Livingston County, Kentucky Emancipations 1848

Slaves in Kentucky were emancipated by their owner petitioning the county court or being set free through a provision in the owner’s last will and testament. To guarantee the former slave would not become a charge upon the county, a bond with security was signed by a responsible local citizen. The following emancipations are recorded in Livingston County Court Order Book K. The notation at the end of each entry lists the date of the deed of emancipation and the book and page number in the court order book. For example, 5 June 1848, OB K:23 signifies the record is found in Book K, page 23, 5 June 1848. Sec: refers to the security on the bond.

It appearing that Bazel late the slave of Wm. Jenkins dec’d was by Jenkins’ last Will & Testament emancipated and John Smith, administrator with will annexed assenting, ordered that clerk of this court issue to Bazel a certificate of his freedom upon giving bond with security in penalty of $500 that Bazel not become a charge upon any county in this commonwealth. Bond given with Henry F. Given as security. Bazel is of following description: aged 37 years, 5 feet 11 inches high, light mulatto color with a large scar on his right wrist occasioned by a burn.  [OB K:23]   5 June 1848.

A Deed of Emancipation from Levi Gordon (a free man of color) to his slave Harriet was produced in court and the clerk of court ordered to issue to Harriet a certificate of her freedom upon her giving bond with security in penalty of $500 conditioned that she shall not become a charge upon any county in this Commonwealth. Harriet is ascertained to be of the following description: aged 25 years, medium form, height 5 feet & ½ inches, dark mulatto color with 2 scars from a burn on her right arm & a scar on her right forefinger, also a small scar near the left eye.  Sec: Richd. Moore.  [OB K:24]   5 June 1848. 

Also, on 5 June 1848, Richard Moore of Livingston County, Kentucky presented to the county court deeds of emancipation for six slaves:  William, Lenoy, Homer, Philip, Augustus and Milton. Richard Moore signed security on the bond for each of the former slaves, stating that each person would receive a certificate of his freedom upon giving bond in the penalty of $500.  A physical description completed each entry in the county court order book. 

A Deed of Emancipation from Richard Moore to his slave William, who is aged 22 years, 5 feet 9 ½ inches high, light mulatto color, scar on his right knee which is somewhat stiff and of medium form.  [OB K:28] 5 June 1848

A deed of Emancipation from Richard Moore of Livingston County to his slave Lenoy, who is aged 17 years, 5 feet 9 inches high, of medium form and of light mulatto color. [OB K:28] 5 June 1848

A Deed of Emancipation from Richd. Moore to his slave Homer,[1] who is aged 20 years, 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, of medium form and light mulatto color & with a scar or lump on outside of his little finger, it having been a small finger taken off in infancy.  [OB K:29]  5 June 1848

A Deed of Emancipation from Richard Moore to his slave Philip, who is aged 19 years, height 6 feet, slender form, of light mulatto color and has a scar on the left hand near the root of his fore finger. [OB K:29]  5 June 1848

A Deed of Emancipation from Richard Moore to his slave Augustus, who is aged 13 years, height 5 feet, 2 inches, of medium form, of light mulatto color and no marks on his person. [OB K:30] 5 June 1848

A Deed of Emancipation from Richard Moore to his slave Milton, who is age 15, height 5 ½ feet high, medium form, of light mulatto color and a small scar on the back of his neck on the left hand side.  [OB K:30] 5 June 1848

Published 26 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

 

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[1] 1850 Pope County, Illinois census, Roll 125, p. 265a, Ancestry.com.  Homer is the only former slave of Richard Moore who was located after being emancipated.

Revolutionary War Service - William Gholson

 By the law of the 18^th of March 1818, indigent officers of the Revolutionary War were entitled to $20 per month and privates who were indigent were entitled to $8 per month. They had to have served not less than nine months in the Continental Line during the war. One of those indigent soldiers was William Gholson of Caldwell County, Kentucky. His deposition  and affidavit, along with those of others, are recorded in Caldwell County Court Order Books B and C.

