Col. James K. Huey (1826 - 1891)

The first clue I had to the occupation of James K. Huey was in a mortgage in 1857 in Livingston County, Kentucky. In Livingston Deed Book 3, page 509 Huey used a number of books on jurisprudence, contracts and law as collateral to secure a note he owed W.R. Frazier. It was clear he was interested in and perhaps connected to the legal field. This was confirmed by Livingston County census records. In 1850 he was listed as sheriff and in 1860 he was a lawyer. But James K. Huey's fame spread beyond that of a small town lawyer or sheriff.

Born in the Dyer Hill community of Livingston County, James K. Huey was the son of Robert and Eliza (Calhoun) Huey. He was left an orphan at the age of 15. After serving as deputy sheriff in McCracken County for several years,  he purchased the office of Livingston County sheriff.  When the office became elective, he became a candidate and was elected in 1851 and again in 1853. During his tenure as sheriff, he read law and was admitted to practice in 1856. He also served in the state legislature in 1857 - 1858.

At the beginning of the Civil War, Huey raised a company of cavalry in the counties of Hopkins, Webster and Livingston. He was elected captain of his company and participated in many battles of the war. According to Kentucky Genealogy and Biography, Vol. IV, reprinted from Kentucky: A History of the State by Battle-Perrin-Kniffin, "He retired with the rank of colonel May 19, 1865, marching into Paducah with ninety men, surrendered to Gen. Meredith, who was then in command of the post."

When Huey returned home, he found that he was disbarred from practicing law. He went to New Orleans, where he entered into the commission business. On 14 July 1870 in Canton, Mississippi, he married Miss Alice Powell. They returned to Livingston County and Col. Huey re-entered the legal profession and became a county judge before 1880. Born to Col. and Mrs. Huey  were Annie Powell, James K. Jr., Jessie and Laurin Huey.

James K. Huey passed away in Smithland in December 1891. A brief obituary in the St. Louis Republican states the following: "The report reaches here that J.K. Huey of Smithland, Ky. died this afternoon. He was an ex-County Judge, State legislator and was a Colonel in John Morgan's command and was in prison with him. He left a wife and family."

Tombstone of Col. J.K. Huey (1826-1891)

Smithland Cemetery, Smithland, Kentucky

After Col. Huey's death, his widow, Alice Powell Huey, returned to Mississippi, where she died 24 February 1918. She is buried in Mount Carmel Baptist Cemetery, Winston County.

This is a very brief biography of the life of James K. Huey. My next step is to do a little research on his activities with John Hunt Morgan and if he was confined in the Ohio State Penitentiary with Morgan.



Livingston County, Kentucky Divorces 1865 - 1867

 

This information on  divorces granted  in 1865 - 1867 has been gleaned from Livingston Circuit Court Order Books  Q (1863 - 1867) and R (1867 - 1871). The case files, which contain the details of the divorce petition, are found at the Kentucky Dept for Libraries and Archives. The case files usually give the date and place of marriage and if there are  minor children. To download a request form for a case file from KDLA, go Here

Champion, Catharine vs James M. Champion. Divorce granted 2 September 1865. Plaintiff's maiden name of Owens restored to her. (Order Book Q, page 286).

Wells, Mary H. vs Jesse Wells. Divorce granted 2 September 1865. (Book Q, page 287). Jesse Wells charged with bigamy 13 February 1866. (Order Book Q, page 307). Reported 12 February 1867 that Jesse Wells hath departed this life. (Order Book Q, page 471).

Ross, A.J. vs E.P. Ross. Divorce granted 2 September 1865. (Order Book Q, page 289).

Wells, P.A. vs W.J. Wells. Divorced granted 2 September 1865. (Order Book Q, page 289).

Smith, Minerva Ann vs Robert Smith. Divorce granted 2 September 1865. Plaintiff's maiden name of Carroll restored to her. (Order Book Q, page 289).

Bloodworth, Isaac vs Anna E. Bloodworth. Divorce granted to defendant 2 September 1865. Her maiden name of Roberts was restored. Isaac Bloodworth prohibited from marrying for 12 months. (Order Book Q, page 293).

Connolly, M.A. vs John Connolly. Divorced granted 31 August 1866. Defendant is a non-resident. (Order Book Q, page 469).

Mitchell, H.M. vs E.A. Mitchell. Divorce granted 31 August 1866. Plaintiff cannot marry for one year and is "not to form with one other person the marriage relation until he finds the means or ability to support and maintain a wife and is not to let her suffer or be cast upon the world destitute and uncared for." (Order Book Q, page 469)

Williams, S.M. vs M.J. Williams. Marriage dissolved 14 August 1867. Defendant cannot marry for one year. (Order Book R, page 23).

Covington, Malisa Cordelia vs Henry W. Covington. Contract of marriage dissolved 20 August 1867. Defendant restrained from marrying for one year. Plaintiff's maiden name of Harris restored. (Order Book R, page 46).

Ross, Lovin vs M.J. Ross. Divorce granted 21 August 1867. Plaintiff to have all property owned by him at the time of their marriage or what he acquired in his own right in this marriage. (Order Book R, page 71).

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love and goodwill throughout this day and the new year.

Zion Hill Lodge, No. 371, Crittenden County 1876



Zion Hill Masonic Lodge met at Zion Hill Church in Crittenden County on the Saturday before the Full Moon in each month. The following information comes from Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky 1876.

Officers
J.S. Heath, M.; J.H. Hughes, S.W.; J.G. Loften, J.W.; Robert Heath, Treas.; Alexander Woody, Sec.; Bird Ashley, S.D.; I.C. Bristow, J.D. and E.R. Williams, S. and T.

Past Masters
M. Bristow, T.L. Nunn, H.C. Gilbert, J.H. Hughes.

Master Masons
B.M.G. Heath, J.R. Clement, J.H. Lamb, J.A. Samuels, William Straker, Fielding Brantley, Joseph Samuels, J.N. Teates, Rev. R.B. Tudor, T.J. Woody, J.H. Clark, R.L. Moore, G.F. Clement, J.R. Clark, J.M. Lamb, T.A. Kemp, D.F. Kemp, R.J. Wallingford, J.M. Gilbert, R.E. Flanery, Joseph Franklin, W.D. Williams, Rev. W.R. Gibbs, F.C. Crider, Anderson Avet, J.W. Kinsey, Ely Graves, T.N. Lamb, Jesse Beaird.

Expelled
Joseph Walingford, M.M., June 3d, 1876; for gross unmasonic conduct.

Suspended
J.G. Moore, W.R. Duerson, J.W. Hill, S.R. Lamb, J.T. Bankley, T.E. Porter, R.W. McCoburn, J.E. Straker, M.M.'s, July 29th 1876; for non-payment of dues.

Dimitted
R.W. Taylor, M.M., March 4th, 1876.

Tombstone Tuesday - Quincy and Dora Wilson

 

 

Wilson
Quincy L
1848 - 1930

Dora S.
1865 - 1965

Buried Shady Grove Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 22 November 2011.

