Biography of: William H. Randall  Laurel County, Kentucky

Source; Biographical Sketches from, "Kentucky, History of the State"
Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, Laurel County
    
****************************************************************************
USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical
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. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format
or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or
organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of
presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his
legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with
proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb
Archives to store the file permanently for free access.
http://www.usgwarchives.net.

Submitted by: Vera Burnham vburnham@metrocast.net
Date: November 29, 2002

****************************************************************************
Judge William H. Randall was a native of Garrard County, KY, born June 15,
1814. His ancestors came from Virginia to Kentucky at an early date and
settled in Garrard County. His parents, Richard and Mary (Butcher) Randall,
removed to Rockcastle County, but subsequently settled near Lexington,
Fayette County, where they lived for many years. From there they went to
Madison County, then to Jackson County, MO, in 1843, where they spent the
remainder of their lives. There were born to them ten children, viz:
Charles B.,John, William H., Zarilda, Arthusa, James S., Mary A., Milton P.,
John Q, and Alexander C. William H. Randall was reared and educated in
Mount Vernon, KY, and in early life was engaged as a clerk. About 1830 he
commenced the study of law with John A. Moore, of Mount Vernon, and was
admitted to the bar at London, KY, February 26, 1835. He then practiced his
profession at London one year, when he was appointed, by the circuit judge
of the district, circuit and county court clerk, which offices he held until
1850, when the constitution was changed. However, he was elected under the
new constitution, and served until 1855. He then turned his attention to the
practice of law, which he continued until 1863, when he was elected to
Congress from the Eight Congressional District of Kentucky, served one term,
and was re-elected in August, 1865. In 1867 he was elected circuit judge of
the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, holding that office until 1880.  He again
resumed the practice of legal profession, which he followed until his death,
which occurred August 1, 1884.  He was a man of more than ordinary ability
in the legal profession, and a man he-loved by all. He was popular socially
and politically, and was one of the most influential men in eastern Kentucky.
July 7, 1836, he married Martha J. Slaughter, a daughter of John
H. and Julia (Love) Slaughter. To them were born ten children, viz: Mary M.,
Julia E., William H., Jr., John G., Richard, James F., Sarah E., Robert M.,
Thomas P. and Charles M. Judge Randall was a member of the Christian
Church, and politically a Republican.