Bourbon County KY

Biography of George C. Diestilhorst

George C. Diestilhorst was born in Poile, Hanover, Germany, April 18, 1813, and was there reared to manhood. He received his education in the Lutheran school, of his native place, and his father being a harness-maker by trade, on leaving school he also learned that trade and worked with his father up to the time he was twenty-three years of age, when he emigrated to America, arriving in New York City, May 1, 1836. He was successful in securing a situation in the government harness manufactory in that city, and remained six months, then went on a prospecting tour, seeking … Read more

Life and travels of Colonel James Smith – Indian Captivities

An Artists rendition of James Smith

James Smith, pioneer, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1737. When he was eighteen years of age he was captured by the Indians, was adopted into one of their tribes, and lived with them as one of themselves until his escape in 1759. He became a lieutenant under General Bouquet during the expedition against the Ohio Indians in 1764, and was captain of a company of rangers in Lord Dunmore’s War. In 1775 he was promoted to major of militia. He served in the Pennsylvania convention in 1776, and in the assembly in 1776-77. In the latter year he was commissioned colonel in command on the frontiers, and performed distinguished services. Smith moved to Kentucky in 1788. He was a member of the Danville convention, and represented Bourbon county for many years in the legislature. He died in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1812. The following narrative of his experience as member of an Indian tribe is from his own book entitled “Remarkable Adventures in the Life and Travels of Colonel James Smith,” printed at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. It affords a striking contrast to the terrible experiences of the other captives whose stories are republished in this book; for he was well treated, and stayed so long with his red captors that he acquired expert knowledge of their arts and customs, and deep insight into their character.

Biographical Sketch of S. B. Guthery

S. B. Guthery was born in Pike county, Ohio, October 27, 1817. His grandfather was a colonel in the Revolutionary War, and in 1800 immigrated to the then far West – now the State of Ohio. When our subject was a boy he was employed by William Parmer, of Bourbon county, Kentucky; in keeping training and running fast horses. In 1837 he turned his attention to farming and has followed that business ever since, together with handling stock; with the exception of a short time he was engaged in grading on the Portsmouth & Columbus turnpike in 1840, and conducted … Read more

Childers, J. P. – Obituary

Summerville, Union County, Oregon A Paralytic Stroke Mr. J. P. Childers, an aged resident of Summerville, suffered a stroke of paralysis about half-past one o’clock Wednesday afternoon. He had been up and around during the day and was in his usual health up to the time of the attack. His condition is considered very critical. Separate Column (same newspaper) James P. Childers, an old and respected citizen of Union County, died Friday afternoon at his home near Summerville. Death was the result of a stroke of paralysis that came last Wednesday. Eastern Oregon Semi-Weekly Republican Volume VIII, Number 28 Brief … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William Barnett

William Barnett, farmer, P. O. Ionia, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 8, 1824. Removed to Vermillion County, Ill. Came to Jewell County, Kan., in 1871, and took a homestead, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land. Held the office of School Treasurer for nine years last past. Was married in Vermillion County, Ill., September 17, 1851, to Miss A. J. Walston, now deceased. Was married a second time in Edwards County, Ill., in December 1856, to Miss Nancy Barnett. He is the father of four children – Susan J., Robert, Martha E. and Lolie. Mr. … Read more

Biography of Deacon John A. Boyer

A man remembered only by the older generation of Rock Island County’s citizens was Deacon John A Boyer, deceased. He was born at Bedford, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1809. During a portion of his boyhood his parents lived at Paris, Kentucky, and later removed to Indiana. In 1837 he came to this county and settled in what was then the town of Stephenson. In 1838 Mr. Boyer was united in marriage to Mrs. Zeruiah Phillips, whose maiden name was Zeruiah Robbins. The following year Mr. and Mrs. Boyer moved to the farm at the south end of what is now Thirtieth … Read more