Biography Topics – Page 5 of 791

Biography of Joshua Cates

Joshua Cates was an influential and energetic businessman in Christian County, remembered for his eccentricities and originality. A native of South Carolina, he was known for his vigorous land dealings and unique approach to life, often eschewing conventional habits such as formal dining and sleep. Cates was a horse dealer and slave trader, and despite a serious injury from a slave, he continued his ventures with his characteristic vigor. His later years were marked by mental decline, but he left behind a legacy of a large family and a remarkable presence in the community.

Biography of Hon. Robert P. Henry

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.

Biography of Gov. John M. Palmer

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.

Biography of Hon. Rezin Davidge

Hon. Rezin Davidge was a distinguished early lawyer in Christian County, known for his legal expertise, compelling speaking, and integrity. Born in Maryland around 1770, he moved to Kentucky post-statehood and became the first Commonwealth’s Attorney in Hopkinsville. Though appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeals during a turbulent political period, his tenure was contentious. Davidge later served on the Circuit bench and spent his final years in Hopkinsville. He was married twice, fathering five sons and three daughters.

Biography of Hon. Ninian Edwards

Judge Ninian Edwards, born in 1775, was a prominent lawyer, jurist, and statesman whose public service spanned nearly forty years across Kentucky and Illinois. After graduating from Dickinson College, he became a successful attorney and served in various political roles including Chief Justice of Kentucky and Governor of the Illinois Territory. Elected to the U.S. Senate upon Illinois’s admission to the Union, Edwards was known for his legal acumen and leadership. He passed away in 1833, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

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.

Biography of Hon. Benjamin Shackelford

Judge Benjamin Shackelford served on the Circuit Court for thirty-six years, earning a reputation for integrity and impartiality. His decisions were rarely overturned, reflecting his commitment to justice without corruption. Upon the adoption of a new state constitution, he ran for re-election but was defeated due to divided party votes. Esteemed by the community, his contributions were recognized through resolutions from both the Grand Jury and the Bar. Born in Virginia in 1780, he practiced law in Kentucky before being appointed to the bench in 1815, where he left a lasting legacy before his death in 1858.

Biography of Gov. Charles S. Morehead

Charles S. Morehead, born on July 7, 1802, in Nelson County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawyer, legislator, and Governor. Educated at Transylvania University, he began his legal career in Christian County, quickly earning political acclaim. Morehead served multiple terms in the Legislature and as Attorney General, ultimately becoming Governor in 1855. He advocated for peace during the lead-up to the Civil War but faced imprisonment for his beliefs. After the war, he returned to a diminished estate, passing away on December 23, 1868.

Biography of Hon. Joseph B. Crockett

Joseph B. Crockett, born in 1808 in Jessamine County, Kentucky, pursued law after studying under prominent mentors. He became a successful attorney, legislator, and Commonwealth’s Attorney before moving to St. Louis and later California, where he thrived. Crockett was appointed to the Supreme Court, eventually becoming Chief Justice, serving for twelve years until 1880. Notably respected for his integrity and legal acumen, he gained popularity for his kindness and talent, leaving a lasting legacy in both Kentucky and California. He passed away in 1883-84.

Biography of James Breathitt

James Breathitt, born in Virginia and raised in Kentucky, was the son of William Breathitt, a respected but financially limited citizen. He became a prominent lawyer after studying law and practiced in Hopkinsville, where he was recognized among the leading attorneys of his time. Breathitt served as Commonwealth’s Attorney and was elected to the Legislature, demonstrating notable legal acumen, particularly in criminal law. He had two marriages and fathered one child before his untimely death in 1839, which was a significant loss to his community.

Biographical Sketch of Fidelio C. Sharp

Fidelio C. Sharp emerged as a distinguished lawyer in Hopkinsville’s early legal community, particularly excelling in land law. Originally from Logan County, Sharp had limited formal education yet became a profound legal mind, known for his precise legal documents and distinct speaking style that engaged listeners. His expertise in land title disputes made him a formidable figure; cases he represented often resulted in victory. He married Evalina Johnson and left behind a legacy, including a son residing in Hopkinsville. Sharp passed away years ago.

