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Precincts and Communities

Precinct of Richland, Kentucky

Chapter XII
Pages 313 - 317

Richland Precinct - Topography, physical features, etc. - Settlement of the whites - Their early life, industries and privations - Roads and other improvements - Churches, schools, villages.

Richland Precinct, is situated in the northern part of Harrison County and is Election Precinct No. 3. The land is hilly, rough and broken, with a general slope to the northeast, and is intersected by a number of small streams. Richland and Little Richland unite near Havilandsville, affording excellent drainage to the northern part of the precinct. Little Harrison, a tributary of Harrison, flows through the southeast, and Curry's Run cuts off the southwest corner of the precinct. There are no turnpike roads, but plenty of dirt roads, traversing the country in every direction, which are kept in as good order as the surface of the ground will permit. The people are industrious and prosperous, and are engaged principally in agriculture, their chief crop being tobacco, to which the soil is specially adapted. The tobacco commands a ready sale, and is bought up mostly by speculators, at prices ranging from 6 to 15 cents per pound, the usual average being about 10 cents.

The soil in this rough, broken region, while not comparing in strength and quality, to the more level lands of the blue grass section proper, yet is rich, and produces many crops in abundance. It is as fine a tobacco region, almost, as the state affords, and much better adapted to that crop than the richer lowlands. It also produces wheat and corn well, but these do not receive that attention that is paid to tobacco.

It is not known of a certainty at the present day who was the first white man to settle in what is now Richland Precinct. Robert Scott and William Stuart are supposed to have been among the first, if not the very first. They both planted orchards at a very early day, trees of which are still standing, and are bearing fruit. Scott gave name to the "Scott apple," since called by nurserymen "Milam." It is told of Simon Kenton, the pioneer and great Indian fighter, that he has often helped to make cider in the orchard of William Stuart. It was also visited, when in early bearing by Daniel Boone. A few trees now are all that are left of these early efforts at fruit growing.

Micajah Browning, Squire Pollard, Robert Blackburn and the Marsh family are also early settlers in this section. Christopher and James Price, from Maryland, settled in this neighborhood among the pioneers. Many other families might be mentioned in this catalogue, but we failed to learn their names, or any facts relating to their settlement. The early history of the precinct, or the section now comprised in it, is not to be had from the first hands, and hence many facts relating to the pioneers and their hard knocks with the savages are lost tot the reader. When the whites first began to people this region, Indians hostile and barbarous, claimed it for their hunting grounds, and hotly resented the white man's encroachments upon their cherished domain. These white settlements were bought at the price of blood and life. Many a white man, whose temerity led him beyond the walls of the station or blockhouse, paid the penalty with his life. A brother of William Stuart was accidently killed by one of his own men, while an Indian scout, near the Lower Blue Licks. The accident cast a shadow over the entire community, far more so than if he had been killed in an Indian fight, for in those cases such accidents were to be expected.

Among the first improvements in a newly-settled community, after the pioneer gets up a cabin to shelter himself and family, is a mill. This is his great source of anxiety, and usually his first object of interest. Mills run by horse-power were the first erected in the present limits of Richland Precinct. William Stuart is believed to have built the first water-mill. It was built on Richland Creek, near where now stands the little village of Havilandsville, but ceased work many years ago. Traces of it, however, may still be seen. A number of distilleries rank among the early industries of the precinct. More than fifty years ago, Joseph Woolery operated a distillery near Antioch Mills, but all trace of it is now gone. There was also a distillery, years ago, near Mount Gilead Church, but it, too, has long since ceased business. Other pioneer industries, such as mills, tanneries, early shops, etc., etc., have likewise vanished with them. "Decay is written upon every living thing," and man, as well as the works of his hand, molder away and perish beneath the sweep of time.

If the people of Richland Precinct are not a religious people, it is their own fault, for certainly they do not lack church facilities; Curry Chapel, Barlow Chapel, Benson Chapel, Crow Chapel and Mount Gilead Church are among the houses of worship in this section.

Curry Chapel is one of the oldest Methodist churches in the precinct, and built it first edifice about the year 1830. It was torn away and rebuilt in 1840, and is a large frame building. The first pastor was Rev. W.J. Snively--the present one, Rev. A.J. Sawyer. A Sunday School is carried on when the weather is good, and regular weekly class and prayer meetings. The church numbers 203 members, and is in good condition.

