HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY KENTUCKY, by Robert Peter, ed. by William H. 
Perrin, O. L. Baskin Co., Chicago, 1882.  Reprinted by Southern 
Historical Press, Easley, SC, 1979.

Page 559

ASHLAND HOUSE (H.E. BOSWELL & Son), Lexington.

This popular hostelry was named after the home of the great statesman.

It was built by William Christie, in 1874, and presents a handsome front of 
125 feet on Short street, and is built substantially of brick, three stories 
high and extends 200 feet deep.

It cost about $30,000, and contains fifty-two comfortable, well-furnished 
rooms for guests and four large sample rooms, with commodious office in 
front connecting with an elegant dining-room, 56x70 feet in area.

The "Ashland" is easily reached by omnibus from all the railroad depots in 
the city.

The site of the Ashland House was occupied for many years as a residence 
by James H. Harper, who sold it to William Christie in 1855, and from this 
date various buildings on the site were used as board houses until 1874.

It was leased H. E. Boswell & Son in February, 1880, who have since that 
date done a prosperous business, requiring the employment of twenty-five 
persons in the various departments of the house, where the traveler and 
guest finds all the modern comforts and conveniences.

Mr. H.E. Boswell brings to the management of the Ashland an experience 
which began in 1852, at Leesburg, Ky., where he remained until 1859, and 
was subsequently proprietor of the Ellison at Covington, Ky.

Boswell Christie Harper
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Harrison-KY Kenton-KY