have killed ourselves," the guard then says that Mrs. Beauchamp had a knife in her hand which was bloody about half way up. It was found that Mrs. Beauchamp had a stab a little to the right of the centre of the abdomen, which had been laid bare for that purpose; she did not sigh or groan, or show any symptoms of pain. The guard asked Beauchamp if he was stabbed, he said "yes," and raised his shirt which had fallen over the wound, he was stab- bed about the centre of the body, just below the pit of the stomach, but his wound was not so wide as that of his wife, Beauchamp said that he had stabbed himself first, and that his wife had taken the knife from him, and plunged it into her- self.
Beauchamp was in a dying condition when he was taken to the gallows, he was too weak to stand while the rope was being adjusted around his neck, he was held by two negro men, for that purpose.
The Patroit says: "It was now half past twelve o'clock. The military were drawn up along Lewis street, and the alley in continuation which passes by the Jailer's house, surrounded by an immense crowd, all of whom were listening with intense interest to every rumor from the dying pair. As Beauchamp was too weak to sit on his coffin, in a cart, a covered dearbon had been provided for his convenience to the gallows. He was now brought out in a blanket and laid in it. At his particular request, Mr. MeIntosh (the Jailer) took a seat by his side. Some of the ministers of the gospel had taken their leave of him just as they were ready to start, he said in a severe tone, "I want to see Darby." He was asked why he wished to see Darby, he said "I want to acquit him."
"The drums beat, and the military, and crowd moved up Clinton to Ann street, along Ann to Montgomery ( Main) street at Weiseger's tavern, and up Montgomery street to the place of execution.
Beauchamp and his wife died about the same hour, and were buried in the same grave at Bloomfield, Kentucky. Each
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of the three victims of this tragedy, had a wound located at al- most the same point in the body.
Beauchamp and his wife, Col. Sharp and his wife, were members of the most prominent families in the State at that time. Col. Jereboam Beauchamp, the unele of the assassin, had represented Washington County in the Legislature, and was at that time prominent in the political and social circles of the State.
The Cook family was very wealthy and influential, Miss Ann Cook and her sister were noted belles, they traveled in 'elegant style with their servants and a team of four horses, and out-riders, they were educated, vivacious and fascinating and notwithstanding they were known as great gamblers, they were leaders in the society of the "four hundred." They were frequent visitors at Frankfort, and they never failed to visit the city during each legislative session.
Dr. Leander J. Sharp's description of Miss Ann Cook (in his vindication of his brother) is not very complimentary to her, and does not accord in any way with the traditions con- cerning the Cooks. He says: "Ann Cook was then (1820) ac- cording to the most accurate information I can obtain, thirty- three or thirty-four years old, she was small in stature, prob- ably not exceeding ninety pounds in weight, had dark hair and eyes, dark skin, inclined to be sallow, a large forehead, slender nose, large mouth, large chin, face tapering downward, and lost her fore teeth, was stoopshouldered, and in no way a hand- some or desirable woman."
Col. Sharp was thirty-eight years old when he was as- sassinated, he was raised on a farm, commenced to practice law at Bowling Green when he was nineteen years of age, four years later he was elected to the Kentucky Legislature, and front 1813 to 1817 was a member of Congress. In 1818 and 1819 he was again in the Kentucky Legislature, and was married to Miss Eliza T. Scott during that term, and moved to Frank- fort. He was appointed Attorney General in 1821, and re- signed in 1825, he was one of the great men which this State has produced, and had scarcely reached the prime of life when the tragic end came. Col. Sharp and his wife are buried in
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THIE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
the Frankfort Cemetery, a square marble shaft about ten feet tall, and each side about eighteen inches broad, marks their last resting place, on the west side of the shaft in this inscription : "Eliza T., wife of S. P. Sharp, died January 4th, 1844, in her 46th year," under which the following "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints," on the east side is: "Solomon P. Sharp was assassinated while extending the hand of hospitality on the morning of November 7th, (should be 6th,) 1825, and beneath this is, "What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter."
General LaFayette visited Frankfort on May 14th, 1825. Ile came by way of Lexington, seven military companies, and a large number of private citizens in carriages, on horse-back, and afoot, met him on the Lexington road, and escorted him to the city, a grand dinner and public ball were given in his honor.
The portrait of General LaFayette was painted by Mat- thew H. Jouett, and placed in the Hall of Representatives in 1825, this portrait is still in a good state of preservation, it now hangs near the speaker's chair in the House of Representatives.
Hon. Thomas Todd died February 7th, 1826, at a meet- ing of the members of the Frankfort Bar, convened at the of- fice of Jacob Swigert, Esq., for the purpose of testifying their respect to the memory of the deceased, John J. Crittenden be- ing called to the chair, and C. S. Bibb being appointed Secre- tary, the following preamble, and resolutions were unanimously adopted: "The members of the Bar of the Federal Circuit Court, for the district of Kentucky, have learned with feelings of deep- est regret, that the Hon. Thomas Todd, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Seventh Judicial Circuit, departed this life about three o'clock this morning: Therefore, Resolved, That in consideration of the acknowledged virtues. and distinguished talents, learning and character of the de- ceased, and the high respect and esteem entertained for him by the Bar. they will attend his funeral on tomorrow, and wear crape on the left arm for the space of thirty days.
C. S. BIBB, Secretary. JOHN J. CRITTENDEN,
February 7th, 1826.
Chairman.
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
In the year 1826, there were 2,998 tithes assessed in the county.