Barlow Chapel (Methodist) is located two and a half miles southwest of the little village of Richland. The first house was built in 1873, but was burned before it was dedicated. It was immediately rebuilt, and is now a flourishing church with 178 members. The first pastor was Rev. R. Lancaster, followed by Revs. Demaree and Chamberlain. The present pastor is Rev. A.J. Sawyer. Sunday school, with weekly class and prayer meetings; preaching every second Sunday. Benson Chapel (Methodist) is one and a half miles northwest of the village of Richland, and was built in 1875. It is a large frame building and will seat about four hundred and fifty people. The church was organized by Rev. B.F. Bristow, who was its first pastor. He was succeeded in the pastorate by Revs. D.G.B. Demaree and W.W. Chamberlain; the present pastor is Rev. A.J. Sawyer. The names of 131 members are on the records. Preaching is had on each third Sunday, with regular weekly class and prayer meeting, and Sunday school when the weather is propitious. Crow Chapel (Methodist) was built in 1849, and is located one and a half miles northeast of Richland Village. It was organized by Rev. James Crow, from whom it received the name of Crow Chapel. Among the pastors since Rev. Crow are Revs. Samuel Veach and Ransom Lancaster. The present pastor is Rev. A.J. Sawyer. The number of members is 119; preaching is had on the first Sunday in each month; Sunday school services, when the weather will admit, and class and prayer meeting once each week.

The Christian Church at Mt. Gilead was built in 1868, and is in a thriving condition, having upward of one hundred members.

Education, as well as religious matters, receive the attention of the people of Richland Precinct, and schools were established in an early day. The first school taught was by R.S. Haviland, about the year 1819. There are now four excellent district schools in the precinct. These are maintained for the usual term each year and are well attended. An item in the history of the precinct that speaks well for its morals, and should be written down in letters of gold, is that it has voted the local option law, and the thirsty individual has to go now three miles beyond its limits to get a drink of the "critter." Many other sections would do well to follow the example of Richland. The population of the precinct is 1,300, most of whom are white people, only about one and a half per cent being negroes. The first magistrates in the precinct were W.D. Haviland and S.B. Curran. The present are J.N. Whittaker and J.B. Jouett, and J.M. Strave, Constable.

Richland Precinct is almost as well supplied with villages as it is with churches, and all of them put together would not make a city quite as large as Cincinnati. Havilandsville is perhaps the most pretentious of these embryo cities. It is located in the northeast part of the precinct, about fifteen miles north of Cynthiana, and was named for R.S. Haviland, father of the present Judge of Harrison County. He was one of the most enterprising men ever in the precinct. The first store was kept by him, where the village now stands, as early as 1832-33. He also put up a woolen and cotton factory in 1838, and manufactured jeans and lindseys for the Southern trade, which was transported thither in wagons and raw cotton brought back in return. He manufactured and shipped tobacco to New York, and also operated a large pork-packing establishment, butchering from 800 to 2,00 hogs annually. These were made into bacon, and together with manufactured goods, were shipped south in flat-boats, the cargoes of which were often worth $60,000. There is still considerable business done in the village. W.B. Arnold operates a large flour mill and wool-carding machine, and W.D. Hickman carries on a store and a tobacco prizing establishment, which does an extensive business. Mr. Hickman is a man of considerable energy, and does a business of about $40,000 per year. Havilandsville has a white population of about fifty; has two stores, one blacksmith shop, a post office, physician and the industries already noticed. The post office was established years ago, and R.S. Haviland was commissioned Postmaster. The present Postmaster is Mr. W.D. Hickman.

