Scott County, Kentucky

Georgetown Precinct

Pages 177
CHAPTER VI

GEORGETOWN PRECINCT - INTRODUCTORY AND DESCRIPTIVE - BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTLEMENT-HARD TIMES OF THE PIONEERS-INDUSTRIES AND IMPROVEMENTS-SCHOOLS, VILLAGES, CHURCHES

The velocity with which the world moves is simply astounding, yet it moved slow enough in the beginning. In the early ages, it took nearly a century for a boy to think of leaving the family roof-tree to begin the battle of life on his own account, and three or four times as long to attain the prime and vigor of manhood. Rome was seven hundred in expanding her power and reaching the zenith of her glory; the temple of Diana at Ephesus saw two and a half centuries from its foundation to its completion and the architects of Babel and the Pyramids planned work for hundreds of years ahead. But that is not the style of doing business at the present day; we make a fortune and lose it in less time than that. We live fast; three or four lifetimes are crowded into one.

Speaking of the Olympian festivities and the old Roman triumphs, and the millions expended on them and their accessories, one of our shrewd business men recently remarked, "We've got beyond all that now, and I am glad of it, for such things wouldn't pay." That is it exactly, we have no time for what don't pay. We are economical, and count the cost with the closeness of a Jew. Anything that there is money in catches our attention, no matter what it is. And in everything we do, is the same rush and hurry; we never calculate projects a hundred years ahead but live wholly in the present. Although Central Kentucky lacks much of that energy and enterprise characteristic of the Western States, yet it affords a striking example of the rapidity with which we move. A hundred years ago, Kentucky had but a few hundred inhabitant; now her population is almost equal to that of the thirteen colonies at the time of the Revolutionary war. In this immediate section, behold the change! The finest plantations and princely homes occupy what a few years ago was a wilderness. But this is the fast age of the nineteenth century, and illustrates our fast way of living.

The precinct to which these pages are devoted, known as Georgetown Precinct No. 1, contains but little history of interest outside of the city of Georgetown. All of the most important facts are given in connection with Georgetown, and but a mere glance will be taken at the precinct at large. The land embraced in it is as fine, if not the very finest in the county. It is gently rolling or undulating, and is a rich limestone soil. The Elkhorn and its branches afford excellent drainage, and at the same time water the country through which they flow. The original timber of Georgetown Precinct consisted of oak, hickory, black walnut, elm, honey locust, sugar tree, buckeye, etc., but little of which is now left in its natural state. Much attention is paid to stock raising, and many of the fine stock farms of the county are located in this precinct. The Cincinnati Southern Railroad, running north and south, passes through by which the surplus stock and other products are shipped to market.

Settlements are made in the present precinct of Georgetown more than a hundred years ago. Indeed, it has been claimed that the first settlement made in Kentucky was at "Royal Spring" now included in the corporate limits of Georgetown. But, as noted in another chapter, this is hardly correct; it was probably, however, the place of the first settlement north of the Kentucky river. This settlement will be more particularly mentioned by Dr. Gano, in the history of Georgetown. It was made by the McClellands and McConnells about the year 1775-76, and a fort of block-house was built at the spring above mentioned. Robert Johnson and A. John Suggett were also early settlers. They first stopped at Bryant's station, and then came to Woodford County, now Scott, and settled on a claim of Patrick Henry, at Great Crossings, in 1790, where a stockade was built.

Near where old North Elkhorn Church stood, on land now owned by E.N. Offutt, Sr., was built the old Flournoy fort. He (Flournoy) was a Virginian of French descent, who came to Kentucky and settled that farm in 1780. He brought his window-glass with him on horseback, and it is said that this was the first house with glass windows in this part of Kentucky. The house, which was enclosed by a stockade, is still standing-a hundred and two years old. The marriage of Gen. William H. Henry to a daughter of Flournoy took place in this house. Gen. Henry commanded the Kentucky troops under Gen. Shelby in the war of 1812. Mr. Flournoy made several trips across the mountains with pack-horses, and was finally, on one of his trips, murdered by the Indians. A daughter of his was shot by the Indians, while she was going to the spring for water. Her grave, together with several soldiers killed in the fort, are still to be seen near the old house.