According to his death certificate, William Lysander Quincy Wilson was born 31 January 1848 and died 26 May 1930. He was the son of Quincy Huston Wilson and Mary Matilda Lamb.

W.L.Q. Wilson married Miss Dora Pickens 19 September 1885 at the home of W. Pickens in Crittenden County.

Masonic Lodges in Western Kentucky 1876

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not be copied without written permission

Many towns, big and small,  in western Kentucky had a Masonic Lodge.  The following list of lodges in the western part of the state is taken from Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, 1876. Under each county, the name and number of the lodge as well as the location are given.

Caldwell County
Clinton Lodge, No. 82, Princeton
Fredonia Lodge, No. 247, Fredonia
Bethlehem Lodge, No. 451, Bethlehem Academy
Roscoe Lodge, No. 471, Beech Grove

Crittenden County
Dycusburg Lodge, No. 232, Dycusburg
Bigham Lodge, No. 256, Marion
Zion Hill Lodge, No. 371, Zion Hill Church
Shady Grove Lodge, No. 559, Shady Grove
Hurricane Lodge, No. 571, Hurricane Furnace
Liberty, U.D., Cross Roads

Livingston County
Salem Lodge, No. 81, Salem
Smithland Lodge, No. 138, Smithland
Carrsville Lodge, No. 378, Carrsville

Lyon County
Joppa Lodge, No. 167, Tennessee Rolling Works
Suwanee Lodge, No. 190, Eddyville
Parkersville Lodge, No. 484, Parkersville

Union County
Morganfield Lodge, No. 66, Morganfield
Caseyville Lodge, No. 168, Caseyville
Union Lodge, No. 219, Uniontown
Bordley Lodge, No. 390, Bordley
Shiloh Lodge, No. 453, Shiloh Meeting House
Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 558, Mt. Pleasant Church
Dekoven Lodge, No. 577, Dekoven

Webster County
Providence Lodge, No. 148, Providence
Carlow Lodge, No. 314, Carlow
Prathersville Lodge, No. 347, Slaughtersville
Dixon Lodge, No. 467, Dixon
Claysville Lodge, No. 524, Claysville
Bailey Lodge, No. 538, Sebree City

Book Sale

For a current list of books on sale go here:   Book Sale

Tombstone Tuesday - Samuel and Sarah Jackson

 

In

Memory of

Samuel Jackson

Born Oct. 18

1780

& Died Oct. 10

1836

 

 

 

In

Memory of

Sarah Jackson

Born Dec 22

1781

& Died May 18

1849

 

 

Samuel and Sarah Jackson are buried at Old Marion Cemetery, Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Their tombstones were photographed 24 October 2012.

Samuel Jackson and Sarah Elder married 18 October 1803 Livingston County, Kentucky. They were charter members of Bethany Presbyterian Church, according to the Membership List of Bethany-Marion Presbyterian Church 1803 - 1881, compiled from the official church record book by Robert M. Wheeler.

 

Following the death of Samuel Jackson, his widow, Sarah, chose not to administer upon his estate and, in a note dated 5 December 1836,  recommended that their son, James E. be appointed administrator. 

  

Published 11 Dec 2012 by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

 

Research Tip - Get Permission

Doing genealogical research online is much faster and more convenient than the old fashioned way of visiting courthouses and cemeteries on your own. How exciting it is to find that your ancestor's photo is already online and someone has written the story of his life! However, with the speed and convenience of online research comes  responsibility - the responsibility of verifying that information and the responsiblity of asking permission before using someone else's works.  Please take the time to be a responsible reseacher and always get permission.

Reviewing the Results

It is almost time to make New Year's resolutions, but before I can do that I need to review what I have and have not accomplished during the current year. Then I will decide if it is prudent to even make new resolutions. Here goes.

My personal research is divided between work on my own families and work on the never-ending Smithland project.  Work on my families has been sporadic. High on the list for 2012 has been taking photos of tombstones to replace those taken many years ago.   My photography skills have improved a bit during the past 40 years and digital cameras make it easier and less expensive to take many photographs. Many of my old photographs are not sharp and some have faded. Also, tombstones can deteriorate with the passage of time. Some tombstones fall, become covered with dirt and debris and disappear from memory.

Now, for the Smithland project. It started out small several years ago by identifying town lot owners from the beginning of Smithland up to the Civil War. It quickly grew to include the location of former businesses and churches. I have learned a great deal, especially when working on the nomination of the old courthouse to the National Register of Historic Places. That project was the most fulfilling research I have ever done and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. However, my Smithland project didn't stop with the acceptance of the nomination. It continues with bits and pieces being learned almost every week. During the past year, I have "met" several descendants of the Barner family, who lived on Charlotte Street. One descendant of a collateral Barner line visited me last winter and we continue to keep in touch with findings. I have been in touch by email with two other direct descendants of the Smithland family and hope to visit in person in the future. Photographs of the family have been shared, as well as letters and documents. This part of my Smithland project is the most exciting thing to happen in my research in recent years.

I have also been working on separating fact from legend regarding stories surrounding many of the older buildings in Smithland. This is a lot of fun, but there have been disappointments too. I wish all of the stories were true, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I will be sharing some of my findings during the coming year.

So, my results have been mixed. Not a lot new on my personal lines so I will keep on digging and photographing. There have been excellent progress on the Smithland project, but there is much yet to do.

Now to think about those resolutions for 2013.  Hmmmm ...

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tombstone Tuesday - Icypheania Burgess

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not be copied without written permission

 

 

Icypheania W.

Wife of

J.L. Burgess

Born

Sept. 11, 1814

Died

April 20, 1871

 

 

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Smithland, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 1 September 2010.

 

Joseph L. Burgess married Mrs. Icypheania W. Carter 1 February 1846 in Livingston County, Kentucky. No marriage between a Mr. Carter and Icypheania has been located.  The 1850 Livingston County census shows Joseph L. Burgess as age 39 and a tanner born in Kentucky. Isafena [sic] Burgess was age 36 and born in Virginia.  In his will,  [Livingston County Will Book B, page 290, recorded 20 September 1871], Joseph Logan Burgess identified Peachea Doyle as "my wife's mother and who also has been like a mother to me ..." Peachea Doyle is buried near Icypheania W. and J.L. Burgess.

 

 Peachea Norvel Doyle

Born at Lynchburg, Va.

Jan. 4, 1790

Died at Smithland, Ky.

Apr. 25, 1886

Wife of

William Doyle

 

 



Acquiring Land by Special Act

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not copy without written consent

Did your ancestor suddenly acquire land and you can not find how or when he obtained it? Perhaps the land was acquired under special circumstances, such as an act of the General Assembly as shown in the cases of William Dunning and Elizabeth Nall. This information comes from Chapter CCCCXXVI, An Act for the benefit of William Dunning and Elizabeth Nall, approved February 9, 1819, and was accesssed on Google Books.

