Join The Bourbon County Genealogical Society Today! Learn how...

Submitted by Alan Dorschug, 4/13/08

Early History of Bourbon County and Paris by Laura Lilleston, 1939

(p. 7)

"Frontier" has always been a magic word. It spells adventure and wonder.

To the colonists in Virginia it was the land beyond the mountains. It

meant hope and promise. It was the county of Kentucky. Dr. Walker and

Christopher Gist had explored this wilderness and brought back

enthusiastic accounts of its beauty, its fertility, its possibilities.

But it was Daniel Boone who really popularized this western paradise.

So the exodus began, at first companies of men, then entire families in

trains of pack horses by land, or on rafts and barges by water, into

this land of promise. It was but natural that they would seek out the

richest lands. Time has proven that Bourbon is the richest and most

productive of all the Bluegrass counties. In the counties that bound

Bourbon, their richest lands are invariably on the side toward Bourbon.

The quantity and quality of the Bluegrass seed from Bourbon is superior

to that of any other county, and Paris the leading Bluegrass market in

the world. So it was that Bourbon lands were soon taken up by the most

discriminating of the pioneers, the very cream from Maryland, Virginia,

Pennsylvania and North Carolina. As early as 1810 the population of

Bourbon was more than 18,000 and it is about that today. These were men

of vision-prophets who saw not only rich rolling lands well drained and

free from miasma that would preserve and insure health, but valuable

timber lands, an abundance of water for man and mills, roads already

surveyed by herds of buffalo who instinctively knew the shortest and

most advantageous routes, a climate most exhilarating, in short just the

place for a home land.

Before 1776 the State of Kentucky was part of Fincastle County,

Virginia. In that year the Virginia Legislature divided Fincastle County

and named what coincides with what is now all of Kentucky (Exclusive of

the Purchase) "Kentucky County." In 1780 Kentucky County was sub-divided

into Jefferson, Lincoln and Fayette. In 1785 most of the northern part

of Fayette was cut off and called Bourbon County and extended to the

Ohio river. In 1792 when Kentucky was admitted to statehood Bourbon was

one of the nine counties that made up the Commonwealth. From time to

time thirty-three (33) counties have been carved from the original

Bourbon County. Today with an area of about 183,000, acres and a

population less than 20,000, Bourbon's taxable property renders her, in

proportion to area, the richest county in the Commonwealth.

In the beginning of the county, the needs of the people were few, most

of which were supplied by their own efforts. The men tilled the soil and

there was plenty of wild game and fish; the women did the spinning,

weaving, sewing and knitting. Heirlooms of that early day are yet found

in many Bourbon homes. But by 1784 a blacksmith shop was needed; a grist

mill also, to take the place of mortar and pestle, and a tavern for the

occasional traveler. Where would these be located? Springs of water have

long been a determining influence in locating a stopping place. The old

homes of the county were invariably built near a spring. Lands, even

town lots were enhanced in value if a spring was near. So Hopewell

spring, fittingly marked by the Children of the American Revolution of

Bourbon, probably determined the location of Paris, then Hopewell. In

that early day all central Kentucky drew supplies from Limestone (now

Maysville) on the Ohio river. The road traveled was the old Buffalo

Trail, which was later to be known as the Old State Road and was the

first turnpike road in Kentucky. A turnpike road, as established by law,

was really a toll gate road, the toll collected being applied to the

upkeep of the road. This first macadamized road passes through the Main

street of Paris, and has had an interesting and eventful history.

Teamsters driving over this road tried to reach the Hopewell spring by

nightfall. Joseph Houston erected a block house or fortified cabin,

which furnished protection from the Indians. It was but reasonable that

a blacksmith shop, a mill and a tavern Would be built here, even a court

house was built in 1786 and a Presbyterian Church in 1787. This land

around Hopewell spring had been pre-empted in 1784 by John Reed of

Maryland. Later Lawrence Protzman bought a part of Reed's preemption. In

1789 when the Virginia Legislature granted a charter authorizing a town

to be called Hopewell, Protzman divided up this land into town lots

which he sold. It seems certain that for a time this settlement was

known as Bourbonton. At that time the nation was filled with gratitude

to the French for their assistance in our war for independence, so

Hopewell or Bourbonton became Paris.

