NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11532 WARREN COUNTY – JAMES M. SIMMONS – Simmons, Watt, White, Edwards 11532 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume II – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. (Warren Co). JAMES M. SIMMONS, attorney at law, and superintendent of the Warren County schools, is a native of this county, and was born November 29, 1851; he is a son of Roland and America J. (Watt) Simmons; is of English and Scotch-Irish descent, and is the seventh in a family of twelve children. His father was born in Hardin County, Ky., in 1813, and his mother in Warren County, Ky., in 1823. His paternal grandfather, David Simmons, was a native of Virginia, born in 1777; he came to Kentucky in 1812, and settled in Hardin County, and went from there to Warren County, Ky., where he died in 1838. The maternal grandfather of Mr. J. M. Simmons was John Watt, who was born in Bucks County, Penn., in 1782, and who came with his parents to Kentucky in 1786, and settled in Hodgensville. His death occurred in 1854. James M. Simmons was reared on the farm and attended the common schools of the neighborhood; later he took an academical course and acquired a liberal education. In 1870 he began teaching school and continued nine years, and was counted one of the eminently successful teachers of that time. His last school was taught in Bowling Green, in his native county. Mr. Simmons turned his attention to law in 1879, and the following year was admitted to the Warren County bar. In 1880 he was elected school commissioner; two years later he was re-elected to the same office, and in 1884 was elected county superintendent of the public schools for this county. For many years he has taken a great interest in the educational affairs of Warren County, and earnestly advocates and aids all movements that will bring to the people a greater and more complete system of education. His marriage took place in 1881, at Ft. Worth, Tex., with Sarah T. White, a native of Warren County, Ky., and a daughter of John C. and Malinda C. White. They have one son, whose name is James Bennett. Mr. Simmons is a stanch Democrat, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are leading members of the Christian Church. In 1884 he formed a law partnership with Hon. P. F. Edwards, and is at present a member of the law firm of Edwards & Simmons. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11531 NELSON CO – B. C. SYMPSON, M. D. – Sympson, Gaddie, Donahoo, Lively, Edwards, Mitchell, West, Hobbs, Taylor 11531 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume V – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 4th ed., 1886. (Nelson). B. C. SYMPSON, M. D., was born October 1, 1827, and is a son of James C. and Mary (Gaddie) Sympson, to whom five sons and one daughter was born. J. C. Sympson was born in Green County in 1792; he was an active farmer, served as clerk of the bank of Winchester, also the bank of Greensburg, Ky.; he represented Green County two terms in the Legislature, also served as constable and sheriff of the county; served in the war of 1812 and was one of the leading and most popular men of the county; during the civil war was a stanch and uncompromising Union man, and died in 1878. He was a son of William Sympson, who married Peggie Donahoo, both natives of Virginia, who settled in Green County, Ky., as early as 1785. He was one of the heroes under Gen. Marion during the war for independence; was a farmer and slave-holder, served as justice and sheriff, was a prominent and active citizen of his county, and died about 1847, over eighty years of age. His father, Michael Sympson, came from Ireland. Mrs. Mary Sympson was born in Green County, a daughter of Benjamin Gaddie, of Scotch and Welsh origin, and one of the early pioneers of Green County. Dr. Sympson is a native of Green, now Taylor County; received his early training on the farm, and a good common English education, sufficient to enable him to teach, which he commenced at twenty-five and followed three years. In the meantime he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. James Lively, of Taylor County, graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1860, and located in the southern part of Nelson County. After his wife’s death he spent five years in Taylor County. In the fall of 1880 he located at New Hope, where he has practiced with good success ever since. In January, 1855, he married Sarah F. Edwards, of Green County, a daughter of Thomas C. and Jane (Mitchell) Edwards. The issue of this marriage was four children: Mary J. West, who died in Kansas; Rosa E. Hobbs, of La Rue County, Ky.; Seaton E.; Richard B. The Doctor’s wife died in 1878, and was a conscientious and consistent member of the Baptist Church. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and of the Masonic fraternity. He is independent in politics, and his first presidential vote was for Taylor in 1848. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11530 EDMONSON CO – HON. ALMON A. DEMUNBRUN – Demmunbrun, Meredith, Jones, Dassey 11530 History of Kentucky, The Blue Grass State. Volume III Illustrated. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago – Louisville, 1928 (Edmonson Co). Hon. Almon A. Demunbrun, a worthy native son and influential citizen of Edmonson county, has represented his district in the state senate since his first election thereto in 1920, has been successfully engaged in merchandising at Mammoth Cave during the past fourteen years and is also owner of the telephone system there. His birth occurred on the 16th of February, 1878, his parents being Rev. Henry A. and Sarah Elizabeth (Meredith) Demunbrun, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Edmonson county, Kentucky. Rev. Henry A. Demunbrun was a minister of the Baptist denomination who also devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits. He gave his political support to the republican party and made a splendid record in the office of justice of the peace. He passed away at Stockholm, Edmonson county, this state, but is still survived by his wife, who makes her home in the vicinity of Mammoth Cave. In the acquirement of an education Almon A. Demunbrun attended the grade and high schools of Magnolia, Larue county, Millerstown, Grayson county, and Brownsville, Edmonson county, Kentucky. Thereafter he followed the profession of teaching for a period of seven years as a public school instructor, while subsequently he spent four years as a Stockholm merchant. Next he was elected clerk of Edmonson county, in which capacity he served very acceptably for four years, on the expiration of which