Henderson County, Kentucky Newspaper Marriage Notices 1852

 The following notices of 1852 marriages appeared in the Democratic Banner, published in Henderson, Kentucky, in 1852 and 1853. Some of the pages are very dim and hard to read. For accuracy, check names with additional records.

[29 Apr 1852]    Married, in this county, on Thursday 22^nd inst., by the Rev. E.M. Walker, D.R. Hodge to Miss Margaret Rudy, daughter of W. B. Rudy.  By this marriage, the father of the bride becomes both her brother-in-law and the brother-in-law of the groom. 

On the 7^th inst., by the Rev. A. Coltleiff. Mr. P. Lowensom to Miss Caroline Bessinger, of Louisville.

[28 May 1852]   In this City, on Tuesday evening, 18^th inst., at the residence of Mr. Jas. Stewart, by Rev. Mr. Craik, Col. Geo. T. Bunch, Attorney at Law, of Henderson, Ky., to Mrs. Martha Isabella, widow of the late Major. Barbour, of the U.S. Army. [from the Louisville Courier]

[15 Jul 1852]   In Helena, Arkansas, on the 27^th of June, by Rev. W.G.L. Quait, R.B. Lambert, Esq., of Henderson county, to Miss Mary A. Moore, of the former place.

On the 8^th by the Rev. A. Hatchett, Mr. T.J. Black to Miss Mary E. Pittman, all of this county.

On the 30^th ultimo, by Rev. J.M. Pierce, Mrs. J. Friels to Miss Susan Green, both of Henderson county.

[29 Jul 1852]   Married on the 26^th inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Richard White to Miss Elizabeth Peacow.

On the --- by Rev. Mr. ---, Mr. John H. Mudd to Miss Sallie Mayden. [1]

[5 Aug 1852]   Married on the 29^th inst., by the Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. Wm. J. Sartain to Miss Elizabeth E. Green, both of this county.

Married on the 1^st inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. David Hudson to Miss Mary F. Glazebrook.

[19 Aug 1852]   Married on the 5^th inst., in the town of Henderson, by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Jesse J. Melton  , to Miss M.E. Melton.

On the 12^th inst. By the same. Mr. Alfred Sigler to Mrs. Priscilla Johnson, all of this county.

[23 Sep 1852]   Married on the evening of the 21^st, by the Rev. W.G.H. Jones, Mr. David H. Unselt to Miss Rachel Burnett, all of this place.

Married on the 16^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Dr. Thomas Robinson, to Miss Emily C. Moss, all of Henderson County.

Recently by Rev. R.W. Filsen[?], Wm. C., Wm. C. Cristopher to Miss Sarah Ann Kirkham. A

[30 Sep 1852]   Married on the 23^rd. inst., by Rev. A. Royster, Mr. Lazarus Minton, to Miss Nancy E. Melton, both of Henderson County.

Married on the 28^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Wm. C. Lovejoy, to Miss Adeline Hays, both of this county.

Married on the 23d inst., by Rev. W.G. Allen at the residence of Mrs. L. Arnet, Mr. Cornelius S. Royster, to Miss Ann E. Cates, both of this county.

[14 Oct 1852]   Married on the 12st inst., by Rev. A. Royster, J. Wesley Sutton, to Miss Jane B. Randolph, both of this county.

Married in the Town of Henderson on the 3d inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. John R. Jeffries, to Miss Mary B. Blackwell.

Married by the same in the Town of Henderson on the 4^th inst., Judge D.N . Walden to Miss Martha A. Wheatly.

[21 Oct 1852]   Married in Richmond on the 15^th ult., by Rev. Geo Woodbride, Mr. Robert A. Saunders, of Henderson, Ky., to Lucy W., daughter of Henry Randolph, dec’d, of Richmond, Va.

Married on Thursday evening last (October 14, 1852) by Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. John Rush Williams and Miss Jane E. Hicks, both of Henderson county.

Married on the 14^th inst. By Rev. J. Bryce, Mr. George Collins to Miss Nancy Jane Worsham, all of Henderson.

Married in Mt. Carmel, Ill., on the 14^th inst., Dr. W.H. Biggs of Henderson, to Miss Susan R. Couch of Hopkins – We learn that the couple are on their way to Piqua, Ohio.

Married on the 18^th inst., by Rev. Abram Hatchett, Mr. Mitchell Brown, of Daviess Co., and Miss Anna Maria Sandefur, of Henderson Co.