"Whereas it is represented to the present general assembly of the commonwealth of Kentucky, that William Dunning, of Caldwell county, has, in consequence of affliction for a considerable time past, been deprived of his right hand, and is consequently unable to labor for the support of his wife and a number of little children. Therefore,

"Sec. 1.  Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That the register of the land-office be, and he is hereby authorised and required to issue to said William a land warrant for 200 acres of land, without the state price being paid, which sd. Dunning may have entered and surveyed on any waste and unappropriated land in this commonwealth - the plat and certificate of survey for which shall be received by the register, without fee, and the grant shall be issued as in other cases; which land shall only be cultivated and kept for the use of sd. Dunning and his children, during his life, and shall at his death descend to sd. children: Provided, sd. warrant be entered and surveyed on land in Caldwell county, and shall not interfere with any prior claim, nor be entered on any land lately purchased of the Indians, west and south of the Tennessee river.

"Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That the register of the land office be, and he is hereby authorised and required to issue a land warrant to Elizabeth Nall, of Hopkins county, without the state price being paid, for 100 acres, which shall be entered on the land she lives on in sd. county, to include the improvements on same; which, when surveyed and returned to the register, he shall issue a grant therefor as in other cases; Provided, sd. survey shall not interfere with any prior claim or claims."

Tombstone Tuesday - Larkin and Milly Sisk

Larkin Sisk
Born
Sep. 18, 1796
Died
Aug. 31, 1873

Milly Sisk
Born
Jan. 11, 1801
Died
Aug. 3, 1860

Buried Cedar Hill Cemetery, Princeton, Caldwell County, Kentucky. Tombstones photographed 18 March 2011.

Larkin Sisk is enumerated on the 1840 - 1850 and 1870 Caldwell County census records. The 1850 census shows that he was age 54, born in South Carolina. Milly was age 49 and born in Tennessee. Larkin is found on the 1860 Crittenden County census (west half of the county) in the household of Alfred Turner. He appears on the 1870 Caldwell County census in the household of Henry Sisk.

News From Morganfield 1914

Even though Union County newspapers are not available before 1924, we can view some of the activities in that county by reading newspapers in adjoining counties. The following items appear under the title, Items From Morganfield, in the 18 January 1914 issue of the Henderson Gleaner. These items originally appeared in the Morganfield Sun.

Mrs. Fannie B. Connell left for her home in Paducah Wednesday after spending a few days with her sister, Mrs. S.V. Sale, in Henderson and Mr. J.L. Sale of this city.

Mrs. S.V. Sale returned to her home in Henderson after spending a few days with her sons, Messrs. James Lee and Arthur Sale of this city.

Miss Della Newman of near Boxville is quite sick. A trained nurse has been called.

Mrs. Maggie Berry and Mrs. W.M. Wright will leave on the 19th for an extended visit to Mrs. Henry W. Tyler of East Haddon, Conn.

Mrs. Lou Gip Brown returned Tuesday from Nashville, where she has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. George Clark.

Miss Matilda Young, our resident trained nurse, has been called to the bedside of Mrs. Berry Conway, who is ill with pneumonia.

Mrs. John Wall left Monday for Evansville, where she will visit her daughter, Mrs. Noel Harris, for several days, leaving Tuesday for an extended visit to Mrs. Hugo Phillips in Texas.

Mr. S.E. Haynes, years ago a resident of Morganfield, and son, Mr. Jack Haynes, of Wichita, Kan., are spending the week here.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Happy Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims to give thanks to God for getting them safely to the New World. It wasn't until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving. Since that time, we have gathered with our families and friends in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Americans seem to celebrate holidays best with food. As Thanksgiving is a Fall holiday, our meal usually consists of seasonal foods. My family has the same meal year after year and if I dared change it, we might have a mutiny. We always have turkey, cornbread/sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, rolls, and various desserts. Each of us has a favorite food, but most of all, we enjoy being together.

As you gather with your family today, please remember all of the good things you have enjoyed during the past year and may God continue to bless you all.

  

 

Tombstone Tuesday - Bobbie P. Dycus

Bobbie P.
Dycus
Born
Jan. 4, 1862
Died
June 2, 1900

Buried Dycusburg Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 3 November 2010.

The following appeared in the 5 July 1882 issue of the Crittenden Press: "W.S. Dycus of Dycusburg was united in marriage to Miss Bobbie Payne of Paducah last week."

The couple can be found on the 1900 Lyon County, Kentucky census in Kuttawa with several children.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Kentucky Divorce Laws 1852

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not be copied without written consent

Prior to 1849, divorces were granted in Kentucky either through an act of the legislature or through circuit court. After 1849, only circuit courts granted divorces. The filing and conclusion of the divorce are usually found in the circuit court order books (minutes), but the details of the case are found in circuit court case files at the Kentucky Dept for Libraries and Archives. Theses case files can be ordered by mail. Use this form:  Divorce Request Form  

The grounds for divorce were outlined in The Revised Statutes of Kentucky, approved and adopted by the General Assembly, 1851 and 1852, and in force from July 1, 1852, Volume II, page 17, Article III: Divorce and Alimony. Among the many grounds for divorce were the following:

1.  Living separately and apart without cohabitation for five consecutive years before application.
2.  Abandonment by one party from the other for one year.
3.  Condemnation for felony in or out of this state.
4.  Concealment from the other party of any loathsome disease existing at the time of marriage or afterward.
5.  Force, duress, or fraud in obtaining the marriage.
6.  Confirmed habit of drunkenness on the part of the husband of not less than one year's duration, accompanied with a wasting of his estate, and without suitable provision for the maintenance of his wife and children.
7.  Habitual cruel and inhuman treatment of the wife by the husband of not less than 6 months.
8.  Cruel beating or injury or attempt at injury of the wife by the husband.
9.  Pregnancy of the wife by another man without the husband's knowledge at the time of the marriage.
10,  Adultery committed by the wife or such lewd, lascivious behavior on her part so as to prove her t unchaste, without actual proof of a specific act of adultery.

Suit for divorce had to be brought in the county where the wife usually resided, if she had a residence in the state. If she did not, the suit was to be brought in the county of the husband's residence. Residence must be for one year before filing of the divorce. The suit for divorce had to be brought within 5 years of the the act complained of and cohabitation as man and wife, after knowledge of the adultery or lewdness complained of, took away the right of divorce thereafter.

A decree for separation or divorce from bed and board could also be rendered for the same causes which allowed regular divorce. Neither party in a divorce from bed and board could remarry during the lifetime of the parties.  

Tombstone Tuesday - Box Tombs

 Copyright on photographs and text by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not copy without written consent

 

Box tombs are fairly common in older cemeteries in western Kentucky. Although most are constructed in a similar fashion, the materials used can vary. The sides are constructed of stone or brick with a flat top, which is smooth enough to be engraved with the name and dates of the deceased. The earth forms the bottom of the tomb and the deceased is buried under ground. Below are some examples of box tombs found in western Kentucky.



These box tombs can be found in Hill Cemetery, off Hwy. 91 in Caldwell County.