>From the time of its organization in 1789, Paris seems to have been

dominated by men of vision, of culture and of character. A more

commodious court house soon replaced the log structure of an earlier

day. Its foundation was laid by "Old Stone-hammer" Metcalfe, later

Governor of Kentucky. A bridge was built at the confluence of Houston

and Stoner in 1795. More permanent buildings of brick began to replace

those of log by 1796. Religion and education early claimed the thought

and interest of its people. The Presbyterians had early established a

church in Paris as well as at Ruddell's Mills. The Methodists had built

a church on the old Buffalo Trail about two miles from Paris, and known

as Matheny's Meeting House, later called Gilead Church. This was claimed

by many as the first church in Bourbon. The Baptists too were early

established here. Perhaps as early as 1789, the Presbyterians had built

a log church at Cane Ridge. This church was later used by Methodists and

Baptists as well, a sort of union church. It became in a few years a

noted ground for camp meetings. By 1801 throngs by the thousands from

the neighboring states of Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee crowded all, roads

to the Cane Ridge Camp Grounds. At first perfect harmony prevailed and

Christian unity was its boast. But in time varying doctrines crept in,

and out of this grew the "Disciples of Christ Church," which

(p. 8)

has grown and become a great agency for good throughout the nation. This

Cane Ridge Church was the "first to solve the baptism question by

immersing the first person, William Rogers upon a profession of faith in

Christ as his Savior."

Education and religion went hand in hand. Bourbon Academy was

established in 1799, and from it at a later day our public schools

evolved. The first academy for young ladies in the west, if not in the

nation was established in Paris in 1806 by Rev. John Lyle, and enrolled

nearly 300 young ladies. A library was established here by 1808, a

chartered institution. Among the notable teachers of that early date was

Wm. Holmes McGuffey, author of the famous series known as McGuffey's

Readers. This was the first attempt at systematizing textbooks and

adjusting them to the age grade of the child. It is doubtful if the

interest, the information and the psychology of this system has ever

been surpassed. The first newspaper in Paris was published in 1797, and

known as the "Kentucky Herald." This proved the forerunner of the

Western Citizen, established in 1807.

>From the foregoing facts, it is doubtful if any town in America can

boast a more cultural beginning.

In an earlier day hemp raising was a profitable industry. This crop

afforded a delightful odor from the growing plants. Throngs of doves and

other hard bills came for hemp seeds, the long rows of tent like shocks

so like an encamped army and after the hemp brakes and brakers, the

fires that arose from the burning refuse. But all this is gone in the

line of progress.

Bourbon in an early day drew a large population from Pennsylvania,

driven from there by the "Whisky Rebellion." Distilleries for the

manufacture of whisky were built throughout this section, and distilling

became one of the great industries. At first the pioneer built a small

log distillery with a small capacity, that he might find a market for

his extra grain. But the business grew, and for many years Bourbon

distillers put out brands of whisky that found a market in all parts of

the world. In Pennsylvania the whisky distilled was called for the

county "Monongahela" whisky, so these Pennsylvanians, who were the first

to make whisky here called it "Bourbon" whisky after this county. The

best brands were shipped everywhere, and known as "Bourbon" whisky.

Today there is not a distillery in the county.

Bourbon is rich in interest to the archaeologist as well as to the

historian. The surface is dotted here and there with fortifications,

graves, and sites of a prehistoric race, a history of whose entry and

exit can never be written. It is noticeable that this prehistoric race

chose the best lands of this region. Scarcely a farmer boy in Bourbon

has failed to pick up arrow heads, axes, flints, hoes and scrapers, and

even pottery-as he roams over his own fields. At Ruddell's Mills is a

circular earthwork seventy-five feet in

(p. 9)

diameter of some pre-historic people. At various places over the county

are Indian mounds. it has been variously conjectured that they may have

been signal stations, burial, ceremonial or sacrificial mounds.

This pre-historic race was followed by the Indians, who found this a

rich hunting ground. The coming of the "pale faces" was opposed with

vigor and bloodshed. The history of Bourbon County is stained with many

encounters with the Indians, and scarcely a pioneer family escaped some

tragedy or treachery at the hands of the red men who wanted possession

of their hunting grounds. The passing of the Indians left the settlers

free to establish homes. So roads, villages, churches and schools as

well as homes sprang up, and today we boast a citizenry unsurpassed in

any place.

Daniel Boone and his wife spent the winter of 1795 on Hinkston Creek in

Bourbon County. Edward Boone, a brother of Daniel, is buried in Bourbon,

having been killed by Indians. in the first book of the Bourbon County

Court is found a note in Daniel Boone's own handwriting dated "3 day of

febury 1786." There is a summons for Simon Kenton, on the back of which

is written, "To dangerous to go where Kenton is." Michael Stoner, famous

frontiersman and companion of Boone, pre-empted land and lived in this

county in 1775. Beautiful Stoner Creek is named in his honor.

