Madison County KY

Kit Carson, His Life and Adventures – Indian Wars

kitcarson

Christopher “Kit” Carson, born on December 24, 1809, in Kentucky, grew up in the dangerous wilderness of Missouri, fostering his adventurous spirit. At age 12, he rescued bear cubs, showcasing his bravery. After abandoning a saddler’s apprenticeship for a life of exploration, he became skilled in woodcraft and hunting tactics. Carson served as a scout and guide, notably for Colonel J.C. Fremont, and gained fame for his exploits. He died in 1868, remembered as a legendary figure in American frontier history.

Biography of Jebez Ham

Jabez Ham, born in 1797 in Madison County, Kentucky, moved to Missouri in 1817. Largely uneducated and fond of hunting, he began preaching in 1824 after receiving basic instruction. He founded New Providence Church on Loutre Creek in 1826 and humorously likened his sermons to a shotgun. Jabez balanced his ministry with powder manufacturing and hunting for sustenance. He died in Callaway County in 1842, leaving behind fourteen children with his wife, Hannah Todd. His brother, Rev. Stephen Ham, also became a Baptist preacher in Missouri.

Biography of Stephen Ham

Stephen Ham, a Madison County, Kentucky resident, was the father of John, Jabez, and Stephen Ham, Jr. John, born in 1786, moved to Missouri in 1809, becoming one of the first settlers in Callaway County. A Methodist preacher and skilled hunter, he had notable exploits, including smoking a bear from its cave. After two marriages, he had eight children and faced adversity such as a devastating flood in 1824. He eventually relocated to Illinois, where he passed away in 1869.

Biographical Sketch of David Gentry

David Gentry, originally from Virginia, married Jane Kendrick and moved to Madison County, Kentucky, where they raised a large family, including sons Bright B., Pleasant, David, Dickey, Martin, and Bailey, along with five daughters. Bright B. went on to marry Martha Jones and had several children. Both David and Jonathan, another of Gentry’s sons, settled in Montgomery County in 1833; David married Polly A. Groom while Jonathan wed Elizabeth McFarland.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph McFarland

Joseph McFarland emigrated from Ireland to America prior to the Revolutionary War, settling in Norfolk, Virginia. He enlisted in the American army but was killed in battle, leaving behind a widow and son, Robert. Robert later moved to Madison County, Kentucky, married Rhoda Quick, and had three children. After Rhoda’s death, he married Eva Farmer, with whom he had several more children. Joseph McFarland moved to Montgomery County in 1825 and married Polly Cundiff, linking his lineage to prominent local families through his daughters.

Biography of Stephen Best

Stephen Best, an Irish emigrant, settled in Pennsylvania before the American Revolution and fathered several children, including Isaac and Ebenezer. Ebenezer, an accomplished horse racer known for his chicken fights, left a legacy of educating sixty children. Isaac relocated to Missouri in 1808, building a fort for his family amid Indian hostilities. He later moved them to Fort Clemson for safety. His extensive family included sons John and Stephen, and daughters Polly, Phoebe, Sally, and Peggy, with John marrying twice and having multiple children.

Biography of Gideon Bowles

Gideon Bowles, originally from Dublin, Ireland, was a member of the St. James Colony that settled in Virginia, where he and his wife raised their children. The family later moved to Madison County, Kentucky, and then to St. Louis County, Missouri, where Gideon passed away in 1812. His son Caleb became a judge, while others like James met tragic ends. Gideon was known for his hunting prowess, but an incident with his dog curtailed his activities. He remained politically active during the Civil War, facing significant repercussions for his views.

Biographical Sketch of Daniel White

Daniel White, born on February 26, 1831, in Madison County, Kentucky, worked in farming and a mill before enlisting in Company F, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, during the Civil War. After the war, he moved to Illinois, where he farmed in Tazewell and Piatt Counties for a total of thirteen years, before relocating to Caldwell County, Missouri for two years. In 1880, he settled in Daviess County, where he continued farming. He married Mary S. Cruise in 1857, and they had six children.

Slave Narrative of Richard Miller

Richard Miller, born January 12, 1843, in Danville, Kentucky, recounts his early life marked by the trauma of slavery and familial separation. His mother, an English subject, was taken away for sending her children to school, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves. Miller recalls the brutality of slavery, including the burning of a fellow slave, and the terrifying presence of the Ku Klux Klan. While he prefers not to revisit this painful past, he shares these memories as a testament to the struggles faced by those who endured slavery.

Clark Co., Ky

The first records of enslaved individuals in Clark County date back to 1783, brought by settlers from Virginia and Maryland. Initially, these fifteen families faced hardships while establishing their community along the Big Stoner. While some slaveholders treated their slaves well, the community did not tolerate cruelty, and laws were enacted to protect enslaved people. Notably, freemen and former slaves formed settlements post-Civil War. The region lacked a formal slave market, with hiring typically occurring on New Year’s Day. Individual accounts reveal complex relationships between enslaved people and their owners, highlighting acts of bravery and loyalty.