Antioch Mills is a small village, situated three miles west of Havilandsville. The first building was erected in 1867, and was a blacksmith shop. The town has been built since 1878. The first store was kept by Thomas Anderson. The general business outlook shows two stores, one undertaker, one milliner, one post office, one physician, one pump-maker, one flour and a saw mill, one carpenter shop, a good school and a church, and about fifty population. The flour and saw mill is run by Alvin Sellers, and does a good business. He is also Postmaster. The place ought to be well educated, as four teachers make it their home, and one music teacher, besides the school that is carried on yearly. The church is of the Christian denomination, and was organized, on the 8th of October, 1848, by Cyrus N. Williams, John McKinney, William Kirkwood and Coleman Clayton. The first church edifice was built of logs, and cost about $300. It was built the same year the church was organized, and, in 1860, it was replace with a frame building, at a cost of $1,100. The society was organized with fifty-four members and has 156 at present. The first Elders were Thomas J. Baltzell, Washington Simpson, P.F. Whitaker and John A. Thorpe; Deacons, John Gruelle, George Cummins, John Woolery and Joseph Adams. Elder William Kirkwood is the present pastor, and the church is flourishing.--Perrin.

Richland Precinct
Pages 697-701:

SMITH ARNOLD, farmer; P.O. Oddville; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and the son of Wm. and Polly Arnold. He was born Dec. 15, 1836. His father is a native of Virginia. He was born in 1807. In 1815 he removed to Harrison County, Ky., with his parents, where he received his education. In 1834 he married Polly A. King, who has borne him twelve children, eleven of whom are living. He is now living upon his farm. Smith Arnold lived with his parents until he was 18 years of age, when he married Nancy Whalin, who has borne him seven children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Joseph, Polly A., William, Clarinda F., Emma, and Nancy S. The first three years of his married life were spent upon a rented farm. In 1858 he bought a farm of 52 acres, and has since added to it, now having 610 acres. Upon his farm he makes stock raising a specialty. In connection with his farm he carried on mercantile business for four years. He spends part of his time in buying and selling leaf tobacco. In the year 1880 he bought and sold over 325,000 pounds, for which he paid about $32,000. He is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. He commenced life a poor man; when he first bought his farm, he was compelled to give his only horse and hog to get possession, and to work one day himself, to gain the use of a horse for one day in clearing his premises. By his hard work, and studied economy he has gained a good property, and a name and reputation which is beyond reach.

WILLIAM B. ARNOLD, miller; P.O. Havilandsville; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Elijah and Anna (Hickman) Arnold. He was born in 1827, and in 1853 married Miss Anna M. Henry, a native of Bourbon County, Ky. They are the parents of eight children: Lulu L., John P., Amanda, Ida, Sarah, Elijah, Henry and Betty. The first seventeen years of our subject's life was spent in receiving an education and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm; in 1854 he commenced farming, which he followed for about nine years, when he purchased the steam grist mill and wool factory at Havilandsville, which he continues to be the successful manager of, employing a number of men and doing a large business; his wife died in 1879, and his father died when he was quite young, leaving him dependant upon his own resources, and by his studied economy and business habits he has succeeded in gaining a good property, and a name and reputation which is beyond reproach. Now, in the later years of his life, he is surrounded with those comforts and enjoying those pleasures that are ever the result of honesty, industry and economy.

JOHN ASBURY, farmer, P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Clayton and Nancy (Mattox) Asbury. He was born Jan. 13, 1845. He lived with his parents up to the time of the war, when he enlisted in the 40th Regt., Co. G, K.V's, of the Confederate Army. In 1865 he followed the occupation of farming upon a rented farm. In 1867 he bought twenty acres of land, which he tilled until 1869. At that time he married Nancy E. Whitteker, who has borne him six children: Minnie E., Robert E., Anna J., John W., Emma F., and Benton S. He spent the first year of his married life upon his father-in-law's farm. In 1871 he bought 150 acres of land, and in 1880 added to it 187 acres, now having 337 acres, upon which he now resides. Upon his farm he raises all of the principal crops, and is making stock-raising a specialty, his attention in this department being turned principally to the thoroughbred "short horn." He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He is a member of the Christian Church at Antioch. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church at Mt. Vernon.

