PART SEVEN: A MEMOIR OF LEXINGTON AND ITS VICINITY With
Some Notice of Many Prominent Citizens and Its By WILLM. A. LEAVY Continued from the July [1943] Register Source: Register, Kentucky State Historical Society, Volume 41, Number 137, October 1943, pages 310-346. This is the seventh of eight Register articles containing a transcription of a photocopy of the original William Leavy manuscript located in Special Collections, Transylvania University, Lexington, Fayette, Kentucky. NOTE: Page numbers and headings of the manuscript appear in parentheses as in original copy. Pages 1-23 are in Part 1. Pages 24 - 37 are in Part Two., 38 - 62 in Part Three, 63-82 in Part Four, 83-113 in Part Five, 114-123 in Part Six, 124-163 in Part Seven, and 164-208 in Part Eight. (124) Mr. Breckinridge died at his residence of Cabell's Dale in this county in Decr. 1806. Thomas Lewis a wealthy and respectable citizen from Virginia early settled on his farm within three miles from Lexington on the Town Fork of Elkhorn. He was elected one of the Members of the State Convention of 1792 which formed the first constitution. He left his children independent & highly respectable citizens several of whom were my fellow students in College some of whom yet survive. Capt. Andrew Gatewood my grandfather removed from Essex county, Virginia to his farm 2 miles from Lexington on the waters of Wolf Run a branch of town fork in the year 1784, adjoining to Col. John Campbell. Henry Payne father of the late Henry C. Payne and his brother Edward (the father of Danl M. Payne Esquire, decd.) early settlers on their farms in the vicinity on the waters of Town Fork, were among the most wealthy and influential of our early citizens. Richard Allen senr. father of John Allen decd. John Kay father of Robt. Kay decd. John Higbee of New Jerey who established in the year 1785 the first mill for grinding flour in Kentucky on his farm on South Elkhorn 6 miles from town on the Curd's or Harrodsburgh RoadGeo S. Smith a baptist minister was one of the members of the State Convention of 1792 from Fayette County though residing in a part of the county now called Jessamine Revd. Joseph & Lewis Craig eminent Baptist ministers the former the father of our late fellow citizen Elijah W. Craig Richd. Higgins senr. decd. and Price Curd decd. Wm. Gist senr. decd. all resided on the Curd's and Clay's mill roads, were all well known honourable and influential citizens. J. Keen at the Manchester spring farm & his sons John & Sanford Keen, decd. In other vicinities of our county themselves and their families distinguished and in the highest estimation were Capt. John McDowell decd. Major James McDowell, Col. Roger Quarles decd., Dr. Walker Warfield, Capt. John Richardson and his sons all now decd. Genls. William & Robert S. Russell and their families, Rev. Ambrose Dudley and his sons many of whom in very advanced years are yet alive. Mr. Jos. Rodgers and his sons, at least five of whom are yet alive, have lived considerably beyond the years alloted to human existence in the enjoyment of a large share of mental physical health the fruits of a fine constitution and prudential living. (125) Robert Harrison of North Elkhorn decd., Col. R. Innes and his brother _______ Innes, father of John, Capt. John Hurst & his son JamesCapt. Benjamin BerryNewbold Crockett, the Nutters of several families honest men and excellent farmers, and the Cromwells, and the Headleys alike remarkable, Majr. Mathews Flournoy a Politician of talents and note, and other branches of the same family, John H., Wlillm. R., Geo. W., Chas. Cosby, Gabl., Morton Farmers Deputy Sheriffs and men of active business many years. David Bryan, father of Genl. Wm., Abrm. Bowman senr. son of Col. Abraham B. is now over 80 years of age. These Farmers and Gentlemen though now nearly all removed by death were nearly all personally known to me and are remembered as forming the pillars of society of their day. Among the early Merchants and citizens of Lexington nearly all of whom were known to me are the following and they are placed in order as near as I am able acording to datePeter January Senr., Alexr. ParkerSee page 8Genl. James Wilkinsonfrom Philadelphia John Coburn & Gordon his partnerRobt. Barr, Robert Parker, died about the commencement of the century his 4 sons were my fellow students in College all now decd. Esqr. John Parker Sr. of Parker's mill his brother, Both of PennsylvaniaMajr. Alexander Parker also of Penna. who was in various ways during many years a most valuable and public spirited citizen also his brother James who died early. Majr. Parker's son Maj. Richard B. Parker a fellow student for many years. William Morton a wealthy and highly respected Merchant aided much in building the Episcopal Church, and bequeathed a legacy to the Trustees of the town founding the 1st City Public School. Patrick McCullough a single man from Ireland was one of the first & most successful merchants of Lexington William Leavy, Carlisle, Pa. & Ireland came to Lexington in 1788 as did George Anderson,Carlisle, Pa. father of Thos. James Geo. W. & John all decd. came also the same yearRobt. Holmes an esteemed citizen father in law of Richd. Chinn Esqr. decd. and about the 1st of the century built the brick dwelling & shop north east corner Broadway & Short St. now standing. Charles Wilkins from Pa. eminently valuable and public spirited citizen for many years our city clerk yet survives at an advanced age. Robert Barr from Philada. mercht. also farmer died about 1800 leaving a large property on round the square in which he carried on his business part of which went to relations in his native country the remainder to Lewis Gar residence 1 mile from town on Limestone road a 2 story brick building (126) John Jordan Junr. from Philada. very enterprising but unsuccessfulbuilt Jordan's Row E. side Court house Square one of Mr. Jordan's clerks Curtis Field Esq. lately decd. at an advanced age became a wealthy and very successful merchant in Richmond. John A. Deitz also of Natches m'et afterwards Seitz & Lauman. Majr. James Morrisonwho made the large bequest to the endowment of Transylvania University, of $50,000 and a residuary legacy Mr. Saml. Downing from Moody & Downing the father of Josiah & Richd. the latter a fellow student of mine yet survives. James Weir; from Ireland & his nephews Henry & James. Mr. W. left a handsome property after paying large losses by endorsement for Mr. Sanders beside his store he carried on in town a Rope walk & bagging factory and on the south Elkhorn in Woodford county a large cotton factory employing may hands. Andrew Holmes (Duncan & Holmes) from Carlisle died in the year 1805-6 I remember him as an early friend of my father and as giving to the Lexington Library in its early foundation a copy of the Encyclopedia Brittanica Dobson edition. Thomas Wallace from Ireland for many years an esteemed citizen & merchant removed to Shelby County and died there at an advanced age. Joseph Hudson & Jos. H. Hervey from Pena. an esteemed member of the Presbn. ch. residing with his amiable family here for many years. Thomas January carried on also a number of years a Manufactory of Rope. He was a useful citizen a public spirited and benevolent man. Thos. Hart Jr. mercht. also Exporter of Produce he was a very active citizen