HISTORY OF TRIGG COUNTY

CHAPTER I. - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X -XI - XII

 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
ROCK CASTLE AND PRECINCT
Cadiz Precinct - Canton Precinct - Ferguson Springs - Laura Furnace - Linton - Roaring Springs - Golden Pond
ROCK CASTLE PRECINCT

BLAKE BAKER, JR., farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., February 19, 1887, and is a son of Blake and Edna (Gresham) Baker; the former a native of North Carolina and of English descent, the latter a native of Virginia and of Scotch descent. Blake Baker, Sr., was educated in Kentucky, to which State he removed when quite young. He made farming his sole occupation. He first settled in Lyon County, then Caldwell County, and finally located in Trigg County, where he died August 29, 1852. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and served as Magistrate for a number of years. Blake Baker, Jr., remained at the homestead until January 80, 1859, when he was married to Elizabeth J. Grasty, a native of Kentucky. Seven children bless their union- four eons and three daughters. Mr. Baker has filled the office of Magistrate since 1872, and is a Democrat in politics. He owns and operates a farm in Rock Castle Precinct, Trigg County. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are devoted members of the Baptist Church.

SAMUEL F. BAKER, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., May 17, 1842, and is a son of Blake and Clarinda E. (Standrod) Baker, both natives of Kentucky and of Scotch-English descent. The former died about the year 1845. S. F. Baker received a good education in the schools of his locality; his father died when he (Samuel) was very young, and he was taken and reared by his grandfather Standrod, with whom he remained until his marriage, which took place February 15, 1861, to Sarah A. Hendrick, a native of Kentucky. To them were born three children, of whom one son and one daughter are living. Mrs. Baker died in September, 1865. Mr. Baker's second marriage was on October 15, 1868, to Sarah A. Thomas, a native of Kentucky. Seven children were born to this union, of whom two Sons and three daughters are living: Margaret B., Mark S., Nancy I., Lain B. and Zee. Mr. Baker has followed farming all his life, and at present fills the office of Magistrate for the precinct. He owns and operates a farm near Rock Castle Precinct. Mrs. B. is a devoted member of the Baptist Church

J. R. BURNAM was born in North Carolina, October 4, 1823, and is a son of Wilson and Elizabeth (Gambrel) Burnam, both natives of North Carolina and of English descent, respectively. Wilson Burnam emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1830, and settled in Trigg County; he was a carpenter, and worked at his trade in connection with farming until his death in 1877. J. R. Burnam was educated in Trigg County and remained with his parents until 1850, when he was married to Sarah J. Holly, a native of Kentucky; to them were born two sons and one daughter. Mrs. Burnam died some seventeen years ago, and Mr. B. next married Lucy Hyden, a native of Tennessee. Two children bless this union-one son and one daughter. Mr. Burnam is by trade a bricklayer, and follows this business in connection with farming. He is a member of the 1. 0. 0. F. at Rock Castle, also of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at Parkersville, Ky., and is one of the leading men of the precinct and county.

JOHN F. CAMPBELL was born in Trigg County, Ky., December 17, 1830, and is a son of William and Sarah Campbell. John F. remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he entered the employ of Hillman, Van Lear & Co., as book-keeper and salesman; with them he remained four years, and after spending some time at home, again entered their employ. in 1860 he began business for himself at Rock Castle; one year later he began farming, which he has since followed, with the exception of three years, when he was engaged in the milling business. At present he resides near Rock Castle, west of the Cumberland. Mr. Campbell was married February 14, 1861, to Sarah Cunningham, a native of Tennessee. To them were born eight children, of whom Joseph N., William J., James S., Charles, Alice B. and George G. are living. Mr. C. is a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Joppa, No. 167. He owns one of the best farms between the Cumberland and Tennessee. Rivers; he is one of the leading citizens of the precinct and county.