The first pre-emption was that of Col. John Floyd's made in 1779, containing 1,000 acres, and covering lands whereon Georgetown now stands, and including the spring, then called "Floyd's Royal Spring". The same year, Virginia granted to Patrick Henry, for serves as Governor of the State, some 5,000 acres of land in this precinct, extending from near Georgetown to Capt. Craig's at White Sulphur. Christopher Greenup, afterward Governor, Daniel Bradford and others, also had large grants of land here. Gen. John Payne served as County Surveyor of Scott County, from 1790 to 1817, when the conflict of claims became so great that the Legislature at last passed an act giving the land to the party who retained possession twenty years. Under these claim troubles, lands depreciated in value to a very great extent. As an example of such trouble, the same body of land was sometimes claimed by five different parties, thus involving almost unending litigation.

The early years of the pioneers were years of hardships. It took great efforts to procure the necessaries of life, and a sufficiency of clothing to keep them warm. Is was almost useless to bring in sheep for a number of years after settlements were made, owing to the number of years after settlements were made, owing to the number of wolves and bears, and other ravenous beasts, which would sometimes destroy an entire flock in a single night. Hence, the people had no choice save that of adopting other expedients, or appearing "On nature's light and airy garb."

So, one of the early crops of the country was flax, grown for domestic purposes. Of this a coarse and substantial linen was made, which was manufactured into clothing for the family. Even after flax was raised in sufficient quantities, and sheep in considerable numbers had been introduced, it was quite an arduous task to spin and weave cloth for the entire wearing apparel of the family. It is, perhaps, not over-drawing the picture to say that the summer wear of the boys until eight or ten years old, was very nearly akin to the Highland costume, inasmuch as it consisted of a long tow shirt - only this and nothing more. The tools and agricultural implements were about on a pr with everything else. And the time that has passed since the settlement of the country has witnessed as great improvements in agricultural implements as in any of the other "arts and sciences." Taken together with these primitive outfits were the dangers experienced in the early years from savages, and we find ourselves wondering that the country was ever settled at all.

The preparation of grain for making bread, in a new country, is a matter of no slight importance, for while grain may be produced from the soil as easily in anew country as in an old one, it is not so easy to have the grain converted into meal. The first settlers resorted to many a method for grinding corn, but many of the processes were at once slow and toilsome. The first mill in Georgetown Precinct was a small water-mill at Great Crossings, built previous to 1800, and is a present owned by Mr. Glass. Thompson's mill is a very old one. Joel Scott has a fulling-mill a short distance below Thompson's mill, where he carried on an extensive business; he wove broadcloth and other costly fabrics. Tanneries, distilleries, etc. were among the early industries in addition to the mills.

A fine system of turnpike roads traverse Georgetown Precinct is every direction, diverging from the city of Georgetown. The first road was a continuation of Main street to Great Crossings; the next was from Georgetown to Big Bone Lick. Among the roads now intersecting the precinct and centering in Georgetown, are the following: Lexington & Georgetown pike; Covington pike; Payne's Depot pike; Stamping Ground pike; Long Lick pike; Dry Ridge pike; Dry Run pike; Paris pike; Oxford pike, with a number of cross pikes.

There is little to say of the schools outside of Georgetown. When the first school was taught in the precinct, and where the first schoolhouse was erected, are questions that cannot be answered at this distant day. No place is better supplied with educational facilities, perhaps, than Georgetown. These schools and colleges are more fully written up in a succeeding chapter, and of Science Hill Academy we shall speak further on in this chapter.