during his short career he died in 1809 & his brothers & after Hart & Bartlet Mr. B. married a daughter of Judge Nicholas removed. to N.O. & died there. Capt. Nathl. G.S. Hart & brother John, in various building occupations. Mr. Hart was succeeded in business for a few years by his sons Thomas & Robt. who carried on also a Bagging factory corner of Maxwell St. & Broadway. Abner Le Grand (son in law of Wm. Morton) failed in businessSubsequently an auction & Commission Mercht. Robert A. Gatewood built his storehouse & dwelling on next lot to my father in 1807 & there carried on his business afterwards Gatewood & SmithMartin Smith, till a short period before his death which occurred in the year 1823. John D. Snead a Mercht. of business talents son in law of John Postlethwait & removed to Louisville, where he died after a successful career from Penna. Mercht. & a United States Contractor at different periods. Abraham L. Barton Elijah W. Craig & afterwards partners for a season Mr. C. carried on business on Main St. for a short period & sold out to Dr. James Maccoun & afterwards James & David Maccoun who transacted a very large wholesale business as well as ret& carried on during a portion of the time a separate largeMaj. John Tilford& Tilford & TrotterTillford, Scott & Trotter & Tilford & Capt. William Anderson Maj. T. lost largely in a Steam boat property but subsequently recovered and leaving the mercantile business to the Presidency of the Northern Bank which office he filled acceptably to the Stockholders and the public from its formation in 1835 to his death in the year 1851Anderson & Morrow (Mr. M. from Pittsburgh) & Ellis & Morrow had stores in the same vicinity for several years. Insert under the Harts Lewis Sanders, successor to McCullough in Merchandiseson in law of Nicholas and of boundless enterprise & speculator established the Fayette Cotton Factory, at Sand 3 miles from town built 3 or 4 large 3 story stores and dwelling on his property between Mill St. & Broadway. 1805bought farms & built largely at failed with a crashThe factory by other proprietors in late years especially by Messrs. Edwd. Oldham, Robt. S. Todd, Thos. He____way & by Isaac W. Scott has been since, con____ with a large farm, most successfully on mainly through the skill & management of Mr. E. Oldham. David Dodge from Pena. about 1802 or 3 an extensive manufacturer had his hemp house on High St. & Rope walk the spot occupied by the residence extending back to (127) On the South west may again be named William Gist, Richard Higgins, Price Curd who was one time the County Surveyor and Robert Kay. These were all heads of families and useful and valuable man. On North Elkhorn were the brothers Genl. William and Genl. Robert S. Russell, Captn. John Richardson Esqr afterwards a Sheriff of the County. Gwin R. Tompkins who was also Sheriff of the County. Robert C. Harrison, the honl. John Breckinridge, Samuel Merrideth, Cols. John & Robt. Innes, Rev. Ambrose Dudley from Virga. and his large, influential and respectable family the five or six venerable survivors of which average over 80 years of age.Joseph Rogers Senr. & his large family. Capt. John Hurst and his son James, the family of Nutters & of Cromwell. Major Matthew Flournoy, a politician of talents and of note, and other branches of the same family, he was elected a Senator to the State Legislature. Capt. Newbold Crockett, Daniel & William Cooper, Capt. Benjamin Berry, Abm. Bowman senr. eldest son of Col. A.B. who survives at the age of 83 and himself the father of a large family. Daniel Bryan, who also had a paper mill, father of Lewis, Josh., Wm., Thos., and Sam well known and wealthy citizens all men of family. Wm. Morton, whom I knew not, the father of a large family of active business menas sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, manufacturers, & merchants of John H., William R., Charles, George W., Elijah, and Gabriel Morton, who first resided about 4 miles from town on the southwest on what (128) Walter Carr Esq. from Virginia, one of the first sheriffs of the county and specially his son Charles Carr long a deputy sheriff of the county and for many years one of our most active citizens and business men he yet survives almost a centenarianWilliam & Hezekiah Ellis, Richard Chiles, the Darnabys, the Barrs, the Bryans, the Allens, the Colemans, the Eastins, the McCans, the Kin____, the Dunlaps, William Hayes, John Stark, James Gibson, Thos. Wallace, Robert B____, Davis Bell, John Hart, Robt. McConathy father of Asa. Wm. Todhunter and his son Parker E. _____ Headley the father of James, Alex., Saml. & John men known among our first farmers. George & Wm. Logan, David Logan and his son James, Revd Robert Marshall, David Glass, & John M.C. Irwin, James Shelby, & Thomas H. Shelby sons of Isaac Shelby the owner of 3000 acres of land entered by the father in early times an early pioneer and twice Governor of the Commonwealth, Mr. T.H. Shelby yet survives at an advanced age. Many who survive will remember most of this long list of names very familiar and mostly honoured by their fellow citizens,more still are familiar with the names of their descendants;some of whom had adorned and others still adorn the professions they have illustrated by their talents. Mr. Peter January was one of the first lot holders 1781 came to Lexington from Pennsylvania and on his large lot 2d. Street to 3d. & Main Cross Street to Mill erected as his residence what has often been said to be the first brick building built in Lexington. He engaged in the Mercantile business & probably in 1783 or 1784 established his son Thomas in business is 1787, and subsequently as his partner same year under the firm of Peter January & Son. John Duncan, & Alexander & James Parker opened their store the same year. Hugh McIlvaine commenced his store in 1789 & continued for several years. Gowdy & Williams in 1790. Gordon & Coburn (Judge John Coburn) from about 1786 to 1789. (129) DECLARATION
OF WAR 1812 CAPT. HART, COL. G. TROTTER &c The Declaration of War in 1812 seemed to stir every heart in Kentucky. Capt. Nathl G.E. Hart's volunteer Infantry Company formed mainly of citizens of Lexington and Students of the University carried with them the hearts and hopes of very many people here. A number of this company were my fellow students, John M. McCalla, James P. Parker, Jos. Ebenezer Blythe, Isaac L. Baker, Samuel Elder, David McIlvaine, Edward Bayse of a different company and a number of others. McCalla, Baker and Parker were among those who returned. The Battle of Raisin was a fatal one to Capt. Hart and the most of his men. There was a horrible massacre by the Indians which took place on ____ day of December 1812.Col. George Trotter Jr. went out at the head of a Volunteer regiment, and were distinguished at the battle of the Thames in Canada on March 1813. Capt. Stewart Megowan commanded a Rifle company in this expedition and were well reported of.To see them that far on their way I accompanied our Kentucky Volunteers to their first encampment at Georgetown. A few of my fellow students I saw with joy after their dangers and eminent perils on their almost miraculous return,with the others it was a long and last farewellLeslie Combs had a narrow escape acting as Capt. of Scouts (130) 1812-15
