Photos of grave markers

This week a cousin of mine, Glenn Leach, sent me four photos of grave markers he took at the Leach-Hatler Cemetery, which is located on Highway 505 near Rosine, Ohio County (between Rosine and Horse Brach).  You will note that the markers shown in these photos are relatively new and the person responsible for obtaining these markers is Henry Dehart, a current resident of Rosine. All Leach and Dehart descendants greatly appreciate the effort that Henry Dehart made to obtain these beautiful markers.

Findagrave.com says that 87 people are buried in this cemetery.  I hope to visit the cemetery this spring and I will post additional photos then.

1.  William C. Leach:  My research shows that William C. Leach was born in Montgomery County, MD in 1791 and that he moved to Ohio County about 1799.  I don't know his middle name but I suspect it was Crown. William C. is identified in (a) census records; (b) the biography of his son, William Francis Leach; (c) military records; and (d) in a deed from his father's estate.

2.  Nancy A. Leach: This lady is thought to be the second wife of William C. Leach (above) and was born in Montgomery County, MD in 1792.  Her surname was also Leach and was probably a cousin of William C. but we are unsure about their actual legal relationship because we have not been able to determine the name of her father.

3.  Mary Ann (Crowe) Leach:  This lady is thought to be the third wife of William C. Leach.  There is some evidence that she was born in Indiana about 1816.  In some cases her surname is spelled Crow but we think the correct spelling is Crowe. There was a Crow/Crowe family that lived in the Rosine area in the 1840's and 1850's, so it is logical that after Nancy A. Leach died in 1848 the widower, William C. Leach, remarried a neighbor.  We found Mary's middle name from the death certificate of her sons, John Denham Leach and Warren Crown Leach.  She is shown was living with those two sons in the 1880 census (her husband, William C., died in 1863).  Note that the Sandefur Book identifies this lady as Mary Ann Thomas. The Sandefur Book is a wonderful research book found in the Ohio County Library on the Leach family written by Marion Pendleton Sandefur and Ruby Clarice Sandefur.  This book is undated but was probably written in the 1970's or early 1980's. I love this book but I think I have found some errors in the the data.

4.  Dillis Dyer Leach and wife Margaret Ann DeHart:  Dillis Dyer is the first child of William C. Leach and Mary Ann Crowe - he was born in Ohio County in 1851. Dillis was named after a famous lawyer from Ohio County.  Margaret Ann DeHart was born in 1854 in Horse Branch, Ohio County. They were the parents of eight children.

Thanks to Glenn Leach of Louisville for these photos.

John A. Ford, William Ford and James W. Ford

JOHN A. FORD was born January 6, 1819, in Ohio County, Ky., where he has always resided. His father, Joseph Ford, a native of Pike County, was born in 1797, and died in 1868. He was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, who also served in the war of 1812, and died in Pike County about 1825. Joseph married Lucinda, daughter of John and Dolly (Piper) Awtry, of Ohio County, born in 1794, died in 1859, and from this union sprang John A.; Dolly (Likins); David; Joseph; Isaac served in the late war; also William; Burrel; killed in battle; Angeline; Martha; and Charlotte, who married three brothers named Kuykendall. October 15, 1840, Mr. Ford married Martha J., daughter of Nathan and Nancy (Likins) Keown, of Ohio County, born May 16, 1821, and to them have been born Mary (O'Bannon), Newton J. (served in the late war), John W. (in the late war, at the capture of Morgan), Margaret (Berkley), Narcissa A. (Lunsford), Alexander (deceased), Joseph N. (deceased), Thomas H., Jacob S., Lucinda J., and Nancy M.  Mr. Ford is a farmer having 177 acres of fair land in a good state of cultivation. He has, for forty years, been a member of the Baptist Church and politically is a stanch Republican.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note:  John Alfonzo Ford died 14 May 1894 in Ohio County. Mr. Ford is buried in the Old Salem Cemetery.