WILLIAM M. CAMPBELL was born in Trigg County, Ky., October 3, 1812, and is a son of William and Sarah J. (Baker) Campbell, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Scotch and the latter of French descent. William Campbell, Sr., was born in Bourbon County, Ky., October 26, 1797, where he lived for some time, then removed to Tennessee, where he spent one year, then came to Christian County, and thence to Trigg County, where he still resides at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. the oldest man in Rock Castle Precinct and the second oldest in the county. When Mr. Campbell came to Trigg County it was unoccupied save by wolves, bears and wild game. In youth he learned the tanner's trade, but made farming his occupation instead. William M. Campbell (our subject) received a good common school education, but was forced to leave school early owing to ill health. At the beginning of the war troubles, though barely old enough for enrollment, he was elected Captain of Company A, First Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. in September, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. T. G. Woodward's squadron, Kentucky Cavalry, C. S. A., which subsequently composed Companies A and B, First Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Gen. Ben Hardin Helm. Mr. Campbell served throughout the war, rising through successive grades from private to Lieutenant commanding company. He was desperately wounded in front of Columbia, S. C., on the 15th of February, 1865. After the war he taught school one year. He was married, November 16, 1865, to Rebecca C. Holland, a native of Kentucky, by whom he has had nine children, of whom Nannie, John S. David W., William M., Jr., and Richard G. are living. After his marriage Mr. Camp. bell engaged in merchandising; later was employed as head salesman for Hillman & Son's Iron Works, and at present is head salesman for Ewald & Co.'s store (iron works), and also superintends his farm. He is a member of the P. of H. and A. F. & A. M., and of the Missionary Baptist Church. Has served as Sheriff of Trigg County four years; has also figured conspicuously in politics, and is one of the leading influential business men of the county.

THOMAS W. FINLEY, farmer, was born in De Kaib County, Tenn., January 10, 1847, and is a son of Henry and Permelia Finley natives respectively of Tennessee and Georgia, and of Irish descent Thomas W. remained on the homestead until August 14, 1864, when hi was married to Meridian Walker, a native of Tennessee. They had five children, of whom two sons and two daughters are living. In 1867 Mr Finley emigrated to Kentucky, settled in Trigg County and followed farming; December 16, 1875, his wife died, and June 11, 1876, he married Mary Powell, a native of Kentucky; to them were born two children. His third marriage was December 20, 1881, to Nancy Keil, native of Tennessee. Mr. Finley is a member of the Baptist Church; he owns and operates a farm in Rock Castle Precinct, where he is a representative citizen.

DANIEL HILLMAN, proprietor of a smelting furnace and rolling-mill, was born in New Jersey, February 26, 1807, and is a son of Daniel and Grace (Huston) Hiliman. They were natives of New Jersey and are supposed to be of English descent. Daniel Hiliman, Sr., was largely engaged in the iron business in New Jersey, and also engaged in the same business for eight or nine years in Greenupsburg, Ky., after his removal to that place; there also Mrs. Hillman died. Some years after, Mr. Hill-man, in company with another party, built the first smelting furnace in the neighborhood of Birmingham, Ala. Daniel Hillman, Jr., received a good common school education in Kentucky, to which State he came with his parents, when he was quite young. He went into business with Van Lear at Cumberland Furnace, Dixon Co., Tenn.; from there he came to Empire Furnace in Trigg County, Ky., and entered into partnership with Dr. Watson. While at the Cumberland Furnace he was married to a daughter of Dr. J. Hart Marible, member of Congress. To their union were born four children-two sons and two daughters-all of whom are living. While engaged at the Empire Furnace, he built the Fulton Furnace in Trigg County, moved the rolling mill from Nashville to Lyon County, and put it up across the river from the Empire Furnace. On the death of his partner, he bought the latter'8 interest and controlled the business. He afterward took his two brothers as partners, and the firm was known as D. Hillman & Bros. He had large commission houses all over the country, and before the war, built what is known as Center Furnace, which is now operated by one of his sons; he also owned a furnace in Hickman County, Tenn. At the breaking out of the war these furnaces were closed, the Center Furnace being now the only one in operation. Before the war Mr. Hiliman was also owner of 72,000 acres of land. In 1870 or 1871 he purchased property in Alabama, both coal and iron-the Alice Furnace Company which is now consolidated with the Pratt Coal Company. The Trigg Furnace was built in 1871 and was operated for some three and a half years, when Mr. Hillman's health began to fail, and it is now idle. Mrs. Hillman died in 1861. His second marriage, took place in the fall of 1865, to Mary A. Gentry, a daughter of Meredith P. Gentry, Member of Congress from Tennessee. To this union have been born four sons, three of whom are living. Mr. Hillman is a member of the Nashville, Tenn., Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also a Knight Templar. Since the failing of his health, he has sold some of his property. He is one of the leading, influential citizens and business men of Trigg County.