Biography of Abraham Stites

Abraham Stites, born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, during the Revolutionary War, moved with his family to the Ohio Valley in 1808. He trained as a lawyer and settled in Georgetown, Kentucky, before relocating to Hopkinsville in 1818. Noted for his legal acumen and dedication to education, Stites served as Clerk of the Christian County Court for over thirty years. He was respected for his public spirit and commitment to conciliation over litigation. Stites raised a prominent family, including Judge Henry J. Stites. He died in February 1864 during a skirmish in Hopkinsville.

Genealogical and Family History of Vermont

Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont vol 1

Hiram Charlton took on the publication of the Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont for Lewis Publishing. In it, he enlisted the assistance of living residents of the state in providing biographical and genealogical details about their family, and then he published all 1104 family histories in two distinct volumes.

History of Cayuga County New York

This history of Cayuga County New York published in 1879, provides a look at the first 80 years of existence for this county, with numerous chapters devoted to it’s early history. One value of this manuscript may be found in the etched engravings found throughout of idyllic scenes of Cayuga County including portraits of men, houses, buildings, farms, and scenery. Included are 90 biographies of early settlers, and histories of the individual townships along with lists of men involved in the Union Army during the Civil War on a regiment by regiment basis.

History of Seneca County New York

The 1876 manuscript “History of Seneca County, New York” offers a detailed account of the county’s first 75 years, featuring numerous chapters on its early history. It includes 35 biographies of early settlers, complemented by pencil engravings of individuals and their homes. The work also chronicles the individual townships and lists Union Army participants during the Civil War. Illustrations throughout depict Seneca County’s scenery, buildings, and significant local features, enhancing the historical narrative of the area.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, NY

An online index to the Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York, this volume preserves portraits and biographical sketches of prominent local citizens, including many overlooked by public records. Compiled with care for accuracy, it offers valuable material for genealogists and historians, along with biographies of all U.S. presidents.

An Historical Sketch of the Seneca County Medical Society

Pioneers of the Seneca County Medical Society

During the anniversary meeting of the Seneca County Medical Society on July 23, 1885, a resolution was passed to compile biographical sketches of its members, aiming to document their history from the county’s early days. A committee was appointed to gather information, relying on communication with current and former members. Despite challenges such as lost records and limited responses, the committee managed to collect enough material to warrant publication, hoping future historians will continue the work. The resulting manuscript includes 75 biographies and an alphabetical list of names.

Seneca County New York Biographies

In the 1980’s a series of newsletters were published four times a year by Seneca County NY featuring historical information concerning Seneca county and her past residents. The current historian for Seneca County placed these online using PDF files. One of the main features of each edition were biographical sketches of early settlers of Seneca County. This is a list of those biographical sketches linked to the pdf copy of the newsletter.

Biographical Sketch of General Lewis S. Partridge

General Lewis S. Partridge, born in 1818 in Norwich, Vermont, engaged in mercantile business early in life, including running the Union Hotel. He attended Norwich University from 1833 to 1836. Partridge was active in politics, serving as Adjutant General of Vermont and representing Norwich in the General Assembly. He held the postmaster role at various times and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He married twice, fathering nine children, and passed away in Norwich on May 22, 1885.

Biography of Captain Alden Partridge

Captain Alden Partridge, born on February 12, 1785, in Norwich, was a pioneering educator and military figure. He attended Dartmouth College and graduated from West Point, later serving as a captain in the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Partridge advocated for the integration of physical training in education and founded schools based on his innovative principles. His contributions shaped modern educational practices, emphasizing practical knowledge and agriculture. He married Ann Elizabeth Swasey and passed away on January 16, 1854, leaving a lasting legacy in education and public service.