period he gain turned his attention to merchandising, conducting an enterprise of that character at Brownsville for eight years. While a resident of Brownsville he was also identified with the timber business as purchasing agent for the Ayer &Lord Indiana Tie Company of Evansville, with which he was connected for ten years. It was in 1913 that Mr. Demunbrun moved from Brownsville to his farm near Mammoth Cave, in which town he has been actively engaged in the mercantile business through the intervening period of fourteen years. He also owns the telephone system at Mammoth Cave and at Brownsville, Kentucky, and in his business affairs has won the measure of success which is the legitimate reward of earnest purpose and indefatigable energy. In 1899 Mr. Demunbrun was united in marriage to Miss Ada Jones, a daughter of J. B. and Ernest Jones, and to them were born two children. After the death of his first wife he was married, in 1904, to Miss Ellen Dassey, a daughter of P. M. and Alice Dassey. By the second union eight children were born. Mr. Demunbrun has always taken an active interest in educational affairs and has given his children the best advantages along that line. Having become a prominent factor in public life, Mr. Demunbrun was elected as a representative in the Kentucky legislature from Edmonson and Butler counties in 1918 and at the end of his two-year term, in 1920, was chosen state senator. He won reelection in 1924 and is thus still representing his district in the upper house of the general assembly, giving the most thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions that come up for settlement. Mr. Demunbrun has been identified with much constructive legislature, has served on many important committees and indeed has fully justified the confidence and support of his constituents. In religious faith he is a Baptist and has always given his aid and encouragement to all worthy enterprises. He has done much toi improve the road system in this state and has been a booster in the project of making Mammoth Cave a national park. His entire record reflects credit and honor upon the state and over his public service, there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11529 LIVINGSTON CO – A. L. TRAIL – Trail, Calister, Bush, Hendrick, Bennett 11529 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume IV – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. (Livingston Co). A. L. TRAIL, attorney at law, was born in Livingston County near the village of Hampton, January 23, 1849, and is a son of G. A. and Calister (Williams) Trail, the father a native of Boone County, Ky., and the mother of Clark County. Subject’s paternal ancestor, William T. Trail, was a Marylander, and his grandmother was a Kentuckian, his grandfather William T. moving from that State in a very early day, and settling, on the present site of the city of Covington, Ky., a part of the original plat of which was owned by him. He came to Livingston County about 1837, locating near the present village of Hampton, where he lived until his death, which occurred February 27, 1862. George C. Williams, subject’s maternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia. He came to Kentucky in 1840, locating at Smithland, where he followed the profession of teaching in graded schools, in which he achieved considerable eminence. He died in 1839 [sic] and is buried in the Smithland Cemetery. G. A. Trail, subject’s father, was born in Boone County, and came to Livingston about 1837. He is still living in this county, about ten miles north of Smithland. The mother is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Trail are the parents of ten children, four of whom are living, viz.: Alvin L., Lucien W., Isadore and Sydney A. The names of the deceased members are: Henry, Elzy, Thomas R., George L., Lynn and an infant not named. Alvin L. Trail was reared on a farm. At the age of twenty-one, he became a student of the Southern Normal School at Carbondale, Ill., where he attended one year. In 1872, he entered the Evansville Commercial College, from which he graduated the same year, after which he engaged in teaching in Kentucky, following that profession for ten years, reading law in the meantime under the instruction of Capt. John W. Bush and J. K. Hendrick, of Smithland, Ky. In 1880 Mr. Tail was admitted to the bar, since which time he has been practicing his profession in Livingston and other counties, and is now one of the law firm of Bush & Trail. As an attorney he has achieved flattering success. He is regarded, by all who know him, as an honest, upright, faithful friend, and will do more to accommodate a fellowman, than any man in the county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. November 23, 1873, he married Miss Nancy Bennett, daughter of John and Lucinda Bennett, of Livingston County. To this union have been born three children: Eldred R., who was born October 22, 1874; Ora O., who was born September 15, 18778; Blanche, who was born February 23, 1878; all of whom are now living. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11528 BOURBON CO – CALVIN WIGGINSTON – Wigginston, Goodman, Campbell, Johnson, Wiggingston, Hunter 11528 Pike County Missouri History, Des Moines, Iowa, Mills and Company, 1883 (Bourbon Co KY). Calvin Wigginston, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Kentucky, born in Bourbon county, on the 6th day of January, 1834. His father, James Wigginston, immigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1835, and first settled on Ramsey Creek, where he lived on year, and then moved to the farm now owned by J. C. Goodman, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred in 1875, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He married for his first wife Miss Campbell, in Kentucky, who was the mother of our subject, who died early in life, leaving six children, three boys and three girls, all of whom are still living. He married the second time Lucy M. Johnson, who is still living on the old homestead. He had by this marriage four children, all living but one. Calvin Wiggingston [sic] our subject, was raised on the farm, receiving a common school education. At the age of twenty-five, January 16, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary A. Hunter, daughter of Stephen Hunter. She was born February 14, 1840, in Virginia. Mr. W. is one of the most enterprising farmers and stock-dealers of his township. His farm comprises seven hundred and thirty acres of excellent land, finely improved. His soil is based on a limestone formation, and is consequently well adapted for blue grass and grain. His residence is a large two-story frame, located on a high, sightly situation. He has two children, a boy and a girl, Edward B. and Addie V., both attending school at McCune College. Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Baptist Church. He has three of the largest teams of horses and the largest span of mules in Prairieville township. They are of superior stock, and are very handsome as well as valuable. Practically Mr. W. ranks among the best farmers in Pike county. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11527 ALLEN CO – REV. MORDECAI F. HAM – Ham, Hickman, Witherspoon, Brunson, Evans, Spillman 11527 A HISTORY OF KENTUCKY BAPTISTS from 1769 to 1885 by J. H. Spencer, Vol. II, 1886. (Allen CO). MORDECAI F. HAM has been a leading minister in Bays Fork Association, from near the time of its constitution. He was born in Allen county, Kentucky, April 30, 1816, and has thus far resided within its limits. He received a meager common school education, in his youth. But possessing a good natural intellect and a grave, thoughtful disposition, he has applied himself to study, as opportunity has afforded, till he has acquired great familiarity with the English Bible, an extensive stock of useful general knowledge, a liberal reading in church history, and some acquaintance with the Greek language. He professed conversion, and united with Trammels Fork church, in 1838, being baptized by Jesse L. Hickman. After exercising in the prayer meeting, a few times, he was licensed to preach, January 1, 1842, and was ordained in the ministry April 1, 1843, by Younger Witherspoon, R. P. Brunson, J. B. Evans, and W. F. Spillman. Soon after his ordination, he was called to the care of Bethlehem church, to which he has continued to minister to the present time – a period of more than 40 years. He has served Trammels Fork, nearly as long, an Scottsville and Bethel church, more than a quarter of a century. During the Civil War, and for some years after, he was pastor of six churches, preaching to two of them on week days. He has enjoyed a high degree of success in his pastoral charges. It would be safe to say that more than 2,000 persons have been brought into the churches he has served, under his ministry. In addition to his pastoral labors, he has performed much work among the destitute, and the weak, pastorless churches. Indeed, all the churches in his Association, and the broad mission field within its limits, have shared his labors, his prayers and his tears. He seems to have left nothing undone that his perpetually serious thought could suggest, and the means within his power accomplish, to advance the cause of Christ. At the cost of no small percent of his little estate, he has collected a library of rare and costly works, for the special benefit of young preachers. At the age of nearly three score years and ten, he is still laboring with increasing zeal and industry, preaching to four churches, visiting mission stations, and instructing the churches of the Association on special subjects of practical utility. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11526 CHRISTIAN CO – WILLIAM W. McKENZIE – McKenzie, Stevenson, Bell, Girand, McCormic, Gunnell, Cooper, Sherrell, Ewing, Moss, Briston, Grant 11526 County of Christian, Kentucky; Historical and Biographical. Edited by William Henry Perrin. F. A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago and Louisville, 1884. Longview Precinct. WILLIAM W. McKENZIE was born in Iredell County, N. C., June 8,1803; his father, Andrew McKenzie, was a native of this same county, and died in Trigg County, Ky., in 1817, aged forty-five years. The grandfather of our subject was Andrew McKenzie, a native of Scotland, who immigrated to American prior to the Revolutionary war, and with his son William participated in that struggle. He died in Christian County, Ky., in 1828, aged ninety-eight years. Elizabeth (Stevenson) McKenzie, the mother of our subject, was born in Iredell County, N. C., and died in Texas in about 1840. She was the mother of the following children: Mrs. Mary E. Bell, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Girand, William W., Harriet A., Mrs. Agnes L. McCormick, Mrs. Catherine A. Gunnell, Mrs. Jane Stevenson and James L. William W. McKenzie has been a resident of this county since 1814, having come fro his native State with his parents in that year; his early education was limited to such as the pioneer schools of the neighborhood afforded, but by constant reading, observation and experience, he has acquired more than an ordinary education; he was married, in October, 1827, to Miss Mary C.., daughter of Moses Stevenson, of this county, who died in 1838, leaving the following children: Milus E., Francis A., Josiah B., Mrs. Elizabeth A. Cooper and Mrs. Mary W. Sherrell. In 1839 he married Miss Isabella C. Ewing, of Christian County. Mrs. McKenzie died on the 7th of November, 1871, and was the mother of Hon. James A., John F., Mrs. Isabella C. Moss, and Sophia E. Girand. Mr. McKenzie is one of the most prominent men of Christian County; he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for fifty-five years, of which time he has for fifty years been a Ruling Elder. He has been a Magistrate of the county for thirty-eight years, County Judge one term, state Senator two years, filling out the unexpired term of Hon. Benjamin H. Bristow, who was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by Gen. Grant. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11525 WARREN CO – FELIX T. SETTLE – Settle, Carver, Wells, Hendrickson, Elmore, Smith, Page, Moore 11525 A HISTORY OF KENTUCKY BAPTISTS from 1769 to 1885 by J. H. Spencer, Vol. II, 1886. (Warren Co). FELIX T. SETTLE was born in Barren County, Ky., April 1, 1856; his father , Joseph N. Settle, is also a native of Barren County; was born in 1835, and is yet living, aged about fifty years. In early life he followed the trade of blacksmith, and later engaged in the milling business. He served as a soldier in the Confederate army from 1861 until 1865. He has been four times married; his first wife was a Miss Carver, of Barren County, who died at the age of twenty-two years, leaving one son – Franklin. His second marriage was with Miss Lucinda Wells, of Barren County, Ky.; she at her death in 1874, left two sons: Felix T. and Chess F. Settle. His third marriage was with Miss Amanda Hendrickson, who died in 1866; she left one daughter – Sallie. His fourth wife, with whom he is now living, was a Miss Susan Elmore, to whom he was married in 1870. This union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Joseph, and one daughter, Henrietta. Felix Settle, the grandfather of