The village of Great Crossings is a small place, and has but little business, in consequence of its close proximity to Georgetown, being situated only four miles from the latter place, on the Stamping Ground pike. It received the name of Great Crossings by the buffalo trace from the interior of Kentucky to the Ohio River, crossing North Elkhorn Creek at the spot where it is located. A few stores and shops, a church, etc., comprises the present village.

Georgetown Precinct is well represented with churches. The Baptist Church at Great Crossings is one of the oldest churches of Central Kentucky. A history written of it in 1876, by Prof. J.M. Bradley, is of considerable interest to all its members. Its great length only precludes its insertion entire in this volume, but as a matter of interest we give the following extract: "The church was constituted ninety years ago (1885) the '28 and '29 of last May. Its first Pastor, Elijah Craig, was twice imprisoned, in Virginia, for preaching the Gospel - once in Culpepper and once in Orange. After the pastorate of Craig, the church has enjoyed the preaching of Joseph Redling, James Suggett, Silas M. Noel, Thomas Henderson, A.M. Lewis, James D. Black, B. F. Kenny, Y.R. Pitts, Williams C. Buck, William G. Craig, R.T. Dillard, Howard Malcom, John L. Waller, William F. Broaddus, A.R.Macey, D.R. Campbell, Cad Lewis, S.P. Hogan, J.G. Bow and B. Manly, Jr., an array of preaching talent such as, we will venture to assert, no other church in Kentucky can claim. During this period, about fifteen hundred have made profession of religion, been baptized and afterward received into the fellowship of this church, besides others who have been received by letter and those in the original constitution. There have been in this number white, black and red men. Seven churches have been constituted, chiefly of members leaving this church, viz: Stamping Ground, Dry Run, Mountain Island, North Ellkhorn, Long Lick, Pleasant Green and Midway - are still in existence, so that the Great Crossings may well be called the "mother of churches." The church as sent out five ordained preachers and licensed six others to exercise their gifts." This venerable church can soon celebrate its own centennial. In 1880, it reported 588 members.

Dry Run Baptist Church was organized in February 1801, and Rev. Joseph Reding was the first pastor. The first church as built of logs, upon the site where the present church now stands. IT was afterward weatherboarded, the members and neighbors contributing to its building in the first place. Among the original members were James Weathers, Nicholas Long, Col. John Miller, Joseph Elgin, Bennett Osborn, etc. Rev. Mr. Trott, an early school teacher, was also an early preacher of this church. Rev. Lucas was afterward pastor. James D. Black was a blacksmith and a powerful preacher. He was pastor for over twenty years. Other pastors were Nealey, Duvall and Hodges. About the close of the war, the present church was built, at a cost of $2,000. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Skillman.

North Elkhorn Baptist Church is three and a half miles from Georgetown, and was organized in September, 1801, under the ministerial labors of Rev. Mr. Eaves. He was from Virginia, as were most of the original members. The first church edifice was a frame building, erected by Samuel Cooper, one of the leading members of the congregation. It, at one time, had a large membership, reaching as high as 150. The church was sometimes called Cooper's Run Church. Rev. Joshua Leathers was one of the early ministers and a powerful preacher. In 1835, the church split, and the sections were knows respectively as "Particular" and "Regular" Baptists. The latter went to neighboring churches, while the Particular Baptists held the church building and kept up the organization until about the year 1850, when the house was sold by Cooper's heirs and turned into a schoolhouse, known as "Science Hill Academy." This school was taught by Prof. Roach, Prof. Williams and others. For more than twenty years, it was conducted as a school, and was then discontinued, owing to the surrounding land being bought and roads closed up leading to it. The building is still standing, and is now used for a barn.

This comprises a brief sketch of the precinct, outside of Georgetown. As the history usually centers in the county seat, leaving the precinct in which it is situated somewhat barren, we will search no further for historical facts and data, but begin a new chapter with the city of Georgetown.