The famous portrait painter, Chester Harding, lived in Paris for a time.

He painted the only known portrait from life of Daniel-Boone, as well as

of Clay, Calhoun, and Webster. Joel T. Hart, the noted sculptor, lived

for many years in Bourbon. Hart's masterpiece, "Woman Triumphant," was

destroyed in 1897 in the burning of the Lexington court house. Governor

James Garrard was a member of the Virginia Legislature, and later of the

Legislature of Kentucky-before he became Governor of Kentucky-from 1796

to 1804. He lived in Bourbon, and is buried at his home place Mt.

Lebanon. The shaft over his grave was erected by the State Legislature

in 1822. George Bedinger was a member of the Legislature from Bourbon in

1792. He was a Major in the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782. Judge Robert

Trimble of Bourbon became a member of the United States Supreme Court.

Jesse Bledsoe and Benjamin Mills went to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Garret Davis and John Edwards were members of the United States Senate

from Kentucky. Thomas Corwin, born and reared in Bourbon, went to Ohio,

where he was a Representative in Congress, and later Governor of Ohio.

Joel R. Lyle was an early editor and publisher. John McKinney, known as

"Wildcat," was one of the fathers of education in Kentucky. He moved to

Bourbon, which he represented in the first Constitutional Convention in

1792, and was a member of the first Kentucky Legislature. William Garth,

the great benefactor of education, is one of Bourbon's honored citizens.

John Fox, the famous author, is a son of Bourbon.

So Bourbon and Paris pass in panoramic view. A prehistoric race whose

only history is written in earthworks. Then came the Indian in search of

game, but in his tracks left pipes, arrowheads, and his crude stone

implements. On his heels came the explorer, trapper, and hunter. Then

came the settler, who transformed the wilderness into a home land, a

paradise. This is the Bourbon of yesterday. But the blood of these

pioneers surges in the veins of her people today, and the achievements

of the past but foreshadow greater things for tomorrow in our rich and

beautiful county and city.

--

Four Great Pioneers Resided in Bourbon County

DANIEL BOONE

In the spring of 1795 Colonel Daniel Boone and wife, and son Nathan,

descended the Ohio River, landing at Limestone-thence to Bourbon County,

and settled on a tract of unimproved land belonging to Daniel M. Boone,

on the waters of Brushy Fork of Hinkston, about six miles nearly east of

Millersburg-and in the fork between Brushy Fork and Hinkston, in what is

now Nicholas County-and about twelve miles from Lower Blue Licks (their

spring ran into Brushy Fork). "Bought provisions for the first year-a

few deer, and occasionally killed one both by Colonel and Nathan

Boone-lived mostly on mutton. Colonel Boone and his son Nathan cleared

some 10 acres and raised two crops there-1796 and 1797. First fall and

winter preparing for crop." Ref. Extract from interview with Colonel

Nathan Boone in 1851, Draper Mss. 6S205.

In 1796 Daniel Boone wrote Governor Isaac Shelby requesting that he

answer by Post at the first opportunity and "he will lodge it at Mr.

John Miller's on Hinkston fork." Ref. Ky. Historical Register, vol. 32.

Boone's cabin still stands near the farm of Dr. and Mrs. Eslie Asbury,

Maysville Road.

JAMES SMITH

Colonel James Smith whose name in all fairness should be linked with

Walker, Gist, Boone, Kenton and Stoner, as contributing to an expanding

knowledge of the Western country, lived on Cane Ridge and, with Joseph

Luckey, helped organize the Cane Ridge Church. Author of the Treatise of

Mode of Indian Warfare, he was the first white man to explore southern

and western Kentucky in 1767. In a petition to the Virginia Assembly he

stated he had improved on Licking as early as 1773. The only land he

owned at that time, 1790, was located at Cane Ridge in Bourbon County.

He had served as a member of the Assembly of New Jersey and a militia

officer; he had fought against the Indians on the frontiers and in

expeditions against the Indian towns. Colonel Smith distinguished

himself in early times as an enemy to the tyranny of Britain. He was one

of the "Black Boys" of the Sideling Hill Expedition in Pennsylvania. "At

the age of 80 years, hearing of the surrender of Hull, his patriotic

soul could not rest until he threw his mite for defense of his country,

for whose liberty he had devoted his life. He again enlisted in the War

of 1812." Colonel Smith

(p. 10)

brought his family to Bourbon County from Jacob's Creek, Westmoreland

County, Pennsylvania, in 1786. It has been incorrectly stated he died in

Washington County, Kentucky. He probably joined his children in Ohio.