Felix T., was born in 1801, in the village of Rocky Hill, in Barren County; he was married to Miss Sallie Smith. His trade was that of a gunsmith, in which he proved successful and was considered one of the best in his profession. He died of apoplexy in 1872, at Glasgow Junction, in Barren County. Felix T. Settle in early life, received a desultory education, but he early contracted studious habits, and by untiring perseverance obtained a fund of knowledge, and at the age of eighteen was employed in a general merchandising trade for T. G. Page and others for about seven years. In 1881 he engaged in business on his own account in the village of Rich Pond and under the firm name of F. T. Settle & Co. Upon the death of his partner, in 1884, Mr. Settle disposed of his business and soon after commenced a general merchandise trade at the same place. He has been uniformly successful, and is now driving a flourishing trade with about $3,000 invested. April 3, 1879, he married Miss Lizzie M., daughter of Simpson and Henrietta Moore, of Allen County, Ky. To this marriage have been born three sons: Edwin C., April 20, 1880; Lewie C., April 15, 1883, and Leslie F.., May 20, 1885. Mrs. Lizzie M. (Moore) Settle was born December 9, 1854. Her parents are of English descent and natives of Kentucky. Politically Mr. Settle is a Democrat, and he and wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11524 MARION CO – CHARLES KOBERT – Kobert, Gering, Mueller, Wathen, Ummethun, Montgomery, Baughman, Morgan 11524 History of Kentucky, The Blue Grass State. Volume III Illustrated. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago – Louisville, 1928 (Marion Co.) CHARLES KOBERT. [Photo] For nearly fifty years Charles Kobert has been recognized as one of the leading citizens of Lebanon, Marion county, as well as one of its most successful business men, and after a long period of activity is now retired, spending the golden twilight years in well earned leisure. Mr. Kobert was born in Linen, Hanover, Germany, on the 4th of August, 1844, and is a son of Charles, Sr., and Johanne (Gerling) Kobert. His father was born at Goettingen, Hanover, Germany, September 27, 1801, and died in Lengen, Hanover, September 21, 1851. For many years he was an officer in the German army and in later years was active in government service in the postal department. He was a member of the Lutheran church. His wife was born in Lingen, Hanover, January 16, 1816, and died there, April 23, 1898. Charles Kobert acquired a liberal education in the Gymnasium Georgianum, and accepted a clerical position with a firm dealing in building material and coal, with which concern he remained five years. He then came to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became a clerk in a wholesale liquor house. He later held other positions in a similar line and, on May 1, 1873, became a partner in the wholesale liquor house of H. Mueller & Company of Cincinnati. On November 1, 1879, the company transferred its interests from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Lebanon, Kentucky, engaging in the distilling business, which was carried on continuously under the name of Mueller, Wathen & Kobert until 1918, when the prohibition law put a stop to the operations. During his active business career Mr. Kobert proved a man of sound business judgment and his opinions were held in high regard by his business associates. For forty-six years he served as a traveling representative for his company, covering the territory from the eastern coast cities, including Washington, Baltimore, New York, the states of New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and went to the Missouri river and intervening territory, from Omaha, Nebraska, and from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans. On March 3, 1872, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Kobert was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Ummethun, who was born in Fuersteenau, Hanover, Germany, May 16, 1846, and died in Lebanon, Kentucky, April 9, 1919. She was a daughter of J. D. Ummethun, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, but came to Campbell county, Kentucky, where he actively engaged in farming to the time of his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Kobert were born two children: Lula, living in Louisville, who is the widow of Hans Mueller and the mother of two daughters, Gretchen, of Louisville, and Carola, the latter the wife of Hewitt Montgomery, of Danville, Kentucky; and Dr. Charles Bismark Kobert, who is at the head of the trachoma bureau of the Kentucky state board of health and resides at Danville. He married Miss Clarisse Baughman and they have two children, Carl and Helen. Mr. Kobert is independent in politics, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He has traveled extensively for pleasure in this and foreign counties, spending some time in Mexico and traveling leisurely through Europe and Africa. He has collected and now owns one of the largest and finest private collections of prehistoric relics and geological specimens extant, including about thirty-two thousand stone Indian weapons and implements, and a large number of mounted animal heads, many of which are rare and were obtained by him during his travels. He takes a justifiable pride in this collection, which represents much patient work in arranging, and which is a source of wonder and admiration to all who have had the privilege of viewing it. The beautiful home in which Mr. Kobert lives, and which is surrounded by spacious grounds, was bought by him after coming to Lebanon. He remodeled the house and made extensive improvements in both dwelling and grounds. On July 5, 1863, the building was set on fire by General Morgan’s men, but when it was learned that the owner was in sympathy with the Southern cause the fire was extinguished before it had done serious damage. Mr. Kobert has in his possession some grenades and cannon balls which were picked up on the grounds about the house after the bombardment of the town on July 5, 1863. A shell exploded on one of the front stone steps, badly marring it, and when Mr. Kobert had the step replaced with a cement step, he preserved the one that shows the effect of the bombardment and has inscribed on it the date, July 5, 1863. Kindly and cordial in his relations with his fellowmen, Mr. Kobert is held in the highest measure of esteem by all who know him and has a host a warm and loyal personal friends. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11523 LIVINGSTON CO – G. A. TRAIL – Trail, Sampson, Hosic, Vogle, Ferrell, Kremmer, Williams, Line 11523 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume IV – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. (Livingston Co). G. A. TRAIL, Livingston County, was born in Boone County, Ky., March 25, 1823, and is a son of William T. and Mary M. (Sampson) Trail. The father was born near Baltimore, Md., September 7, 1800, and was of English descent. The mother was born in Woodford County, Ky., May 17, 1804. When the father was but an infant, the parents moved to Kentucky, and settled on the present side of the city of Covington. In March, 1837, subject’s father came to Livingston County, and made a settlement near where the present site of Hampton now stands. Subsequently he settled on a 200-acre farm, two miles east of his first site. He afterward resided on other farms in Livingston County, and finally settled on a farm about two miles west of Hampton. Here he died February 27, 1862. The death of the mother occurred January 2, 1869. The father served as a constable in Livingston County for some y ears; he was also identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Subject is the eldest of a family of twelve children, of whom seven are living: G. A., Frances, wife of Levi L. Hosic; James O., in Carrsville, Mary, wife of John Vogle, of Mound City, Ill., Margaret, wife of David Ferrell, of Crittenden County; Woodford M. and Louisiana, wife of Samuel Kremmer, of Dongola, Ill. Subject remained at home until he was twenty-one. He then settled on the Cumberland River, where he resided about three years, and then came to his present location. In 1856 he began running a saw-mill, and continued in that business about ten years. Mr. Trail was married June 25, 1846, to Miss Calister R. Williams, daughter of George and Martha L. (Line) Williams, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Trail was born in Clark County, Ky., in 1829, and is the mother of ten children, of whom four are now living: Alvin L., in Smithland; Lucian W., Isadore and Sydeny A. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11522 MONTGOMERY CO – PERRY MELOAN – Meloan, Patton 11522 Pike County Missouri History, Des Moines, Iowa, Mills and Company, 1883, p. 621. (Montgomery Co). Perry Meloan, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, October 7,1820. When he was nine years of age he came with his parents to Pike county, Missouri, where he was reared and educated, living with his parents until he reached his majority, when he went to Wisconsin, where he remained for three years, then he returned to Pike county, and remained until 1850, when he went to California, enticed by the glitter of gold. He remained there with good success for about a year and a half, when he again returned to Pike county and engaged in the mercantile business, in company with his brother, Joseph, at Paynesville, which occupation he followed for a period of three years, when he sold out and purchased his present farm, which contains 100 acres of improved land. He was married, November 9, 1843, to Elizabeth J. Patton, a daughter of Thomas D. and Julia Patton. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom still survive: Mary A., John F., Julia, Sarah, Elizabeth, Carrie O., Robert and Fannie. Mr. M. and wife are members of the Christian Church. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11521 BOYLE CO – GEORGE PARSON TURNER – Turner, Newcomb, Mason 11521 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume V – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 4th ed., 1886. (Boyle Co) GEORGE PARSON TURNER was born April 3, 1833, in Mercer County, Ky.; in 1855 removed to Missouri, where he was successfully engaged in the mercantile business until the breaking out of the war; he then returned to Kentucky, and in the year 1865 he removed to Tennessee, where he was again engaged in the mercantile business and cotton planting but was not successful in that enterprise and in 1860 returned to Boyle County, Ky., where he now resides; on November 18, 1884, he united in marriage with Mrs. Lizzie H. Newcomb (nee Miss Mason) of Natchez, Miss. Mr. Turner is a farmer, stock raiser and trader and owner of 202 acres of well improved Boyle County bluegrass land; in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11520 ALLEN CO – YOUNGER WITHERSPOON – Witherspoon, Greathouse, Scrivner, Emmerson 11520 A HISTORY OF KENTUCKY BAPTISTS from 1769 to 1885 by J. H. Spencer, Vol. II, 1886. (Allen Co). YOUNGER WITHERSPOON is the senior minister of Bays Fork Association, and was the only ordained minister that entered into its constitution. He is a native of Wake county, N. C., and was born, July 14, 1803. In 1809, his parents emigrated to Kentucky, and settled in what is now Allen county. Here he grew to manhood with barely enough education to enable him to read and write. He was a wild, frolicsome young man, and was excessively fond of the rude amusements of the time. About 1827, he married Martha, daughter of Elder Samuel Greathouse, and settled in Warren county. Here he professed conversion, under the preaching of Thomas Scrivner, by whom he was baptized into the fellowship of Rocky Spring church, in 1836. His conversion was a very happy one, and he immediately commenced exhorting with great zeal, and good effect. He was ordained to the ministry, by Thomas Scrivner, August 24, 1839. He soon afterwards succeeded Jesse L. Hickman in the pastoral care of Bethel and Trammels Fork churches, in Allen county, and Rocky Spring , in Warren. To the last named church, he ministered 30 years; to Bethel, 14 years, and to Trammels Fork, 6 years. He also served Bethlehem in Allen county, in connection with the venerable Zechariah Emmerson, a short time, and Hanging Fork in Barren county, many years. He was the principal instrument in gathering Bethany, Drakes Creek, and Friendship churches, in Warren county, and Liberty, and Big Spring, in Allen, to all of which he ministered, during longer or shorter periods. In 1873, he went to Woodland, California, where he gathered a church, to which he ministered, until his return to Kentucky, the following year. In addition to his very successful pastoral ministrations, he had labored much, with equal success, among the destitute, and in numerous protracted meetings. At the age of more than four score years, the venerable man of God is still doing good service in the Master’s vineyard. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11519 CHRISTIAN CO – MRS. ANNIE E. McKEE – McKee, Johnson, Templeton, Wallace, McClellan, Roper, Sharp 11519 County of Christian, Kentucky; Historical and Biographical. Edited by William Henry Perrin. F. A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago and Louisville, 1884. Longview Precinct. MRS. ANNIE E. McKEE was born October 2, 1823, in Hopkinsville, Ky., where she was reared. Her father, Col. Fidelio Sharp, was born in Virginia in 1781, removed with his parents to Tennessee in 1787, and died in Hopkinsville, Ky., in 1852. He was a gallant soldier in the war of 1812. His wife, Evelina, daughter of Henry A. Johnson, of Virginia, was born in 1800 and died in 1881. Their children are: Ms. Eleanor J. Templeton, Mrs. Annie E. McKee, as above, Mrs. Catherine M. Wallace, Solomon A., Mrs. Mary E. McClellan, Mrs. Carrie M. McKee and Henry J. In 1846 Annie E., our subject was married to Robert McKee, who was born in 1820, and died in 1863 in Chicago. He was a Colonel in the late war, a fine lawyer and an accomplished gentleman. Their children are: Robert S., Samuel M., Mrs. Carrie E. Roper, Annie Lizzie and Henry R. The family have 400 acres of fine farming land, cultivated in the staple products of the country. In religious affiliations Mrs. McKee is a Presbyterian and is a lineal descendant of Dr. John Sharp, Archbishop of Centerbury. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11518 WARREN CO – ELDER JOHN W. SELF – Self, Childress, Coward, Morrow, Smith, Cook 11518 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume II – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. (Warren Co). ELDER JOHN W. SELF, son of Daniel and Mary (Childress) Self, was born near Keysburg, Logan County, May 9, 1834, and is the third in a family of two sons and three daughters. Daniel Self, a son of Presley Self, was born in Virginia, and after his father’s death was brought by his mother to North Carolina, where he grew to manhood and married his first wife who bore to him eleven children. He immigrated to and settled in Adair County, Ky., about 1815; in 1834 he settled in Logan County, where he lived until his death in 1841. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, a farmer and slave owner, and also a minister in the Baptist Church, to which he was very much devoted. Mrs. Mary (Childress) Self was born in Culpeper County, Va., in 1799. Her father, Royal Childress, was born and reared in Albemarle County, Va.; he was an extensive land and slave owner and of English descent, and married Elizabeth Coward, of Culpeper County. He immigrated to Adair County, Ky., in 1816, and there died about 1859, aged eighty-six years. Elder Self was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools and Bethel College. He remained with his mother until his marriage in September, 1859, with Emma Morrow, daughter of Rev. O. H. Morrow, of Simpson County. Three children were born to this union: Mary (deceased), John W. and Emma (deceased). Mrs. Self died in September, 1864, a devoted member of the Baptist Church. March 1, 1865, Mr. Self married Sallie J. Smith, who has born him seven children – six now living: Daniel S., Cora Lee, Jesse G., Henry D., William S., Laura N. and Erasmus. Mrs. Self ia a daughter of Daniel C. and Margaret (Cook) Smith, who were natives of Warren County and Bourbon County, Ky., respectively. Daniel C. Smith died in 1868, aged sixty-four years; he was a son of Joseph Smith a native of North Carolina. After his marriage, Mr. Self located in Simpson County, turned his attention to farming and the ministry. He was licensed to preach in the Missionary Baptist Church in 1855 and ordained in 1858. He has devoted much time and labor to his work and has preached nearly every Sunday since, but a present is not regularly engaged in ministerial work. In 1855 he located where he now resides on eighty acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in his political views he is Democratic and liberal. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11517 WEBSTER CO – JAMES E. LEEPER – Leeper, Holloman, Barnhill, Givens, Robertson, Poe, Montgomery, Russell, Davis, Clark 11517 History of Kentucky, The Blue Grass State. Volume III Illustrated. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago – Louisville, 1928. (Webster Co). JAMES E. LEEPER. One of the conspicuous figures in the coal business of Webster county is James E. Leeper, secretary and general manager of the Leeper Coal Company, Inc., of Providence. He has spent his entire life in this section of the state, is widely acquainted and commands the respect of all who know him, because of his business success and his high type of citizenship. Born at Dalton, Hopkins county, Kentucky, on the 16th of August, 1874, he is a son of James A. and Victoria Virginia (Holloman) Leeper. The father was born in Christian county, Kentucky, January 22, 1847, followed farming throughout his active life and is now living retired in Providence. He is a democrat and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His parents were Marquis DeLafayette and Elizabeth (Barnhill) Leeper, the former who was born at Smithland, Kentucky, and died in Providence. His wife was born near Providence and died there. Marquis D. Leeper was the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Givens) Leeper, the former a native of this state, who died at Smithland, Livingston county, where he had been engaged in farmer. His wife, who was born at Providence and died at Smithland, was a daughter of Colonel Eleazar Givens, a veteran of the War of 1812, who was married to Jane Robertson, whose mother was a Miss Poe, the daughter of an officers in the Revolutionary war. Victorian Virginia Holloman was born at Dalton, Kentucky, in 1850, and died in Providence in November, 1899. She was the daughter of Samuel Holloman. James E. Leeper attended the public schools and the Mechanics and Farmers Academy at Providence, after which he assisted his father on the home farm for two years. Then for about ten years he engaged n a general hauling business, owning several teams and meeting with good success. In 1920 he was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the Leeper Coal Company, Inc., of which he is secretary and general manager, the other owners and officers being T. J. Montgomery, who is president, and his brother, Henry Leeper, who is vice president. Their mine is located near Providence and its operation has been very successful. Mr. Leeper is also a stockholder in the Luton Mining Company, near Clay, Kentucky, and is engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling residence properties. He is now the owner of twelve houses and has forty acres of land , a part of which lies within the city limits. On November 7, 1894, Mr. Leeper was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Russell, of Dalton, Kentucky, who was born April 4, 1873, a daughter of John C. Russell, of that place. She