In 1896, a statewide listing of businesses and professionals was published covering the year 1895-1896. At that time Harlan County and its county seat, then known as Mount Pleasant, was an isolated area but the length of its listing was surprising. The list itself mentioned only the name and occupation of various individuals some of whom are listed here with some additional information. Notice that many of them were related to each other in some way.

Granville Pearl Bailey was born about 1865, the son of Jonathan K. and Louisa Jones Bailey. In 1890, Granville's brothers Green and James died in a typhoid epidemic and it is said this influenced his choice of medicine as a career.

Jonathan K. Bailey, Granville's father, was born about 1838. He practiced law for many years in Harlan. Jonathan's wife Louisa was the daughter of Mastin Green Jones, one of Harlan and Pineville's early merchants. Jonathan was the son of Andrew J. and Anna Kelly Bailey.

Randolph N. Browning was born about 1844. A Baptist minister, he was serving the Baptist church in Mount Pleasant when they built their first building on the corner of Central and Howard streets. This building served as their church until 1905. Rev. Browning's wife was his cousin Rebecca, daughter of Andrew and Rosanna Noe Howard. Rosanna's sister Lucy was the wife of James Browning and mother of Randolph.

Abner Lewis Coldiron was born about 1832, son of William and Leah Lewis Coldiron. The gazette listing reads "Abner L. Coldiron & Son General Store" and the son referred to is probably Andrew Jackson Coldiron who was living next door to his father in the 1900 census. Abner's first wife was Lucy Ann Ball, daughter of Moses and Ellender Richardson Ball, early settlers on Catrons Creek.

Green A. Eversole was born about 1853, son of Rolen and Lucy Campbell Eversole. Green was an attorney, specializing in civil law and land title work and was also a professional surveyor. His wife Sudie was the daughter of Jonathan K. Bailey, mentioned above.

Daniel S. Farmer operated a general store in Harlan before moving to Fayette County. He was the son of John H. and Rebecca Ledford Farmer. His brother Henry and sister Jane married children of Abner Lewis Coldiron above.

Stephen Farmer was born about 1819 and also operated a general store. His wife was Jane, daughter of David and Lucy Noe Fee and a cousin to Rosanna Noe Howard and Lucy Noe Browning above. Stephen was the son of William and Elizabeth Frost Farmer.

Sherman Farmer, born about 1864, was a blacksmith for many years in Harlan. He was the son of William and Catherine Branson Farmer. Daniel, Sherman and Stephen were all cousins, descendants of Stephen and Nancy Russell Farmer.

Jeremiah Grant Forester was born about 1862. His brother James S. was born about 1869. Both were lawyers and sons of John W. and Nancy Howard Forester. J.G. or Grant as he was often called specialized in criminal cases and his talent for speaking in a case was well known. James specialized in civil law and served as county judge. Both brothers served as circuit judges.

Another well known attorney who was practicing in Harlan in 1895 was Giles French. He was born about 1832 in Giles County, Virginia. His wife was Martha Jane Farley. By his first wife Giles had a son Napolean Sinclair French who also was practicing law in Harlan in 1895.

Martha Farley French's brother John K. Farley was a justice in Harlan in 1895. He was born about 1839, son of Thomas and Deborah Farley. His wife was Sarah, daughter of William and Amy Hall Clem.

Joseph S. Kelly was born about 1855. He operated several hotels in Harlan through his lifetime and is credited with opening the first real hotel as opposed to the simpler facilities of taverns and boarding houses. His wife was Mary Rice, widow of Campbell E. Hurst was serving as county court clerk when he was killed in 1873.

Winfield Scott Ledford was a constable in Mount Pleasant in 1895. He was born about 1853, the son of James and Mary Farley Ledford. His wife was Nancy, daughter of Peter and Sarah Smith Hedrick.

Nancy Smith Hedrick's uncle, David H. Smith was another of Harlan's several lawyers. He was born about 1859, son of Noble Smith. His wife was Susan, daughter of William and Manerva Brittain Turner. Susan's half brother, George B. Turner was yet another Harlan County lawyer.

William W. Noe was born about 1854, son of Buford and Nancy Forester Noe and thus kin through the Foresters or the Noes to several of those already named. W.W. Noe operated a general store. After his death it was successfully managed by his widow, Margie, daughter of Wilson and Fanny Jones Lewis.

Mastin Green Ward was born about 1868. He operated a general store in Mount Pleasant and was the son of Thomas Skelton Ward and Mary Frances Jones. He was named after his maternal grandfather, M.G. Jones, and was nephew to Jonathan K. and Louisa Bailey already mentioned.

There were numerous others operating businesses in the area including a large number of Howards. These will be listed in a future column.