The following box tombs can be found in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Princeton, Caldwell County.

 

 

This box tomb is located in Mills Pioneer Cemetery, near Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky.

 

 



Heirs of David and Mary Scott of Caldwell County

I came across a document recently that might be of interest to you. It was found in a box marked Miscellaneous Bonds in the Caldwell County Clerk's Office, Princeton, Kentucky. It is undated, but the David Scott, mentioned in these papers, died before 6 January 1835, when his property was produced by Robert Scott, administrator, and appraised by Elijah G. Galusha and William Jenkins. Among the buyers at the estate sale were Samuel Scott, James Scott, Nancy Scott, Betsy Scott and Mary Scott. The appraisal and sale of David Scott's estate can be found in Caldwell County Inventory, Appraisement and Sale Book C (1831-1837), pages 271-272.

"Know all men ... we the undersigned children and heirs of David Scott deceased being all of full and mature age having agreed amongst ourselves to divide the landed estate of sd. David Scott into Eight equal shares, one of which to belong to each heir, and to sell the slaves belonging to the estate of Mary Scott deceased and divide the proceeds into eight equal parts ... Now therefore in order that all of sd. heirs may be held equally responsible in the event of Saml. Scott, our Brother (supposed to be dead) ever returning and applying for his portion of sd. estate or application being legally made for his interest in case he is living or if dead having left other heirs than ourselves - We do each and all agree and bind ourselves to pay Saml. or his duly authorised agent or heir equal amount to constitute the whole sum to which he may be entitled ... [signed] James Scott, Robert M. Scott, William Scott, Mary Scott, Airalie[?] C. Scott, John J. Scott, Elisazabeth Scott. Attest: C.F. Bigham."

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tombstone Tuesday - Sidney K. Lucas

Copyright on text and photographs

by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog



 

Sidney K. Lucas

Born

Oct. 28, 1814

Died
Dec. 6, 1860

 

 

Buried Mt. Zion Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 24 October 2012.

 



Sidney K. Lucas was the son of Ingram W. and Maryan Lucas, who left Union County, South Carolina and settled in old Livingston County, Kentucky prior to 1810.  Sidney K. married Martha Hill, daughter of William and Martha Hill 7 January 1836 Livingston County. The Lucas family was among early members of Mt. Zion Methodist Church, which was organized in 1838.

Sidney K. Lucas left a will dated 11 November 1860 and produced in court 10 December 1860. It is recorded in Crittenden County Will Book 1, page 84.

Sidney K. Lucas' sister, Maryan Jane Lucas, married Logan Croft. They were my ancestors.

Was Polly a Nickname for Merica?

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not copy without written consent



I have a little problem and hope you can help.

My 3rd great grandmother, Mary "Polly" Adams, was born 12 June 1788 and died 27 December 1882, according to her tombstone in Lavender Cemetery, Hardin County, Illinois. Buried next to her is her husband, William Shoemaker, born 12 December 1784 and died 7 April 1877. William Shoemaker and Polly Adams married 29 August 1809 Caldwell County, Kentucky.

I have not found William Shoemaker on the 1810 census, but he is listed in Caldwell County in 1820. Thereafter he is found in Illinois. The 1850 and 1860 census records of Hardin County, Illinois show Mary "Polly" born in South Carolina, but the 1870 census shows her birthplace as Georgia. In all records, she is listed as Mary or Polly. She has not been found on a census in 1880. Also, among members of the William and Polly Shoemaker household on the 1850 Hardin County census was Polly Adams, age 78, born Virginia. I believe this was the widow of Robert Adams, who died in 1824 in Caldwell County, Kentucky.

Now here's the problem. In his will in Caldwell County Book A, page 406, Robert Adams names a daughter Merica - "mericas part I allow for her and her children and Wm. Shoemaker and my son Robert." William Shoemaker and Robert Adams were also named executors.

Robert Adams mentions his daughter Annalatha (also called Anna) and Moriah and Robert Shoemaker, children of his deceased daughter and Lindsey Shoemaker. The 1850 Caldwell County census shows that Anna's birthplace was given as Georgia, the same state as Mary's on the 1870 Hardin County, Illinois. On Anna's death record in Lyon County, Kentucky Vital Statistics on 20 August 1856, her parents are given as Robert and Mary Adams.

Was Polly also a nickname for Merica? Why was South Carolina listed as the birthplace for Mary "Polly" Adams Shoemaker on the 1850 and 1860 census, but Georgia was listed on the 1870 census? I am 95% sure my Mary "Polly" Adams was the daughter of Robert Adams, but there is still a teeny, tiny doubt.

What do you think? While we solve this problem, keep Robert Adams Sr. in mind as next we need to learn more about him, too. He is a a rather mysterious figure in my family tree.

Tombstone Tuesday - George & Martha Witherspoon

In 1835, Bethany Presbyterian Church moved from the current location of Crooked Creek Missionary Baptist Church, about 1 mile from Marion, Crittenden County to where U.S. 60 makes a 90 degree turn as it heads toward Livingston County. The church is long gone, but the adjoining cemetery, called Old Marion, remains as the final resting place for some of Marion's earliest settlers. Crittenden County was created in 1842 and Marion became the county seat not long after that.

Among the older tombstones in Old Marion Cemetery are those for George and Martha Witherspoon, who came from North Carolina at an early date. The Membership List of Bethany-Marion Presbyterian Church 1803-1881, compiled from the official record book by Robert M. Wheeler, lists George Witherspoon as a charter Elder in 1813 and Martha Witherspoon as a charter member. George's death date is listed as 3/16/1844 and Martha's death date is given as 11/19/1845. George Witherspoon left a will dated 3 February 1840 and recorded 13 May 1844 in Crittenden County Will Book 1, page 6.  Unfortunately, a tree has tried to eat the tombstone for George Witherspoon so we are unable to read any anything but his last name and March 16.  The tombstones were photographed 24 October 2012.

 

In

memory

of

----- Witherspoon

March 16,

 

 

In

memory

of

Martha Witherspoon

died Nov. 19

1845

in her 63 year

 

 

 

 

Last Call ...

Book Sale ... Last Call! Sale ends 1 November 2012.

Kentucky Marriage Laws 1851

Kentucky marriage laws were very specific about who could and could not marry. These laws also detailed who could perform marriages and how the marriage records were to be issued.     This information in this post is taken from  The Revised Statutes of Kentucky, approved and adopted by the General Assembly 1851 and 1852, and in force from July 1, 1852, Vol. II, Chapter 47.

Most of us have heard that relatives could not marry in Kentucky, but we do not know what the law actually said.  Here is what the law was in the mid-1850s. The man or woman could not marry a parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild. A man could not marry the wife of his father, grandfather, son or grandson, nor the daughter, granddaughter, mother or grandmother of his wife , nor the daughter or granddaughter of his brother or sister or the sister of his father or mother. A woman could not marry the son, grandson, father or grandfather of her husband, nor the son or grandson of her brother or sister or the brother of her father or mother.  