Ref. Filson Club Publications; Draper Mss.; Bourbon County Court

records; Collins History; Nile's Weekly Register (Baltimore) 1812.

SIMON KENTON

Simon Kenton, who perhaps suffered the hardest fate of those who

pioneered the march of civilization to the West, lived during a winter

at the encampment of William Miller "on a branch about one mile from

Hinkston on the right fork of the branch that makes in opposite to

Millersburg." Here he said he "remained until the winter broke." Kenton

came to "Kain-tuck-ee" as early as 1771 with George Yeager and John

Strader in search of cane lands. The story of his life is one of the

most thrilling and tragic in all Kentucky history. Many times he was

forced to run the gauntlet but by a divine providence his life was

spared. Once when he was tied to a stake and a fire built around him

rain came from a cloudless sky and miraculously put out the flames.

Simon Kenton was born in Virginia April 3, 1755, died April 30, 1836, in

Logan County, Ohio. At the age of 60 years he embraced religion and

joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. His remains were removed to

Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1865. Thousands of persons

joined the procession. He married first Martha Dowden, and the marriage

bond is filed in Bourbon County, he married second Elizabeth Jarboe

March 27, 1798 in Mason County, Ky. Ref. Kenton Family Register;

Collin's History; Bourbon suits.

GEORGE MICHAEL STONER

George Michael Stoner was born near what is now Philadelphia, Pa., in

1748. When he reached the age of 16 years he left his home in Berks

County and went to New River, Va., where he became acquainted with

Daniel Boone, the beginning of a friendship which lasted throughout

their lives. As early as 1767 Michael Stoner with James Harrod came into

Kentucky when they had been to Tennessee on a hunting trip and camping

expedition.

Stoner and Boone planned a scouting trip to. Kentucky and getting a

small party together arrived at Cumberland Gap; they were fired upon by

the Indians, and all but Boone and Stoner turned back. In 1774 Governor

Dunmore of Virginia commissioned Boone and Stoner to warn a surveying

party in Kentucky of Indian outbreaks. They made the trip from Clinch

River in Virginia to the Falls of the Ohio, now Louisville, Ky., a

distance of 800 miles in 62 days.

In 1775 Stoner joined Boone in marking and cutting the road to Fort

Boonesborough, which fort he helped to build and defend. At the siege of

Boonesborough be was wounded. In 1780, he took part in the Battle of

Kings Mountain. He was wounded at the Battle of Blue Licks and fell from

his horse, lying concealed in the bushes until the following day, when

he was found by General Logan's forces. He was present at the taking of

Vincennes by General Clark and in all his campaigns. He went out with

Hardin and also with Logan in 1786. It is also thought he was in

Harmer's campaign. About 1786 he was married to Frances Tribble,

daughter of Rev. Andrew Tribble.

Stoner's Fork of Licking was named for Michael Stoner because he made

his pre-emption and settlement on that stream, about five miles

southwest of Paris in Bourbon County. After his marriage Stoner and his

wife settled in Clark County, about five miles from Winchester. In 1797

he moved to Cumberland River, Pulaski County, and eventually to Wayne

County, near Monticello. About 1810 Daniel Boone sent for Stoner

inviting him to come to Missouri to visit him. Stoner accepted the

invitation and when he arrived the two started up the Missouri River

hunting and trapping. Boone, becoming exhausted, turned back, but Stoner

pushed on. He went up the river 1,600 miles above any habitation, most

of the time alone, and once for about five months saw no white man.

Returning he went again to visit Boone, and after an absence of two

years returned to Kentucky from his last long hunting trip. He died

September 3, 1815, in Wayne County, Ky. Three of his eight children

married Boone descendants.

Because Stoner Creek bears the name of this famous soldier and patriot

the Jemima Johnson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,

(p. 11)

placed a bronze tablet on the bridge which spans this stream:

MICHAEL STONER MEMORIAL BRIDGE"

The inscription is as follows: Dedicated To GEORGE MICHAEL STONER Famous

Frontiersman and Indian Fighter. Companion, Friend and Co-Worker of

Daniel Boone

Marked By Jemima Johnson Chapter

Daughters of the American Revolution, 1933

FIRST COMPANIES

These pathfinders blazed the trail for the settlers of the wilderness.

Many were killed in the undertaking.