ALFRED BARLOW, farmer; P.O. Oddville; was born in Harrison County, Ky., Oct. 30, 1815, and is the son of Eliphalet and Mildred (Barlow) Barlow. His father was born in Virginia June 1, 1777, and raised in Wilkes County, N.C. In the year 1800 he became a resident of Scott County, Ky., and in the year 1801 was married to the lady named. Nine children were born to them, four of whom are now living: Lewis, Tompkins, Elizabeth and Alfred. Mr. Barlow followed farming and carpentering in Scott County for 2 years, and then removed to Nicholas County, and there engaged in farming until 1807, when he removed to Harrison County, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1868, on March 20. His mother was a native of Virginia; she became a resident of Nicholas County by the removal of her parents to Kentucky, and died in Harrison county in 1863. The early life of Alfred was spent on his father's farm. Jan. 22, 1839 he married America Barnes. But two of the five children of this union are now living, viz: Tompkins and Lauretta. In 1849, his wife died. In 1850, he married a sister to his first wife, Miss Nancy A. Barnes. Six children were the fruits of this marriage, four of whom are now living, viz.: Stephen E., Henry B. America F., and Maria E. Mr. Barlow has been a farmer by occupation, and now owns a farm of 170 acres. Himself and family are members of the Methodist church, and he is a member of Lodge No. 1999, of the Grange organization. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has held the office of Justice of the Peace for eleven consecutive years. The church of which he and family are members, is known as the Barlow Church, and the school in his district also bears his name. He is an active, public spirited man, and much of the improvement in his neighborhood is due to his enterprise and liberality.

D.F. BRANNOCK, M.D., farmer; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., son of James and Elizabeth (Shanks) Brannock. He was born Feb. 21, 1823. His father, James Brannock, was also a native of Harrison County. He was born 1796. During his earlier days worked at the trade of stone mason, and afterward followed farming until the time of his death, which occurred in 1871, aged seventy-five years. His wife was born December, 180, in Bourbon County, Ky.; is now living in Missouri. His father, Robert, was one of the first settlers of Harrison County. He was born in 1770, and died in 1850. D.F. Brannock lived with his parents in Harrison County till that age of twenty-two, going to school and assisting his father in farming. In 1844 he was married to Susan K. Ginn. He then commenced studying medicine and attending lectures at the Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. Since his graduation he has practiced medicine until 1876, when he gave his attention to his farm of 385 acres, upon which he now resides. He is a Democrat; himself and family are members of the Methodist Church. His wife has borne him six children, five of whom are now living: James L., married and living in Brown County, I.; William H., M.C., married and living in Brooksville, Ky.; Benjamin B., M.C., married and living in Washington County, Ind.; George and David N., now residing at home with their parents.

GEO. CUMMINGS, farmer; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Joseph and Lydia (Fleming) Cummings. He was born Aug. 8, 1810. His father was a native of Maryland. When quite young he moved with his parents to Bourbon County, Ky., who were among the earlier settlers. He was then married to Lydia Fleming, who bore him thirteen children, all of whom are now living, and having large families of their own. He followed farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1833, aged eighty-seven years. His wife died in 1824, aged fifty years. Geo. Cummings lived his earlier life with his parents, working on the farm and hunting. In 1831 he married Sarah Adams, who was a native of Harrison County, Ky. She was born in 1808 and died in 1866. She bore him thirteen children, seven of whom are living, viz: Joseph F, Catharine E., Lydia M., Sarah J., John, Robert and Thomas. He bought his farm in 1835, still continuing the management of it. In 1875 he again married, to Sarah McLaughlin, who has borne him one child, Anna W. He has a farm of 343 acres, raising all the principal crops, making tobacco a specialty. During his younger days he took great delight and made great success in hunting; he is a member of the Christian Church; he is a Democrat.

JOHN CRISWELL, farmer; P.O. Richland; was born Nov. 17, 1826, in Henry County, Ky., and is the son of William and Catharine (Lurrson) Criswell, the former born in Scott County, Ky., in 1802, and has followed farming during his life. He now resides in Harrison County, and with his wife, they make their home with their sons, John and David. John resided with his parents until 1844, when he left home and began work by the month, on a farm in Harrison County. In 1849 he bought a farm of 309 acres, which he worked until 1858, when he removed to Illinois, but in 1859 returned to Harrison County, where he bought a farm of 167 acres, which he at once began improving, and to which he has since added, until he now has 638 acres. In 1848 he married Miss Lucinda Rankin. Eleven children have been born to them, nine of which are living, as follows: Willis, Nancy R., Sarah C., James W., David A., Henry N., John T., Robert L., George N., beside their adopted child, Lucy N. Lawson. Politically, Mr. Criswell is a Democrat, and has taken quite an active part in political affairs. himself and family are members of the Methodist Church. When first becoming a resident of Harrison County, Mr. Criswell was a poor man, but by his studied economy and excellent business habits, coupled with a firm determination to succeed, he has accumulated a fine property, and has won the esteem of the community where he resides.

