Woodford County KY

Biographical Sketch of William B. Blackburn

William B. Blackburn was among the first lawyers in Hopkinsville, arriving from Woodford County around 1799. He lived with pioneer Bartholomew Wood and practiced law there for a few years, although details of his success remain unknown. Blackburn returned to Woodford County around 1803, where he became a significant lawyer and politician, serving multiple terms in both the House and Senate from 1804 until 1834. He was related to notable figures in Kentucky’s political history and died around 1842.

Slave Narrative of Julia Bowman

Julia Bowman, born in Woodford County, Kentucky, in 1850, was interviewed in Indianapolis, Indiana, by Anna Pritchett as part of the Federal Writers Project. She described her life as a slave under the kind master Joel W. Twyman, emphasizing the family’s generosity toward their slaves, who were treated as kin. Bowman lived in the Twyman household from age six until the abolition of slavery, and she reflected on the difficulties of her current life compared to her experiences during slavery. She cherishes the Twyman family Bible that records her birth.

Slave Narrative of Sarah H. Locke

The interview with Sarah H. Locke, conducted by Anna Pritchett, details Mrs. Locke’s experiences as a child of enslaved parents in Kentucky, born in 1859. She recalls her master, Jacob Keephart, as kind and emphasizes family connections among enslaved individuals. After the Civil War, she received support from her former master. Education opportunities were limited, but she and her sister attended school in Cincinnati. Mrs. Locke describes festive celebrations during Christmas and her later life as a skilled dressmaker and widow.

Slave Narrative of George Henderson

George Henderson, born on May 10, 1860, in Woodford County, Kentucky, recalls his life as a slave on a 400-acre plantation. He describes the living conditions in log cabins, daily chores, and the family dynamics among the 21 children born to his father, Bradford Henderson. Work included feeding animals and maintaining vegetable gardens. While he never earned money, he recalls special occasions like Christmas and the community dances. After emancipation, he continued to stay with his former master for a time and later married, having a total of eight grandchildren.

Biography of Carlyle L. Pelot

Carlyle L. Pelot, born in Kentucky in 1854, became a significant figure among Idaho Falls pioneers. After relocating to Missouri, he pursued farming and horse-taming before moving to Idaho Falls in 1879 with a group of settlers. He established the town’s first livery stable, eventually transitioning to coal dealing. A public-spirited individual, Pelot witnessed the transformation of the Snake River valley and contributed to its development. He married Alice Buck and has five children, while being actively involved in local organizations and the Democratic party.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick B. Ayer

Frederick B. Ayer was born on October 27, 1874, in Unity, New Hampshire. He graduated from Williams College in 1896 and married Agnes Louise Goddard in 1899. Ayer initially taught at Kenyon Military Academy before becoming principal at a school in Versailles, Kentucky. In 1903, he entered the insurance business in Cleveland, eventually rising to vice president and director of The Fred P. Thomas Co. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed tennis, baseball, and swimming. He had three children: Edwin, Ethel Louise, and Margaret.

Biographical Sketch of George H. Carlyle

George H. Carlyle, born on March 23, 1827, in Woodford County, Kentucky, was a notable dairyman in Westminster. He spent his early years in Missouri, initially working in a stage line before turning to farming and dairy. In 1887, he settled in California, purchasing eighty acres to cultivate fruit and raise Jersey cattle. A Democrat and an elder in the Christian Church, Carlyle married Arnie Fackler in 1868 and had five children: Virgie, John, Frankie, Lutie, and George Fackler.

Biography of James Duval Holman

James Duval Holman, born August 18, 1814, in Kentucky, was a prominent pioneer who moved to Oregon in 1846. He overcame early business failures and played a significant role in the development of Oregon’s economy, notably through mining and mercantile ventures. Holman served in Oregon’s first Territorial Legislature and was instrumental in establishing local schools and communities. A dedicated family man and Presbyterian elder, he faced personal hardships with resilience. Holman’s legacy reflects his commitment to pioneering and state-building in the Northwest.