“William Gholson an Indigent Revolutionary soldier of the old Continental Army personally appeared in court in order to be heard  respecting his being entitled to the benefit of the law of the 18^th of March 1818 Entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, and being duly proven Testifies that in January 1777 he Enlisted in Capt. John Spottswoods Company tenth Virginia Regt. Of Continental Troops for three years and that he continued with the Army  until Charleston fell into the hands of the British and that he made his escape from the enemy the 14^th day of June 1780 when he returned home having served the time of his enlistment. He further swears that from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for support.”[1]

“On motion of William Gholson who produced his affidavit  … ‘State of Kentucky Caldwell County on this 24^th day of July 1820, personally appeared in open Court being a court of record for William Gholson aged 62 years resident in said county  … doth declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows – that he enlisted in the month of January 1777 in the tenth Virginia Regiment Commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens for the term of three  years in Captain John Spottswoods Company for the Virginia line on the Continental establishment, all of which is contained in his original declaration which a bears date of May 25^th 1818 on which he has received a pension,  certificate number 14.592.

“And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on 18^th of March 1818 and I have not since by gift  sale or  disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled “An Act to provide for certain person[s] engaged in the land an naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war” passed on the 18^th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. And I further declare I have no property except $30 which is due me from T.C. Gholson, my occupation at present is that of teaching a small Country School, and not able to labor for a living … I have one son named Richard D. Gholson aged about 16 years who is unable to render me any great service in procuring subsistence.  [signed] Wm. Gholson     24^th day July 1820.” [2]

 

 

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[1] Deposition of William Gholson, Revolutionary War service, Caldwell County, Kentucky County Court Order Book B, p. 235, 25 May 1818.

[2] Affidavit of William Gholson, Revolutionary War service, Caldwell County, Kentucky County Court Order Book C, pp 202-203,  24 July 1820.

Published 19 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

In the News - Smithland 1923

People loved to read about their friends and neighbors in the newspaper – where and with whom they were visiting, who was ill and who had recovered. Think of the recording of these local happenings as an early version of social media.  The following items appeared in the Paducah Sun-Democrat on Friday, 7 September 1923, page 3.

                                                          SMITHLAND

 J. Ned Worten in company with his aunt, Mrs. L.H. Adams and daughter, motored to Paducah last Friday.

Miss Maurine McMurray who has been visiting relatives here left Friday for Arlington, Ky., where she will visit relatives for a few days, after which she will return to her home in Memphis, Tenn.

There will be a box supper at the Groves Chapel school house next Saturday night. Proceeds of the supper will go for the benefit of this school.

On last Friday morning Dr. W.R. Gardner received an urgent call to the bedside of J.R. Clements of the Thompson Chapel section, and found him suffering from a strangulated hernia of the right side. He was rushed to the Riverside hospital, Paducah, where he was operated on and his condition relieved. The doctor reports his condition very satisfactory. Mr. Clements is 75 years of age and well known.

J.H. Vailes and family moved here from Wheatcroft last Wednesday and are now occupying the G.D. Scyster home on Court Street.

The Gum Spring revival meeting conducted by Rev. Sizemore for the past ten days closed last Wednesday night. He delivered quite a number of very interesting and instructive sermons, the result of which was five conversions and 7 additions to the church. The baptizing was held Thursday morning.

Bland Williamson and family of Blythesville, Ark., left last Thursday for their home after a short visit with his aunt, Mrs. L.A. Alsobrook, and family here.

Mrs. Velva Croft of Bowling Green spent Friday night here the guest of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J.V. Bateman and family.

Miss Emma Lou Worten, who spent July and August in Colorado Springs with Judge Jesse J. Worten and family and Dr. Von Worten of Pawhuska, Okla., has gone to Oklahoma City for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Lal D. Threlkeld. She will go to Norman the 15^th of September where she will be a student at the  University of Oklahoma.