The State of Virginia in May, 1779, passed a series of land laws which

applied to all the Western Territory, including Kentucky. These new laws

controlled the method by which most of the land was taken up. The first

act was concerning land to soldiers, sailors and marines. Then followed

an act to adjust titles of all who claimed unpatented lands prior to the

establishing of Virginia's Land Office. This provided that surveys of

unappropriated lands on the Western Waters before 1778 when executed by

a comissioned surveyor in furtherance of Treasury Warrants or Military

rights were validated. Virginia also recognized and gave rights to those

settlers who prior to January 1st, 1778, had made a crop of corn or had

resided in the country upon the Western Waters for at least a year,

usually 400 acres. If prior to January 1, 1778, settlers had marked out

or chosen unappropriated lands, built a cabin or made other

improvements, preemption rights were allowed for any reasonable quantity

of land not to exceed 1,000 acres. It was because of such inducements

these improvers, traveling in companies for safetys sake, pushed their

way into the rich lands of Bourbon (then Fincastle) County. Most of them

came by way of the Ohio River from Redstone, which was the most

dangerous route into Kentucky.

The majority of these companies became locaters or early settlers and

obtained claims for land in their own names in this section of the

State.

JOHN HINKSTON'S COMPANY from Westmoreland and adjoining counties in

Pennsylvania was the first company to improve on Hinkson's fork of

Licking. In March, 1775, these men came down the Ohio and up Licking in

canoes. Hinkston (Hinkson) and Townsend Creeks, Cooper's Run, also

Martin's and Hinkston's Stations were named for members of this party.

John Townsend and John Cooper raised corn in 1775 and supplied seed to a

number of improvers in the same region in 1776. John Hinkston built

Hinkston's Station on the north side of Licking about one mile below the

mouth of Townsend. He remained for fifteen months and a small community

was growing up around his encampment, but because of Indian atrocities

it was abandoned in 1776 when Hinkston and a company of settlers left

for Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh), Pa. In April, 1779, Isaac Ruddell rebuilt

the old station and fortified it, and it was thereafter known as Ruddles

Station.

John Hinkston

Wm. Hoskins

John Haggin

Wm. Shields

John Martin

Thos. Shores

John Townsend

Silas Train

Daniel Callahan

Samuel Wilson

Patrick Callahan

James Cooper

Matthew Fenton (killed by Indians)

George Gray

John Cooper

References: Depositions filed in Harrison County suits; True Kentuckian

Oct. 24, 1874.

JOSEPH HOUSTON'S COMPANY from Cumberland and Westmoreland counties,

Pennsylvania, was the second company to improve on Hinkson's fork of

Licking. In April, 1775, Joseph Houston, for whom Houston Creek was

named, brought his company down the Ohio River and up Licking, landing

at Blue Licks. Here they met up with Hinkston's company. Separating into

small groups they explored the country and made marks and spent the

first night on the branch near Summit's Station. After making marks they

cast lots for locations and most of them built cabins, then left the

country and returned home in June 1775. Joseph Houston built Houston's

Station and became entitled to a vast amount of land. He did not return

to this country, however, as he served in the Revolution and died in

Westmoreland county where his will is recorded, Feb. 21, 1779. His

eldest son, William, to whom he bequeathed his "regmental coat," visited

this section the following year when he was about twenty-two years of

age. John and Joseph Houston later settled on a part of the land

acquired by their father. John later moved to Miami, Ohio, and Joseph

returned to Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

In 1805, William McClintock, who came in Houston's company of 1775

stated he did not return to Kentucky the following year when a number of

this party returned but came in 1784; that at that time (1805) William

Nesbit, Alexander Pollock and he believed Henry Hartly were dead, that

James Thompson was in Pennsylvania and William Flinn had moved to

Cumberland River, but the others of this company were living in the

neighborhood. John Miller stated that John Shearer and Patrick Logan

were also dead (1805).

Joseph Houston

Alexander Pollock

Henry Thompson

William Miller

William Nesbit

Patrick Logan

William Steele

Richard Clarke

John Miller

Henry Hartly

James Thompson

Wm. Flinn (Flennard)

William McClintock

John Shearer

References: Suits (two) Withers vs. Miller.

JOHN MILLER'S COMPANY - June, 1776, John Miller, founder of Millersburg,

Bourbon county, brought a company from Cumberland and adjoining counties

in Pennsylvania to the neighborhood of the lots drawn the year before by

Houston's company and visited the old improvements. They brought with

them some corn and potatoes. According to depositions of those in this

company they heard of many outrages committed by the Indians. James

Cooper had been killed, Andrew McConnell's sons had been taken

prisoners, a man was killed near Upper Blue Licks and another at

Leesburg and, after consulting with John Haggin and hearing from him

that John Hinkston and 20 of his men had left the country, they

concluded to return to Pennsylvania July, 1776. Before going, however,

they visited Boonesborough where they "found upwards

(p. 12)

of 30 men." They told these men of provisions they had hidden in the

loft of Miller's cabin and returned to Pennsylvania.

