ky-footsteps Monday, 25 August 1997 Volume 01 : Number 199 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Diana Flynn Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 09:48:45 -0400 Subject: KY-F: BIO: Pearcy, Van B., s/o Pearcy, Henry - Unknown Co "COUNTIES OF MORGAN, MONROE & BROWN, INDIANA. HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL." CHARLES BLANCHARD, EDITOR. CHICAGO: F. A. BATTEY & CO. PUBLISHERS. 1884. F. A. BATTEY. F. W. TEPPLE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND MARTINSVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, INDIANA page 201 VAN B. PEARCY was born in Johnson County, Ind., September 15, 1843, and is one of the thirteen children of Henry and Lovina Pearcy, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. The grandfather of our subject, Robert Pearcy, was a native of Kentucky, where he married. Subsequently he removed to Jennings County, Ind., where he died about 1852. He was twice married and reared a large family. Henry Pearcy was the eldest of his father's family. He was born July 24, 1815, and after coming to Jennings County married Miss Lovina Whitsitt, then moved to Johnson County, and in the spring of 1847 to Morgan County, where he closed his life. His children were by names--Jacob, Robert, John, George, Van B., Mary, Martha, Charity, Harriet, William, Joseph, Nancy and Hiram T. Van B. Percy, our subject, married November 9, 1865, Miss Caroline, daughter of Charles and Louisa Hess, and a native of this county, born August 22, 1844. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Pearcy moved to Crawford County, Ill., and remained until 1867, when he removed to this county, and located on a good farm of 139 acres, all well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Pearcy have had seven children--George R. (deceased), Charles H., John W., Wilford B., Annettie, Robert and an infant daughter (deceased). Diana Flynn Springville, Lawrence Co., IN. ivie@tima.com ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:12:40 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 11, Part 3 CHRISTIAN CHURCH BRIEF RECORD OF THE LARGEST AND WEALTHIEST CONGREGATION IN THE CITY The Christian church is third in age of religious organizations of Cynthiana. It was organized seventy years ago under the ministry of Thos. Allen, a well-known preacher of that day. Its earliest preaching places were the court house and an old school house in the neighborhood of the present residence of J.S. Withers. The first building erected by the church, about sixty years ago was on the same spot as the present house, soon to be superceded by one more modern, elegant and commodious. Among the able and eloquent ministers of the current reformation who ministered to the building up of this strong congregation, were T.M. Allen Jr., Jno. T. Johnson, Raccoon John Smith, Jno. Allen Gano, Samuel Rogers, Jno. T. Rogers, L.L. Pinkerton, R.C. Ricketts and a number of others. The regualr ministers beginning with the sixties and extending to the present time were---Willmott, D.W.Case and W.A. Broadhurst, J.B. Jones, Elisha Pinkerton, J.C. Frank, Jno. C. Walden, Wm. Stanley, C.B. Edgar, G.W. Yancey, and the presnt minister, J.J. Haley, who began his ministery Jan. 1st, 1895. This congregation numbers between 550 and 600 members and is the largest church of any denomination in Harrison county. The recent religious census of Cynthiana revealed the fact that the members of the Christian church and their families in and around the city numbered 1,000 souls. The church has a Sunday School of 240 and an Endeavor class of fifty-seven members. All departments of its work are in a flourishing condition. Elder J.J. Haley, the present pastor, is one of the ablest men in the ministry. For a number of years he labored in Austrialia and England, and brings to his work, besides a scholarly education, a broad and liberal culture. His work here is bearing fruit in the rapid advancement of every part of the church work. He is popluar with all demoninations and is recognized as one of the "strong" men of the community. His excellent wife proves a valuable coadjutor in his work. An excellent view of the proposed new house of worship for the Christian church appears elsewhere. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 11 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:29:01 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 11, Part 4 There are only three churches for negroes in Cynthiana. Two Methodist churches and a Baptist comprise the number. But members of other religious bodies are scattered over the city, and as a whole the work along religious lines is progressing in a satisfactory manner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 11 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:22:03 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 11, Part 5 H.C. FIGHTMASTER'S HOME On Clifton Roads, with a glorious view of the winding Licking, stands H.C. Fightmaster's home. It is not yet entirely completed, and the picture presented gives but a fair view of its loveliness. The building is of brick. A heavy granite fence forms the base for a series of terraces that rise symmetrically to the building, and marble steps make the ascent gradual and easy. Mr. Fightmaster has a splendid modern house and should be proud of it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 11 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:26:38 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 11, Part 6 GEO. M. DICKEY'S RESIDENCE The elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Dickey is situated on Walnut street, facing Oddville Avenue. As the cut elsewhere shows it is one of the handsomest residences in the city. The interior appointments are in keeping with the external appearance, and altogether it is a most desirable place of residence. Mr. Dickey is well-known as a business man and is justly popular with our people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 11 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:52:01 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 11, Part 7 LAFFERTY GUARDS Company K, 2d Regiment of Infantry, Kentucky State Guards, was organized May 19, 1894, with fifty-three members. W.S. Hardin was elected Captain, E.C. McDowell, 1st Lieutenant and W.J. Gossett, 2d Lieutenant. H.W. Shawhan was appointed 1st Sergeant, John Ingles, P. Ward, C. Corrigan and C. Howard duty Sergeants; and D. Williams, B. Pennell, H. Ward, Jas. Rankin, W. Parrish, S.M. McDowell, C. Reed and H. Reynolds, Corporals; Chas. Lacy, drummer. Since the organization of the company the following promotions have been made: 1st Sergeant H.W. Shawhan appointed 2d Lieutenant on staff of Maj. McMath; Corporal Jas. Rankin elected 2d Lieutenant of the company; Corporal Denny Williams promoted to 1st Sergeant, and Corporal B. Pennell promoted to Sergeant. The following have been discharged: Sergeant P. Ward, Corporal H. Ward and privates E. Clark, T. Corrigan, Chas. Hickman, Wm. Hickman, Chas. Lyons, C. Mattox, R. Musser, D. Renaker, Joe Stevens, K. Thompson and Wright Williams, and the following have been enlisted: Leslie Lail, N. Lally, F. McClure, F. Nichols and H. Webster, all enlisted on June 19, 1895. The following on May 12, 1896: B. Atkinson, Chas. Allen, Trim Hedges, J.T. Musselman, J.Q. Jewett, E. J. Coffey, F. Pollmeyer, J. Gibbons, Geo. Heck, T. Smiser, Kerr Riggs, Richard Moore, Thos. Collier, Chas. Jones (bugler), W. McGee, B.H. Conner, M. McDowell, Chas. Maffett and Jack Sharp. Total enlisted since organization of the company twenty-four, total discharged thriteen, net gain of enlistment eleven, present strength of company (rank and file) sixty-one. For drill, dicipline and general deportment, when on duty, Company K ranks A1. Company K has attended two annual encampments, at Paducah in July, 1894, and at Henderson in August, 1895, where they captured two-thirds of the orderlies and "got everything they went after." They have never made up their minds to try for the flag yet but if they should other companies must look to their laurels. Private Ashley Ward, of this company, at the encampment at Henderson received a gold medal for being the best soldier in the regiment. The Company has had no active service since its organization and the boys are very anxious to try real soldiering. Their Captain is proud of the Company and feels confident if they were called upon at any time, or for any purpose they would respond to a man, and that they would make such a record that Cynthiana would be proud of them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 11 ------------------------------ From: Diana Flynn Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 15:52:30 -0400 Subject: KY-F: BIO: Prather, James, Sr. - Fleming Co "COUNTIES OF MORGAN, MONROE & BROWN, INDIANA. HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL." CHARLES BLANCHARD, EDITOR. CHICAGO: F. A. BATTEY & CO. PUBLISHERS. 