[11 Nov 1852]   Married on Sunday morning, the 31^st ult., by Rev. A. Hatchitt, Mr. A. Spray of Daviess Co., to Miss Catharine Freels, of this county.  

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder Wm. Steele, Mr. Joseph B. Gregory, to Miss Sarah Ann Threlkeld, all of this county.

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. Thomas Watson to Miss Lucy F. Cheatham, both of this county.

Married on the 9^th inst., by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. James Miller to Miss Pruscilla Kendell.

[18 Nov 1852]   Married on the 10^th inst., by Rev. J.D. Mathews, Mr. A.L. Jones to Miss Ann Ellen Eastin, both of this place.

[25 Nov 1852]   Married on the 18^th, by Elder A. [illegible] Mr. C.R. Priest to M.M.E. Jones, both of this county.

Married on the 17^th inst., by [illegible] Matthews, Mr. F.W. Posey to Miss Hannah M. Sublette, both of this county.

 [16 Dec 1852]   Married on the 15^th inst., by the Rev. G.W.L. Jones, Mr. James Alves to Miss Bettie H. Sneed, both of this place.

The following 10 marriages appeared in the 6 Jan 1853 issue of the Democratic Banner, but the weddings occurred on different days. The days they occurred, according to FamilySearch.org are in parenthesis at the end of each entry.

On the 30^th inst. By Rev. J. Bryce, Mr. H.C. Kerr to Miss Isabella A. Rouse. (30 Dec 1852). 

Recently by Rev. R.W. Filsen, Wm. C. Cristopher to Miss Sarah Ann Kirkham. (23 Sep 1852). Also, Mr. Joseph Bader to Miss Nancy G. Johnson. (26 Dec 1852).  Also Mr. John Goodly to Miss Sarah Miller.  (24 Jun 1852).  Also, Mr. William Darwood to Miss Mary A. Jones, all of this county. (24 Jun 1852).

On Tuesday 28^th December, by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. John W. Craig to Miss Louisa Willingham, all of this county.

On the 26^th, by John Bryce, Mr. A. Hubbler[2] of Pittsburgh, to Miss Mary Jane Bacon, of this place. (26 Dec 1852)

On the 22d, by Elder A. Hatchitt, Mr. Thos. Willingham to Miss N.F. Book, all of this county. (22 Dec 1852)

Same day, by the same. Mr. B.A. Hazlewood to Miss Arelda Briscoe, all of this county. (22 Dec 1852)

On  27^th Dec. by Mr. Frasher, Mr. Arthur Quinn of this county to Mrs. Hardrick of Hopkins county, Ky. [3]

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] As written in newspaper.

[2] The bridegroom’s name is given as Absalom Hubler in Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, FamilySearch.org.

[3] This marriage record was not found on FamilySearch.org.

 Published 25 March 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

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Importation of Bacon Family Slaves

Slaves imported from a foreign country since the first of January 1808, or slaves who had been tried and convicted of a felony in any other state or territory were not to be brought into Kentucky. Also no slave could be imported into Kentucky as merchandise or for the purpose of sale or barter under penalty of a fine. Congress prohibited the importation of slaves into the United States and slaves were prohibited from being imported in Kentucky from 1833.  Within 40 days of a slave being imported to Kentucky, his/her owner had to present a list to the county court clerk giving the names of the slaves, their ages and sex. Within 60 days, the owner had to take an oath in their Kentucky county of residence regarding their intention of importing slaves for their personal use.[1] The following document was found in loose Caldwell County, Kentucky county court papers in a file marked Importation of Slaves

“Caldwell County} Sct

I, Gillee M. Bacon hereby certify that I have come to the State of Kentucky with an intention of becoming a citizen thereof from the State of Virginia and that I have brought with me the following Slaves, for my own use and not for merchandise.  Viz

Warrenton          Black complexion aged about  50

Sam                       do    do                             “   40 or 45

Rachael                Brown  do           “      “          14

Lucy Park             do    “                    “     “         16 or 18

Mary                    Black      “             “      “         40

Hannah                Brown    “            “      “          50

Mariah                     do         “            “      “         15

                                                                                        Gillee M. Bacon

                Sworn to before me this 26^th November 1852

                                                                J.A. McConnell, J.P.C.C. “[2]