WILLIAM FORD, Ohio County, was born in Shelby County, Ky., September 19, 1824. His parents were John and Nancy (Garth) Ford. The father was born in South Carolina, and at the age of ten years came with his father, Elisha Ford, and settled in Shelby County, Ky. The mother was a native of Rockingham County, Va. The grandfather, Elisha Ford, served eight years as a soldier in the war of Independence. There were of John Ford's family eleven children, six of whom are living: J. Harvey Ford, resides at Fordsville, Ohio County; Mrs. Reuben Miller, a widow, residing in Ellis Precinct; Mrs. Truman, of Fordsville, also a widow; William, our subject; Milton Ford, who resides in Daviess County, and Mrs. William Bates, of Breckinridge County. An elder brother, now deceased, was a resident of Fordsville, and gave his name to the town and precinct; his son, James Ford, is a successful business man of Hartford. The father, John Ford, settled in Ohio County, near Fordsville, in 1833, and died in 1870; his wife in 1865. William Ford was married, December 9, 1846, to Elizabeth Whittinghill, second child of J. C. Whittinghill. She was born in Daviess County in 1830, and received a fair education. Mr. Ford, at the age of twenty four years, purchased a farm in Ohio County, subsequently sold it, and purchased another, which he sold, and soon afterward removed to Illinois, where he remained five years and prospered greatly as a farmer; he then sold his property in Illinois, and returned to his native State and settled on a farm in Breckinridge County. Wishing to give his children the opportunities of receiving a good education, he removed to the city of Owensboro, and subsequently purchased the beautiful farm on which he now resides, in Ellis Precinct, Ohio County. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of three children: James W. married Maggie Metcalf, daughter of William Metcalf, Sr.; Mary Jane, the wife of Virgil Miller, is an accomplished scholar and teacher; Sallie E., also well educated, is a teacher of music. The family are life long members of the Baptist Church. Our subject, prior to the late war, was an old line Whig, since that time he has been a Democrat. He has been successful as a farmer; has taken a deep interest in the education of his children, all of whom are intelligent members of society. His home is one of the best in the precinct, and his farm of 107 acres of good land is well improved. A brother, Elisha, now deceased, represented the counties of Ohio and Hancock twice in the Kentucky State legislature.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note:  William H. Ford died 19 Jan 1918 in Ohio County. Mr. Ford is buried in the Panther Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

JAMES W. FORD was born January 25, 1842, at Fordsville, Ohio Co., Ky., a son of Elisha M. and Nancy (Hardwick) Ford. Elisha M. is a native of Shelby County, Ky., where he was reared and educated; when a boy his father moved to Ohio County. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and were among the first settlers of Shelby County. Elisha M. was a tobacconist and farmer by occupation, and served his district two terms in the State legislature. He was a leading citizen, and took a prominent position in all local enterprises. His death occurred in 1851; his wife died in 1852. They were Baptists; he was a Mason. They were the parents of five children, two living: Mrs. Eliza Ogelvie, of Charleston, Mo., and James W.  The latter was reared in this county until fourteen years of age, when he went to Missouri to live with his sister. In company with four other boys he worked his way through to Pike's Peak in 1859. After his return from Missouri and Pike's Peak to Hartford, Ky., after an absence of about four years, he attended school until 1861, when he enlisted under Capt. Pendleton, in Company C, Ninth Kentucky Infantry (Confederate service), and served four years. "There were 140 enrolled in his company at its organization, and but twenty-six returned, and these bore forty-seven wounds." He enlisted as a private, was promoted to sergeant, later elected lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Baton Rouge, Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Hartsville and in the Atlanta campaign, and never missed a battle of his regiment. Upon his return from the war he entered the drug business, at Hartford, in partnership with Mr. Taylor, whom he afterward bought out, and has since carried on the business himself, with the exception of a short term of partnership. He carries a large stock, is well located on the public square, and enjoys a flourishing trade. November 12, 1872, he married Miss Abbie E. Rowan, of Ohio County. They have one daughter, Jessie, ten years of age. Mrs. Ford is a Methodist.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note:  James W. Ford died 17 May 1927 in Ohio County. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Ohio County.