Woolen Manufactory. W. Lead Mfg. Co. Years 1814-15. (131) Lots were laid off by the proprietors near and north of Fowler's Garden, on the Winchester Road and brought similar pricesnearly all these lots in both instances were bought by individual Purchasers, and the cash on short payment notes paid off their purchases in full. Manufacturers were in a flourishing condition, and many good business houses and residences were put up.There was however in some instances an unwholesome or mushroom growth. Men were tempted to engage in business with slender capital and false and chimereal hopes, and were compelled to give up, or give place to others. Farmers and Mechanics essayed to become Merchants, but had to speedily quit the ranks. I remember Noble & Bywaters, Parker & Graves, and Robb & Vigus, the former a Bricklayer, the latter a saddle-tree makerthe first removed to Missouri, to resume his trade, the last ran away to Ohio with his neighbors wifethe last I have heard of him: and some good men of business were compelled to decline it, and give up, who had been many years engaged in it, and with high esteem,James & David Maccoun who done the largest business in Lexington wholesale & Retail except alone Saml. & George Trotter with these I suppose beside large importations at an unfavorable time it was partly owing to extensive credits and to building. (132) Rise
of the Book Business The stores of the Merchants in Lexington during these twenty years or more consisted of a General Assortment of Goods; each store having Dry Goods, Hardware, Queens ware and Groceries, including Salt and Iron and often Madeira Wine and French Brandy, and Whiskey by the barrel, never at retail. My father informed me that a countryman of his, and his brother Catholic, a man who proved himself possessed of superior sagacity and business talents John Mullanphy Esqr. since a Millionaire in St. Louis, came to Lexington in 1793 or 1795 with his first adventure a moderate sized trunk or box of Books, remained here but a little while, and went to Bardstown but afterwards to St. Louis; his first speculation (132) (133) EARLY
BOOK STORES IN LEXINGTONA READING POPULATION William Essex took Robt. Adrain nephew of the Professor & Mathematician of New York, who had had some previous knowledge of the business, into partnership. Essex & Adrain, in the year 1811 or 12 or 13, they had the same stand which had been occupied by Mr. Worsely and done a large business. Essex bought out Adrain & established his son William in the business, as his partner, and sent him to New York, where he suffered a severe attack of Sickness, they opened a splendid Store 1813-14 in the then old brick house S.W. corner Main & Upper Streets having a handsome case of gift books & fine editions in the front room as you enter...the back room containing pictures and fine engravings and Musical instruments.Within a few years many private libraries were supplied from these several stores:Subscriptions were taken in Lexington for Rees's Cyclopedia, and for the Edinburgh Encyclopedia, edited by Dr. Brewster. I subscribed and took the latter, with Mr. Worsely Judge Owsley was the only other there were many subscribers in Lex- to this work at that time Rev. James K. Burch also had a copy of Brewsters. Lexington and vicinity had become a reading populationUp to July 1 1829 I numbered among my acquaintances, citizens of Lexington, at least twenty persons as Subscribers and owners of Rees's Cyclopedia besides those with Dobson's. (134) WM. ESSEX
BOOKBINDER & BOOKSELLER, 1800-1817 (135) SKILLMAN &
OTHERS Chas. Bodley 3d son of Genl. Thomas Bodley carried on the book business from about the year ____ to the year 18__ with diligence and activity and had profitable returns and removd. to City of New York in other business and afterwards to St. LouisLexington has had two bookstores from that period to the present. This branch of business has taken up more room and been brought down to a later period than I contemplated.I am clearly of opinion that better stocks of Books were kept in the bookstores of Lexington and more in amount sold by them between the years 1808 and 1816 than there ever has been since in the same timenotwithstanding the great increase of wealth and population of late years. (136) LEXINGTON
ITS PEOPLE AND BUSINESS 1804 Next an old building used as a lawyer's office, & after as a doctor's shop, after that for some years as the post office. The next building was an old stone tavern & dwelling house of Henry Marshall, all other buildings frame to Main Cross Street the two near the corner occupied by William Clark and by Lowry & Clark as Hatters' Shops and manufactory. Isaac Reed, soon after lived on this block, and had his shoe shop connected with his residence a few years after built a handsome 3 story store and dwelling on the same spot. (137) Below Main Cross Street on N. side,the old corner I do not distinctly recollect then a vacant space and two or three doors from it down Main Street a large frame house painted red with a high porch or step before entering it was at this time the hatter's shop and residence of George Adams Junr. the same building had probably been in early times Bray's tavern.one or two old frame houses below, then an open yard and moderate sized 2 story brick dwelling and shop of Dr. Richard W. Downing, one of our earliest physicians then an old log dwelling house corner of Spring Street,the spring coming from underneath the house which gave the name of the street, There were no buildings except the NW corner of Spring & Main a brick dwelling of Leaving Young, from there to the edge of town all were of frame & log, including the Log 2 story Catholic Chapel corner of Alley this east side of the Baptist grave yard. The old frame Meeting House of the Baptist church in it occupied nearby the Scite of the old graveyard, was yet standing and a Schoolmaster, by the name of Marin had a schoolthe present one of brickin it at this time for both sexes. The Graveyard was then the principal one of the town & much used. A tavern or boarding house next to it also Stable & lumberyard soon after. And so on the S.W. side Main street below Main Cross Streetthe corner house was (138) A Stone 2 story house was erected by John Robert Shaw a little east of the crossing of the Rail Road. He made the publication of his "Life" containing remarkable instances of his being blown up many times in the digging of wells in Lexington, and other Providential deliverances in his life. Here him and his family resided. A large frame house this side & corner of Cock's street was occupied by Allen Davis, with a large garden on Main street attached to it. It was in after years occupied by George Hay as a residence an Eastern man Before Davis it had been occupied by an early citizen named Anthony Bliss. A very reputable gentleman an early resident, Mr. P.D. Robert a Frenchman occupied on the N.E. side of the street a little further west than where the central railroad crosses, a very neat cottage Residence, and handsome garden, the house situated where the Green house attached to the Lexington Cemetery now stands. Mr. Robert was the father of a respectable citizen Peter J. Robert tobacconist and Clerk of Ky. Insce. Co. for many years, also of Henry Robert, confectioner who married a daughter of Mr. Mentelle, and of James, a