In 1827 Simeon H. Crane, a Presbyterian preacher located in Frankfort, he presented testimonials to the court, and was granted the right to perform the marriage ceremony.
During the legislative term of 1827, a small part of Henry County was added to Franklin, this addition included "All the inhabitants of Flat Creek, and LeCompte's bottom. During this session (1827) the county of Anderson was formed out of the counties of Franklin, Mercer and Washington, Lawrence- burg had prior to that time been in Franklin County. Several sheriffs of Franklin, and at least one Representative of the county lived in that part which was cut off, to help form Anderson ; this was the last section cut from Franklin to help form a new county.
Simon Kenton visited Frankfort, in January, 1827, he was then about seventy years of age, he traveled from Urbana, Ohio, to Frankfort, on horse-back, when he reached the town a large number of people went to see him. His old clothes were soon replaced by good ones, he was taken to the House of Representatives, and introduced to the members of the Gen- eral Assembly. His land had been sold for taxes. The Legis- lature passed an Act releasing this land from taxation, and granting him a pension of $240.00 a year. The Act was ap- proved January 24th, 1827.
There was also an Act of this session which granted to Samuel South the right to plead the loss of certain money, as an off set in the case of the Commonwealth against him, this suit was for money, which he claimed was burned, when the Capitol buildings were burned, in 1824, Samuel South being at that time State Treasurer. The State House was burned November 4th. 1824. (See chapter on State Capitols.)
In 1828 there was "an Act to incorporate the Lexington and Frankfort Turnpike or Railroad Company." The road was to be fifty feet in width, on which there was to be built an artificial road, at least twenty feet in width, of firm. compact and substantial materials, composed of gravel, pounded stone or other small hard substances, in such manner as to secure a
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TIJE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
good foundation, and an even surface. Gates were to be erected not closer than five miles apart.
Lewis Sanders, Jr., was elected county attorney for the year 1828. The court allowed one dollar per day for an ox team, when used on the county road.
During the year 1828, the bridge at Hardinsville, between Franklin and Shelby was rebuilt by order of the county court. George Gill was the contractor and builder.
In 1829 the county court elected Mason Brown, County Attorney to take the place of Lewis Sanders, Jr. Mason Brown continued in the office for several years, and was very active and efficient in looking after the county affairs.
In 1830, John Brown was appointed Sheriff of the county, and John McIntosh was re-elected Jailer.
A State road was made in conformity to an Act of the Legislature from. Frankfort to Ghent, Kentucky.
Patrick Major built a grist mill on Benson Creek opposite Buzzard's Roost.
On motion of Edmund HI. Taylor, the county court granted him the right to establish a ferry from the west end of Broadway street, to the west side of the river below the mouth of Benson, at the same place which was granted to Christopher Greenup in 1805, and was also granted the right to establish a ferry from said Broadway street to the west side above the mouth of Benson Creek.
The members of the Legislature from Franklin County, from 1820 to 1830, are as follows:
John II. Todd, 1820.
Benjamin Taylor, 1821.
Edward George, 1822.
Humphrey Marshall. 1823.
William Hunter, 1824.
John J. Crittenden, 1825-29-30-31-32.
Lewis Sanders, 1826-1828.
James Downing, 1827.
The population of Frankfort:
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
In year 1800 628
In year 1810. 1,099
In year 1820 1,917
In year 1830 1,987
In year 1840 1,917
In year 1850. 3,308
In year 1860. 3,702
In year 1870. 5,396
In year 1880. 6,958
In year 1890 7,892
In year 1900 9,487
Daniel Weiseger, the grandfather of General Daniel Weiseger Lindsey, and John B. Lindsey, came to Franklin County in its very carly history, he was recognized as one of the most substantial citizens of that period, for several years he was the clerk of the Franklin County Court, and for many years was connected in some way with every public improve- ment which was made in the city of Frankfort, and the county of Franklin; some of which improvements are still standing as monuments to his intelligence and integrity. In May, 1826, Daniel Weiseger was suggested as a proper person to be President of the Bank of the Commonwealth: "The Patriot said of him at that time, "Who is it that does not know Daniel Weiseger? He has grown with Frankfort; his moral character is above suspicion, his integrity proverbial. He had by his in- dustry amassed a handsome property, most of it has been swept from him to pay the debts of friends, to whom he had lent his name as security. He has raised a large family of children, who are now supported by his unyielding industry; he has « high claim upon the town of Frankfort, nay the county and State, for his public spirit and liberality. His experience eminently qualified him for the duties of the office. Every- thing in the opinion of candid men conspired to recommend him as a proper person to fill the vacancy."
Daniel Weiseger died in Frankfort, February 22nd, 1829, and was buried in the Frankfort Cemetery.
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THE HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII.
Course of Events from 1830 to 1840.
The rules governing Fiscal Court of the county in 1830 were as follows:
1.t. The Jailer shall keep the court house clean, make fires and ring the bell at ten o'clock on each court day.
2nd. . AAfter the bell has been rung the Sheriff shall call the Justices, not present.
Brd. If three or more Justices attend, a court shall be formed, the oldest in commission taking the chair as Presi- dent.
4th. The Sheriff shall attend and open court and see that good order is preserved during its sitting.
5th. Any person wishing to make a motion to the court shall by himself or attorney respectfully address the presiding Justice.
6th. The President shall keep a docket of all motions and those first made shall have precedence unless the parties or some of them be females, in which case their business shall Fe first in order. He shall propound all questions to the court and take their opinions thereon. He shall not have a vote, un- less in case of an equal division of the court, and in that event, he shall give the casting vote.
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