Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, ed. 8-B, Laurel County Judge William H. Randall was a native of Garrard County, KY, born June 15, 1814. His ancestors came from Virginia to Kentucky at an early date and settled in Garrard County. His parents, Richard and Mary (Butcher) Randall, removed to Rockcastle County, but subsequently settled near Lexington, Fayette County, where they lived for many years. From there they went to Madison County, then to Jackson County, MO, in 1843, where they spent the remainder of their lives. There were born to them ten children, viz: Charles B., John, William H., Zarilda, Arthusa, James S., Mary A., Milton P., John Q, and Alexander C. William H. Randall was reared and educated in Mount Vernon, KY, and in early life was engaged as a clerk. About 1830 he commenced the study of law with John A. Moore, of Mount Vernon, and was admitted to the bar at London, KY, February 26, 1835. He then practiced his profession at London one year, when he was appointed, by the circuit judge of the district, circuit and county court clerk, which offices he held until 1850, when the constitution was changed. However, he was elected under the new constitution, and served until 1855. He then turned his attention to the practice of law, which he continued until 1863, when he was elected to Congress from the Eight Congressional District of Kentucky, served one term, and was re-elected in August, 1865. In 1867he was elected circuit judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, holding that office until 1880. He again resumed the practice of legal profession, which he followed until his death, which occurred August 1, 1884. He was a man of more than ordinary ability in the legal profession, and a man he-loved by all. He was popular socially and politically, and was one of the most influential men in eastern Kentucky. July 7, 1836, he married Martha J. Slaughter, a daughter of John H. and Julia (Love) Slaughter. To them were born ten children, viz: Mary M., Julia E., William H., Jr., John G., Richard, James F., Sarah E., Robert M., Thomas P. and Charles M. Judge Randall was a member of the Christian Church, and politically a Republican. Randall Butcher Slaughter Love = VA Garrard-KY Fayette-KY Madison-KY Rockcastle-KY Jackson-MO http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/laurel/randall.wh.txt