DAVID CRISWELL, farmer; P.O. Richland; was born Jan. 27, 1827, in Henry County, Ky., and is the son of William and Catharine (Lawson) Criswell; his father was born in Scott County, Ky., in 1802; he subsequently moved to Harrison County. His mother was born in Henry County, Ky., in 1802. The old people are still living, and make their home with Joseph and his brother John. In 1856 Joseph was married to Miss Polly Right, who bore him six children, four of whom are living: William T., John L., Lucinda A. and Luther. Mr. C. has a farm of 275 acres, and makes the growing of tobacco a specialty. Himself and family are members of the M.E. Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. They trace their genealogy back to the old pioneers of Kentucky, and stand in the community now, as they did then, honorable, industrious and respected people.

WM. T. CASEY, farmer; P.O. Havilandsville; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Wm. H. and Nancy (King) Casey. He was born in 1839; his father was a native of Harrison county, Ky.; he was always a farmer; he died in 1868, being 72 years of age; his wife was also a native of Harrison County; she bore him 12 children, all of whom are living; she died in 1849, aged 58 years. Mr. Casey spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, receiving his education and assisting in tilling the soil. In 1860 he married Anna F. Blackburn, who has borne him nine children, eight of whom are living, viz[.]: James T., John H., WIlliam S., Mildred, David, Sidney J., Adia, and Joseph D. In 1866 he bought a farm of 160 acres, upon which he raises all of the principal crops, making tobacco a specialty. Himself and family are members of the Baptist Church; he is a member of the order of A.,F.&A.M. of Claysville Lodge; he is a Democrat.

DAVID H. COLVILL, farmer; P.O. Havilandsville; a native of Bourbon County, Ky., ad son of William and Mary (Hunter) Colvill; was born Feb. 29, 1832. William, his father, was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1790, being three years of age, moved with his parents to Harrison County, Ky., who followed farming until the time of their death. He died in 1855, aged 59 years; his wife died in 1871, aged 60 years. His father was one of the early settlers of Harrison county. David received his education in Mason County, and until he was twenty-four years of age assisted his father in farming. In 1857 was married to Lydia F. Miller; he bought a farm of 141 acres, upon which he is now living, and continues the management of the same. Having no children of their own, they have adopted and raised six orphan children. He is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church near Havilandsville.

HENRY ECKLER, farmer; P.O. Richland; was born Feb. 5, 1820, in Harrison county, Ky., and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Macneese) Eckler. He lived with his parents until the age of 21, when he began working on a farm by the month, at which he continued until 1843; then rented a farm till 1847, when he bought a farm, selling the same in 1849. In 1857 he repurchased his farm by reason of failure of the buyer to pay for it. In 1858 he married Mrs. Elizabeth Hodges, who has borne him one child, John R. In 1860 he bought a farm of Wm. Warner and lived on the same until 1874. In 1876 he bought the farm of 184 acres, where he now lives. His principal productions are members of the Baptist Church, and he at one time was a member of the Granger organization. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mrs. Eckler was formerly Miss Elizabeth Arnold, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Hetch) Arnold. She is a native of Harrison County, and was born March 31, 1822, and was married to Thomas Hodges, who died in 1853, and in 1858 she married Mr. Eckler, as above stated.

W.D. HICKMAN, merchant; P.O. Havilandsville; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of J.B. and Susan Hickman. He was born in November, 1842. His boyhood days were spent at home, receiving an education and assisting his father in the duties of his farm. In 1862 he married Jane D. Garrett, and commenced work for himself by teaming and farming. In 1871 he commenced mercantile business in Havilandsville, where he now lives, and continues his business in the store. He is politically a radical. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. They are the parents of seven children, viz[.]: Nora, Jesse, Wm. G., Susie, Lotta, Walter and Mattie. Mr. Hickman has, by his business habits and fair dealing, established a trade and a reputation which is an honor to himself and to the citizens in the community of which his is a part.