SAMUEL M. HOLLAND was born in Trigg County, Ky., November 7, 1857, and is a son of J. A. and Minerva (Standrod) Holland, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of Kentucky, of English descent respectively; the father emigrated to Kentucky at an early age, and settled in what was then Caldwell County, but now Trigg County; he was a farmer; he was married October 10, 1844; he was a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Joppa, No. 167, in Lyon County, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Holland were life-long members of the Baptist Church; the former died February 15, 1877, the latter January 31, 1884. Samuel M., our subject, remained with his parents on the homestead until November 4, 1880, when he was married to Lucy K. Baker, a native of Kentucky. To them have been born two children: Albert B. and Pearl. In connection with farming Mr. Holland owns and operates a cotton-gin, grist-mill, smith and wagon-shop. He owns a beautiful farm in Rock Castle, Trigg County, where he resides; he is one of the influential men of the county. 

WILLIAM LITCHFIELD, farmer, was born in Lyon County (then Caldwell) November 20, 1820, and is a son of James and Nancy (Wimberly) Litchfield, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of North Carolina, and were of English descent respectively. James Litchfield migrated to Kentucky in 1818, his first wife having died some time before. His second marriage was to the mother of our subject; he purchased a farm in Lyon County, then Caldwell County, Ky., where he died at the advanced age of ninety-four. William Litchfield remained with his parents in youth, and in 1844 was married to Elizabeth Oliver a native of Kentucky. Five children bless their union, two eons and three daughter, all living. Mrs. L. died some years ago. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. L. next married Mrs. Alzadie M. Dunn, a native of Kentucky, on March 3, 1880. They have one child-Carrie M. M. R. M. Dunn. Mr. Litchfield is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the pioneer citizens of the county. In religion he is a Baptist. 

EPHRAIM D. OSBURN, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., May 4, 1842, and is a son of Miles and Margaret (Sanders) Os-burn, the former a native of Mississippi, the latter a native of Kentucky, of English descent, respectively. Miles Osburn came to Kentucky when quite young; was reared by his half-brother, and remained with him till he was married; he then settled in Rock Castle Precinct, and followed farming ; he remained there till the fall of 1883, when he sold out and moved to Illinois, where he now resides; he is a member of the church, and one of the leading citizens of Trigg County. Ephraim D. Osburn remained with his parents until January 16, 1864, when he was married to Sarah E. Luttrell, a native of Kentucky. Nine children blessed their union, of whom five eons and one daughter are living. At about the age of eighteen Mr. Osburn learned the carpenter trade, and follows it in connection with farming, his principal occupation. In 1862 he enlisted in the Eighth Kentucky Regiment, Company B, and served three years. Mr. Osburn is a firm believer in the doctrines of the Baptist Church; he owns a farm in Rock Castle Precinct, and is one of the representative men in the county. Politically he is a Democrat.