 Click on document for an enlarged view

Gillie M. Bacon married Mary A. Jones 14 July 1825 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.[3] They were living in Lunenburg County in 1850.[4]   By the latter part of 1852, they had moved to Kentucky, settling first in Caldwell County (see document above) and then moving to Henderson County, Kentucky before 1860.[5]

Indiana M. Bacon was owner of slaves Hannah, Mary, Maria and Sam, who were transferred to Indiana by John J. Jones in a division between Indiana, the said Jones and E.C. Craig and his wife  for the purpose  of having same conveyed to Mary Ann Bacon by their deed and is also possessed of a life estate for the life of Gillie M. Bacon in certain other slaves, to wit, Warrenton, Judy, Ben, Lucy Parke and Margaret Rachel Elizabeth and Mary Ann Bacon by deed of 21 January 1850 conveyed to Indiana her right in reversion to slave Lucy Parke. Therefore this indenture of 21 January between Indiana M. Bacon, of the first part, Gillie M. Bacon, Trustee chosen by the parties and Mary Ann Bacon of the third part … and $1 .. hath conveyed to Gillie M. Bacon, Trustee, all her right, title and interest to slaves mentioned above. Gillie to hold said slaves and apply the profits arising from them for the sole and exclusive use of Mary Ann Bacon during her life and after her death for the benefit of Mary Ann’s children by the said Gillie. If at any time it is the opinion that it is expedient to sell or remove any of the slaves, the Trustee is authorized and empowered to effect such sale and the proceeds held in trust or disbursed for the benefit of Mary A. Bacon.   Recorded in Lunenburg County, Virginia 5 May 1852 and recorded in Henderson County, Kentucky 12 June 1858.

The Gille/Gillie Bacon family does not appear on the 1870 or later census records in Henderson County, Kentucky.

[1] “Slaves, Runaways, Free Negroes, Etc., “The Revised Statutes of Kentucky and An Appendix, Vol. II, (Cincinnati: Robert Clarkes & Co., 1860), Article II on the Importation of Slaves, Sec. 1,2 and 3, Google Books. 

[2] Loose County Court papers, Caldwell County Clerk’s Office, Princeton, Kentucky; also recorded in Caldwell County Deed Book 2:81, Recorded 3 December 1852.

[3] Virginia Marriages 1740-1850, Lunenburg County, Virginia, Gillie M. Bacon and Mary A. Jones, 24 July 1825, Ancestry.com.

[4] 1850 Lunenburg County, Virginia census, Roll 958, p. 24, Ancestry.com.

[5] 1860 Henderson County, Kentucky census, Division 2, p. 153, Ancestry.com.

Published 3 September 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Same Man - Different Name

“The following petition for change of name was filed Monday, February 7^th (1881) in Henderson County Court:  W.H. Miller, Petitioner:  Your petitioner respectfully represents that his name is W.H. Miller, that he is 38 years of age;  was born in Breckenridge County, Ky and is a citizen of Henderson County and has been a citizen of this county since 1863;  that he has no relatives living by the name of Miller;  that he has many relatives in different parts of the state named Clark;  that he desires to visit them and locate among them;  that he and his relatives desire his name changed to Clark;  wherefore your petitioner prays for the order of the Court changing his name from W.H. Miller to Lucien Simeon Clark …

“Thereupon the following order was made and recorded:  This day appeared W.H. Miller and filed his petition … from which it appears Miller is over 21 years of age, a citizen of this county, and desires his name changed from W.H. Miller to Lucien Simeon Clark.

“Mr. Lucien Simeon Clark may now be called the late Mr. W.H. Miller.  He is not dead but liveth, going out into the world the same man, but under a new name.”[1]

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[1] “Name Change,” Henderson Semi-Weekly Reporter, 11 February 1881.

Published 28 May 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Henderson, Kentucky Newspaper Advertisements 1853

What better way to get a sense of the business and social climate of an area than to read the newspaper advertisements?  The following advertisements have been gleaned from the 20 January 1853 issue of the Democratic Banner of Henderson, Kentucky. This issue of the Banner is available in the Henderson Public Library and also on Newspapers.com

Administrators Notice - Notice is hereby given to all the creditors of Benjamin F. Hardwick, Dec'd, to produce to the undersigned Administrator of said Dec'd, or to file with the presiding Judge of the Henderson County Court, their claims against the said Benj. F. Hardwick Dec'd  ... on or before the 8th day of January next, when a settlement of the matters of the Administration will be made. The assets are not sufficient to pay all the debts, and the claims not presented by the day aforesd., will not be paid, nor any part of them this 7th December 1852.  [signed] S.L. Drewry, Admr.  December 9, 1852

Life Insurance - The undersigned is Agent for the Kentucky Mutual Life Insurance Company, and will insure both Whites and Slaves, upon the most favorable terms.  P.H. Hillyer, Agent.   R.P. Letcher, Medical Examiner.