Page 180
Chapter VII

CITY OF GEORGETOWN - ITS EARLIEST HISTORY - SCHOOL NOTICE - THE TOWN INCORPORATED - ELIJAH CRAIG AND OTHER PIONEERS - PAPER MILL, TANNERIES, ETC. - EARLY BUSINESS - FIRST COURT HOUSE, ETC., ETC.

Georgetown, the county seat of Scott County, is located in the southern part of the county, in the famous Blue Grass Region twelve miles north of Lexington, and some sixty-six miles south of Cincinnati by the Southern Railroad. It is beautifully situated on high, undulating table land, on the south side of North Elkhorn, a considerable stream; on its western border is the large spring branch bursting from a limestone bluff, with a volume of water capable of turning a flouring-mill a few hundred yards from its source.

In very early times these spring was known as Floyd's Royal Spring, in later times as the Republican, adn in more modern times as the Big Spring. IT is a great Royal, Republican, Big feature in the makeup of Georgetown; big with blessings to thousands, of coolness, cleanliness and comfort, and free to all, both man and beast. On the bluff above where this stream bursts forth the first settlement or station was made by white men. In October, 1776, Col. Patterson, with the two McClellands, Ben and John, with other persons from the neighboring stations, erected a fort or station called McClellands' Fort.

In 1776, the Indians, enraged at the encroachments upon their favorite hunting grounds, and urged on by the British, made frequent incursions into Kentucky, and became so troublesome that the weaker stations were abandoned.

The settlers at Hinkson Station took shelter in McClelland's Fort, Simon Kenton accompanying them. Maj. George Rogers Clark having prevailed upon the Virginia Legislature to afford the pioneers some assistance, arrived in company with a lawyer names Jones at the Three Islands late in the winter, with a considerable quantity of powder and lead. The concealed it on the lower island, and proceeded to McClelland's Station in order to obtain a party to bring it off to the settlements. McClelland's Station being too weak to furnish a sufficient escort, Clark piloted by Kenton, set out for Harrodsburg. Unfortunately, during their absence, Jones prevailed on ten men to accompany him to the place where the ammunition was concealed. They set out, and on Christmas Day, 1776, they were encountered by the Indian chief Pluggey, with his men, and defeated. Jones and William Grayson were killed, and two of the party taken prisoners; the remainder escaped into the station. Clark and Kenton soon afterward arrived with some men from Harrodsburg, having immediately returned on the news of the disaster. On the morning of January 1, 1777, Pluggey and his warriors appeared before the fort. McClelland and his men sallied out, and were repulsed by the Indians. McClelland and two of his men being killed and four wounded, the Indians immediately withdrew. The station was soon afterward abandoned, and the settlers returned to Harrod's Station.

In 1782, Elijah Craig, one of the famous family of that name, emigrated from Virginia after the close of the Revolutionary War and settled on the lands on which Lebanon Town, afterward Georgetown was located.

Very early in the history of Georgetown, and while Scott County was yet a part of Fayette, the cause of education was fostered and encouraged. The Kentucky Gazette, edited and published by John Bradford and his brother Fielding, the first newspaper published west of the mountains, with the exception of one at Pittsburgh, has the following:

"Education-Notice is hereby given that on Monday, 18th of January next, a school will be opened by Messrs. Jones and Worley, at the Royal Spring in Lebanon Town, Fayette County, where a commodious house, sufficient to contain fifty or sixty scholars, will be prepared. They will teach the Latin and Greek languages, together with such branches of the sciences as are usually taught in public seminaries, at twenty-five shillings a quarter for each scholar. One-half to be paid in cash, the other half in produce at cash prices. There will be a vacation of a month in the spring, and another in the fall, at the close of each of which it is expected that such payments as are due in cash will be made. For diet, washing and house-room for a year, each scholar pays l 3 in cash, or 500 weight of pork on entrance, and 3 lb. cash on the beginning of the third quarter. It is desired that, as many as can, would furnish themselves with beds; such as cannot, may be provided for here, to the number of eight or ten boys, at 35s a year for each bed." Elijah Craig
"Lebanon, December 27, 1787"

In 1790, Georgetown was incorporated by the Legislature of Virginia, and named in honor of George Washington. March 10, 1792, the Indians stole ten or twelve horses from near Grants' mill, on North Elkhorn, and on Tuesday night following, they burned a dwelling house, together with all the household furniture, belonging to the proprietors, who had left their house late in the evening. This was about the last incursion of the Indians in the neighborhood of Georgetown.