Mrs. Harry Evertson, who has been visiting her father, J.N. Heater, of near Vicksburg, returned to her home in Carrsville last Tuesday.

Jess Hardin, who is attending the Agricultural School at Bowling Green, passed through here last Friday on his way to Hurricane to attend the camp meeting a few days.

Mr. Ray Howard and son returned home last Friday from Rosiclare, Ill., where they have been visiting friends and relatives for several days.

Published 17 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

  

Jones - Wilson Agreement 1826

 Agreements between two parties often contain hints of the lives of the parties, but, sadly, these agreements often are not recorded in deed books or court minutes. Many times they are found only in the little bundles stored in the county clerk’s office with Agreements written across the reverse of the document. The agreement between Benjamin Jones and John Wilson was originally found as a rough bundle tied with ribbon. Later, this bundle, along with others,  was untied, dusted and unfolded to eliminate stress on the paper and similar documents were filed together.

"This article of agreement made and Entered into this 16^th day of October 1826 Between Benjamin Jones of the County of Caldwell and state of Kentucky of the one part and John Wilson of the county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the sd. Jones on his part does agree bind and oblige himself to furnish a Cotton Machine at the mill of the sd. Wilson in the county aforesaid and keep same in good repair for the term of one year from the date hereof, And Wilson does on his part agree, bind and oblige himself to attend the sd. machine and keep the running gear in good repair for and during the terms aforesaid and they do mutually agree to shear [sic] the profits Equally between them for the time and term above mentioned.  In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the date and date first above mentioned. [signed] Bnm. Jones, John Wilson.   John J. Satterfield [Witness]"

Published 12 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Death of John A. Gooch 1807

‘Murdered In Centreville the 7^th inst., Capt. John A. Gooch, of the above town, of a pistol ball shot by Robert Trimble. The amiable, generous and humane disposition of this young man, endeared him to every person of his acquaintance. He has left an amiable young widow. All of acquaintance laments his untimely death; and the citizens of Centreville and others of Livingston county, pledge themselves to make up and pay a reward of $200 to any person or persons who shall apprehend the said Robert Trimble and lodge him in any jail in the U. States, or that shall secure him so that he may be brought to punishment.

“Robert Trimble is a young man of about 5 feet 11 inches high, close set, straight and heavy made, about 23 or 24 years of age, he is regularly featured, but in general of a downcast look of his eyes and eyebrows, dark hair and dark eyes.  Livingston county, March 7: [signed] Hiram McDaniel, Enoch Prince, James Hawthorn, Robert Leeper, James Ritchey, Sen., David Kline, Joshua Scott, Jesse Ford, Robert McConnell, A. Gooch, Moses Shelby, Horatio Merry, Isaac Bullard, W. Armstrong, James Armstrong, James Deacon, Robert Hodge, George Brown.”[1]

William Trimble and Lewis Portee were taken into custody of David Kline, Jailor on the 24^th day of March 1807 on the charge of having, with Robert Trimble Junr. killed and murdered John Gooch, late Deputy Sheriff of Thomas Gist, late Sheriff of Livingston County, Kentucky. Grand Jurors were impannelled during the May term 1807 and charged that William and Robert Trimble and Lewis L. Portee, yeomen, “not having the fear of God before their eyes, but being moved & seduced by the Instigation of the Devil the 7^th day of March 1807 at the house of George Brown of Centreville” made an assault on the body of Gooch. Robert Trimble, with a pistol valued at $4.00, loaded with gun powder and a leaden bullet upon the right side of the belly of John A. Gooch did wound Gooch to the depth of six inches and breadth of one inch of which mortal wound Gooch did instantly die. William Trimble and Lewis L. Portee aided & helped Robert Trimble. The Jury found Lewis L. Portee Not Guilty and William Trimble was found Guilty of Manslaughter and adjudged him to be confined in the jail & penitentiary house for two years. [2]

“We are informed that Robert Trimble, who murdered Mr. John A. Gooch, was taken a few days ago in Barren county, and is now confined in the jail of sd. county. His brother, who escaped from the guard on his way to the Penitentiary, was taken with him.”[3]

 

 

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[1] “Murdered,” The Mirror of Russellville, KY, Fri., 8 May 1807, p. 4, Newspapers.com.