Silversmith. Coming back to Mill Street and Main, N.E. side Main4 stores to cheapside the two corner ones of stone, the other two of brick were occupied the first Corner Mill by John A. Seitz the second by John Jordan Jr. the third by Saml. & George Trotter, the 4th corner of Cheapside by Geo Anderson for his residence and Store. These 4 lots were built on by lease of ground rent from Trustees of the Presbyterian Church 1792 Between Main & Short Street on Mill Street were two or three brick houses on the West side, all the rest frame; in one of the brick houses was the residence and Silversmith's & Watch makers shop of Mr. A. Dumisnil (who came to Lexington about this time or soon after) who had a handsome and amiable family; a corner grocery store was kept in another by Stephen Young, and a larger one by David Williamson. In a good brick 2 story house of his own building on S. side of Main str. near Locust street resided William Palmatier, a very industrious and energetic builder of stone foundations & quarrier of rock. He bought my father's old log framed store & dwelling and made tenant houses on some remote lots of them. on the upper corner a small store and next to it a confectionary by Henry Terasse, a Dancing master, afterwards confectionary kept by Mathn. Giron for a number of years. On the E. side of Mill street, the old frame Presbyterian Meeting House, situated about one hundred feet from Main Street, was yet standingAn alley of ten feet running to Cheapside separated the meeting house from the 4 ground rent stores, on main street leased from the Presbyterian Church,the upper corner of this square was a small frame house occupied by Mr. Asa Blanchard as Mr. Blanchard's residence on Mill street between Church and Second Westside afterwards the residence of Dr. James Bush.a Silversmith and Watchmaker's shop.A grocery and small retail store in 2 brick houses (on the same street) Henry Kelley a worthy Irishman came to Lexington about this time or a little after it had a tobacconists shop on Cheapside, and his daughters, amiable young ladies had a bonnet or Milliner's Shop on Main Street, below Mill East Side had his residence in one of the frame houses S. Side of Main Street below Main Cross.My. father bought a small bill of exchange from Mr. Kelly on Ireland to send to a relative, which was duly honored, one of his daughters the younger one married an agreeable and worthy Irish citizen Mr. Thomas Kane, a taylor, who in a few years removed to Louisville, another to Mr. Blackall Stephens, a soldier,Mrs. Kelly was first cousin to Oliver Goldsmith, the poet and historian and a very pleasant lady. Mr. Heydall maker of buckskin breeches & Gloves below Main cross Street and the family of Capt. McGregor one & McDaniels another of the frame houses same block, no others remembered. The old Stone Court House was yet standing in which I remember to have heard some interesting trialsthe new one erected of brick by Stephens & Winslow in the year 1805 is yet standingand the eye was offended with the sight of a pair of frame Stocks in the Court House yard & even after its removal the only one then and for years. The Market House, which continued to be used for a number of years, occupied a considerable part of the space between the court house square and Cheapside running the length of the square to Short Street with inside and outside pavements,a street pavement round it. It was commonly well supplied with vegetables and meats, and in the season, a magnificent supply of water-melons. The Lexington Library a brick building had recently been erected on the N.W. corner of Public Square, opposite McCalla's Drug Store. (140) Between High and Maxwell are remembered two or three moderate sized brick houses on W. side also Elisha Allen's residence and taylor shop. Robt. Grinstead and Barker's residence that of Hawkins & family Stone Mason. Stilfield's family and their relations the Cooks, frame houses; and only two or three frame houses on the opposite side, one of them owned and occupied by Michal Clark, a decent coloured man, only one or two other houses remembered on this street to the steam mill situated corner of Limestone Str. on Maxwell's Spring branch, afterwards converted into the City Work & Poorhouse corner Bolivar Street. An old City Graveyard situated on Bolivar Street near the Workhouse given by Mr. Maxwell used many years of early and respectable Citizens town and country. the Barrs, Parkers, and others, but not well kept, except always well enclosed. John Maxwell's residence a comfortable (141) High Street from Upper to Limestone had three or four houses built on them by their owners very early settlersthe lots extending to Water Street one of them was the residence of Robert Campbell from Pennsylvania the father of Dr. Arthur Campbell who married Miss Kitty West, and of James Campbell who married Miss Fraser.Below High Street, and near the corner of Limestone east side of it, was the residence (a frame log one) of John Carty, a revolutionary soldier and early settler, who carried on his business on the same lot for many years the ground being well adapted to his work. On High Street there were only six or eight houses some of them of brick between Limestone Street and the town limits, one of these a good sized two story brick was the residence for a good many years of an early and well known citizen Mr. Asa Farrow brother of Mrs. Thomas T. Skillman these houses were all on the N. side of the streetthere was only one on the S. side one or two small buildings of brick, one of these built by Nathaniel Gist who had a brick yard on the lot. He built his nephew Levi I. Gist's house S.E. corner Mill & Maxwell sold by him to John Peck Esqr. (Mr. Marable's). On Main Street S & G Trotter's corner a 2 story brick and next George Tegarden's Store-house and dwelling combined was the second house from Mill Street east, adjoining him was the store also of brick occupied by Hart & Bartlet afterwards by Hart & Barton, and 1810-11 by Capt. Nat G. Hart, the next three buildings were of log and framed, the first one by Robert Barr, with his Store, subsequently by his sons Thomas & Robt. Barr, the next by Willm. Macbean & by Macbean & Poyzer afterwards by Jeremiah Neave, an English Quaker from Philada. Mr. Neave was a warm democratic politician and wrote for the Papers (142) Upper Street to Water, 2 or 3 houses of brick nearest to Water on E. side and one on the West side corner of Water Street. S.E. corner Main & Upper, Robt. Fraser, a good W. frame building Watchmaker's & Silversmith's shop, and next to it another occupied by his brother Alexr. Fraxer and family, in the same business,his dwelling in the same house.Eastward same side Wm. Morton's Store in a 2 story brick then 3 or 4 other old two story brick houses; one the residence of Major John Boyd, brother-in-law of John Jordan Jr. whose daughter Sidney was married to Thos. Andersonwhere the Post Office was kept several years;then several houses of log and frame the one of which the old tavern stand of Robt. Megowan's (Now replaced by) Thomas Bradley's hardware store a 3 story brick building is erected on one of them. (143) John Fisher the bricklayer I think had built and was living in the neat residence so long occupied by Farmer Dewees and ladyhis brother Maddox Fisher