Eliljah Craig, named above as the proprietor and founder of Georgetown, was a Baptist preacher, and one of three brothers-Joseph, Lewis and Elijah-who were made famous in Virginia by religious intolerance and persecution. They all removed to Kentucky, and Elijah settled here. He was a man of decided character, a good speaker, an acceptable preacher, and a very considerable business qualifications, accumulating a large property. He built and owned the upper mill, now DeGarris, the lower mill, known as Grant's mill, and with Mr. Parker, of Lexington, the paper mill on the Royal Spring branch, where Capt. Lair's mill now stands. This was the first paper mill, and manufactured nearly all the paper used for printing or wrapping purposes, for Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, and the villages around for many years. This paper mill was built in 1795, and burnt down in 1832. It was the first paper mill and the only one for many years west of the mountains.

The house erected by Mr. Craig for his residence stood on the hill, on the east side of "Floyd's Royal Spring Branch," as it was then called. Col. Floyd, a soldier of the Revolution, had a military land warrant for a thousand acres; this survey was on the south side of North Elkhorn, and includes the land on which the town was laid out, and the Spring Branch and running west, and known as Floyd's survey, and patented in 1779.

One of the first brick houses in the town was erected by Mr. Craig, and in which he resided for many years, was the house owned by the late Col. A.K.Richards and destroyed by fire a few years since. Mr. Craig also erected a factory for the manufacture of hemp, north of his dwelling and on the opposite side of the road, near the place now occupied by the Desha monument. The first settlements made in the town, were mostly on the bluff, east of the Spring Branch, and were, no doubt, located with a view as much to comfort and convenience as for safety, in supplying themselves with water. The first settlers of this town were largely from Virginia, some from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Massachusetts. They were enterprising, intelligent and many of them educated men and women. The town is claimed to have been surveyed and laid out by Fielding Bradford, a very competent surveyor, and afterward Judge of the county, assisted by John Payne, the first County Surveyor, and a Brigadier General in the war of 1812. Elijah Craig erected and owned the framed hotel that stood on the northwest corner of Main and Main cross streets, on the site of the Georgetown Hotel, recently destroyed by fire. It was first occupied as a hotel by his son-in-law, Capt. Grant, who was killed by the Indians in 1794, on the Ohio River below the mouth of Licking River, he with others having pursued the Indians, who had made an incursion and carried off some horses from the neighborhood of Georgetown. In 1780, the Virginia Legislature granted lands to Kentucky for educational purposes, and the citizens of Georgetown very early availed themselves of the grant, and built what was known as Rittenhouse Academy; the first house erected for that purpose was of hewed logs, and stood on the north side of what is now called College street, not far from the head of the Spring Branch, as is occupied at present as a private residence. Firearms were a necessary household article in these early times, and in 1784 Mr. Edward West, from Fredericksburg, Va., settled in Georgetown as a gunsmith. He erected a log house near the Spring Branch, where he manufactured rifles chiefly, for which there was great demand. He also invented a mold for casting or molding pewter into plates and basins, then in great request and almost indispensable to every housekeeper.

Capt. John Hawkins and his brother Martin emigrated from Virginia and settled in Georgetown about the year 1790. They were merchants. Capt. Hawkins erected a brick and frame building which he occupied as a residence on the northeast corner of Main and Hamilton streets, and now occupied by John Mullin as a hotel. Capt. Hawkins was a prominent citizen, and in 1792 was the first Clerk of Scott County Court. He removed to Hopkinsville, Christian County, about the year 1820, and died there at an advanced age.