Marriage was prohibited with an idiot or lunatic or between a white person and a Negro or Mulatto, either as a slave or free. Marriage was not permitted with a person not legally divorced with a privilege of remarrying.  A marriage was to be solemnized in the presence of a person authorized to do so.

Marriages could be solemnized by ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society. Also, judges of the county court and justices of the peace were authorized to perform marriages.  No minister or priest could solemnize a marriage until he had obtained a license from the county court of the county where he resided. The person solemnizing the marriage had to return the license to the clerk of county court within three months, with a certificate of the marriage over his signature, giving the date and place of the marriage and the names of 2-3 people present. Failing to make this return was to result in a $60 fine.

No marriage could be solemnized without a license issued by the clerk of the county court. "It shall only issue from the clerk of the county court where the female usually resides, unless she is of full age or a widow, and it is issued on her own application in person or by writing signed by her."  Although if a license was issued from a county clerk of another county , where the bride resided, the marriage would not be considered invalid.

Marriage was prohibited when the male was under the age of 14 or the female was under 12 years of age.  It either of the party was under 21 years of age and never before married, no license could issue without the consent of his or her father or guardian, or if there was none or he was absent from the state, without the consent of his or her mother, along with the signatures of two witnesses. If the parties were not known to the county clerk, a license could not issue without bond and surety in the penalty of $100, to be given to the commonwealth with condition that there was no lawful cause to obstruct the marriage.

 I hope this answers some questions about marriage laws in Kentucky in the mid-1800s.

 

 

Tombstone Tuesday - Davis - Lyon Brothers

Harriet Cook, daughter of John and Ann Cook, first married John Davis before November 1822, probably in Kentucky.  Three known children were born to them: Thomas M. Davis, John N. Davis and William R. Davis. John Davis died before December 1830 in Livingston County and, in 1833, Harriet Cook Davis married Stephen Lyon. Harriet, her second husband, and several of her children are all buried near each other in Smithland Cemetery.

Wm. R. Davis

Born Jan. 11,

1829

Died June 13,

1851

 

 

 

J.N. Davis

Born May 18th

1827

Died Nov. 6th

1848

 

 

On 8 March 1852, Mrs. Harriet Lyon of Smithland conveyed to Thos. M. Davis all her interest in and to all the real estate of John Davis dec'd "which she fell heir to and was entitled according to the Laws of Kentucky upon the Death of her two sons, John N. & Wm. R. Davis brothers of sd. Thos. M. Davis & children of sd. John Davis dec'd." [Livingston County Deed Book 1:539]

 

Harriet had several children by Stephen Lyon, but only one, Charles S. Lyon, lived to adulthood. He was born in 1837 and died 1912 in Western State Hospital.

 

Charles S. Lyon

Dec. 3, 1837

June 23, 1912

Aged 74 years, 6 mos.

& 20 Days

Published 23 October 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/


 

 

 

 

The 1890 Federal Census

Many Kentucky researchers are convinced that some of their genealogical problems would be solved if only the 1890 federal census existed. Unfortunately, 99% of the records for that census were destroyed in 1921 in a Department of Commerce fire in Washington, DC.  Only slightly more than 6,100 records survived and none of them are for Kentucky.  There are a few 1890 Veteran Schedules extant for some Kentucky counties, but those counties do not include Henderson, Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon, Hopkins, Union or Webster. Also, there are no state census records for Kentucky.

The 1890 tax lists for many Kentucky counties do exist, however. Some larger libraries may have them on microfilm and they are certainly available at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives in Frankfort, Kentucky. Also, some of these tax lists for that year have been published (i.e. Caldwell County) as a "substitute 1890 census."  The 1890 tax list provides important information, such as amount of land owned and the value, number of males over the age of 21, number of legal voters, number of children between the ages of 6 and 20 and even the name of the nearest neighbor, but only the person being taxed  and the neighbor are listed by name. Other members of the household are not listed.

It is inconvenient not having the 1890 census, but there are other places to find information. Be sure to look at wills and estate records, marriages, deeds and mortgages and court records and don't forget to look for newspapers.

Tombstone Tuesday - Walter Burns

Walter Burns first appears on the 1840 Livingston County, Kentucky census as a single man between the ages of 20 and 30. On the 30th of December 1840, he married Miss Evalina Petty. Before his death in 1849, Walter Burns served as county jailer and as paymaster of the 24th Regiment, 19th Brigade.

It is believed that Walter and Evalina had the following children: James Walter, Charles H., Isabella and Agnes.

Walter Burns

Born

in Kilsyth, Scotland

April 16, 1815

Died

July 9, 1849

 

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Smithland, Kentucky. The tombstone above was photographed in 2010. During the summer of 2012, someone wedged a piece of wood in front of the stone, perhaps in an attempt to straighten it. As a result, the tombstone broke at ground level.

 

 

Evalina Petty Burns married as her second husband, James E. Smullen on 25 March 1856 in Livingston County. At the time of that marriage, she was listed as age 38, widowed, born Christian County, Kentucky and a resident of Smithland. She died after 1880, probably in Livingston County.

 

 

 





Business Directories and Registers

Genealogists search many records to find information on their ancestors. Because they are not as easily accessible, business directories and registers are often overlooked. Google Books has made it easier to locate these records.  The following information on lawyers comes from  Lawyers' Record and Official Register of the United States, 1872.

Caldwell County
Allen, Cornelius T., admitted August in Lunenburg County, VA.
Bradley, Collis D. , no information
Calvert, Wm. H., admitted 1841 at Princeton, Ky. Has been member of Legislature
Darley, Frank W., admitted 1865 at Princeton. Has been County Judge and State Senator
Darby, Patrick, admitted 1865 at Princeton
Duvall, George W., admitted 1865, Lewis County, Va. Has been member of Legislature
Gray, C.T., no information
Hewlett, Jas. R., admitted June 1859, Princeton. Is now District Attorney. Has been member of Legislature
McGoodwin, W.P., no information
Marble, S. & Son:  Marble, Sumner, admitted 1841, Henry County, Ky. Has been member of Legislature.  Marble, Wm., admitted 1868, Princeton.
Morrow, Thomas J., admitted Sept 1868, Princeton. Has been Judge City Court. Is now County Attorney.
Pepper, L., no information
Turner, J.N., no information

Crittenden County
Bigham, James W., no information
Black, Nathan R., no information
Blue, John W., admitted March 1853, Morganfield, Ky. Has been member of Legislature
Finley, John R., admitted May 1868 at Marion, Ky. Is now County Attorney
Haynes, Robt. F., no information
Hodge, Singleton, admitted May 1863, Marion Ky. Has been County Attorney, Clerk Circuit Court, Master in Chancery
Nunn, Thos. J., admitted 7 Dec 1863, Marion, Ky
Wood, Americus V., admitted 6 Feb 1865, Cadiz, Ky. Has been Police Judge

Livingston County
Bigham, H.H., no information
Bush & Bush:  Bush, Jno. W., admitted 1858, Eddyville, Ky. Bush, R.R. Jr., admitted Feb 1867, Smithland, Ky.
Greer, Wm. D., admitted 1855, Smithland, Ky
Hodge, James C., admitted 1864, Smithland, Ky
Murray, Jno. L., admitted Aug 1871, Smithland, Ky

Lyon County
Cassidy, Daniel B., admitted Sept 1856, Smithland, Ky
Husbands, James G., admitted 10 Aug 1868, Paducah, Ky. Is now County Attorney
Skinner, Fred H., admitted 1855, Eddyville, Ky. Has been Judge County Court
Watkins, T.J., no information
Wilson, Finis A., admitted 1859, Princeton, Ky. Has been County Attorney. Is now member of Legislature


Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tombstone Tuesday - Mrs. Lucy T. Glass

Sacred
to the memory of
Mrs. Lucy T. Glass
daughter of
Col. Philip & E.H. Barbour
who was born
[remainder of inscription under ground]

Buried at Fernwood Cemetery, Henderson, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 31 December 2011.