also a bricklayer and partner lived in a large two story brick house on Short street continued, not far from Walnut on north side Maddox Fisher was an influential & valuable member of the Methodist Church & removed to Springfield, Ohio. The Fishers were highly esteemed citizens. Samuel Redd occupied his residence near to the farm & residence of Robt. Megowan decd. and he carried on his Carriage Manufactory corner Dewees & Main street first in the firm of Wyatt & Redd (Major Wyatt a worthy citizen from Virginia, and next with Womack & Reddthen alonea very highly esteemed citizen for many years. He was the father of Thomas S. Redd, Walter Redd, and Samuel who removed to Texas. (144) Here we come to the country. South Side Main Street, Near to Postlethwaite's; corner of an Alley, was the residence and Cabinet shop of Robert Wilson, an Englishman. He had the largest and best Shop of the kind that has been established in Lexington across the Alley was an old frame or plaistered house belonging to Mrs. Mary O. Russell which I think she lived in with James Russell Esqr. her first husband the same lot with more grounds form the lot of the residence of Leslie Combs Esqr. The next house I recollect was also an old frame set back a little from the street. It was used as a boarding house I think after, by Mrs. Saml. Price, next brick building some years after was used by Wm. H. Rainey when in business as his residence the next one front and rear was a good sized plain 2 story building used as the last residence of Genl. John M. McCalla before he left Lexington, corner of Ayres' Alley. Across the Alley an old red frame 2 story house the residence and Silversmith's Shop of Samuel Ayres, one of early and much esteemed citizens, a Member of the Baptist Church. He carried on his S.S. Shop for many years. Several ordinary brick and frame houses (a small brick one of these was the residence in 1833 of that valuable and energetic man and Methodist Barnet Rucker.) occupied the space between there and the large lot owned by Alexr. Parker Eqsr. and subsequently built on near High Street, occupied first by himself afterwards by Wm. Richardson Esqr. son-in-law of Richd. Higgins senr. & subsequently by Elijah W. Craig afterwards by Tipton, now by Thos. H. Wallace, beyond Parker's lot a large vacant lot of James Parker decd. sold by Alexr. Parker and that of his son-in-law Spotswood and since F. Montmullin's Lumber Yard, above that a few doors a 2 story frame on a large lot owned by the family of Edgarthen Rose street & no building beyond. On Rose Street to High only one or two houses one of them a brick the residence and Pump factory of Mr. Warner west side corner of High Streetand none on this street beyond. On High street beyond Rose S.W. side the residence of the hon John Pope & after of the Hon. Wm. T. Barry afterwards of Wm. R. Morton & of Capt. Henry Johnson, now J. Woolfolk Esqr. On the N. side of (145) This year the first Episcopal Church was built, near the site of the present one corner of Market & Church. And W.M. Mccallas residence corner of Market Street & Short was a moderate size old 2 story frame resupplied about 1807 or 8 with a large 2 story brick his Apothecary Store on Short Street, entrance to the private residence on Market Street, his lot extended to Church Street and no other building on it except small servant's house.Peter Paul & afterwards P. Paul & Son, had their Stone cutter's yard, and small residence, in from the street, a door or two above the Episl. church, next vacant lots and at S.E. corner of 2d & Market was the old good sized 2 story brick house yet standing, the residence then of Dr. Frederick Ridgely subsequently in 1807 or 8 that of John D. Clifford from Philada. & his family including mother and 2 sisters, all Episcopn. after Dr. C. Caldwell & family including his son Leaming & wife, the beautiful Miss Mary Clifford, after them of Mrs. M.T. Scott & others. In 1804 Market Street not extended above 2d. on opposite side of Market Street same square Mr. Luther Stephens's family residence, where his children were born, about the spot at present the parsonage of 1st Presbn. chr. On S.W. corner Market & 2d. Street, the residence & other buildings of John W. Hunt Esqr. before he bought the property a few years after upon which he built his more commodious residence the same site of the large residence lately Mrs. A.K. Woolley's now Mrs. Jeffry.at present occupied by his daughter Mrs. Calvin Morgan) Water Street S.E. from mill, a large double stone house a lot or two from Mill, the residence Cotton Spinning and blue dyeing establishment of an early settler Mr. Wm. Tod, the building yet standing, whose large family was all reared and educated here. Next to him Nathan Burrowes carried on his Mustard factory and next to it a moderate size brick 2 story building residence of James Devers a married man and used in 1811-12 by his brother Forbus Devers, Natives of Ireland, and another George Beck, Esqr. residence & male school 2 or 3 log and frame buildings to Upper Street, across that Street same side 2 or 3 Dwellings, (146) Limestone Street from Main N. 3 or 4 old brick and frame houses only recollected to Upper Street on the W. side, one of these a large frame house of S. & G. (147) Near this time, several years after I think, a large Livery and Sale Stable was kept by Josiah & Richd. W. Downing who exported their horses in large droves to South Carolina for a marketa dreadful fire consumed a large Stable & many of their horses. It was situated at and near to where Beard's now Davis's well known stable stands. Adjoining the Jail on W. side Limestone Street two or three buildings extending to Church Street was the residence of Jerry Murphy and his family a pretty large family, but I think none of them at present alive. Robert T. Russell & family next door above Church street, Stone cutter; his son John an esteemed carpenter, a blacksmith Shop opposite to him kept by John R. Shaw Junr. afterwards by Thomas Bradley who was eminently successful in business, since a hardware Merchant & BankerAbove him on E. side Lumber yard of John Anderson, corner Barr Street 2 or 3 brick houses on same side and the residence of frame of Simon Hickey & family corner of the Alley separating from Col. Nicholas's lot. Mr. Hickey's family were very highly esteemed. Col. Geo. Nicholas residence built by him about 1795 to 1796 in the large lot which fronts second StreetHis family yet resided in this property 1805 or 6 after various occupations is now the Sayre Female Institute the large old building taken down & new one erected for this object. There is none of Col. Nicholas's family or descendants now living in Lexington. The youngest daughter Hetty wife of Richd. Hawes Esqr. of Paris was the last member of the family alive and lately decd. There are a number of plain old two story brick buildings on West side this street the residences of some respectable and early citizens and mechanics. Among those whose names are worthy to be recorded all of whom I have a personal recollection of areJohn & Jacob Springle worthy men one if not both of whom were citizens of a German family of bricklayers from the first settlements of first years of the town, also John & William Bobb, also Bricklayers, and am of opinion that they were related to Springles