HISTORY OF KENTUCKY AND KENTUCKIANS, E. Polk Johnson, three volumes, Lewis Publishing Co., New York & Chicago, 1912. Common version, Vol. III, pp. 1253-54-55. [Bourbon County] JUDGE JOHN Q. WARD--One of the most highly honored representatives of the legal fraternity of Bourbon county was the late Judge John Q. Ward, who, although more than a decade has passed since he was removed by the hand of death from a community in which he had been one of the best loved and most valuable factors in its many-sided life, is still keenly remembered and keenly regretted by hosts of friends and admirers. Judge Ward was born in Oxford, Scott county, Kentucky, on the 29th of August, 1838. Of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the dominating characteristics of the two nations have been agreeable blended and fused in the Ward family, the versatility and alertness of the latter being combined with the unswerving loyalty to duty and unwavering fidelity of the former. The year 1750 marked the advent of the Ward family in America, Virginia being chosen for permanent location. The great-grandfather, Joseph Ward, figured prominently in public affairs in the Old Dominion commonwealth, serving as a member of the state legislature and also as judge of the courts of quarter sessions for several terms. He married Margaret Coalter, a representative of an old Virginia family and they removed from Fauquier county, Virginia, to Harrison county, Kentucky about the year 1785. Their son, Cary Aldry Ward, was the father of John Q. Ward, of this sketch, and was born in Harrison county, Kentucky. As he grew to man's estate he learned the printer's trade and at one time edited a paper at Oxford, Kentucky. After 1832 he directed his energies to farming and merchandising in Scott county and he became one of the most influential citizens in his section of the state. His wife whose maiden name was Elizabeth Jane Risk, was a daughter of John and Ann (Daugherty) Risk, both of whom were representatives of pioneer families of Woodford county, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Cary Aldry Ward became the parents of three children and of this number John Q. Ward was the first in order of birth. He was born in Scott county, Kentucky, August 29, 1838, and he obtained his education in the public schools of Scott county and in Georgetown College, in which well-ordered institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1858 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law at Georgetown and he made such rapid progress under the able preceptorship of Marcellus Polk that he was admitted to the bar in August, 1860. In September of the same year he initiated the practice of his profession as a member of the legal fraternity of Cynthiana, Kentucky. Like most young lawyers Judge Ward entered into politics with great enthusiasm. In 1862 he was elected county attorney and he filled this office most acceptedly for four years. He was also common school commissioner and in 1873 was elected to the state legislature. Aside from his official duties his time was given to his practice, which steadily grew in volume and importance, and experience soon tested his abilities and proved his merit. The legal business entrusted to his care was of a high character and with consummate skill he handled the intricate problems of the law. His success was gratifying and he manifested the most painstaking effort in the trial of cases entrusted to him. As an advocate he was preeminent and his fame became widespread. His superior knowledge of the elemental principles of jurisprudence, as well as his accurate comprehension of the finer shades of meaning which are often found in the law, made him particularly fit for judgeship. In 1884 he was elected to the bench of the Superior court to fill the unexpired term of Judge Reid. In 1886 further mark of popular appreciation was given him in that he was then re-elected, without opposition, for a full term of four years, and in 1890 he declined a re-election. On his retirement from the bench, Judge Ward removed to Paris, Kentucky, where he continued in the private practice of his profession, with unqualified success until his death, June 26, 1899. On November 30, 1865, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Ward to Miss Mary Eliza Miller, who was born in Harrison county, this state, on the 8th of January, 1843. She was a daughter of James and Ann F. (Boyd) Miller, prominent citizens of Harrison county. Mrs. Ward survived her honored husband for a number of years and was summoned to the life eternal on the 5th of September, 1908. They were both earnest members of the Presbyterian church, in which the judge served for many years as elder and to the charities and benevolences of which he was a most liberal contributor. He was elected moderator of the synod of Kentucky ins 1893, by acclamation, and was the first layman ever chosen to that office in the state. In a fraternal way Judge Ward was a valued and appreciative member of the Blue Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, in whose charitable work he was deeply and actively interested. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He ever manifested a keen insight in educational matters and for a number of years served as curator of the Central University at Richmond, Kentucky. He was one of the most earnest and active friends of the public school system and did much to raise its standard in Kentucky. He was a strong Union man during the Civil war, being opposed to secession under any and all circumstances. He was broadly informed on all matters concerning the political situation of the country and frequently advanced his views from the campaign platform, where his eloquence, logic and forceful arguments always carried conviction. He was foresighted enough to look beyond the interests of the moment to the splendid possibilities of the future. Upright in his dealings with his fellow men and in all relations of life, his record will bear the search-light of fullest investigation. His mind was of giant strength. He was broad-minded and liberal in thought and action, was charitable toward others' opinions and was ever mindful of their rights and sensibilities. In public life he was true, kind and tender and at all times, under all circumstances, he was just, loyal and markedly courteous. Judge and Mrs. Ward became the parents of three children, concerning whom the following brief data are here incorporated: J. Miller Ward of whom mention is mad on other pages of this work; Anny Cary Ward, who became the wife of E. F. Clay, Jr., was summoned to the eternal rest on the 9th of May, 1900; and Jay Q. is engaged in the great basic industry of agriculture in Harrison County. Ward Coalter Miller Boyd Daugherty Risk Clay Polk = Oxford-Scott-KY Harrison-KY Woodford-KY Fauquier-VA http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/bourbon/ward.jq.txt