This microfilm is a copy of the original records located at the Kentucky State Historical Society in Frankfort and microfilmed in 1975. It is an incomplete copy of the set of records for each county but can provide the information for the specific counties and years as denoted in the list.
George Thompson, born on October 8, 1854, in Monroe County, Kentucky, describes his early life as a slave on the Manfred Furgeson plantation. Sold to Ed. Thompson, he recalls harsh conditions, including a lack of education and severe punishments for attempting to learn. Following emancipation, he stayed on the plantation for four years, working odd jobs. Thompson eventually left for independence, working various jobs across the South, before settling in Franklin, Indiana, where he lived for many years.
Edd Shirley, a 97-year-old janitor from Tompkinsville, Kentucky, recounts his experiences as a slave, having been owned by three families. He describes the varied treatment of slaves, noting some were treated well if compliant, while others faced severe cruelty. Shirley shares a harrowing account of witnessing brutal whippings, contrasting these experiences with occasional festivities held by slaves after work. He reflects on the relative kindness of some slave owners and mentions his grandfather, who lived to be 115 without ever being sick.
Judge W. B. Flippin, born on September 4, 1817, in Monroe County, Kentucky, exemplified a blend of intellect, dedication, and public service. He was deeply involved in local politics, serving in various capacities, including county surveyor and State Legislature representative. A veteran of the Civil War, he was known for his fairness and commitment as a judge. Married twice, his legacy includes a large family and a successful farming enterprise. Flippin’s contributions to his community and church reflect his enduring influence.
John Thomas Bartley, born in Kentucky in 1865, has had a significant impact on ranching and agriculture in Kansas. After moving to Missouri as a child, he later became a pioneer rancher in Kansas and Texas. Bartley managed a large ranch in Pottawatomie County before establishing his own farm. He is active in local governance and Masonic organizations and married Addie Stauffer in 1898. Their son, John Thomas Jr., is currently enrolled in Fostoria schools, continuing the family legacy in the region.
Thomas J. Ellis, Sr. was born on January 25, 1842, in Kentucky and became a resident of Oklahoma in 1882. He engaged in farming and merchandising, notably in Bartlesville and Ochelata, where he built a successful business and became a prominent landowner. A Civil War veteran, he served honorably and faced significant injuries. Ellis married Vera Ellen Smith and had four children, providing them substantial financial support in their endeavors. Now retired at seventy-nine, he remains a respected figure in his community, reflecting a lifetime of achievement and dedication.