all four of whom were in the employ of my father 1801 1803 in the first two buildings erected by him one a stable and Cow house in the lot on Water street, & the (148) (149) My friend Thomas Anderson owned and resided in an old frame house of some size on the E. side the street bought I think by the Catholic Church site of their Female Academy or church On W. side of the street above, Church Street for some years resided brother A.T. Skillman and family , and a few doors N. of him same side Revd. Stephen Chipley, to whom I made a memorable visit in the Season of the Cholera. On Walnut Street E. side a plain old two story brick building near the corner of Short Streetcontinued, stood the first Masonic Lodge of Lexington built in early times no houses then about it, had a very plain mournful & solitary lookbeing a few doors north from the old Presbyterian or Associate Reformed Church of the venerable Adam Rankin, who only preached occasionally at this timeThe Church brick building of good size had never been finished, ultimately abandoned, and after many years taken down by the City of Lexington, and replaced by City School No. 1 built on the bequest of a fund for its foundation by Wm. Morton Esqr. The Lodge has been taken down and replaced by the Society by a fine edifice of more commodious arrangements by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky in the year 1841, which cost the sum of $25,000. On Main Cross Street, beginning at corner of Main, the corner, Mr. Engleheart Yeiser's leather store. S.W. two or three doors from him, Hugh Crawford a Scotchman a Blue dyer, was a pleasant citizen and considerable addition to the Musical talent of the place, in Social practising, as was Mr. John Jones, Mr. & Mrs. Mentelle, and John Hart, with one or two others, They had a Musical Society which met occasionally very much to the entertainment of all who attendedI occasionally by invitation had the pleasure of witnessing them in some central room; these I remember with much pleasure, to have heard violin, bass viol, flute, clarinet and French Horn, which was used by Mr. Mentelle. A few years after Mr. Isaac Thom an agreeable & valuable citizen was added to their amateur list. In these early musical parties George A. Webber took part with his Dulcimer the only one in town; Amateur or professional visitors occasionally were with them swelling the amount of harmony. When present I enjoyed these evenings very much. One or two other houses on same square on this street. A house or two connected with Wm. Clarke's hatter's shop: on the opposite side of the street, is all recollected on this block, S.E. Corner Main Cross and Water street was the residence bakery &c. of an early resident a German very much esteemed by all who knew him George Adam Webber with a very small family. On the same side corner of High Street another very early resident Melchoir Myer also a German he sold candles and meat as early as 1790 to 1793, and I think it probable was one of the early butchers. On opposite side of street nearly opposite Mr. Webber was the baker's shop of John J. Shedil, also a German of a pretty large family. Above him on the side of the hill was the Sadlery & bridle & leather store and manufactory of a Prussian by the name of Francis Kirckle, who married one of the daughters of Mr. Meyer, next to him on N.W. corner High Street and Main Cross was the cotton spinning and blue dying establishment of a very worthy citizen Mr. John Caldwell & excellent lady & their residence on High Street adjoining, where he had his Cotton factory, a zealous and the only Universalist I knew in Lexington, whose eldest son Andrew a very ingenuous man, about my own age, at inventing and improving Machinery of all such establishments as they held. On S.E. corner of High Street and Main Cross or adjoining it was the coloring and dying house and residence of Mr. George Brown & family and near him of Mr. Boshart & family, esteemed citizens. John Kiser's tavern on the opposite corner an old 2 story log house, was standing but discontinued as a tavern. No other dwelling on Main Cross street to the subburbs, on the W. side. One the residence of Lewis Pigg, Carpenter, on the E. side. An old two story brick house on the same side near corner of Maxwell street commodious for a negro quarter and bagging factory of Thos. & Robert Barr, or of Robert alone, was erected and in operation about this time opposite to it (151) (152) One door S. of the 1st Presby. Church was a plain 2 story building on a large lot, South west corner Main Cross and Second Streetthe lot running back to the alley or street, the back part of which was appropriated for the carriages and horses of members from the Country, in which sheds for horses were arranged, was built in the year 1806. This building was built from funds arising from Sale and ground rent lease &c of their West portion of the public square. Their first Church or Meeting House of frame situated on their property on Mill Street near Main was sold and discontinued after 1805. Soon after its erection in 1806 or 1807 I remember hearing a remarkable sermon. I was sitting in the gallery on the northern side, from a learned Minister by the name of Wilson I think from Bedford, Pena. who was on a return from the South where he had been for his health. He took for his text the first few verses of the book of Genesis, which he read to us also in the original Hebrew, descanting on its sublimity as far superior to our English version. Either in his sermon or his prayer he laid very special stress upon the wickedness, crime, and especially the lewdness and debauchery of this wicked little village. He was very fervent to God for his mercy (153) (154) High Street beyond Spring a few doors resided Boshart and family and next lot John Hull who built about this time or Soon after his large brick dwelling (afterwards Dr. Lloyd Warfield's) Miss Betsey Keiser on next lot, and the next but one a neat two story residence of Jacob Hull corner of Locust Street afterwards owned and extended much by Joseph Putnam, a highly respectable citizen for a number of years. Crossing Locust Street was the residence of Joseph Hostetter, a German Butcher, whose Shop was in the lower part of his lot on water Street. Across the street at his corner to High Street continued was the residence of James Kerns, a good two story brick, who had been for some years a Rope & Bagging Manufacturer. High St. from Main Cross South sideone or two houses occupants nor recollected then crossing Spring Street on S.W. corner, the residence of John Lowman & family for a number of years the foreman of Thomas January in his rope & bagging Manufactory, near on the same side was built some years after this, the next residence some distance from the street of brick of Chas. Humphreys Esqr. where he resided, and his amiable family until his deathafterward occupied by Mr. Purnell Bishop who kept a store of plated sadlery &c . on Main Street, North side, between Mill and Broadway, a much esteemed and valuable citizen. No other house on S. side High Street West till you come to the old large 2 story stone residence of Col. Robert Patterson a commanding situation, with a spacious yard in front and on each side, whose farm commenced on High Street. His peach orchard in 1802 or 1803 east