Circuit Court in Kentucky

Kentucky Circuit Court

The modern Circuit Courts are trial courts with original jurisdiction in cases involving capital offenses and other felonies; land disputes; contested probates of wills; and civil lawsuits. Circuit courts also have the power to issue injunctions, writs of prohibition, writs of mandamus, and appeals from the decisions of administrative agencies.

Circuit judges  now serve in eight-year terms. As of 2016 there are 57 circuits, which may have one or more judges, depending on the population and docket size. Circuits may include one or more counties; some have up to four.  Ohio County is part of the 38th Circuit, which also includes Butler, Edmonson, and Hancock counties.  Originally, Ohio County and Breckenridge County comprised a Circuit which always met in Ohio County.

Our Ohio County Circuit Court was first established by the Kentucky legislature by an Act dated December 20, 1802.  Prior to this Kentucky had a system of District and General Courts. The following is a copy of the 1802 Act  that first established Circuit Courts:

CHARLES L. FIELD

CHARLES L. FIELD, Esq., was born in Buford, Ohio Co., Ky., August 11, 1852. In the common schools, at home and in the college at Hartford, he received a fair English education. December 27, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Lara A. Eden, a native of Paducah, Ky., born August 28, 1854. She received a liberal education in the public schools and in the College of the Sisters of Charity of the same city. His grandfather was William Field, born in Daviess County, Ky., in 1790, an extensive land owner and high sheriff of the county of Daviess for several years, also one of the earliest settlers in Ohio County. He lived to see all his children, to the number of ten, buried. He died in 1876. The father of our subject, Col. Benjamin Field, was the eldest of the family, and was born in Buford Precinct, Ohio County, in 1829, and died November 8, 1873. His mother was Josephine Austin, born near Hartford, Ky., in 1832. There were six children, of whom our subject is the eldest; the others are Henry, born August 14, 1854, married Carrie Rowe (they reside at Hartford, Ky.); Laura A. born August 31, 1856, married J. E. Magan, 1875; Edwin D., born November 17, 1858, educated at the South Carrollton Institute, unmarried; Benjamin L., born in 1862, a merchant and tobacconist, at Buford; James J., born in 1866. Our subject is a justice of the peace and his home is a large and commodious brick — one of the finest in the county— the home of his ancestors. The farm consists of 132 acres of improved land. His mother is now the wife of the Rev. James S. Coleman, a well known clergyman of the Baptist Church.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note:  Mr. Field died in 1929 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Hartford.

Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders (1838-1914) of Stoke-Upon-Trent,

Staffordshire, England

and of

Ohio County, Kentucky

(Brother of Charles, George, and John Sanders)

Photo received from Virginia Beth (Howard) Hudgins

Hartford, KY in 2010

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Notes on Life of Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders was the fourth son of John Sanders, Sr. and his wife, Sarah (Smith), who raised a family of nine respectable children.  Tom was born at Penkhull, a village and township within  the district of Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, England. 

John and Sarah Sanders were found in the 1841, 1851, and 1861 census records of Staffordshire.  In 1851 census, Thomas, age 12, was listed as a scholar.  In 1861, Thomas was listed in the census as age 22 and unmarried.  His occupation was "Tailor” (journeyman) "born Penkhull.”

On November 12, 1863, he married Charlotte Beardmore in England.  The marriage  record was solemnized at Parish Church in the Parish of St. George, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, in the County of Stafford.  Page: 109, Entry No. 217:   Ref No. C21/3/217.  

"Thomas Sanders. 23. Bachelor.  Tailor.  Residence at the time of Marriage: Boundary Street.  Father, John Sanders.  Tailor."

"Charlotte Beardmore. 18. Spinster.  Residence at the time of Marriage: Castle Street.  Father, William Beardmore, Tailor.” 