Slave Narrative of Belle Robinson

The interview with Belle Robinson, born in Garrard County, Kentucky, on June 3, 1853, reveals her experiences as a former slave. She recounts her life spent with the Brady family, emphasizing her close relationship with them and her upbringing. Belle describes being well cared for, wearing similar clothing to her white counterparts and enjoying shared meals. Despite her young age during slavery, she reflects on her family’s roles, her mother cooking for the family, and her father’s work, noting a lack of punishment among neighboring slaves.

Slave Narrative of Peter Bruner

Peter Bruner, born in 1845 in Winchester, Kentucky, endured severe hardship as a slave under various masters. Initially treated well, he faced cruelty and deprivation from John Bell Bruner and Jimmy Benton. Despite multiple escape attempts, he was repeatedly captured, severely punished, and endured conditions of bondage. His fortunes changed during the Civil War when he joined a regiment. Afterward, he worked various jobs, eventually becoming an engineer and janitor at Miami University. As of 1936, at 91 years old, he reflected on a life marked by resilience and faith.

Slave Narrative of Dan Bogie

In an interview conducted by Eliza Ison on May 5, 1858, Dan Bogie recounts his life as a slave in Garrard County, Kentucky. Born on the same day as the interview, he shares details about his family, living conditions, and daily tasks on the Wheeler plantation. He describes the simplicity of their cabin, the food prepared, and his experiences with education, which was unavailable to him as a slave. Bogie notes the kindness of his masters and reflects on community gatherings and family events, emphasizing a life marked by both hardship and companionship.

Biography of James Sidney Rollins

James Sidney Rollins (1812-1888) was a prominent lawyer and statesman known for his public service in Missouri. Educated at the University of Indiana, he excelled in law and politics, advocating for education, infrastructure, and social causes, notably supporting the establishment of the University of Missouri. Elected to various legislative positions, he was a vocal opponent of slavery extension and contributed significantly to the state’s development. Rollins was honored posthumously as “Pater Universitatis Missouriensis” for his enduring impact on the university and community.

Biography of James William Bell

James William Bell, born December 18, 1854, in Greenbrier County, Virginia, relocated to Topeka in 1885, where he established a successful business as a horse dealer and exporter. With roots in a Scotch-Irish family, Bell was educated at Louisburg Academy and initially pursued a career in merchandising. His expertise in high-class horses led to substantial success, including notable dealings in draft and war horses. Over three decades, he developed a national and international reputation in the equine industry, showcasing a remarkable career and resilience.

Biographical Sketch of Irving L. Daniels

Irving L. Daniels, a civil engineer born on June 26, 1877, in Oberlin, Ohio, pursued education at local schools and colleges. He married Della E. Holmden and has two sons. His professional background includes work with the L.S.M.S. Railroad, county engineering, and overseeing the construction of the Polo Grounds grandstand in New York. He has held leadership roles in various clubs and organizations, engaged in yachting and water sports, and owns multiple properties in Cleveland and Lakewood.

Biographical Sketch of Edward Williams

Edward Williams, originally from North Carolina, traveled to Kentucky with Daniel Boone, residing at Boonesborough where he wed Jemima Anderson, daughter of Major Jack Anderson. They had six children: Daniel, Joshua, Pernell, Casper, Susan, and Caleb. Caleb, who married Elizabeth Woodland, established his family in Warren County in 1818, having nine children. Notable marriages among their descendants include Dulcinea to Everett Creech and Jane to William Guerdo. Caleb Williams served as Justice of the Peace in Warren County for many years.

Biography of Jeremiah Hampton Squires

Jeremiah Hampton Squires, born September 11, 1842, in Southampton, New York, became a notable resident of Topeka after relocating there thirty-seven years ago. A Civil War veteran, he enlisted in 1862 and endured significant battles, including Vicksburg, and survived the brutal Andersonville Prison. Post-war, he married Virginia Elizabeth Schimp in 1867 and initially worked in carpentry before moving to Kansas in 1879. Squires engaged in farming and later served three terms on the Topeka Board of Education and four as city clerk. He remained active in community organizations and was a devoted Methodist.

Reece, W. J. Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. W.J. Reece, born Margaret Ann Cox on December 5, 1870, in Kentucky, passed away peacefully in Enterprise, Oregon, on June 21, 1934, after a prolonged illness. She married W.J. Reece in 1891 and had twelve children, with several surviving. A member of the Christian Church, she was known for her loyalty, love for her family, and kindness towards others, often reaching out to those in need. Her funeral service was conducted by Rev. B.F. Miller, with burial at Enterprise Cemetery.

Biography of Ira B. Oldham, M. D.

Dr. Ira B. Oldham, born on March 2, 1871, in Madison County, Kentucky, has practiced medicine and surgery in Muskogee for eighteen years. A graduate of the University of Louisville in 1892, he previously practiced in Madison County before relocating to Muskogee in 1903, where he established a successful practice. Renowned for his surgical skills, he is an active member of multiple medical societies and co-organizer of the Oklahoma Baptist Hospital Association. Married to Mary Newland, they have six children and are active in the local Baptist community.