F. Millet, Merchant - This gentleman has removed to his new store rooms on the north side of Mill Street where he will keep on hand a general assortment of goods in his line.

Negros [sic] For Sale - On the 24th inst. (county court day) I will expose for sale at the court house door in the town of Henderson, four negroes, a woman and three children. The two youngest children will be sold with the mother as I am unwilling to separate them. A credit until June next will be given. Bond with approved security will be required.  [signed]  John B. Cabell

W.R. King - The report of this gentleman's death is no doubt false ... he has arrived at Havana in improved health.

Particular Notice -  The undersigned, desirous of closing out his business in this place, offers his well selected stock of ready-made Clothing and furnishing goods at very low prices. His stock consists, in part, of Coats, vests, pants, drawers, shirts, sacks, cloaks, &c. of every  style and quality; hats, caps, shoes, boots, &c. On Saturday, the 20th inst., I will commence  SELLING OFF AT COST, and on Saturday the 27th I will commence selling  AT AUCTION. All sums of $5 and under cash at hand - over $5 credit until the first of March, good security required. Country merchants will find it to their interest to call at the auction sales every Saturday. I hope those who may read this may give me a call and satisfy themselves that my word is NO HOAX.  [signed] S. Bissinger.

For Sale - Two good work horses (one rode well) either works well in single or double harness or in ploughing.  Having bought a pair of mules for my purpose, have no use for the horses. Call at the Louisville Furniture Rooms, Main Street.  [signed] C.H. Woolford.

Published 26 Sep 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/ 

Roster of Men Who Died in World War I - Henderson County

In 1919, the names of Kentucky soldiers who lost their lives during World War I were published in several newspapers, including the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Hopkinsville Kentuckian and the Owensboro Messenger. The deaths from disease were mainly caused by the influenza epidemic of 1918 - 1919. Of the 2,726 men who died during the war, 1,501 died from disease while 734 were killed in action and 305 died of wounds.

Henderson County

Junius Alexander, Henderson, died of disease

Elbert Ball, Henderson, died of wounds

William Buckner, Henderson, died of accident

Thomas T. Colmesnell, died of disease[1]

Walter Crawford, Corydon, killed in action

John Dudley, Smith Mills, died of disease

Ruby Henry Farless, Henry, died of disease

Louis G. Fulner, Henderson, killed in action

Edward Gish, Henderson, died of gas

Lee Green, Henderson, died of disease

Fred J. Gorham, Henderson, died of disease

William F. Hancock, Smith Mills, died of disease

Robert Hobbs, Henderson, died of disease

Carl Jones, Geneva, died of disease

Fennon Landers, Henderson, died of disease

Luther McGuire, Henderson, died of disease

Eugene G. Marks, Henderson, killed in action

* George Marynell, Henderson, died of disease

*  Lonnie Marynell, Henderson, died of disease

Roy P. McClure, Corydon, died of disease

William Norman, Henderson, died of disease

Herman L. Paff, Henderson, killed in action

Grover Reid, killed in action[2]

Jesse Russell, Geneva, killed in action

Harry Rutledge, Henderson, killed in action

Frank V. Shaeffer, Henderson, killed in action

William Singer, Henderson, killed in action

Hugh K. Smith, Henderson, died of disease

John Wells, Henderson, killed in action

Arch Williams, Spottsville, died of disease

Charlie Woodard, Henderson, died of disease

*  Arch Dixon Worsham, Henderson, killed in action

Charles J. Frances, Smith Mills, died of disease

James H. Gresham, Henderson, killed in action

John Myrton McClure, Henderson, died of disease

Edward Wiggers, died of disease[3]

*  Henderson Family Has Two Gold Stars, Henderson, Ky, Dec. 3 - A telegram reached here yesterday stating that George Marynell, of the 7th U.S. cavalry had been drowned. The death of young Marynell is especially distressing because it is the second gold star for the Marynell home in a few weeks. The other soldier son to pass away was Lonnie Marynell, who died of pneumonia at camp. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Marynell and four brothers. [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Tues., 3 Dec 1918, p. 4]

*  Lieut. Worsham Won French War Cross, Henderson, Ky., Oct. 3 - The name of Lieut. Arch Dixon Worsham appears in the list of officers and men who were awarded the French Croix de Guerre for heroism on the battlefield. Lieut. Worsham lost his life on July 31, while leading a patrol against the Germans in No Man's Land. He is the first Henderson officer to have made the supreme sacrifice, and the medal given him will be sent to his mother, Mrs. A.J. Worsham, of this city. [Princeton, Indiana Daily Clarion, Thurs., 3 Oct 1918, p. 4]

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[1] No hometown listed.