After Banns.  Wm. Callis, Curate.  Both signed their own names.  Witnesses: William Beardmore and Louisa Chell.  Both signed their own names."  Louisa Chell was the sister of Thomas; William Beardmore was the brother of Charlotte.

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Tom first came to America in 1856.  He later returned to England where he married Charlotte Beardmore.  It was reported by family members that he brought his wife, Charlotte, and their first child, a daughter about three years old, back to America.  This was Tom’s second trip to America, according to family tradition.   Thomas left England from Liverpool to New York –

ten weeks by sail.

In the 1870 census Vanderburgh County, Indiana,  Thomas Sanders was listed as age 30, a peddler, born England, with his wife, Charlotte, 22, born England, and a son, William 3, born England.  The immigration year was given as 1856 for Tom and Charlotte (Beardmore) Sanders on the 1910 census record.

In 1880, Thomas Sanders, 41, was enumerated in the Ohio County, Kentucky census, and was listed as a farmer.  Charlotte was shown as 37, with children William T. age 12, Mary A. age 7 and Fedella, age 3.  By that time, his brother, Charles Sanders, was already living in Ohio County.  Another place that Thomas lived at one time was Friedaland, Ohio County, Kentucky.

In the 1900 census, the Thomas Sanders family was living in Horse Branch, Ohio Co. Tom was age 62 and gave his birthdate as July 1838; Charlotte was 63, and said they had been married 34 years.  Charlotte also said she was born in Ireland, as were both her parents.  She also reported that they got married in 1866 – which is wrong by three years since they got married in November 1863.  Living in the home were three daughters, Lula 27, Hattie 17, and Laura A. Sanders, 17.  Also, William Ford, a boarder, who did farm labor, probably worked for Tom who did general farming.

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From the Hartford Herald - issue of July 8, 1908, image 7 - FRIEDALAND:

"Uncle Tom Sanders was 70 years old last Saturday.  His children gave him a nice

 dinner.  All his children and all his grandchildren except one who lives in Oklahoma.

There was a large crowd of his neighbors and friends present and there was plenty of

 everything good to eat and lots left.   All had an enjoyable day." 

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Ten years later in April 1910 when the census was taken, it appears the family moved from Horse Branch and were living in Olaton.  Tom’s age was given as 71; and Charlotte’s age as 68.  Lula was the only child left living at home – she was 29.  

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In 1914, January 28 – Thomas died.  His will is recorded in Book E, Page 41, dated March 2, 1909, recorded March 2, 1914.

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Obituary - quoted from the Hartford Herald, p. 5, column 4, Wed. 4 Feb 1914:

Esq. Thomas Sanders Dead

   "Mr. Thomas Sanders, aged 75, died last Wednesday at his residence near Olaton, this county, after a brief illness of pneumonia.  His remains were interred in the Cane Run church burying grounds Thursday.

   "Mr. Sanders was elected and served as Justice of the Peace of his district from January 1, 1914 to January 1, 1919.  He is survived by his widow, one son and four daughters."

Another write-up in the Hartford Herald, issue of Feb. 11, 1914, pg. 4, column 4, said:

                           

Was Born in England, Died in Ohio County

            "Mr. T. H. Sanders, deceased, was born in the town of Stoke, Staffordshire county, England, July 6, 1838.  He came to the United States when quite a young man and returned to England about two years later and married.  He then came to Friedaland, this county, where his wife and five children, who are all married, survive him.

He was born and raised a Catholic, but as there was no Catholic church near his home, he joined the Methodist church at Salem several years ago.

 "Uncle Tommy," as he was generally known, was an honest and upright man.  He realized from the beginning of his illness, which only lasted about four days, that his time on earth was short and he talked beautifully of his going away.  He said, "I have lived out my usefulness and am ready to meet my Master." 

He was laid to rest in Cane Run cemetery, January 28, 1914.