The Fernwood Cemetery Database gives her burial date as 19 July 1841.

According to Raleigh Travers Green's Genealogical and Historical Notes on Culpeper County, Virginia, Philip Barbour, a veteran of the War of 1812, married as his second wife, Elizabeth Hopkins, daughter of Samuel Hopkins.


Copyright on photographs and text
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Five Year Anniversary

On the 6th day of October 2007 I spoke my first words as a blogger. Little did I realize that over 860 posts would be published here and over 128,000 people would visit this site.

The post with the most hits since this blog began is the one on Andrew Jackson's tombstone.  During the past month, the most popular posts have been the following:

Tombstone Tuesday - Andrew Jackson

Am I My Own Cousin?

Where Were You on September 11, 2001?


Many subjects have been covered, but there is still much to say so ... I guess I'll hang around for a while. Thank you for joining me and I hope you will continue to do so.

Published 6 October 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog.  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Relinquishment of Dower Rights 1858

The following example of a wife or widow relinquishing her dower rights to property formerly owned by her husband is found in Crittenden County, Kentucky Deed Book E, pages 218-219. Without this relinquishment of dower, future owners of the property could not have a clear title. Sometimes the relinquishment of dower rights occurred many years after the property was sold.

23rd January 1858: Indenture between Nancy F. Woodsides of St. Clair County, Illinois and Samuel H. Elder of Crittenden County, Kentucky. Whereas some years ago, say about the 11th day of March 1834, John Woodsides deceased then the husband of the sd. Nancy Woodsides sold a tract of land to David Stephenson, containing three[?] hundred and twenty seven acres which conveyance was made and acknowledged before the clerk about the time above mentioned and same day that David Stephenson sold a part of the land to S.H. Elder for $229. And whereas Nancy F. Woodsides did not sign sd. conveyance to Stephenson and relinquish her dower ... now to perfect Elder's title and for the consideration of one dollar, Nancy relinquishes all her right to dower in and to sd. land. [signed] Nancy F. (X her mark) Woodsides. Recorded in Crittenden County 3 February 1858.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tombstone Tuesday - Throop and Scyster

John H. Throop
1850 - 1911



Mary S. Throop
1856 - 1927

Both are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Evansville, Indiana. Tombstones photographed 31 July 2010.

John Hamilton Throop, well known on the Ohio River, was the son of Joshua V. Throop , prominent steamboat captain from Smithland, Livingston County, Kentucky.

J.H. Throop's obituary appeared in the Crittenden Record Press 7 September 1911. It states: "Capt. J.H. Throop, aged 63 years, one of the best known steamboat men along the lower Ohio river, died here [Evansville] yesterday. For many years he was United States inspector of steamboat hulls here. He was a native of Smithland, Ky. The deceased had spent practically all his life on the Ohio River."

Mary Scyster Throop was daughter of Capt. Jacob V. Scyster, also a steamboat captain. Mary Troop's obituary appeared in the Evansville Courier Monday, 21 February 1927: "Funeral services for Mrs. Mary S. Throop, 76, who died Saturday afternoon at the residence, 1052 South First street, will be held at the home this afternoon. Conducting the service will be Dr. A.E. Craig, pastor Trinity M.E. church, and the Rev. T.A. Wigginton, pastor Washington Avenue Presbyterian church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Death was due to pneumonia. Surviving are two sons, J. Vail Throop of Kansas City, Mo., and John Throop of Water Valley, Miss; and a daughter, Mrs. J. Fort Abell, Paducah, Ky."

Published 2 October 2012,  Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Passport Applications Provide Details

I have been playing around with Passport Applications 1795-1925 on ancestry.com and having a great time. The amount of information varies, but, for the most part you will find the name, date and place of birth, residence, name of father, physical description, date of sailing and countries to be visited. Some of the passport applications are accompanied by a photograph of the applicant. This is good stuff! The passport applications come with a subscription to ancestry.com.

Among the people I found are the following:

Carney A. Hollowell, a student of Princeton, Kentucky; born 16 October 1898 Caldwell County; father J.E. Hollowell, born Caldwell County; planning to visit the British Isles, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Czech-Slovakia. He is leaving from the port of New York on board the Mauretania 27 June 1922. He is described a 5 feet 7 inches high, blue eyes, Roman nose and brown hair.

Clement Singleton Nunn, an attorney of Marion, Kentucky; accompanied by his wife Lemah Barnes Nunn, who was born in Crittenden County 4 June 1871; they married at Marion 24 October 1894. He was born in Marion 1 February 1870; father Thomas J. Nunn, born Crittenden County but now deceased. They plan to tour Germany, Italy, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Spain and Belgium and leave 15 July 1922. Nunn is 5 feet 8 inches high, has hazel eyes, round chin, straight nose and is slightly bald. Photographs of Nunn and his wife accompany the application.

John L. Smith, a newspaper writer living in Smithland, Kentucky, was born 10 February 1853 Lyon County, Kentucky; father Franklin M. Smith, born Lyon County. He plans to tour Japan, China and the British Possessions. He will travel on board the President Lincoln 14 June 1923. He is described as 6 feet high, blue eyes, large nose, gray hair. A previous passport was issued 20 November 1919, but is not good now. A photograph of Smith is with the passport application.


Published 27 Sept 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - J.H. and Rebecca McMican

J. Henry McMican
Aug. 6, 1859
Feb. 17, 1936

Rebecca H. His Wife
Jan. 16, 1860
Feb. 16, 1928

Buried McMican Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 28 September 2009.

According to his death certificate, James Henry McMican was born 6 August 1860 Crittenden County and was the son of Jesse B. McMican. Rebecca McMican's death certificate shows her birthplace as Crittenden County and her maiden name was Allison. She died 16 February 1926 in Caldwell County, Kentucky.

James H. McMican and Miss Rebecca Allison married in Crittenden County 9 March 1881.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

A Political Fracas 1806

Disputes during election years were as common long ago as they are today. The following news item about Matthew Lyon of Kentucky appeared in a Hudson, New York newspaper on 9 December 1806. 