died October 28, 1895, and, on May 6, 1900, in Evansville, Mr. Leeper was marred to Miss Sallie D. Davis, who was born July 17, 1876, near Providence, a daughter of Thomas and Nannie (Clark) Davis. Her father, who was born in Union county, Kentucky, April 17, 1845, followed the business of farming, and his death occurred near Providence, October 1, 1900. He was a veteran of the Civil war, supported the democratic ticket and was a member of the Baptist church. His wife was born in Illinois, January 10, 1849, and died at Clay, Kentucky, June 25, 1916. Mrs. Leeper was educated in the public schools of Green Grove, Kentucky. She is an adherent of the Baptist church and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Ladies’ Aid Society and of the Parent-Teacher Association of Providence. Politically Mr. Leeper has always supported the democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, though he gives liberal support to the local religious societies. He is a member of Madisonville Lodge, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Providence Kiwanis Club and the Providence Country Club. His favorite diversions are hunting and fishing, trap shooting and checkers, in which game he is a proficient player. He has been a busy an, devoted closely to his business affairs, but has also found time to devote to the general welfare of the community, in the development and progress of which he has been an active factor. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11516 LIVINGSTON CO – JOHN N TOLLEY – Tolley, Davis, Nelson, Champion 11516 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume IV – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886. (Livingston CO). JOHN N. TOLLEY was born in Livingston County, February 9, 1830. His grandfather, John Tolley, Sr., a Virginian, was one of the first white men to penetrate the wilderness of west Kentucky, having come to the “Dark and Bloody Ground” at a time when there were but one or two permanent settlements within the area of the entire State, and for several years participated in the bloody battles with the savages around Boonesborough, and was an intimate friend and valuable aid to Daniel Boone in his efforts to plant a colony. As the number of settlers in northern Kentucky increased, Mr. Tolley penetrated farther into the savage country, and chanced to pass through that part or Livingston County now known as Carrsville Precinct, as early as 1792 or 1793; he determined to and did secure a location, choosing the tract of land now occupied by the subject of this sketch. After marking out his claim and designating it by a few improvements, our pioneer went to Kentucky Purchase, where he raised a company of settlers, and, as their recognized leader, returned to his backwoods home in 1796. After locating he abandoned his adventurous life to some extent, although fond of the excitement of hunting, which sport he carried on until his death, which occurred many years ago. James M. Tolley, subject’s father, was born in Livingston County in 1801. He was a farmer and stock raiser, and during his life acquired a handsome fortune. He spent his entire life on the farm where he was born, and died in 1852. The maiden name of subject’s mother was Sarah Davis. She was the daughter of David Davis, one of the first pioneers of Livingston County, he having settled near the Tolley farm a few years after John Tolley came to the country. Sarah Tolley was born in Livingston County, and died in the fall of 1863. The family of James M. and Sarah Tolley, consisted of the following children: Louisa, Joseph, John N., William L., Elizabeth, James D., Sarah M., George (deceased), Henry C. (deceased), and two infants not named. The subject of this sketch has lived all his life on the old homestead, which has never been outside the family. He was educated in the country schools and looked after his parents’ interests until after their death, after which he came in possession of the paternal estate. He now owns 400 acres of land is is one of the most successful stockmen in Livingston County. He was married February 8, 1859, to Almeda, daughter of Theophilus and Agnes (Nelson) Champion, of Livingston County. Mrs. Tolley was born June 26, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Tolley are the parents of the following children, whose names are as follows: Louvenia, Willis N., James R., Fannie (deceased), Addie and Mary D. Mr. and Mrs. Tolley are members of the Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11515 BOURBON CO – JAMES E. GRIFFITH – Griffith, Inglis, Bralley, Goodman, Eidson 11515 Pike County Missouri History, Des Moines, Iowa, Mills and Company, 1883, pp. 609-610. (Bourbon Co). James E. Griffith, farmer and breeder of Short-Horn cattle and Berkshire hogs. His farm contains 242 acres, 80 acres of which is improved. Mr. Griffith is a native of Pike county, born on the 10th day of January, 1844. His father, Noah Griffith, was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and immigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1827. He came here with his mother and a sister. He purchased 80 acres of land, which was at that time a dense forest, and commenced to open out a farm, and where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred October 10, 1863. The mother of James E. was Miss Emily Inglis, a native of Bourbon county Kentucky. They raised a family of four children, one boy and three girls, all of whom are living. The elder sister is in Colorado, at Colorado Springs. The mother is still living in Louisiana [MO] and is married to Dr. G. S. Bralley. Our subject was born and raised on the old homestead, now owned by Jas. Goodman. Mr. G. received most of his education at the common schools. He attended one session at Central College. He commenced life as a farmer and stock-raiser, which has been his business for life. He has now on his farm some twenty Short-Horns and thorough-breds. His hogs are Berkshire and thorough-breds. He was married on the 19th of November, 1867, to Miss Kate Eidson, daughter of M. H. and Providence Eidson, who were originally from Kentucky, coming to Missouri in an early day. They have three children, one girl and two boys: Cora E., Noah H., and Edwin Hurty. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Dover Baptist Church, of which he is clerk. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11514 JESSAMINE CO – ROBERT WILSON RICKETTS - Ricketts, Thomas, Rash 11514 A HISTORY OF KENTUCKY BAPTISTS from 1769 to 1885 by J. H. Spencer, Vol. II, 1886. (Mount Pleasant Association). ROBERT WILSON RICKETTS was the most distinguished minister that has been connected with this Association. He was born in Maryland, Aug. 23, 1794. His parents emigrated to Jessamine county, Ky., when he was about three years old. Here he was raised up, receiving a limited common school education, and learning the trade of a gunsmith, by which he ultimately acquired a handsome property. In 1815, he was married to Sally Williams Thomas, a grand-daughter of the distinguished Elder David Thomas of Virginia. He professed conversion, and was baptized into the fellowship of Friendship church in Clark county, by W. Rash, about 1823. In 1830, he moved to Henry county, and gave his membership to the church at Newcastle, where he was licensed to preach, in 1833, and ordained to the ministry, the following year. For some years he was active and zealous in exhorting and persuaded sinners to repent and turn to the Lord, even leading his daughter forward for prayer, during a protracted meeting at Newcastle. In 1838, he moved his membership to Mt. Pleasant church in the same county, and thereby became connected with Sulphur Fork Association, of which he was chosen moderator, the same year. He also preached the introductory sermon before that body, three successive years. There was much excitement in the Association, on the subject of missions, during this period; and Mr. Ricketts, who had spent the first seven years of his Christian life in one of the churches of Licking Association, took strong grounds against the benevolent institutions of the times. He was a good preacher, for that day, a man of strong convictions, and a bold, persistent executor of his purposes. With such fitting qualifications, he naturally became the leader of the Antimissionary party, in his Association. The result was a schism in the body, in 1840, and the organization of Mt. Pleasant Association, of which Mr. Ricketts was generally moderator, from its constitution, to the close of his pilgrimage. Of course, after his connection with this fraternity, which was Antinomian in doctrine, as well as Antimissionery in policy, his ministerial labors were of little value to the cause of Christ. He was called to give an account of his stewardship, Jan. 1, 1856. Of his children, the late Dillard Ricketts of Indiana was a prominent rail road man, and a large capitalist, and Luther Ricketts of Henry county, Ky., is a prominent citizen and a good business man. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx

NOTE: I have no connection, no further information and am not seeking additional information. 11513 MERCER CO – WILLIAM H. RIKER – Riker, Bonta, Sutfield, VanAngleu, Vanarsdall, Davis, Williams, Lafon, Smedley, Letcher, Thompson, Simrall, McKee 11513 Kentucky Genealogy and Biography Volume V – Battle – Perrin – Kniffin, 4th ed., 1886. (Mercer Co). WILLIAM H. RIKER was born February 16, 1820. His ancestors came from Holland and settled in New Jersey, which was the home of the family until about the year 1800. Charles Riker, father of William H., was born in January, 1774, was a farmer, and in his twenty-sixth year came to the region of Kentucky, in which Mercer County lies, where he began life with no means. He was married to Miss Mary Bonta, daughter of Samuel Bonta, a farmer of Mercer County. Shortly after marriage he purchased fifty acres of land in what is now Boyle County; several years later he sold out, and very early in the present century purchased a tract of between 250 and 300 acres, one and a half miles from Harrodsburg, and at his death, in 1857, left an estate of about $30,000. He was an invalid a great part of his life, suffering from white swelling, which caused him to use crutches. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Riker are, Cynthia, who died in her twenty-second year; Samuel, who was a farmer of Mercer County (deceased); Diana, wife of J. H. Sutfield, of Mercer County, who removed to Missouri in 1842; Cornelius, a farmer of Mercer County, who died of cholera in 1850, and whose children live in Indiana; Ida, wife of John VanAngleu of Mercer County, her cousin who immigrated from New Jersey; Sally, wife of William S. Vanarsdall, a farmer of Mercer County; Charles, a saddler who died in Dover, Mo.; Jane, wife of Peter Davis, a hotel-keeper of Bardstown, Ky., and afterward a farmer of Mercer County; William H. and James Harvey, twin brothers, the latter of whom is a farmer of Mercer County, living on a part of the old homestead. Of this family, Ms. Vanarsdall, Mrs. Davis, James Harvey, and William H. are now living. The mother of William H. Riker, who during life was a member of the Presbyterian Church, departed this life in 1868, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. W. H. Riker, a native of Mercer County, received only a business education in youth, and began selling goods early in life. He formed a partnership, in 1845, with Joel P. Williams, deceased, under the firm name of Williams & Riker, and Mr. Riker began with a very limited capital. They handled a stock of dry goods, and continued their business until 1847, when Nat Lafon purchased the interest of Mr. Williams, and the business was carried on under the firm name of Riker & Lafon. In 1859 the firm erected a brick building, the one in which Mr. Riker now does business, and in 1863 Mr. Riker purchased the interest in the stock of goods and building, and continued the dry goods business with a capital of $10,000 o his own account. In 1871 he took into the business with him, his nephew, William B. Davis, and in 1875 his son, W. Letcher Riker, was also admitted into the firm, and they have continued business under the firm name of W. H. Riker & Co. Mr. Riker, on November 25, 1847, was united in marriage to Miss Martha D. Smedley, a daughter of John L. and Patsy (Letcher) Smedley, the former of Philadelphia, the latter of Mercer County. John L. Smedley was a man of considerable prominence in the history of Mercer County, whose father was an Englishman who lived to the advanced age of one hundred and five. Patsy Davis (Letcher) Smedley, his wife, who is still living, is the daughter of Stephen G. Letcher, a brother of ex-Gov. Letcher, of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Riker had seven children, John (died in 1860 in his thirteenth year); Mary, wife of Camillus D. Thompson, of Harrodsburg; W. Letcher, married to Miss Fanny M. Simrall, of Covington; Patti, wife of John Lafon, of Harrodsburg; Sarah, wife of A. R. McKee, of Boyle County; Ida and Lafon. Mr. and Mrs. Riker and their children are members of the Assembly Presbyterian Church. KYBIOGRAPHIES Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=kybiographies KYRESEARCH: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.tips/mb.ashx