            “The pall-bearers were: W. P. Miller, C. C. Christian, C. D. Bean, W. T. Jamison, L. S. Hoover, Wesley Raley, all of whom were past seventy years of age." 

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A third obituary in The Hartford Republican , dated Friday, January 30, 1914, had a bit of additional information: 

"Esquire Thomas Sanders Dead."

        "Thomas Sanders, for four years a member of the Ohio County Fiscal Court, died at

        his home near Cane Run church, 3 miles from Olaton, Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock.

        He had been ill only a few days with pneumonia when the end came.  He was buried

        yesterday at Cane Run burying ground in the presence of a large number of friends.

       Esquire Sander's term as a magistrate in Sulphur Springs district ended with the year

      1913.  He was a good citizen and will be greatly missed in the community."

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Death Certificate

Charlotte Sanders:  Mention was made in the Hartford Herald newspaper, Wed. 1 April 1914, pg. 4, that:

        "Mrs. Sanders of the late Esq. Thomas Sanders, has appendicitis and is expected to live but a short time." 

However, Charlotte did live a little more than one-and one-half years after her husband's death.  She died June 2, 1915 and was laid to rest beside her husband at the Cane Run Baptist Church Cemetery, Friedaland, Ohio Co., KY. The known children of Thomas and Charlotte (Beardmore) Sanders were:

            William Thomas Sanders        b 4-24-1867 md. (1)  Alberta “Birdie” Hoover, Oct 9, 1891

                                                                                 md. (2)  Ida Beulah Miller, Mar 18, 1900           

            Mary Agnes Sanders               b 7-19-1872  md. Joseph Elmer Miller, Dec 31, 1890

            Fidelia “Della” Sanders          b Abt 1875    md. Robert T. Miller, Jan 8, 1896

            Louise Sanders                        b 1880           Died young.

            Hattie Sanders                         b 3-8-1883     md. George Cooper, Dec 24, 1904

            Laura                                       b 6-4-1885     md. Nathaniel G. Boswell, Mar 7, 1903

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In 1974 all of Tom’s children had died except Laura (Sanders) Boswell, who lived in Horse Branch, Ohio Co. Kentucky.   She celebrated her 101^st birthday and there is a newspaper clipping of this celebration.  Laura was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.  She was a post mistress for ten years at Horse Branch. She later died in a nursing home.

Submitted by Janice Cox Brown

FELIX

JAMES THOMAS FELIX was born September 27, 1831, in the northeast part of Ohio County, Ky.; in 1844 removed with his parents to Hopkins County, where he grew to manhood; in 1854 returned to Ohio County, and purchased the place where he now resides, upon which he placed his mother and her orphaned children, taking the place of his father in providing for their wants. His father, Charles Felix, a native of Woodford County, removed in childhood with his parents to Ohio County; was a stonemason, farmer and trader, and died in 1852, aged fifty-five years; he was the son of John, of Virginia. Charles married Mary R., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Bell) Sullenger, of Grayson County; she died in 1856, aged fifty-five years. Their offspring are Sarah E. (Herring and Byers), Nancy J. (Wright), James Thomas, Martha H. A. (Hoover), Francis M., William H., and Charles B. B.  James T. Felix obtained but a limited education in his youth, but is taking a great interest in the education of his children. He has been twice married; first, October 37, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of Frank and Jane (Mason) Lendrum, of Grayson County; she was born in 1838, and died in 1858. Their union was blessed with one son, Frank Lendrum (Felix), now superintendent of schools for Ohio County. Mr. Felix was next married, December 6, 1862, to Mary B., daughter of William and Matilda (Stateler) Duke, of Ohio County; she was born April 9, 1837; this union has also been blessed with one son, Charles William (Felix). Mr. Felix is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, owning 300 acres of productive and well-improved land, in a high state of cultivation. He is a Democrat and a Cumberland Presbyterian; his wife is a Methodist.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note: James Thomas Felix died 6 November 1915 in Ohio County. 