JAMES A. HAVILAND, farmer; P.O. Havilandsville; was born in Harrison County, Ky., May 6, 1821; son of R.S. and Mary C. (Stewart) Haviland. He is a native of New York State, removed to Harrison County, Ky., in 1818, and taught school for about ten years, when he removed to Lexington, and then back to Harrison County, and followed, many years previous to his death, the woolen manufacturing business and merchandising, dying at Havilandsville, Aug. 8, 1858. He had eight children. The grandfather, Israel Haviland, and great-grandfather, James Haviland, were both natives of New York; the first a dealer and manufacturer in boots and shoes, and the latter a farmer. James A., after receiving his education, became superintendent of his father's manufacturing business, and followed farming for twenty years. Our subject is a brother of W.S. Haviland, whose sketch appears in the Cynthiana sketches.

PAUL C. KING, farmer; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Joshua and Elizabeth King; he was born March 3, 1830; he lived with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age, receiving an education and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. In 1854, he married Miss Mary Simpson, who has borne him seven children, viz[.]: John A., Washington, Paul, James W., Cordelia A., Ella and Elizabeth. His wife died in 1872, ages 35 years. In 1878, he married a second time, Miss Elizabeth Owens; since 1854 he has followed the occupation of farming, and is now the owner of 143 acres of land. Himself and family are members of the Reformed Church, and is politically a Republican. Though not so old a resident of Richland Precinct as some of his neighbors, there is little doubt of Mr. King's being one of the leading spirits in that part of Harrison County.

LUCINDA MATTOX, farmer; P.O. Havilandsville; daughter of James and Elizabeth Meek; was born in Carroll County, Ky., in 1815. Her parents also natives of Kentucky, were pioneer families of Scott County. Lucinda was left motherless as the age of five years; her father, a farmer, died in 1832, aged 52 years. The daughter married, in 1832, Tobias Mattox, a farmer, owner of 60 acres of land, who died in 1871, aged 60 years, a member of the Methodist Church, to which his widow also belongs. Her son, Oscar M., born Nov. 11, 1851, in Harrison County, has always lived on the home farm, receiving a good education; marrying in 1872 Mattie S. Rankin, and taking charge of his mother's farm. He, too, is a Methodist, ad member of Lodge 317 A.,F.&A.M., and a Democrat. He has two children, Carrie W. and Claude B.

J. WARREN SMITH, farmer; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Clark County, Ky. He was born July 24, 1821, and is the son of Patterson and Jane (Darnel) Smith. His father was born in Montgomery County, Ky., in Dec. 1793, and died in 1853. His business had been farming until fifteen years previous to his death, when he began preaching. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and a man highly respected by his fellow citizens. His mother was also a native of Montgomery County. She was born in 1798, and was the daughter of Smith Darnel. She died in 1836. The early life of J. Warren was spent at hard work; he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then began work for himself by hiring out as a farm hand. In 1844 he was married to Miss Amanda Rankin, who bore him three children, but one of whom is living, viz., Thomas Jefferson. His wife died in 1851, and in 1852 he was married to Miss Hester Mitchell. Four children were born of this union, three of whom are now living: Joseph W., Mary J., and John W. his second wife died in 1859, and in 1861 he married Miss Martha Mattox. Six children are the result of this marriage: Elza, Anson, Sadie, Anna, Edward, and Euphrasia. Mr. Smith and family are members of the Methodist Church, and politically he is a Democrat. he owns a farm of 150 acres, and has been an honest, upright citizen. His reputation is that of a man whose honesty and industry are not questioned, and his word or promise once pledged is as good as many a richer man's bond.

A. SELLARS, miller; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, and a son of John and Lucinda (Craig) Sellars. He is descended from a family who traces their genealogy back to the early settlement of Harrison County. His father was a native of the county, born in 1835; spent his life at farming, and died in 1864. Our subject was born in 1850; received his education and assisted his father while he remained a resident of the old home. In 1871 he left home and began as salesman in a dry goods store. In 1875, he was married to Miss Katie Jones, who has borne him two children. About this date he also engaged in business on his own account, by purchasing a partnership with his old employer, Mr. E.W. Martin. In 1876, he bought a flouring mill, and run the same until 1878, when it was destroyed by fire. He then bought his partner's interest in the mercantile business, and has since conducted it alone. He is an enterprising, energetic young man, and is following in the footsteps of the wealthiest men of Harrison county, viz[.]: depending upon his own industry, economy, and good financiering to accumulate a fortune, and establish a good business.