of his residence occupied what was afterwards several lots, when sold out to purchasers for building. It was in 1804 he rented out his premises and removed to Dayton Ohio and the same year he entertains an encampment of Indians whom I saw their way to Washington City. (155) Jefferson Street not laid out or built at this time. One brick house on corner of Georgetown Street was the residence of Laban Headington & family Class leader &c of the Methodist church, a much esteemed citizen and carpenter for many years. His son a young man of talents became Judge Headington of Cincinnati. On Georgetown Street not far from Second west side was the residence of the family of Capt. May, whose son William near my own age was a worthy and amiable young man, afterwards removed to Illinois. The daughters were all respectable and married wellthe eldest to Gwin R. Tompkins Esqr. for several years County sheriff, they had an interesting family of children; the next one to David Sutton who became a wealthy citizen; the third Kitty to Mr. Lawson who also a successful carpenter and afterwards Manufacturer in Hemp & the fourth Harriet to Thomas L. Roberts, one of whose daughters married Mr. J. (156) Opposite to lower part of Col. Hart's lot on Mill Street Eastern side corner of (157) Corner of Church Street and Main Cross was the last residence of Rev. Mr. Chipley, and subsequently of his son Dr. W.S. Chipley, the spot is now occupied by the new and elegant Methodist Church called the Centennary Methodist Church. No other buildings on this street except stables till you pass Market Street, in the year 1804 except that of the Episcopal Church N.W. corner of Upper & Church St. was the tavern and residence of John McKracken, & opposite corner N/E corner Church & Upper a house occupied by Thomas Rankin, taylor, whose wife was a sister of Mrs. A.T. Skillman, and daughter of Major Robb. Several doors farther on same side of Church Street was the Methodist brick Church built by their Society in the year 1822. A Mrs. ________ whose family I have some recollection of, the daughter a member of our S. School and Church died of consumption, occupied a frame house on S. side of the street near Limestone St. were several houses for some years of a very bad reputation on this street, giving the street a bad name. On the East Bar Street was laid out and handsomely built on long after this period. The Race course lot at this time and for years after was included between Short Street and Third Street and from Jefferson to the Georgetown Road. (158) EARLY STORE
CLERKS The following is a copy of the agreement of Patrick McAffry with W. Leavy as his clerk written by himself in the first Day Book for that year. This day I agreed with Mr. William Leavy for four pounds monthly, and he is to find me boarding and washing and Merchandize for my own wearing at first cost. Lexington January 3d 1793 Patk. McAffry Mr. McAffry was a valuable assistant and clerk for two years or more. Agreement of Joseph Oliver brother in law of Geo. Anderson, of John Boggs & Alexr. Fraser. This day agreed with William Leavy for Seventy-five pounds per year, and he is find me decent lodging, washing and whatever goods I want under that amount I am to have them at difference of currency. Aug, 15th 1795 Jo Oliver Entd. by him in blank leaf of Day Book Jo Oliver was considered the best Salesman, Storekeeper and Clerk in Lexington in his dayhe was with W. Leavy several years, afterwards with James Weir. Elijah W. Craig's Agreement Dec. 1798 entered on page 82 40. pr. year. Elijah though writing a good hand had no previous knowledge of the business. (159) On this subject the currency in marking our goods it was a very convenient way of calculating. The difference of currency and the addition of carriage was the usual wholesale terms of selling goods in Lexington for many years. It was thought reasonable and low. It was the rate sold by my father to a number of excellent wholesale customers when I first entered my father's store as an assistant and clerk when I left college in October 1811 and for many years after. I think these rates continued at least to the period when I became partner with my father, 1817, and for long after that time. It has been comparatively of late years only that the rates of selling Goods by Wholesale has been reduced down to ten and twelve and a half per cent advance on first cost, and carriage. Wm. Leavy's business from 1789 to 1794 entire, including purchase of lot in margin Witnesses to 1st Note Maxwell Bines, Saml. Postlethwait, to the others Patt McAffry Saml. Postlethwait Jr. I have seen the original bonds of Wm. Leavy and George Tegarden to John Duncan cancelled and paid off a bundle tied up by W.L. given on the January 1st 1792,, from which will appear the following sums paid for the Stock of Goods bought of him Cr. Jan. 1792 £121.16 6
Although the partnership of Tegarden & Leavy by their books continued two years to 1794 yet I am not sure, profitable s the business must have been but that Tegarden's name in the Signature to the Bonds & interest was only nominalbeing as a Security. He was a partner at the same time with Patrick McCullough. W. Leavy bought and paid in 1793 $1,000 to Col. Greenup for the house & lot where he had been doing business from 1789 & built on and improved. (160) John, James and Lawrence Daly, brothers, had excellent schools in Lexington and Fayette County one of them at the Church S. Elkhorn near Higbee's. They taught the common English branches and the Mathematics. They were Catholics, during a College vacation I went the space of a month or two to fill up the time & make myself better acquainted in Arithmetic &c to a school taught in 1808 by John Daly in the old Catholic Chapel on Main Street.Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, afterwards Profr. of Languages Transa. University taught a Latin and Grammar School in his Academy kept 18014 in Rankin's or Associate Reformed Church in Walnut Street. Mr. Edward B. Hannegan, father of the Congressman from Inda. of the same name, taught an excellent Academy boys from about the year 1807 to 1812 in a building of Saml. & Geo. Trotter's of frame on Limestone Street a few doors above Main. Among other points his pupils were well instructed in elocution and delivery. I think he edited the American Orator published in Lexington 1807. He afterwards opened a Grocery Store and kept it for a year or two. James Logue came to Lexington from Letter Kenney Ireland tin the year 1813, and opened an Academy for both sexes. He resided with my father a short time after his arrival. He was much esteemed, and had considerable success as a teacher. He pursued this occupation in Lexington for a number of years, and so successfully as to relinquish it for several years before his trip to Ireland & Europe and subsequent removal to Ohio, where a sister and her family resided, and in the mean time to be able to own several houses and lots; in one of which he residedthe remainder bringing him rent. Mr. Logue was elected Librarian of the Lexington Library and to the great satisfaction of the Directors and Shareholders until he desired in the year ____ to make a visit to England & Ireland when the Directors presented him with a handsome walking cane, as a testimonial of their appreciation of his