[2] Livingston County Miscellaneous Files 1807, Accession #A1986-289, Box 1, Kentucky Dept of Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Ky, accessed 2003.

[3] News item, The Mirror of Russellville, KY, Tues., 20 Oct 1807, p. 3, Newspapers.com.

Published 5 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

In the News - Crittenden County 1909

Long before social media was popular, people depended on newspapers for news about events happening in their neighborhood and throughout their state. The following items are from the 27 May 1909 issue of the Crittenden Record-Press in Marion, Kentucky.  

Strayed Or Stolen:  From my farm near Weston, Ky., on May 9, a small black mare about 15 years old. She has an enlargement of her left fore leg at paster joint. Any one knowing or seeing her and giving information thereof will be liberally rewarded.     G.P. Wilson.

Teachers Resign:  Misses Frances Gray, Ethel Hard, Margaret Moore, and Florence Harris, all of whom were teachers in the Marion Graded school have notified the trustees that they will not teach this fall. They all will take college courses and seek further advancement in their chosen work.

Card of Thanks:  I wish to thank the many kind friends and neighbors in and around Marion administered so faithfully during the last illness of my precious husband. May God’s richest blessings rest on them all.    Mrs. J.F. Flanary.

Mrs. Peter Shewmaker, Dead:  Sunday Morning, May 23^rd, 1909, at 2 o’clock, Mrs. Sarah Duval Shewmaker died at her home on the Fords Ferry road six miles north of Marion, after a long and painful illness, in her 72^nd year, she, having been born in 1838. The funeral was preached by her pastor, Rev. W.R. Gibbs, and the interment took place at Mt. Zion cemetery Monday.  Mrs. Shewmaker is survived by her husband and three children, two daughters, Mrs. John Marvel and Mrs. John Vaughn and one son, William, who lives at home. She was a member of Crooked Creek Baptist church for many years. She leaves no brothers or sisters, but A.J. Duval, of this city, was half brother of Mrs. Shewmaker.

Fire at Salem:  Sunday night a fire which originated in a stable in the rear of the business section, destroyed the stables of Norburn Faris, M. Grassham and Guess Bros.’ livery barn. The latter being heavily stocked with feed stuffs, all of which was burned. The stock and vehicles were saved except one new buggy which had not been un-crated. The loss which was heavy, was only partially covered by insurance. This is Guess Bros.’ second loss in the livery business. They will no doubt rebuild at once and resume business on a larger scale than ever before.

Mrs. T.A. McConnell, Octogenarian Ends Life’s Journey:  Mrs. Temple Ann (Brown) McConnell, venerable relict of Wm. Barnett McConnell, died May 19, 1909 at the home of her son, Dr. Jeff D. McConnell, in Shady Grove. She was in her 83^rd year, having passed the 82^nd mile stone just 3 days before her death, her date of birth being May 16^th, 1827. She was married at 19 and was the mother of 7 children, all of whom survive her. Her husband’s death, which occurred in March 1864, being the last and only death in her family until her own. Her children are well-known and estimable people. The oldest being T.J. McConnell, of this city; the second, Mrs. Sarah Clement of Irma, who lives with her daughter Mrs. Julian Ainsworth; the third, Jennie, wife of A.J. Pickens, of this city; the fourth, John C., of this county; the fifth, the Rev. R.T. McConnell, of Mannsville, Taylor County; sixth, W.F. McConnell and seventh, Dr. Jeff McConnell of Shady Grove. Mrs. McConnell was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for over one-half a century and was buried at the Old Olive Branch Church beside her husband.

Published 3 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/