[2] No hometown listed.

[3] No hometown listed.

Published 12 Sep 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Henderson City Ordinance 1861

The following notice appeared in the Henderson Weekly Reporter on Thursday., 12 September 1861. At this time, street lamps were fueled with gas. A street lamplighter lit the lamps each evening and later extinguished them.

An Ordinance

For the protection of the City Lamp Posts, Lamps and appurtenances belonging thereto, passed Sept. 3rd, 1861.

Be it ordained by the Mayor and common Council of the City of Henderson, That from and after the 14th day of September, 1861, any person who shall hitch any horse, mule or animal to any of the city Lamb Posts, or who shall willfully or maliciously break or otherwise injure any of said Lamp Posts, Lamps or appurtenances,  thereto, shall be Guilty of a misdemeanor, and forfeit and pay for each offence, not less than $2.00 nor more than $30.00, if a white person or free negro, to be collected by the City Marshall as other fines to the City, but if a slave, to be punished for each offence, with not less than five nor more than 39 stripes on the bare back.                                         E.H. Hall, Mayor    

Attest: R.W. Reutlinger, Clerk.

Published 18 October 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Harry Thomas - Man of Mystery

The small, plain monument marking his grave in Fernwood Cemetery gives no clue to the life - or death - of Harry Thomas. Born 28 December 1859 and died 30 October 1930 in Henderson, Kentucky.[1] His death certificate gives "heart trouble" as his cause of death, but the circumstances of his death are a bit  unusual.

Let's back up, though, and talk about the circumstances of his life.  Born in Illinois, he was the son of James N. Thomas and Lizzie Johnston.[2]  Harry Thomas had an artificial leg; he had it when he came to Henderson in 1898 from Chicago.  It is said he lost the leg when he fell under a train while working as a railroader. Engaged to be married, he sent his bride-to-be away, saying he didn't want her to be a nurse to him. He remained single the rest of his life. [3]  

Harry Thomas opened a store at 236 N. Main Street in Henderson  and supported himself  buying and selling junk. He lived in the rear of his store and above his store lived the William Christ family, who looked out for Harry.

Harry Thomas was last seen on the streets several days before his death became known. When he had not checked in with the Christ family, they began a search for him. One of the Christ daughters looked out an upstairs window in the rear of the building and saw his artificial leg protruding out the back door into the alley. Friends were called to retrieve his body, but it was too late to save him.

It is supposed he fell and "his head had struck hard upon the floor.  A mass of blood surrounded his head."[4]  The coroner was called to the scene and "in examining the body discovered three diamond rings, several pearl stick pins and money amounting to $36 in his pockets. The valuables were placed in a vault in a local bank."[5]

Harry Thomas was an interesting man.  Periodically, he would embark on a trip to a far-off land.  When he was ready to leave, he would tell Mrs. Christ and give her the keys to his store.   When he ran short of money in his travels, "he would take off his wooden leg, hobble to a corner in whatever city or country he might be and count the coins as they fell into his hat. He would collect enough for another hop, and then again stop to collect more coins."[6] Harry's last trip was after the  world war (World War I), when he went to China, the land that he loved.

There was a bit of mystery surrounding Harry Thomas. He is gone now and he carried to the graves the secrets of his life and his travels.

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[1] Kentucky Death Certificate #24739 (1930), Harry Thomas, Henderson County , Ancestry.com.

[2] Ibid.

[3] "Cheap John, Junk Dealer de luxe, Takes Secrets to Tomb," Evansville Journal, Mon., 3 November 1930, pp 1, 10.

[4] Ibid.

[5] "Harry Thomas Is Found Dead, Cold Body of Business Man Is Discovered" Henderson Sunday Gleaner and Journal, Sun., 2 November 1930.