1884. F. A. BATTEY. F. W. TEPPLE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND MARTINSVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, INDIANA PAGE 202 JAMES PRATHER, SR., was born in Fleming County, Ky., August 4, 1806, and is the eldest of the family of Basil and Mary (George) Prather, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina, the former born in 1785, the latter in 1784. They were married in Kentucky, and remained there until 1817, when they moved to Jackson County, Ind., where Mrs. Prather died in 1839. Subsequently, Mr. Prather married a Mrs. Dodson; and died in 1874, the father of six children--Susan, Margaret, Thomas, Elizabeth, Jane and James. February 6, 1824, in Jackson County, Ind., James Prather married Josephine Hagard, born January 1, 1808. In 1834, he moved to Morgan County, where Mrs. Prather died August 16, 1846, and March 5, 1847, he married Mrs. Almira Taylor, widow of Simeon Taylor, a native of Plymouth County, Mass. Mr. Prather has been the parent of twelve children--John, Martha, Mary, Judith, Basil, Thomas, James, William, Edward, Elizabeth and two that died in infancy. Diana Flynn Springville, Lawrence Co., IN. ivie@tima.com ------------------------------ From: Diana Flynn Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:13:47 -0400 Subject: KY-F: BIO: Ray, John F. - Wayne Co "COUNTIES OF MORGAN, MONROE & BROWN, INDIANA. HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL." CHARLES BLANCHARD, EDITOR. CHICAGO: F. A. BATTEY & CO. PUBLISHERS. 1884. F. A. BATTEY. F. W. TEPPLE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND MARTINSVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, INDIANA PAGE 203 JOHN F. RAY, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Wayne County, Ky., was born January 26, 1830, and is a son of James and Polly Ray, who in that year removed to Bloomington, Ind., and in 1831 to Washington Township. James Ray was a carpenter, and for many years labored as such, and died in March, 1875; Mrs. Polly Ray is still living. John F. Ray learned the trade of a carpenter under his father, and followed the same for a long time. He served as Deputy Clerk of this county from 1852 to 1856, in which year he went to Kentucky, and on May 29 married Miss Angeline Bogle. He remained there until 1863, when he came again to Martinsville. Mr. and Mrs. Ray are parents of five children, namely, James D., Delia V., Jennie, John B. and Eddie. In 1872, Mr. Ray was appointed Deputy Auditor, as which he served about two years. He is politically a Democrat, and was elected in 1880 a Justice of the Peace for a four years' term. Diana Flynn Springville, Lawrence Co., IN. ivie@tima.com ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 19:19:25 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 12, Part 1 POSTOFFICES DISSERTATION ON POSTOFFICES IN GENERAL COMPLETE LIST OF POSTMASTERS OF CYNTHIANA Places of worship, cemeteries, cities, towns, jails and penitentaries have been graphically described in every age by knights of the quill, but none has ever written the annals of the postoffice or the history of its much abused master. No offices is so regularly haunted by men, women, and children of every rank and degree as the postoffice, and no man receives so many smiles and frowns as its master, or sees so many anxious faces as he--why has none sung his praise? On his fidelity depend the affairs of state and will, nil you, he is the custodian of the secrets of the whole region in the midst of which he may dwell. He learns to know the love lorn swain by his car-marks, haste and trepidation--nothing could keep him away from the postoffice in the absence of is fair one, save a cyclone. The old, old, maid, alone of all the world, has no business with a letter box and she turns as she passes the office and sighs to think "what has been and what might have been." The old widows, bless you, bound in and bounce out before the postmaster's nose, with an expression on their faces that would deceived the very elect. The old, old bachelor looks uglier in the postoffice than he does anywhere else, and there the old widower is and looks perfectly despisable. After all, what are letters? They are ghosts of conversations. Wrapped in their white cerements, they glide in silence past the houses made glad by the wedding festival or darkened by the shadow of the unburied dead, and perform their mission of gladdening or breaking hearts. The following is a complete roster of the postmasters of Cynthiana and the dates or their appointments, since the office was established. For compilation of this list the DEMOCRAT is indebted to Mr. A.C. Quisenberry of Washington: James Coleman (established) Apr. 1st, 1801 Caleb Kemper, 1 July, 1802 Christian McConnico, 1 April 1804 James Finley, 8 January, 1805 James Kelly, 23 December, 1816 Hartwell Boswell, 23 Dec. 1818 Armistead Whiteland, 24 June, 1820 Asbury Broadwell, 22 Jan., 1825 Wm. A. Withers, 20 Dec., 1833 Asbury Broadwell, 14 Jan., 1841 Jeremiah V. Bassett, 31 May 1841 Perry Wherritt, 24 September, 1845 John B. Gruelle, 5 September, 1849 Chas. H. Anderson, 16 Nov., 1852 John B. Gruelle, 