L.F. STRUVE, merchant; P.O. Richland; was born April 14, 1832, in Germany, and is the son of John Struve. In 1835 he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Clermont County, O., [sic] There he grew to manhood, assisted his father at farming and receiving an education. In 1853 he embarked in the mercantile business in East Liberty, O., and in 1855 removed to Pleasant Corners, O., but left there in the fall of the same year, and removed to Pendleton County, Ky., and there engaged in business also. In 1858 he removed to Harrison County, Ky[.], and began at selling goods. He has also purchased land in different parts of the county, and at present owns 613 acres. He is a Democrat and a Knight Templar of the order of A.,F. and A.M. Lodge, No. 16, of Cynthiana. He is a thorough-going business man, and has taken an active part in all things pertaining to the general welfare of the community where he resides. In 1852 he married Miss Julia A. Carpenter, who has borne him eleven children, six of whom are living: John M., Lewis D., F. Kirby, Maggie N., Calvin and Leon.

GEORGE L. TRUAX, physician; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Virginia, and son of John and Mary (Galbreith) Truax; he was born in 1841; his father, John Truax, is of German descent, and a native of Vermont; he was born in 1780; when quite a young man he moved with his parents to Virginia, and in 1842 to Toronto, Ca., where he died in 1877; he was in the war of 1812. George L., when a child moved with parents to Toronto, Ca., there attending school until 1857, when he went to the Victoria College, studying medicine, and graduated in 1861; he then located in Lexington, Mich., and began the practice of medicine; in 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army, and acted as Assistant Surgeon. At the close of the war he moved to Harrison County, Ky., and married Lucinda Craig; they have two adopted children: Wm. Truax and Minnie Hutchinson. He still follows the practice of medicine, in which he has been very successful; he is a Democrat.

JOHN WOOLERY, farmer; P.O. Antioch Mills; is a native of Harrison County, Ky., and son of Joseph Woolery and Elizabeth (Stump) Woolery. He was born Jan. 2, 1822. His father, Joseph, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1793. He was always a farmer. He died in 1838. Elizabeth, his wife, was born in Pennsylvania; died aged seventy-three years. John Woolery lived with his parents, receiving his education until twenty-one years of age. In 1843 he married Fannie Scott, who has borne him ten children, viz.: Robert S., James, Mary F., John T., Bettie, Henry J., William A., Annie E., Joseph F., and Joseph, the eldest, who at the age of nineteen enlisted in the Confederate army, holding the office of Sergeant. He was killed at the battle of Chickamauga. John Woolery, by the death of his parents, inherited sixty acres of land, and since has added to it, now having 140 acres. He was born on the farm on which he now lives. He is a Democrat; has always taken an active part in politics; at one time held the office of Justice of the Peace, and now is deputy County Clerk, which office he has held for twenty-five years. Himself and family are members of the Christian Church at Antioch.

JOHN T. WYATT, farmer; P.O. Havilandsville, is a native of Pendleton County, Ky., and son of John and Delia (McKinney) Wyatt. He was born June 29, 1836. His father is a native of Pendleton County, Ky.; was born in 1812. He is following the occupation of farmer in his native county. He is a Democrat. His wife is a native of Clark County, Ky.; she was born in 1812. Mr. Wyatt spent his earlier days with his parents, in receiving an education and assisting his father in farming; in 1857 he married Frances Lennox, who bore him four children, three of whom are living, viz: James R., William O., and George M. His wife died in 1869, aged thirty-three years. In 1859 he bought a farm of sixty acres in Pendleton County, Ky., which he improved and afterward sold. In 1865 he moved to Harrison County, and bought farm of 145 acres, upon which he now resides. In 1870 he married Anna E. Lennox, own sister of his first wife, who has borne him five children, viz: Sidney W., Emma F., John F., Lizzie B., and Carrie H. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat; he now holds the office of Constable; he has always taken a very active part in politics.

Source:
Transcribed and edited by Philip Naff, August, 1999.
Information previously posted by Jo Thiessen

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