[6] "Cheap John, Junk Dealer de luxe, Takes Secrets to Tomb," Evansville Journal.

Published 24 May 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

William and Katherine Christ

William Christ Sr.

1861 - 1930

  

Katherine Christ

1872 - 1948

Buried in Fernwood Cemetery, Henderson, Kentucky. Tombstones photographed 25 October 2014 and 9 March 2018.

According to his death certificate,[1] William Christ was a baker and the son of Andrew Christ and Katherine Rickrick, both born in Germany. The informant listed on the death certificate was William Christ Jr.

William Christ is found in the household of Andrew and Catherine Christ on the 1880 Vanderburgh County, Indiana census.[2] They were living at 315 Upper First Street in Evansville.  William Christ's parent were both from Darmstadt, Germany. His father emigrated to America at the age of 17 or 18 years.[3]

William Christ and "Katie" Mayer were married 24 November 1892 in Evansville.[4]   By 1900, they had moved to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where they were living on N. Main Street.  Later they moved to Henderson and continued to live there the remainder of their lives.

William's obituary stated he was connected with the Kentucky Bakery for 20 years and prior to that he was with the Kingdon Hotel.[5]  Funeral services were at his residence with the Rev. W.J. Hillman, pastor of the Zion Evangelical Church officiating. Survivors included his widow, sons William Jr., Oscar, Karl and Emil Christ, all of Henderson; daughters, Virginia and Katherine Christ; two grandchildren, sister, Miss Lucy Christ of New Albany, Indiana and a brother, George Christ of Evansville.

The death certificate of Katherine shows she was born 11 August 1872 in Germany and died 29 April 1948 in the Henderson Hospital. [6] Her usual residence was 325 Washington Street, Henderson. Her father was listed as Joseph Meyer and her mother as Katherine Rickrick. Both were born in Germany.

Funeral services for Katherine Christ were held at the Evangelical and Reformed church with the Rev. David Schlinkman officiating. Surviving were daughters, Katherine and Virginia; sons William, Karl and Emil, all of Henderson and a brother, Karl Meyer of Germany.

Watch for another post mentioning William and Katherine Christ soon.

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[1] Kentucky Death Certificate #30281 (1930), William Christ, Ancestry.com, accessed 8 March 2018.

[2] 1880 Vanderburgh County, Indiana census, p. 325 A, E.D. 80, Ancestry.com, accessed 7 March 2018.

[3] "An Old Citizen," Evansville Courier, Fri., 16 September 1892, p. 8.

[4] Vanderburgh County Marriages Vol. 16, p. 441, filed 9 December 1892.

[5] "Wm. Christ, 70, Dies Following Apolexy Stroke," Henderson Morning Gleaner, Fri., 19 December 1930, p. 6.

[6] Kentucky Death Certificate #9845 (1948), Katherine Christ, Ancestry.com, accessed 8 March 2018.

 Published 22 March 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Beatty - Towles Marriage Contract 1857

A marriage contract was designed to protect the property of each party, especially the property acquired during a previous marriage or by inheritance from family. Marriage contracts are found in the deed books.

The following document[1] provides valuable information. It tells us that a marriage is shortly intended between James Beatty and Judith Towles and gives us the name of her previous husband and the names of their children. In addition, it provides the name of  her father.

This Indenture made this the 19th day of May 1857  Between James Beatty of the first part & Judith T. Towles of the second part and both of the county of Henderson and State of Kentucky  Witnesseth that whereas the parties have agreed this day to unite in marriage, and whereas James Beatty is desirous to secure to  Judith T. Towles & her children by Thos. Towles, dec'd   towit: Mary Towles, Ann T. Towles, Martha Towles, Thos. Towles & Betty Towles such as she may have by the sd. James Beatty the means of support & maintenance. Now, in consideration of the agreement to marry,  James Beatty hereby covenants with Judith T. Towles that she shall hold for her own separate use and benefit &  support of James Beatty & her children , all of the property which she now owns real, personal and mixed and whether held for life or in fee & which has come to her by gift or devise or in any other way whatever from Thos. Towles Jr. dec'd, Thos. Towles Sr. dec'd or from her father Henry Dixon Sr. or which may hereafter come to her from the estate of either of the three persons last named.  That the property its increase & proceeds shall in no way be liable for any debts  contracts or obligation of  James Beatty now existing or which may hereafter be contracted by him & that the property shall not be subject to the control or disposition of James Beatty, but by the consent of Judith T. Towles & for the purpose heretofore expressed. And the parties hereto in consideration  of the agreement & their love and affection for the afore named children of Thos. Towles Jr. dec'd mutually bind themselves to provide for their maintenance & education in a manner suitable to their rank and condition in life so far as the proceeds of the property herein secured will suffice. And it is further agreed that should any of the children of Thos. Towles Jr. dec'd marry in the lifetime of Judith T. Towles she shall have the same right to make to the children so marrying any advance out of the sd. property she may deems proper as though she had remained sole & unmarried. And the parties agree & mutually bind themselves to each other & to the children that they will hold all the property in Trust for the purposed herein expressed.  In witness whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands & seals this the day and date above written.  [signed]  James Beatty (seal)  Judith T. Towles (seal)