"A serious fracas took place at Eddyville, Kentucky, on the night of the late election, between Matthew Lyon and a Mr. Cofield, who, it seems, had refused to vote for Lyon. Cofield attempted to gouge - but his thumb was caught in Lyon's mouth, and bitten off at the first joint - so that Matthew is not only a spitting, but a biting Lyon."

Published 23 September 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Am I My Own Cousin?

Most of us have convoluted relationships among our families. They cause us to scratch our heads, make charts of the relationships and wonder how this all came about. Here is an example of such a relationship in my own family.

Andy Cooper and his wife, Minnie I. Cooper, are buried in Salem Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Andy was the son of John W. Cooper and Ellen Joiner, who married in 1865 Pope County, Illinois. He was also the grandson of Joseph Cooper and Nicey Pennington, my 3rd great grandparents on the Cooper side of my lineage. Joseph and Nicey Cooper had other children, including a daughter Sarah Elizabeth, who married Jeremiah "Jerry" Croft 1870 Pope County.

Now, let's jump to the Croft family. Sarah Elizabeth Cooper and Jeremiah "Jerry" Croft were my 2nd great grandparents on the Croft side. Jerry and Sarah are buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery . Did I mention that Minnie Cooper's maiden name was Croft and she was a daughter of Jeremiah "Jerry" Croft and Sarah E. Cooper? She was.

Keep in mind that while Andy Cooper and Minnie Croft are part of my family, I am not their direct descendant. Are you confused yet? I am!

Tombstone Tuesday - Sidney M. and Effie Jenkins

Sidney Marshall Jenkins
1862 - 1931

Effie His Wife
1871 - 1950

Buried Mapleview Cemetery, Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 11 July 2012. Note the Woodmen of the World Memorial engraving at the top of the tombstone.

Sidney Marshall Jenkins and Miss Effie Wilson married 5 March 1890 in Crittenden County. Sidney was a merchant in Marion.

According to his death certificate, Sidney M. Jenkins was born 25 February 1862 Eddyville, Kentucky. He was the son of O.M. Jenkins and Frances M. Gordon. He died 26 September 1931 Crittenden County.

The death certificate of Effie Wilson Jenkins shows she was born 30 January 1871 and died 20 September 1950. Her parents were Robert William Wilson and Malinda Witherspoon.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Killed by the Night Riders

Most of us have heard tales of the Night Riders, who terrorized tobacco growers in western Kentucky and Tennessee during the first decade of the 1900s. The following is an account of one raid in Dycusburg, Crittenden County, Kentucky. It comes from the Henderson Daily Gleaner of 5 February 1908.

"Three hundred and fifty masked night riders rode into Dycusburg at 1 o'clock (Feb. 4, 1908), burned the tobacco factory of Bennett Brothers, the distillery of Bennett Brothers adjoining, shot up the home of William Groves, foreman of the tobacco factory, driving him from the building when he was captured and whipped almost to death.

"Henry Bennett, a member of the firm of Bennett Brothers, was taken from his home, tied to a tree and severely whipped. He was left bound to the tree. Bennett Brothers operate an independent factory and have been buying tobacco from nonassociation growers, it is claimed.

"When the mob called at Mr. Groves' house they requested him to come out. He declined to do so, and the shooting at once began. Mr. Groves was in a room with his wife and children and as the bullets began to fly through the windows, he deemed it best to come out in order to save the lives of his wife and children.

As he appeared on the porch, members of the mob grabbed and bound him. Taking him into the street, they whipped him and left him lying there. The mob then proceeded to the home of Henry Bennett and called him to come out. Hastily dressing, Mr. Bennett obeyed the command. He was then taken away, tied to a tree and severely beaten."

It is said that Henry Bennett never fully recovered from his ordeal. He died 20 October 1910 and is buried in Dycusburg Cemetery. Engraved on his tombstone is this: "Killed by the Night Riders."




Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Where Were You on September 11, 2001?

Who can forget the morning of September 11, 2001? I well remember where I was, as I am sure you do, too. What I didn't know was how difficult it would be to write this blog. The feeling of helplessness comes rushing back when images and videos are replayed on the computer and on television.

On that morning, I was listening to a local radio station as I stopped at the post office before going to the library to do some research. Suddenly an announcer broke into local programming to say that an airplane had hit the World Trade Center. Nothing more was known, but there was the feeling that something really bad was happening.

Research at the library suddenly didn't seem important. I turned around, went home and turned on the television. Like everyone else, the next few days were spent watching the horror of this brazen attack on our country.

As bad as it seemed at the time, it was even worse later when the number of dead was determined and how many lives were impacted by the events on 9-11-2001. Tonight, as I watch a program on 9-11, the feelings of sadness and grief have returned - not as overwhelming as 11 years ago, but still fresh.

The good thing is that people really came together to prevent another such attack.

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on that date? Did the events of that day change your life?


Lee Hansen created this Statue of Liberty and Flag 9-11 poster as a commemorative to the heroes and innocents lost in the 9-11 attacks. He retains the copyright on it. See http://www.squidoo.com/free-patriotic-usa-clipart

Handlin - Trimble - Ford Connections

Copyright by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG

May not copy in any form without written consent

Isaac Trimble Handlin was connected by blood to one of the most well-known families in Livingston County, Kentucky. He was born 14 February 1832 to John T. Handlin and Catherine Trimble, who married 16 October 1828.

Before her marriage, Catherine Trimble, daughter of James Trimble, had given birth to a son, Francis, whose father was Philip Ford, son of the notorious James Ford of Fords Ferry Ohio in present-day Crittenden County. In Philip Ford's will (Livingston County Will Book A, page 145, recorded 1 June 1833), he mentions his son, "Francis Ford, now living with me and whom I own as my son." Proof of the relationship between Francis Ford and Catherine Trimble is found in Livingston County Inventory Book D, page 250, when Philip Ford's estate was being settled. It is stated "a summons for Mrs. Catherine Handlin the Mother of Phil Fords child ..."

Apparently, Francis Ford did not live with Catherine Trimble Handlin. When he was age 14, Francis was allowed to choose his own guardian and, on 13 January 1845 in Crittenden County, he chose Henry R.D. Coleman, according to Crittenden County Court Order Book 1, page 72.

Joseph T. and Catherine (Trimble) Handlin had several children, including William, Isaac T., Elizabeth J., Margaret, Mary C. and Lavinia Caroline, according to the 1850 Crittenden County census. Catherine died in 1850, Joseph T. died in 1855 and Lavinia C. died in 1860. All are buried in White's Chapel Cemetery, Crittenden County.

In 1859, Isaac Trimble Handlin married Rosa B. Clark in Marshall County. By 1870, they were living in Smithland, where Isaac was a practicing attorney. The 1870 Livingston County census shows Isaac and Rosa with the following children in their household: Clara, Maggie and Frank. In addition, they had William R., Joseph D. and Mary Trimble, all of whom died as infants.