WILEY PEAL, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., November 19, 1849,-and is a son of Harvey and Emily Creekmore) Peal, both natives of Trigg County. Harvey Peal was born July 11, 1820, in Trigg County, and owns the farm on which he now resides in Rock Castle Precinct. Wiley Peal remained with his parents until February 8, 1872, when he was married to Mattie Merrifield, a native of Kentucky. Three children bless their union: Anna, William R. and Daisy D. Mr. Peal follows farming, and frequently teaches school in the winter season, and for a time was clerk in the Tennessee Rolling Mills. He has held the office of Town Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Peal are devoted members of the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM M. PEAL, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., November 13, 1857, and is a son of Harvey and Emily Peal. He remained on the farm with his parents until March 7, 1876, when he was married to Sarah B. Creekmore, a daughter of George Creekmore, and a native of Kentucky. They have one child-Ida Lee. After his marriage Mr. Peal purchased a farm, on which he resides. In politics he is Republican, and leads the quiet but industrious life of a farmer in Rock Castle Precinct, where he is one of the representative citizens. 

DRURY W. STANDROD, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., February 23, 1822, and is a son of Bazzel and Rebecca (Rogers) Standrod, the former of German descent, the latter not known; the former died March 11, 1869; the latter March 28 1867. Drury W. Standrod was educated at the subscription schools of his native county; he was married October 14, 1853, to Catherine F. Campbell, a native of Kentucky. To them were born seven children, of whom three are living: Rebecca Frances, Samuel Ewing and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Standrod followed farming until 1847, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Rock Castle; continued in the same until 1870, during which time he was and is still connected with the warehouse. He has held the office of Postmaster almost continuously since 1854; he is a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Since 1810 he has principally been engaged in farming, and owns a farm of 225 acres, 175 of which are in cultivation. Mr. Standrod is one of the highly respected citizens of Rock Castle Precinct. The original family were all members of the Lutheran order of Baptists, and died in that faith, in which Mr. Standrod is also a believer. 

S. B. STANDROD, physician, was born in Rock Castle, Trigg Co., Ky., June 7, 1857, and is a son of D. W. and C. F. Standrod. S. B. Standrod received a good education in his native county; he then attended the Nashville and Vanderbilt University of Medicine, where he will graduate this year. He is one of the promising young men of the county, is a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and bids fair to soon appear among the leading men of his chosen profession. JOHN JAMES WALLACE, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., and is a son of J. L. and Caroline (Prescott) Wallace, the former a native of Stewart County, Tenn., and the latter a native of Kentucky. J. L. Wallace began life at the age of thirteen, working by the month on a farm for very small wages. In 1839 he came to Kentucky, and in 1854 purchased a farm in Trigg County, which he still owns. He spent some three years in Texas, one year in Arkansas, then returned to Trigg County, where he now resides. He was married April 1, 1850. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Joppa, No. 167, and is a believer in the doctrines of the Baptist Church. J. J. Wallace, our subject, received a good education in youth in his native county. He remained with his parents, engaged on the farm until December 16, 1876, when he was married to Jane McConnell, a native of Kentucky. To them were born four children, of whom two sons and one daughter are yet living. Mr. Wallace owns a nice farm, and bids fair to become one of the leading farmers of the county. ALVIN G. WALLACE was born in Trigg County, April 28, 1861, and is a son of James and Martha (Whithuret) Wallace, both natives of Tenne8see, and of English descent. James Wallace was by trade a cabinet-maker, at which he worked in connection with farming. In 1856 he emigrated to Trigg County, Ky., where he bought a farm on which he resided during the remainder of his life. He served some two years in the Confederate Army daring the late war. He was a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Joppa, No. 167, in Lyon County. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were life-long members of the Baptist Church. Mr. W. died October 26, 1879, loved by all who knew him. Alvin G., our subject, has always lived on the farm which he operates since the death of his father, and takes care of his only sister-Mary C. and his widowed mother. Mr. Wallace is twenty-three years old, a man of good habits, enterprising, industrious, and one of the promising young men of the county. 

*- County of Trigg Kentucky , HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL - EDITED BY WILLIAM HENRY PERRIN - ILLUSTRATED. - F.A. BATTEY PUBLISHING CO. 1884.
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