State of Kentucky = Henderson County, Sct:

I William D. Allison clerk of the County Court of Henderson County do certify that this marriage contract & agreement between James Beatty and Judith T. Towles was this day duly acknowledged before me in my county by James Beatty & Judith T. Towles to be their act and deed and thereupon the same together with this certificate was truly recorded in my office - Witness my hand this 19th day of May 1857.  [signed] Will D. Allison C.H.C.C.  By John Young  D.Clk.

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[1] Henderson County, Kentucky  Deed Book R, pages 238-239, Henderson County Clerk's Office, Henderson, Kentucky.

Published 23 March 2017, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

War of 1812 Pension Application - Joel and Mary Lambert

The following is recorded in Joel Lambert's War of 1812 Pension and Bounty Land Warrant application:[1]

"State of Kentucky

Henderson County

                On the 29th of January A.D., 1852 personally appeared before  me [Y.E. Allison]  a Justice of the peace ... Joel Lambert aged fifty five years a resident of Henderson County in the State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Joel Lambert who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Robert Smith in the 14th Regiment of Kentucky detached Militia commanded by Col. Parker in the War with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812. That he was drafted (or substituted for a Drafted man) at Henderson in Henderson County Kentucky, on or about the 25th day of August A.D. 1814 for the Term of Six months, and continued in actual service in said War for the term of Six Months (having entered into actual Service on the 14th of November 1814) and was honorably discharged at Russellville, Ky on the 20th day of May 1815 as will appear by the Muster Rolls of said Company. He states that he received a written discharge, and that the same is lost or mislaid and cannot now be found.

                He makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "Act Granting bounty land to Certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States" passed September 28th 1850.                   [signed] Joel Lambert"

The above declaration was recorded by William D. Allison, Clerk of County Court of Henderson 28 January 1852.

Lambert stated he fought at the Battle of New Orleans as a private and his pension was on file in the pension office.

Joel Lambert and Polly Husbands were married by Claiborne Duvall, Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Henderson on 11 Sep 1818. Rev. Joel Lambert was a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for more than half a century. He was born in Virginia, but went to Kentucky as an infant. Mrs. Lambert was a native of Henderson.

A letter from J.L. Rousseau, Attorney & Counselor at Law, to Joseph H. Baker, Commissioner of Pensions in Washington, DC, dated 28 Oct. 1871, stated Joel Lambert had received a land warrant for 80 acres. Appended to this letter was a deposition in which Pain Dixon stated he was a member of the same regiment and company with Joel Lambert.

On the 8th day of September 1879, Sam W. Sizemore and Robt. B. Batte appeared before the Henderson County Court Clerk and stated that Joel Lambert, pensioner of the War of 1812 - No. 8354 died in the City of Henderson  on the 26th day of June 1879, aged 82 years, that Lambert was the husband of Polly Lambert, who made an  application for pension as his widow and Polly had not married since the death of her husband.  

In a letter to the Department of the Interior Pension Office, it was stated that "Mrs. Lambert appears to be very old and states that she was born in 1802 ... her pension certificate, No. 27713, was issued to her Nov. 10, 1879 as the widow of Joel Lambert."

Joel and Mary "Polly" (Husbands) Lambert are buried in Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson, Kentucky. Inscribed on their monument is the following:

Joel Lambert  Born Aug. 25, 1796   Died June 26, 1879

Polly Husbands  Wife of Joel Lambert  Born June 3, 1802   Died Feb. 24, 1893

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[1] Pension Application 8354, Fold3 War of 1812 Bounty Land Warrant Application, <https:www.fold3/image/314998680> accessed 15 Dec 2015.

Published 29 May 2016, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/