17 October, 1853 Chas. H. Anderson, 5 July, 1854 David A. Givens, 14 Feb., 1855 Oliver Lucas, 26 May, 1856 Alexander Williamson, 16 September, 1856 A.J. Morey, 30 April 1861 Benj. C. Day, 1 June, 1861 Luther Vanhook, 12 Nov., 1861 Lewis Coppage, 2 January, 1863 Henry M. Magee, 4 January, 1866 Mattie D. Todd, 12 December, 1878 Bettie S. Moore, 1 March, 1895 The postoffice has been located in various places and is now in Mr. R.M. Collier's building on Main street, opposite the court house. The office has been newly furnished thoughout and is convenient and attractive. Mrs. Moore makes an excellent official, is courteous and obliging, and is held in high esteem by the postoffice authorities as well as by the patrons of the office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 12 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 19:34:55 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 12, Part 2 RESIDENCE OF WM. ADDAMS When the photograph of Wm. Addams' residence was taken the lights and shades were such that justice could not be done the place. Still, the picture gives some indication of the beauty of the place. It is of brick, large and roomy, with spacious galleries and all modern improvements. Grounds, several acres in extent, surround the place, and in the spring and summer make it an inviting spot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Water works and electric lights have worked wonderful changes in the town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana leads ths procession as a business point. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A complete sewerage system is in contemplation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 12 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 19:59:58 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 12, Part 3 CATHOLIC CHURCH FIRST SERVICES IN THE COUNTY HELD AT BROADWELL RAPID GROWTH OF THE CHURCH IN THIS COMMUNITY The first Catholic service in Harrison county was held in Broadwell meeting house on Ruddles Mills pike by Father Kroeger from Holy Trinty Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1849. After Father Kroeger came Fathers Elkman, Lancaster, McMahon and McGuire. These came as missionaries from 1849 to 1853 when Rt. Rev. George A. Carroll, first Bishop of Covington Diocese, sent Father Force as pastor of this congregation, residence in Paris. He having for Parish, Paris, Cynthiana, and Falmouth, services were held once a month and every alternate fifth Sunday in a month. After Father Force there came in succession Fathers Devine, Wright, and Quinn; then Father Brossart, who is the present Vicar General of this Diocese. After him came Fathers Major, Cook, and Feighery; then Father Dodker, 1882; Father Mershman, assisted by Father Sang, in 1887. Father Baumeister took charge until 1889. Father E.T. Donelly officiated until 1891, when Father T. McGrady took charge of the congregation and during his time reduced the debt to $1,000 and built and paid for the brick parsonage. He was succeeded in August, 1895, by the present pastor, Rev. P.M. Jones, who has reduced the debt to $500, which will be paid by July 10, 1896. Besides this he has put two furnaces in the church and beautified the cemetery by building a stone wall in the front and making drives and walks. Father Jones seems to be the right man in the right place and if left here for a few years will complete the church as per plan. The Catholics will then have the finest church in this city and neatest cemetery in the country for its size. >From 1853 to 1862 services were held in Wall's school house, corner of Pike and Court streets. In 1858 Louis Pollmeyer, Thomas English, and Patrick McCaffrey, as trustees, purchased a lot from Wm. T. Redmon, on Walnut street, running back to the railroad. This being rejected by the Bishop was sold and in 1861 Father Brandts purchased of Col. Wm. Roper the lot on which the church now stands for $500. Upon this lot was first built a frame church 30x50 at a cost of $3,000, in 1871. The frame church was moved back and the foundation of the present structure was built by Thos. Lowery; the corner stone was laid the same year under the auspices of Father Brandts by Rt. Rev. A.M. Toebbe, Bishop, in 1873. Father Brossart, then pastor, had the building put under roof. The church is 50x120; the auditorium is, in the clear, one hundred feet long, forty-six feet wide; the tower in front rises to the height of ninety feet and when finished will be thirty-six feet higher. >From services from once or twice a year in 1849-50, services are now held every morning and twice on Sundays, the resident pastor, Rev. P.M. Jones, being in charge at this date. A splendid view of the church is printed on this page. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 12 ------------------------------ From: Edie Suttle Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 20:45:23 -0700 Subject: KY-F: CD, Harrison Co: Page 12, Part 4 EPISCOPAL CHURCH SHORT SKETCH OF ITS ORGANIZATION AND GROWTH The first person, of whom there is any record of having held Episcopal services in Cynthiana, was Mr. N. Cowgill who was the principal of a flourishing school in this city in 1838. He afterwards took orders under Bishop Smith. The following year Rev. Mr. Crow (in deacon's orders) continued both the services and the school begun by Mr. Cowgill. During their time Bishop Smith often visited the place. >From 1840 to 1846 the Rev. Edward Brockley, of Lexington and the Rev. G.G. Moore, of Paris, had charge of the work. It was during the ministry of the latter that Dr. George H. Perrin, a prominent physician of Cynthiana, began an investigation into the claims of the church. On December 1st, 1846, he and his wife were baptized by the Rev. G.G. Moore and partook of the sacrament, and were confirmed on April 11th, 1847, by Bishop Smith. To Dr. Perrin's zeal, liberality and influence the organization of the Parish in 1847 and the erection of the church is due. The corner stone of the church was laid May 5th, 1855, under the rectorship of Rev. Carter Page. At that time Mr. Wm. Thompson came into the church and assisted largely in the work. The church building was consecrated by Bishop Smith, assisted by the Rev. Carter Page on May 19th, 1860. Rev. Silas Totten was rector for a number of years. The Rev. Walter Terne came in 1870, and the Rev. Geo. Weeks in 1875, the latter serving until 1889, sometimes devoting his whole time to the church here, at others dividing with other fields Rev. J.S. Johnson, now Bishop of Texas, for a time came from Mt. Sterling to assist Mr. Weeks in the work line. The Rev. John F. Spivey removed to Cynthiana from Iowa in 1883, and died here in 1884. Rev. Edward Cross served as rector for nine months. The Rev. C.L. Pinder was here in 1890. The present Rector, the Rev. Rolla Dyer, came April 3, 1892. A portrait and short biographical sketch of Mr. Dyer appear elswhere. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthiana Democrat, June 1896, Page 12 ------------------------------ From: "Carolyn Kennedy" Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 22:32:11 -0400 Subject: KY-F: Bethel Baptist Church, McCreary Co Copied this from book of "History of Bethel Baptist Church" McCreary County, Kentucky 1870-1996 William Henry Manning was church clerk at Bethel in the 1870's. Preserved in an old truck that belonged to him, were thrity six of these church letters of dismission in good standing from various area churches. We can only assume that these individuals joined Bethel Church since their letters were in the possession of the church clerk. These individuals and the year their letters were granted: Daniel Davenport from Wolf Creek - August 1870 Willis Worley from Jellico Creek Church - August 1870 Jemima Worley from Jellico Creek Church - August 1870 John W. Swain from Marsh Creek Church - 1872 Polly J. Swain from (wife of John W.) from Marsh Creek - 1872 William Shepherd from Marsh Creek Church - 1873 Louisa Shepherd (wife of Wm.) from Marsh Creek - 1873 Sary Jane Smith from Marsh Creek - 1875 Lindy Smith from Marsh Creek - 1875 Sarah Ann Worley from Marsh Creek - 1875 Armelda Manning from Clear Fork Church - 1877 John Bryant from Pleasant Hill Church - 1878 Amey Bryant (wife of John) from Pleasant Hill Church - 1878 Stephen Cox from Pleasant Hill Church - 1878 Elizabeth Cox (wife of Stephen) from Pleasant Hill - 1878 Emely E. Perkins from Freedom Church (Wayne Co.) - 1878 Ryley Privett from Marsh Creek Church - 1878 James A. Privett from Pleasant Grove Church (Tenn.)- 1878 James Ball from Pleasant Hill Church - 1881 Alcy Kidd from Pleasant Hill Church - 1881 Elias Kidd from Red Bird Church - 1881 Solomon Sumner from Jellico Creek Church - 1881 Susie J. Sumner from Jellico Creek - 1881 Lucretia Stephens from Marsh Creek Church - 1883 Permelia Strunk from Jellico Creek Church - 1884 Mark Sumner from Wolf Creek Church - 1886 Jane Sumner (wife of Mark) from Wolf Creek Church - 1886 Calvin Patrick from Pleasant Hill Church - 1887 "Wife of Calvin Patrick" from Pleasant Hill - 1887 Rachel Kidd from Pleasant Hill Church - 1888 Nancy Davenport from Red Bird Church - 1895 ------------------------------ End of ky-footsteps V1 #199 *************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genelaogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. 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