John Miller

Wm. Craig

William Miller

Alexander Pollock

Henry Thompson

Wm. Houston

William Nesbit

William Steele

Samuel Nesbit

Wm. McClelland

John Nesbit

Robert Thompson

Wm. Bays

James McCraw (McGraw)

Note: Of this company John and William Miller were brothers; Henry

Thompson and William McClintock, the latter of Houston's company, were

brothers-in-law of John Miller; William Houston was the eldest son of

Joseph Houston. William Miller built Miller's Station and had many

distinguished guests to visit him there, including Simon Kenton, Michael

Stoner, John Martin and others. The will of John Miller is recorded in

Bourbon county.

PATRICK LOGAN'S COMPANY-April, 1776, Patrick Logan piloted a company

into this section. This party arrived at Blue Licks and traveled the

"Middle Trace" and visited the cabins of Hinkston, Cooper and Haggin.

They made their headquarters at Hinkston's Station and while there they

saw Kenton, Kennedy (a Scotchman) and John Fleming, known as Captain

Fleming. Patrick Logan had been one of Houston's company of 1775.

Patrick Logan

John Wallace

Patrick Dunn

Henry Stewart

John Knox

John Carson

Alexander Crawford

Thomas Gibson

JOHN LYON'S COMPANY-On May 3rd, 1776, a company from Fayette County,

Pennsylvania, and nearby counties, known as John Lyon's company, came to

John Hinkston's improvement where persons had resided for nearly a year

past. William Hoskins conducted them to some rich lands which had been

taken up some miles to the east, probably on Houston Creek. Townsend

Creek and Cooper's Run were between their improvements on Hinkston.

These men covered John Lyon's cabin which was 14 by 16 feet, inclosed

ground, made their "Station Camp," planted corn, peach stones and apple

seed and remained there until June when seven of the company and soon

after two others returned up the Ohio River to Redstone. William Garden,

in the summer of 1777, was killed by the Indians at Shawnee Spring. Some

of these men had improved in Monongohela county, some were associated

with Berkeley county, Virginia.

John Lyon

James Kelly

Rezin Virgin

William Markland

Thomas Dickerson

William Graden

Henry Dickerson

John Virgin

James Boggs

Thomas Dickerson

James Little

The land of John Lyon was located on Houston fork of Licking. His will

is filed in Bourbon county-written March 23, 1793-probated September,

1807.

References: Collins' History and court records.

WILLIAM STEELE AND OTHERS-Company from Pennsylvania: In 1780 William

Steele, who was of Houston's and Miller's companies, came to Kentucky

from Pennsylvania with a company "to the amount of thirty-three boats

and canoes." This company started from Wheeling, coming down the Ohio

River for Kentucky. Four boats landed at Limestone (Maysville) and the

others went to the falls of the Ohio (Louisville). William Steele stated

in a deposition, filed in Bourbon county (501), that he in company with

others came to Ruddle's Station about six or seven miles down Hinkson

below the improvement of John Miller, and from thence they went to

Martin's Station about six or seven miles from said improvement of

Miller, in order to obtain men to guard their families up from Limestone

(now Maysville), that not being able to obtain more than fourteen men

from said stations he departed with his company for Limestone where the

Indians stole from them about twenty horses which rendered them unable

to remove their families up into this country. They then went down the

river to the Falls of the Ohio for safety, that he in the year 1780 met

John Miller with his family, and the following winter he with Miller

came to the neighborhood of the lots they had drawn in 1775, etc.

William Steele

Joseph Fleming

William Steele, Jr. (nephew)

John Hinkston

General Harrison

John Maxwell

William McCune

Eneas McDonald

Note: In 1802 McDonald stated he was 78 years of age and had previously

come with James Cooper and others in 1776. Ref.: Complete Rec ords

Bourbon County and suits.

JOHN KELLER AND OTHERS: John Keller stated in a deposition dated 1806 he

came in the year 1776 with a party including Patrick Jordon, Reuben Wats

(Waits), James Thompson, John Irvin and others. He made an entry for his

brother, Jacob Keller. He stated that Abraham Keller was the son of

Jacob Keller, deceased. Ref.: Complete Records, Bourbon County.