services; on his return he was again (161) During a part of Mr. Logue's employment as a teacher he taught an Academy for Females alone. My sisters and the daughters of Mr. Coyle were among the scholars. He was elected Mayor of the City of Lexington in the year 1846 and filled the station to satisfaction. Mr. John Fry an esteemed Classical And English Teacher from Danville, kept a school also for a few years on Market Street with great approbation by his patrons 1812-15. My brother Lawrence was one of his pupils. Dr. Joseph Buchanan kept a select school for a few boys on the Pestalozzian plan in the year ____ George N. Sanders (son of Lewis) was one of his pupilsThis school taught afterwards by Mr. Leonard. John P. Aldridge an Eastern Man who married the daughter of one of my friends Mrs. Elizabeth B. Dickinson opened a school on Upper Street south of High several doors; about the year 1816. He pursued the Lancasterian or Monitorial System, and carried it on with considerable spirit for a year or two, but removed to Shelby or Jefferson County. Mrs. A's property was in Jefferson. He left without discharging his debts. The Rev. Benjamin Orr Peers (son of Valentine Peers senr. of Paris and Maysville an excellent Virginia gentleman) who distinguished himself by his enthusiasm on the subject of Education and by his zeal to improve the systems in use, established an Academy for Boys where he also boarded them 2 miles S.W. of Lexington on the farm of Mr. J. Lamme. He aimed to combine the best points of Neef's system with plans of his own devising and I think gave great satisfaction to his patrons, and afterwards at his own residence in Lexington the large building which had been built and occupied by Thomas January. He called his Academy the "Eclectic Institute," and he gained considerable reputation whilst it continued.Mr. Peers was a college Graduate of Transylvania of excellent standing a laborious student, a strong original thinker, and a writer of considerable power and estimation. He enjoyed very largely my personal esteem. I stood up with him at his marriage to Miss Bell, in Lexington about the year 1827. He died in Louisville in 1842. In the year 1832 he was invited to the Presidency of Transylvania. He was inaugurated President at the Inauguration of the new Morrison College November 1833. He continued President about two years. An older brother of Mr. Peers, Valentine Peers, kept store for us several years, a very amiable young man. Female Academies were at different periods well patronized in Lexington:The first of any eclat or distinction was kept by Mrs. Mary Beck from England and from Philadelphia, her commencement in Lexington was in the year 1800 to 1804 and she continued her school for young Ladies with considerable reputation for some years. Miss Mary Parker (Mrs. Crittenden) Anne Warfield (Mrs. Blair) Emily Austin (sister of Stephen F.) were among her pupils. Her husband George Beck (162) Mrs. A.P. Levell also from England (the wife of Mr. Levell), a fine painter of scenes for the theatre) taught for several years 1815-1818 a good Academy for young ladies. She was a woman of masculine intellect, and highly esteemed as a teacher. Mr. Levitt had his room for painting in Rankin's Meeting House. Col. Josiah Dunham, A.M. from Windsow, Cont. with his estimable lady and several teachers came to Lexington and opened his female Academy in the year 1818 in the spacious house and rooms lately occupied in part by Mr. Aldridge. He soon had a very large and flourishing school. Him and his lady were esteemed members of our Society. He boarded a number of pupils from various parts of the State, and some from South Carolina & Georgia. He was a fine Instructor, and Manager of his Academy, and I think well deserved the high reputation and character as a Teacher which he enjoyed. His school was discontinued in the year 182__. Very many of the first young ladies, ornaments of Society in Lexington and elsewhere were educated by Col. Dunham. Notwithstanding the presence of good Schools here some parents sent their daughters East to complete their educations. Mr. George Trotter Senr. sent his daughters to the excellent Moravian School at Bethelehem, Pennsylvania. John W. Hunt Esqr. sent his two oldest daughters to the Misses Mallon, at their highly esteemed academy on 4th Street, Philadelphia; and my father subsequently sent his second daughter Amanda for one session to the same young ladies in 1818-19. Dr. Jos. Scott sent his daughter (after Mrs. McFarland) to Madame Be's Sviyou to accomplish her in the French language. Rev. James Blythe taught a select Academy of young ladies in Lexington, the branches of Grammar, Geography, Chemistry and Natural Philosophy &c., from about the year 1806 to 1815 principally in a school room on Main Cross street next door to the 1st Presbyterian church, in certain hours not employed by his college recitations. My aunt Mrs. Nancy Bowman, and Mrs. Tilford, were his pupils, as also my wife and her sister, Mrs. Holland & the Miss Ridgelys. Note on side of page 162 I copied from Mr. Beck's M.S. volume of his poetry a beautiful piece on "Autumn."Several others of his poems are published in the Western Review, Lexn. 1819-20, and in the Port Folio 1812. (163) Mr. Henry Pies (French), Mr. Goodman of Frankfort, Mr. Green an Englishman, Mr. Cipriani an Italian who had the unbounded egotism and vanity of his own superiority in his powers and skill (Which were certainly very extraordinary) "as to say there was but one Jesus Christ and there was but one Cypriani," Mr. P.D. Marians, an Italian exile of talents and accomplishments, and Mr. Jucho, a German of superior talents and accomplishments, who married here the elder daughter of Rev. Van Doren, the esteemed principal of a respectable female academy, but lately established, whose second daughter was married to the Revd. Robt. Davidson pastor 2d. Presbn. church, and whose two sons, J.L. and Rev. L.H. Van Doren were esteemed. teachers of Academies a short time in Lexington. Other professors of Music were here from time to time these I think in their day were the most eminent. THEATRICALS
IN LEXINGTON I remember well to have witnessed with singular and novel satisfaction a Theatrical amateur representation in an old house on N. side Water Street near to Limestone St. in the year 1804 or 5, the Poor Gentleman was the play, and the King and Miller of Mansfield the after piece, Students of Law, clerks of the Court or their Deputies were among the Actors. Some of these I remember were Col. Thos. L. Butler then a Deputy clerk, the hon. Joseph H. Hawkins and his brother Littleberry, these two filled the parts for femalesButler was the Miller of Mansfield whom I remember perfectly well as he stood up and sung in a very pleasant and acceptable manner the Song of the Miller,the Hawkins have been dead many years Butler is yet (1874) in the enjoyment of health at the advanced age of eighty-seven. The Amateur theatricals were continued afterwards occasionally in other buildings. As well as I can recollect it was about the year 1815 that a regular Theatre was erected and established in Lexington. It was begun and carried on with great spirit and success, the scite was on N.W. Spring Street between Water and High Street. (To be continued). Transcribed March 2002 by pb |