Mr. Martin Hawkins was a citizen of Georgetown for many years, and a successful merchant; he erected one of the first brick houses in the town. It stood on the south side of Main Street, near the site of the building now occupied by Thomas Barkley as a grocery. It was built with the gable to the street, and had an elevator for lifting goods to the second story; this was a wholesale house, and Mr. Hawkins did a large business. His residence, a frame building, stood upon the alley just in the rear of the Fitzgerald drug store, and fronting on Main street. About 1813, he removed to the beautiful blue grass farm south of town, afterward owned by Mr. Thomas Smarr, and at present occupied by Mrs. A.K. Richards. He married Miss Mary Shipp, of Fayette County, about the year 1800. Mr. Hawkins died in 1824 or 1825. Mrs. Hawkins survived him many years, and died in Georgetown. They left five sons and three daughters, all of whom are dead except Mr. Richard Hawkins, who still resides in the town at an advanced age.

Abram Scott was here as early as 1794-95. He lived in a log house very much after the style of a fort, with portholes on all sides and a projecting roof; it stood on the east side of the Spring Branch. He carried on blacksmithing in a shop that stood near the site now occupied by John Rowland's brick shop. Mr. Scott was a prominent man in the municipal affairs of the town, often elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and on many of its important committees, an industrious and useful citizen.

Capt. Lynn West was born in Virginia in 1775, and came to Georgetown with his Uncle Edward West in 1784, and worked with him in the gunsmith business until 1797, when he returned to Prince William County, Va., and while there married Miss Susan Jackson. Before going to Virginia, he had erected a dwelling on the corner of Hamilton and what is now called Bourbon Street. He returned to Georgetown and continued the manufacture of guns and other implements. In 1812, he volunteered as Captain of an independent company, First Battalion, First Regiment of Scott's command. He died in 1836. Capt. West was an energetic, industrious and high-toned man. He was fond of fine-blooded horses, of which he raised and ran a good many. He left a family of nine children. Mrs. Susan West survived her husband many years, and died in 1860, an excellent, devoted and pious lady, a member of the Baptist Church.

Among the earliest settlers of Georgetown and the first professional lawyer was Mr. Samuel Shepard, he was born in Massachusetts, Middlesex County, October 19, 1765, and, with his brother, Zenas Shepard, removed to Kentucky about 1790; he was married to Miss Fannie Barlow, of Scott County, in 1792, and was living in Georgetown in 1795, practicing law and keeping a house of entertainment. The house was a log and framed house, and stood on the east side of Main Cross Street, near where the present Catholic Church stands. Some years afterward, he built a large brick house on the lot south of the town, and which now forms a part of the Female Seminary. He practiced law many years and died in Ohio in 1839. Mrs. Shepard survived him many years. He left four sons, all of whom are dead.

William and Thomas Story emigrated from Pennsylvania, and settled in Georgetown about 1790. They sank and carried on a large tannery; it was in the valley on the east side of Main Cross Street, and north of the Pratt property, and now a part of it. They worked a large number of hands, and furnished a great portion of the leather for home manufacture.

The residence of Mr. William Story, where he lived a great many years, is the old frame, the second house north of the Pratt Hotel.

Mr. William Story was a prominent citizen of the town, often a member of the Board of Trustees. He married Miss Eliza, sister of John Bradford, editor of the old Kentucky Gazette. She was an intelligent and excellent lady, and died in 1833. Mr. Story survived her a few years.

Capt. Thomas Story conducted the business of tanning for several years. Volunteered in the war of 1812, the First Lieutenant, Capt. West's Company, First Regiment, Scott's Brigade; served out his time of enlistment, and removed to Missouri in 1820.

One of the first physicians who settled in Georgetown was Dr. John Stites, born in New Jersey and educated in New York. He emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Georgetown about 1795. He was an educated man and eminent in his profession. He was the grandfather of Judge Stites, now of Louisville. He died in Georgetown in 1811.