Isaac T. Handlin died in 1882 and is buried in Smithland Cemetery next to his infant children. The symbol at the top of his tombstone indicates he was a Mason.

In memory of
I.T. Handlin
Born Feb. 14, 1832
Died May 9, 1882

Published 6 September 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - John H. Wood

John H. Wood
Born
April 4, 1793
Died
Aug. 13, 1858

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 1 July 2009.

The name of John H. Wood's first wife is unknown, but we know that he married Mrs. Mary Phillips in 1842 Livingston County. For information on their marriage contract, see Marriage Contract

John H. and Mary Wood appear on the 1850 Livingston County census. John died just a few years later of consumption, according to Livingston County Vital Statistics (Deaths, 1858). He was born in South Carolina; his mother was listed as Nancy and his father was not named.

John left a will recorded in Livingston County Will Book B, page 183, dated 12 April 1858 and probated 5 September 1858. Named in his will are children William L. Wood, Sophia Burnham, Harriet Williamson (wife of George D. Williamson)and Richard G. Wood. George D. Williamson was named as executor of the will.

Published 4 September 2012, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Book Sale

For a list of books currently on sale, check here:

Book Sale

Western Kentucky Insane Asylum



An act to establish the Western Kentucky Insane Asylum was passed in 1848 and the hospital opened in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1854 with 29 patients. It began as a lunatic asylum and has remained a psychiatric facility ever since. The roof of the hospital caught fire in November 1860 and virtually destroyed the building. A new, larger building was completed in 1867. In 1919, the facility was renamed the Western State Hospital.

Admission to Western State Hospital is usually through court within the county of residence.

Lack of space has often been a problem in the hospital. In his report of 1 November 1885, Superintendent Jas. Rodman stated the following: " ... there is an undue crowding of our patients. The number of people maintained grows larger each year, and is likely to do so continuously. This Asylum has too many patients for its capacity; a state of things I have tried to prevent, but have found it impossible. The original house was designed for three hundred and twenty inmates; it now contains four hundred and twenty five."

Today Western State Hospital is a 222 bed hospital serving adults over 18 years of age from 34 Western Kentucky counties. The 150th anniversary of the hospital will be celebrated 18 September 2012.

The following persons are among the inmates in 1880 under their county of residence. After their name is the date of admission.

Caldwell County
Dodds, F.W. 18 Jun 1873
Boyd, James H. 22 Jul 1875
Hogan, William 29 Apr 1880

Crittenden County
Flanary, Pleasant 2 Apr 1871
Lott, T. Albert 15 Feb 1878
Hodge, Polly 3 Jun 1875
Moore, M.M. D. 3 Jun 1875
Anderson, Sarah A. 26 May 1876

Henderson County
Churchill, Jesse (colored) 11 Mar 1879
Meriweather, Nelson (colored) 11 Mar 1879
Powell, Thomas B. 15 Sep 1879
Bottom, George W. 29 Apr 1880
Hatchett, Ambrose (colored) 31 May 1880
Frey, Margareta 6 Jun 1877
Davis, Kate 29 Dec 1863
Johnson, Minerva (colored) 11 Mar 1879
Letcher, Nancy (colored) 11 Mar 1879

Hopkins County
Miller, Cyrus C. 9 Jul 1867
Wright, Ben Reese 6 Nov 1869
Gooch, Alonzo 25 Jan 1872
Ashby, Henry 2 Jan 1878
Ashby, Orlander 6 Apr 1878
Kilroy, John 19 May 1880
Gibson, John C. 17 Jan 1870
Bond, Huldah 29 Dec 1866
Bond, Mary 29 Dec 1866
Casey, Bridget 5 May 1876
Morton, Debby 20 Sep 1876

Livingston County
Ray, Edmund 31 Mar 1866
Saunders, Benjamin 7 Mar 1874
Lyon, Charles S. 2 Jul 1875
Champion, Edward (colored) 20 Apr 1879
Dowden, Francis (colored) 13 Jul 1879

Lyon County
Larue, William 23 Jul 1878
Edmunds, J.S. 21 Mar 1879
Asbridge, T.C. 21 Mar 1879

Union County
Atkins, Jesse 31 Oct 1854
Pemberton, J.S. 2 Sep 1856
Stone, Jasper 7 Jul 1866
White, George 25 Oct 1871
Harris, James T. 25 June 1875
Railey, George 3 Mar 1876
Givens, John S. 1 Nov 1877
Davis, Stephen F. 2 Oct 1878
Coleman, Anderson (colored) 4 Apr 1879
Brewin, Lavinia 2 Jun 1877
Bricka, Sarah 7 Feb 1879
Smallwood, Alice (colored) 28 Feb 1879
Kilman, Emily F. 5 Apr 1879
Alvey, Elizabeth 26 Sep 1879

Webster County
Prather, Stephen 29 Apr 1865
Smith, Alford H. 15 Jul 1874
Harris, D.C. 16 Aug 1876
Higginson, James 30 Jan 1879
McCoy, Mike W. 23 Jul 1879
Heady, Susan E. 27 Oct 1873
Bowles, Martha 14 Jun 1874


Register of Patients received during the year ending Oct 31, 1880
Martha Wood of Hopkins County, born Kentucky, age 21, married, committed by county court 5 Nov 1879.
Matilda E. Doris of Webster County, born Kentucky, age 37, single, committed by circuit court 15 Nov 1879.
Helen Parker (colored) of Lyon County, born Kentucky, age 35, divorced, committed by circuit court 2 Dec 1879.
John Goodley of Henderson County, born England, age 50, married, committed by common pleas court 7 Dec 1879.
Katie Barks (colored) of Caldwell County, born Virginia, age 60, single, committed by county court 8 Jan 1880.
Sarah C. Sutton of Henderson County, born Kentucky, age 28, married, committed by circuit court 18 Mar 1880.
Isabella P. Dixon of Henderson County, born Kentucky, age 62, married, committed by circuit court 19 Mar 1880.
Walter Armstrong of Webster County, born Kentucky, age 18, single, committed by county court 23 Mar 1880.
William Jackson of Webster County, born Kentucky, age 18, single, committed by county court 16 Apr 1880.
John Price of Webster County, born Kentucky, age 26, single, committed by county court 27 Apr 1880.
George W. Bottoms of Henderson County, born Kentucky, age 46, widower, committed by county court 29 Apr 1880.
Martha E. Milam of Lyon County, born Kentucky, age 50, widow, committed by county court 26 May 1880.
Martha G. Gray of Lyon County, born Ohio, age 51, widow, committed by county court 31 May 1880.
Ambrose Hatchett (colored) of Henderson, born Kentucky, age 19, single, committed by Henderson city court 31 May 1880.
John Eisom (colored) of Caldwell County, born Kentucky, age 20, single, committed by county court 8 Jun 1880.
George B. Coffin of Crittenden County, born South Carolina, age 35, single, committed by county court 3 Aug 1880.
Elizabeth Clay of Henderson County, born Kentucky, age 38, married, committed by county court 1 Sep 1880.