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.
Robert P. Henry, born in 1788 in Scott County, Kentucky, was the son of a Revolutionary soldier and a prominent figure in his community. He graduated from Transylvania University and studied law under Henry Clay. Admitted to the bar in 1809, he served as Commonwealth’s Attorney and participated in the War of 1812. Henry was elected to Congress in 1823, advocating for Mississippi River improvements, but died prematurely before completing his second term. He was noted for his legal acumen and political contributions.
John M. Palmer, born in Kentucky in 1817 and later moving to Illinois, became a prominent lawyer and politician. He served as Probate Judge, participated in the Constitutional Convention, and was elected to the State Senate. During the Civil War, he rose to Major-General, commanding the Fourteenth Army Corps. Appointed military governor of Kentucky in 1865, he was respected for his integrity. Elected Governor of Illinois in 1868, his administration was marked by capacity and a focus on states’ rights, earning him both support and criticism.
Parthena Rollins, born in 1853 in Scott County, Kentucky, recounts her experiences as a slave under Ed Duvalle, who was relatively kind compared to others. Despite this, she witnessed brutal acts, including the killing of a baby’s mother for economic gain and extreme punishments inflicted on slaves. Rollins describes the horrors of beatings, starvation, and fear among slaves, often leading to tragic outcomes. Now in poor health, she lives with her family and struggles to recount her traumatic past.
Aunt Harriet Mason, born on April 14, 1847, in Garrard County, Kentucky, shares her experiences as an ex-slave. Owned by B.M. Jones, she recounts her family background and life on a plantation in Texas, where she worked as a nursemaid and housemaid without pay, receiving food similar to that of the family. Harriet describes the kind treatment from her masters, General Gano and Miss Nat, including educational opportunities. After the end of slavery, she returned to Kentucky and eventually settled in Lancaster, where she raised nine children and remained active in her church.
Thomas J. Vanderslice, born in 1827 in Scott County, Kentucky, played a significant role in the early administration of the Great Nemaha Indian Agency after moving to Kansas in 1853. He served as a farmer and miller for various tribes and was active in politics, holding positions in both the Territorial and State Legislatures. A veteran of the Civil War, he contributed to local defense efforts in Kansas. Vanderslice later relocated to Oklahoma, where he passed away in Perry on March 18, 1902.
Joel B. Harper, born on October 15, 1837, in Georgetown, Kentucky, is recognized as an early settler in California and Idaho. At fourteen, he journeyed west, facing conflicts with Native Americans. He participated in mining and various businesses in California, achieving notable success. Harper later moved to Idaho City, where he mined and contributed to local development, including building the Owyhee County courthouse. He married Edna E. Lanbeth in 1867, and after her death in 1899, he remained a respected community figure with a commitment to meaningful living.
Isaac Roberts, born in 1807 in Bourbon County, Kentucky, was a retired farmer and blacksmith. He learned the blacksmith trade in Scott County, Kentucky, and later moved to Indiana, where he worked for 24 years before settling in Illinois in 1853. Over the years, he expanded his farm to 360 acres through hard work. He married Nancy Bowles in 1822, and together they had nine children. Following her death in 1866, their children remained close by, continuing the family’s legacy.
John Craig White, a farmer and blacksmith from Sec. 15, Campbell, owned 120 acres of land. Born in Scott County, Kentucky, on December 5, 1830, he lived on his family farm until he was 19. He first married Louisa Beckum in 1855, who passed away in 1859, and later wed Sarah Elizabeth Kemper in 1862. Together, they had eight children, though several did not survive. Both of White’s parents hailed from Kentucky, reflecting his strong familial ties to the region.
Philemon L. Mitchell, born on October 16, 1812, in Limington, Maine, was a pivotal figure in establishing Rock Island’s financial stability. After moving to Georgetown, Kentucky, and serving as cashier of the Farmers Bank, he relocated to Rock Island in 1856. There, he helped form Mitchell & Lynde, a dominant banking institution. A respected businessman known for his integrity, he also founded the First National Bank of Rock Island and contributed to various local enterprises. A dedicated family man and church member, Mitchell’s legacy endures in the community.