CHARLES B. B. FELIX, Ohio County, was born March 25, 1847, in Hopkins County, Ky., and in 1854 removed with his mother to Ohio County, where he has since resided. He is the son of Charles and Mary R. (Sullenger) Felix. Charles B. B. Felix, in childhood, procured such an education as the schools of the time afforded. He was married November 10, 1870, to Nancy J., daughter of Elias and Mary J. (Shearer) Walker, of Breckinridge County, born December 9, 1851, and to them have been born Mary Rouin, Bertha May, Ximena (deceased), Elias (deceased), Sarah Elizabeth, and Susan. Mr. Felix's occupation is that of farming; he owns 250 acres of fine land, in good condition and in a high state of cultivation. He also engages in running lumber from Rough Creek during the rafting season. In politics, he is identified with the Democratic party.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note: Charles Burch Felix died December 1932 in Ohio County. He is buried in the Sullenger Graveyard in Ohio County.

FRANK L. FELIX was born September 29, 1858, in Ohio County, and is a son of James T. and Elizabeth Felix. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools until he was eighteen years old, when, having obtained some means by dealing in stock, he attended Salem College, in Meade County, four months. He next attended school at Canmer, Hart Co., Ky., and finally graduated in scientific course from Hartford College in 1882, and the same fall was appointed by the county court as school commissioner, and in 1884 was elected county school superintendent, his present position, by the largest majority ever given to any candidate for that position in the county. Mr. Felix's natural ability and thorough education, together with the universal esteem in which he is held bespeak for him other positions of trust and honor.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note: Frank L. Felix married Jeanette M. "Nettie" Duncan; he died April 1959 in Miami, Florid at the age of 100.

WILLIAM LOGAN FELIX

WILLIAM LOGAN FELIX was born October 10, 1828, in Ohio County, Ky.; at the age of ten years removed with his parents to Hopkins County, and in 1848 returned to Ohio County, where he has since resided. His father, Philip Felix, was born in 1802, probably in Franklin County, Ky.; was a stone mason: assisted in the construction of the penitentiary wall at Frankfort, and died in 1866. He was the son of John Felix, a German, from Virginia. John's children were Isaac, William, Charles, Philip, Josiah, Hannah (Bannon), Betsey (Carter), Susan (Christian), Mahala (Morris), Sallie (Howard) and Jane (Howard). Philip married Judith, daughter of Josiah and Judith (New) Haynes, of Ohio County, born in 1806, and still living. Their children are Emeline (Herring and Kelley), Josiah, William L., Sally (Johnson), James R., Artelia A. (Heverin), Mahala F. (Boswell), John L., Henry C. and Burch B.  Mr. Felix was first married September 7, 1853, to Susan V., daughter of Frank and Nancy (Thompson) Black, of Ohio County; she was born September 7, 1828, and died May 24, 1860, and from their union sprang Antoinette E. (deceased) and Catherine J.  Mr. Felix was next married, February 13, 1861, to Hannah A., daughter of Farmer and Nancy (Haynes) Deweese, of Grayson County, born February 3, 1843, and to them have been born Philip O., James C., Emeline H. (deceased), and Frances A. Mr. Felix is a farmer, having 136 acres of good land in a high state of cultivation. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Republican.

Source: J. H. BATTLE, W H. PERRIN, & G. C. KNIFFIN 1895

Note:  Mr. Felix died 17 April 1894 in Ohio county.  He is buried in the Black Cemetery, Hartford.  The Black Cemetery of Ohio County, Kentucky is located on the old John Brown farm now owned by a Mr. Webb. From Hartford, go out Highway 69 toward Dundee. Turn right on Hamlin Chapel Road. Go beyond Hamlin Chapel Church (now a Clubhouse) a short distance. Turn left on gravel road where an old two-story frame house is on the right side of the road and a brick house just beyond where you turn back from road on left.  These directions are courtesy of A. E. "Buddy" Holmes & were found on Findagrave.com. No photos of the grave marker were found.