The Pioneer of the Cross-Keys Tavern - Their story, like all others, is best told by beginning at the beginning. In the year 1777, there was born in the heart of Virginia, a future Kentucky pioneer, whom they christened Adam Middleton. In 1794, he was married to Miss Mary Fulton, also of the “Old Dominion.” In the year 1800, they came with the dawn of the century to Kentucky, settled in a little hut near where the house that figures herein is located, and he for a time plied his calling, that of a blacksmith. The stream of travelers who poured down the old dirt “State Road” suggested to young Middleton the idea of a tavern, and he bought the log structure that had served as such before, from a man across the road, and, because the road forked there, hung up two immense brass keys on a tree at the roadside and called his the “Cross-Keys” tavern. The stories of the travelers that passed and stopped there as the years passed by and they with the star of empire westward took their way, would fill a book. It was an historic inn with an historic bar, an historic table of good things, and cheerful landlord, a roomy barn and barnyard, and continued so until the “State Pike” was built and even rumors of war began, and the well-fed and good-humored guests of yore became ravaging wolves, the geurrillas of the war. But much had happened to Shelby’s first Middleton before these last times referred to. In fact, he had been dead nearly fifty years when the war came on. But of those other days before even the first wars of the century; when the Nineteenth century was in its ‘teens, there is much concerning him that could be told. Happiness came to him as rapidly as did prosperity and ease, though in those days he would lodge a six-horse team and driver, with a free glass of whiskey for the man, all for “six bits.” Between 1800 and 1820, the last eight of ten children were born to him and the wife of his bosom. These “grew in beauty side by side,” and though they were never scattered far and wide—all living and dying in the County—all left the parental rooftree for homes and farms of their own, excepting two. Two younger brothers, and it is with these twin souls and their marvelous and unexampled experience in this or any other state, I know of, that this sketch has to do. (See Adam and Robert Middleton).400

Every community has some family or persons whose eminent qualities distinguish them. It may be of mind, and such person is called and known as a genius who may startle the world; and whose fame is not limited by the narrow boundary of a county, or State, but belongs to a nation; and whom the world holds in reverence and sometimes affection.

The capacity of a mind which soars above and beyond the average citizen’s may have the tendency to evil, and when such is the case, a monster is produced whose acts horrify the law-abiding and Christ-loving, and cause fear to all.

It is not to be, in this world, that every person shall become a genius—good or bad—but it is possible in our Christian American for every child to become an honored citizen—or a loving, tender, gentle woman and mother.

Of such we proposed to write.

On August 2, in the year 1770, in Virginia, the mother of Presidents—first saw the light of day; a child, Adam Middleton, whose future influence in the world could not then be foretold.

In many cases it were best that we should not know the secrets of the future, but could this child have seen the results of a well spent life, in the lives of those of his name to follow them, he could not but be glad that he had been born.

The trackless forest begun where a limited clearing had been made—even in Virginia at that time—and the woods held their terrors by day to the hardy and venturesome pioneer.

Born, not in the lap of luxury, but blest with a strong constitution and iron will, the child grew to manhood—and wishing to try his strength innate—Adam Middleton, a capable blacksmith, ventured to turn towards the dark and bloody ground of old Kentucky.

Like all true men, and brave, he proved his manhood in persuading a true woman to share his heart and fortunes; and on Feb. 27, 1794, married Miss Mary Fulton, also a Virginian, who was born Feb. 20, 1775.

They came together to Shelby county in 1800. Their guiding star locating them about five miles east of Shelbyville, on the then old dirt road, the thoroughfare in this portion of the State.

The excellent judgment of this man was shown in selecting a place where trade was sure to come, and he purchased a small log building—which had been commonly used as a stopping place by the worn traveler—and continuing this hospitable and profitable occupation in connection with the daily prosecution of his necessary trade—blacksmithing—he began, by thrift and honorable dealings to “lay by” some money for future investment.

CROSS KEYS

The roads forked at the place selected by this worthy man, and using an emblem of his trade, he made two large keys, and crossing them fixed them securely and permanently to a high pole, so that the sign might be easily noticed by any traveler.

The years went by. The stream of travel from East to West continued and increased. The cheerful fire cast its welcoming light out upon the dark road side and bade the wayfarer or traveler to come within and sup at the bounteous board, and rest beneath handmade homespun comforts and blankets, and be renewed and refreshed for the morning’s travel. Those who were fortunate in stopping once, did not fail to make a “forced march” if ever within striking distance of the Cross Keys Tavern on a second journey. The fame of its board spread among rich and poor over the several adjacent States, and many Eastern travelers have mentioned with evident pleasure, the hours spent beneath the Middleton roof. A statesman, james G. Blaine, eminent and distinguished, being one of the number, (though his visit was made in later years.)

Adam Middleton, the elder, died July 20, 1834, aged 64 years. Mary Fulton, his wife, died September 15, 1829.

The purpose of what has been here written, was to indicate the character of the elder Middleton and his faithful wife.

To them were born ten children, listed in the table below, only one of whom, Jonathan, ever moved from Kentucky.

The two younger boys—Adam and Robert W., and their families—will be the continued subject of this article.

Adam was born March 6, 1813.

Robert W. was born December 3, 1816.

Their parents died after the oldest children had moved to the homes of their own choosing and these two brothers—wonderful to relate—concluded to remain together and at the old Cross Keys Tavern.

It was still a tavern, and valuable property. The associations of their early life had made them more than brothers, and money considerations all aside, their love for each other was too strong to brook a division of the estate, and a separation. They therefore put all their property, real and personal, into a common fund, and decided that they would live and share together in common until death.

Brothers in the flesh; brothers in their home; brothers in their property; brothers in their likes and dislikes; brothers in life; and brothers till death—what a spectacle! Brothers truly for half a century.

They were not only brothers, but also became brothers-at-law, as we shall see.

Adam, December 24, 1835, when 22 years of age, married Miss Mary Francis Willis, a young lady of the neighborhood, daughter of Mr. Pierson Willis—who had also moved from Virginia in the pioneer days.

September 129, 1839, Robert concluded to marry, and selected Miss Laetitia Willis, a younger sister of Adam’s wife, and for fifty years, or until the passing of the golden wedding for both couples, this happy double union continued.

Their home life was also pleasant, ad each raised a family.

Their children were reared in such a home of contentment, comfort and gentle rule, that if correction was needed, either parent administered rebuke, as if the child was his or her own. The parents were wise fathers and mothers, loving and tender. The intimacy was so close between the two families that the children, while young, could hardly know which was father and which mother, uncle or aunt.

A community of interest obtained in all business relations. The accounts for supplies for the home were charged to A. & R. W. Middleton. Cattle, sheep, hogs, farming implements bought, found no other account than A. & R. W. Middleton, while money for crops sold went in the general fund.
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