GEORGE MICHAEL BEDINGER and Others from Berkeley County, Virginia. About

March 1st, 1779, a company of explorers left Shepherdstown following the

"Boone's Trace" into the Kentucky territory, probably bringing a guide

who had been over the dangerous route at an earlier date. These were:

George Michael Bedinger (surveyor)

Benoni Swearingen

John Taylor

William Morgan

Ralph Morgan (son of William)

James Duncan

John Constant

John Strode

Thomas Swearingen (eldest son of Thomas)

Samuel Dewee

Two Slaves

Most of these men served with distinction in the Revolution. George

Michael Bedinger served in the Revolution as Lieutenant, Captain and

Major. He was Adjutant in Bowen's Expedition against the Indian town of

Chillicothe, Ohio. Major Bedinger served in the battle of Blue Licks in

1782.

Ref.: Historic Shepherdstown by Dandridge, and established records in D.

A. R.

COL. JAMES McMILLAN: Came to Bourbon June, 1776, from Boonesborough in

company with his brothers, John and Robert McMillan who had been in the

Kentucky Territory in 1775. They spent several days at William Miller's

Station. Later they visited the station sundry times with Simon Kenton,

Jonathan McMillan, one Cooper and John Fleming. Ref.: Bourbon County

Suits (500-501).

COL. JOHN FLOYD: In 1775 Col. John Floyd came into Bourbon to make

surveys with Patrick Jordon, Jacob Boughman, Spottswood Dandridge and

Thomas Carpenter. In 1776 Colonel Floyd, being assistant surveyor to

William Preston of Fincastle county, surveyed for Walter Stewart (bond

held by Jones) for conveyance of claim for the service of Stewart as a

sergeant in His Majesty's 44th Regiment of foot and agreeable

(p. 13)

to the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Most of the land on which the city of

Paris now stands was in this military grant. This land was also a part

of John Reed's pre-emption of 1000 acres who claimed with James

Galloway. Samuel Lyon claimed a portion as heir of Daniel Lyon. A suit

was filed by Walter Stewart against the Trustees of Hopewell 1797, to

recover it. John Floyd's first mark was made on a tree immediately in

front of the Duncan home (Old Burr House).

OTHER COMPANIES: Many others came into Bourbon in small companies in

1775 and 1776: Enoch Smith, John Field, Lewis Lunsford (1776), Jacob

Sodowsky, David Williams (1773), Nathaniel Randolph, Peter Higgins,

Robert Shanklin, David Williams (1775), Joseph Robinette, James Douglas,

Thomas Gist, John Douglas (1775), James Galloway and Moses Kirkpatrick

(1776), Thomas Kennedy, John Kennedy (son of Daniel), John Kennedy (son

of John), Joseph Kennedy (1776), Jameq Galloway (1774), and others.

RUDDLES FORT*

Built 1779 by Isaac Ruddell one mile from Lair Station near Bourbon

County line, now Harrison County.

The following list of persons resided at Ruddle's Station at the time

that fort was taken by Captain Bird and his British and Indian warriors.

Ref.: Draper Mss. and Depositions filed in suits.

Capt. Isaac Ruddell

Elizabeth Bowman Ruddell

John Ruddell, son of Isaac

Isaac Ruddell, Jr., son of Isaac

Stephen Ruddell, aged 8, son of Isaac

Elizabeth Ruddell, small child

Capt. John Hinkson

Lieut. ____ Ravenscraft

Capt. John James Trabue

Nicholas Hart

John Burger

Samuel VanHook (later at Martin's)

James Ruddle

John McFall

Mrs. John McFall

Robert McDaniel

Mrs. Robert McDaniel

McDaniel Children

Martin Toffelmire

Mrs. Toffelmire

Six Toffelmire Children

Jacob Markle

Christian Spears

Anna Maria-his fiancee

John Long

Mrs. John Long

Rhoda Long. young child

Four other Long children

Michael Goodnight

Peter Goodnight

John Goodnight

Misses Goodnight

David White

John Conway

Mrs. John Conway

Seven Conway children

Samuel Brook

Thomas Davis

Sarah Ruddle Davis

Capt. John Duncan

Nellie Sharp Duncan

Master Duncan, son

Frank Berry tradition

Nelly Sharp Berry

Patrick Mahan, taken to Detroit

John Mahan

Thomas Mahan

Miss Mahan-married Wilson

Wm. Mahan, youth, kept journal at Wilson station when he returned from

Montreal, about 18 years old

Margaret Mahan

Isabella Mahan

Jane Mahan

Isabella Mahan Morrow James Mahan

James Morrow

Mrs. Agnes Mahan Mrs. Lapost

Master Lapost Judy Lapost

Wm. Whitesides

Mr. Purseley

Henry Groff

John Denton

Miss Denton

Mrs. Denton

Mrs. Horn

(p. 14)