William B. Warren emigrated from Virginia and settled in Georgetown about 1794. He practiced law for many years and was successful in his profession. He was Judge of Quarter Sessions Court, a man of fine personal appearance, quiet and retiring. He erected and occupied a frame house on the south side of Main Street, on the site now occupied by the Farmer's Bank. He afterward removed to a brick residence that now forms a part of Warrendale, and where he resided at the time of his death. He married Miss Maria Fauntleroy, who survived him several years. He dies in 1824. They left tow sons and three daughters. Mrs. Margaret Johnson, widow of Col. T. F. Johnson, alone surviving.

Capt. William Theobalds came from Virginia and settled in Georgetown about 1790., He built and occupied a large frame building on the south side of Main Street, near the site of the present residence of Mr. William O. Thompson. This was a famous old hotel. Capt. Theobalds was an admirable hotel keeper and so good was his cheer that many of the farmers of that day, like the boys of the present, after the arduous labors of County Court day were over, got left. Capt. Theobalds married Miss Brown, sister of Judge William O. Brown of Harrison County. They raised a large family of children. He removed to a farm near the "Stamping Ground" in Scott County about 1820, where he died.

The first court house erected in the town stood on the public square, near the site occupied by the present handsome structure. The lower story was of stone and very rough, and upon this a frame building was erected for the court rooms proper. A flight of steps from the ground to the second story on the south side was the mode of approach to the court room. The lower story was divided into rooms that were rented out for the benefit of the town. Here schools were kept, and various tradesmen occupied these rooms that were rented out annually to the highest bidder. This house was built about 1793 or 1794, and after fulfilling its particular purpose of dispensing justice, it was also used for schools, churches and general meetings. It was pulled down in 1816, the frame work removed up on the north side of Main Street, near the lot occupied by Dr. Craig's residence, and converted in to an oil factory by Mr. Charles Cullen.

Capt. Robert Hunter settled in Georgetown about the year 1794. He removed from Virginia. He owned and occupied the red frame house on the east side of Main Cross Street and the first house, north of and adjoining Pratt's Hotel. Capt. Hunter was often a member of the Board of Trustees, and a prominent citizen of the town.

Hezekiah Ford, Alexander McKoy, Thomas Johnston and Adam Johnson were all early settlers from 1790 to 1800. Alex. McKoy was the first Commissioner and Tax Collector for many years of the town; a soldier of the war of 1812. He has one daughter living in the county, the mother of Dr. Ford and the Rev. C. Ford of "Stamping Ground".

Capt. James H. Mahoney removed from Maryland and settled in Georgetown in 1798 or 1799. He erected a frame building on the east side of Main Cross Street, on the site now occupied by the "Pratt House," here he conducted a hotel for many years. About the year 1820, he removed the frame and erected a brick house in its stead that forms the front of the present hotel. He was a popular and successful landlord, fully identified with the prosperity of the town, and one of its prominent citizens. He lived to an advanced age and died in 183--, leaving two daughters - Mrs. Lewis West and Mrs. Chambers.

Bartlett Collins, the two McClungs, John and David, Bernard Moore, James Bell, John and James Lemon were very early settlers of Georgetown. Bernard Moore, for many years, carried on saddlery and harness-making under the old court house. In 1799, James Garrard, then Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, under an act of the General Assembly of Kentucky, deeded unto Robert Johnson, Bartlett Collins, John Hawkins, John Hunter, Elijah Craig, Toliver Craig, William Henry, John Payne, Samuel Shepard, William Warren and Abraham Buford, Trustees to the Rittenhouse Academy, a certain tract or parcel of land containing 5,900 acres of land, lying and being in the county of Christian and on the Cumberland River, for the purpose of establishing and endowing an academy. - S.F. Gano

Source:
History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison & Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, Edited by William Henry Perrin, 1882
Previously submitted by Jo Thiessen

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