Catherine Horn

Mr. Sellers

Mrs. Sellers

Sellers children

Samuel Conway

Miss Conway

Mrs. Samuel Conway

Two Misses Conway

Mr. and Mrs. Lail

Capt. Charles Gatliffe

Five Gatliffe children

Robert (or Charles) Knox

Wm. Marshall

*Gasper Casner, 1780

George Finley, 1780

Benj. Harrison, 1780

George Givens

Samuel Givens

*Casper Karsner

McGEE'S STATION

McGEES STATION, or Cove Spring-Was located near Georgetown Road, between

McGee's fork and McClure's run, a branch of Cooper's run in Bourbon

county. (Location from Historical Map of Mrs. William Blanton.) It was

built about 1776. Among those in this station were:

Abijah Woods (1776)

Roger Clements (1781)

Ralph Rayborne (1781)

Joseph Proctor (1782)

Dawson Wade and Son James Wade, from Greenbrier Co., Va. (1784)

John McGuire (soon after 1779)

Nicholas Proctor (brother of Joseph) to Ky. 1788, at Boonesborough

Strouds and McGees

Ref.: Depositions in suits.

About twenty families were at McGees.

Aside from the foregoing stations there were many other stations and

blockhouses in Bourbon county built to protect the first settlers from

the Indians. Many of these were located within the present bounds of

Bourbon county and others were established in counties that were later

formed from the original boundary.

Among those located within the present boundary of Bourbon were:

GRANT'S FORT

Grant's Fort was built in 1779 by Col. John Grant and Capt. William

Ellis, the military leader of the Traveling Church, for the use of

twenty or thirty families who had come to Bryan Station. A group of

sixty Indians from Byrd's war party attacked it in June, 1780 and burned

the fort -without taking prisoners. Forty men from Bryan's went to their

relief and found two men named Stucker and a woman named Mitchell

killed. James Ingels, Jr., was born here in November, 1779. The fort was

rebuilt in 1784 but the Grant family sold to Ingels and moved away. The

site is about 1 1/2 miles from Antioch Christian Church near the border

of Fayette County. Timothy Peyton was shot by Indians about one half

mile away. James Stark carried him to the fort where he soon died. His

name is preserved in "Peyton's Run."

In a letter written by John Grant, founder of Grant's Station, dated

April 24, 1780, to Col. John Todd, delegate at Harrodsburg, he told of

those persons who at that time were living in the fort. A list of the

names:

John Tamplin

John Jackson

John Van Cleave

George Stucker

Samson Culpeper

Stufel Stucker

Philip Drake

Christopher Harris

Wm. Van Cleave

Manoah Singleton

Thos. Gilbart

Wm. Liley

Wm. Loving

Robert Harras

Jas. Rowland

Josiah Underwood

Frederick Hunter

Wm. Morrason

James Gray

Henry Millar

Stephen Murphy

Michael Stucker

Esmond Lilley

George Stucker (son)

John Van Cleave (sons)

Samson Hough

Wm. Ellis

There were six more at the station that he could not "properly call

effective,"and about seven he daily expected. List supplied by Mr.

Charles Staples.

George Summitt later (1784) of Summitt's Station, was living at Grant's

in 1780, visited Sturgus Station on Bear Grass, 1780, and raised a crop

of corn there. Ref., Bourbon Suits.

MARTIN'S FORT*

Martin's Fort was built in 1779 by Capt. John Martin on an improvement

which he had made in 1775. He was assisted by William Whitsett. Samuel

Van Hook was captured at Martin's. The pioneers who made settlements in

his immediate neighborhood at that time and who must have been in the

fort were: Reuben Searcy; Edmund Fear; John Mehan; William Morris;

Catherine Edelman; Francis Berry; John Davis; Solomon Letton; Benj.

Cooper; John McKenny; James Heath; John Dumpard, killed July, 1779;

probably John Fields, John Townsend, Thomas Whitledge; possibly William

and Thomas Hall, and James and Micajah Calloway. The Fort was taken

during Byrd's invasion, June, 1780, and never rebuilt. The site of the

Fort is where Gov. Garrard built "Fairfield."

BUILDERS OF LEXINGTON FORT

Many of Whom Were Later Residents of Bourbon County.

Ref.-Ill Historical Collection-George Rogers Clark Papers, p.

521-Commonwealth of Virginia

April 13, 1781 for expenditures for work on the Fort at Lexington.

John Morrison

David Mitchell

Levi Todd

William Hayden

Benjamin Hayden

James W. Gentry

John Todd

Wm. Neblick

Benj . Brigg

John Williams

Samuel McMullen

Chas. Seamon

Caleb Masterson

John Clarke

John Neil