JOSEPH L. JAMES

JOSEPH L. JAMES.

In 1870 there settled near Wayside, in Montgomery county (KS), the gentleman whose name precedes this article, together with a considerable family, all from the "Blue Grass State" of Kentucky. His children have been reared in the precincts of the county and are now respected members of different communities in the west, and filling responsible places in society. The family is held in high esteem in the county, always having stood for virtue and equity wherever they have resided.

Joseph L. James was born in Ohio county, Kentucky, on the 7th of March, 1827, the son of Samuel James and Sally Borah. The family is of English descent, grandfather John James having immigrated to Virginia in an early day, where he was prominently identified with the tobacco business, having been an inspector of tobacco at Richmond for a number of years.

Samuel James was reared to manhood in the "Old Dominion State" and came to Kentucky with his parents and their family of ten children and located in the then vast wilderness in the eastern part of the state. There the parents continued to reside until their death. Samuel James' education was limited, owing to lack of facilities in that primitive region, but he managed to secure enough to be able to transact the ordinary business of life. He remained in the home neighborhood until his marriage to Sallie Borah, a native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch ancestry. To this marriage there was born ten children, as follows: Jefferson, deceased at sixteen years; Magdalene, Mrs. Lloyd Rodgers, of Kentucky; her children are: Sarah, Emerson, John and Alphonso (twins). Several of these sons are quite prominent in public life in the '"Blue Grass State." The third child of Samuel James was Joseph L.; the next younger was Lucy Jane, who married Captain Devol; Sally; S. M., also a resident of the home county; John A., killed during the war; and Kelly, who died in infancy.

Joseph L. James was reared to manhood in the "'Blue Grass State," and on December 25, 1850, was joined in marriage with Martha A. Shelton. This lady was a daughter of Ralph Shelton of Butler county, Kentucky, and came to Kansas with our subject, where she died October 25, 1892. Mr. James continued to reside in Kentucky until the year 1870,  when, on July 5, he arrived in Montgomery county and located on the farm which is now his home. His preemption consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and consists of every line land upon which he has erected many substantial improvements since the date of his settlement. He passed through the hardships of the pioneers of that early day, but has a rich reward in the splendid home which is the result of his labor.

During his residence in the county. Mr. James has taken an active interest in the welfare of his community, serving in the different unremuneratiye offices of school district and township and always evincing a lively interest in affairs. A Democrat in his earlier years, he has, since seen the rise of the Reform party, given his allegiance to the furtherance of reforms in government as proposed by its platforms. In matters of religious moment, he and his family have been loyal supporters of the Church of Christ, and have been a source of great strength to that denomination since their coming to the county.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. James have all grown to mature years and have families of their own. The eldest was Paulina A., born October 1, 1857, and died December 6, 1858; Sylvanus A., born January 17, 1853, married Melissa Webster and is a farmer of Rutland township; his children are: Hettie, Allan, Curen, Padith, Ella, Paul, and Alice; Mary James born March 18, 1855, married John Sewell, proprietor of a hotel at Bolton; her children are: Seymour, Lloyd, Etta, Mary, Gertrude, Grace, Lilly, and Ethel; Diogenes S., who is mentioned extendedly in this volume; Harry K., born September 11, 1858, is a farmer and school teacher, and married Eliza Kelly; his three children are: Opal, Pearl, and Ruby; Aurora, born July 8, 1860, married William C. Sewell and lives in Fawn Creek township with her children: Gentry, Annie, Walter, Stella, Harry, Paul, and James; Sally O., born April 17, 1862, lives in Oklahoma with her husband, A. J. Puckett; Laura J., born April 21, 1861, married John Finley., a druggist of Bartlesville, Indian Territory; Joseph B., born March 26, 1860, married Ella Bell, of Caney township, and now resides on Mr. James' farm with their daughter, Hazel Lucile; Martha A., born June 18, 1868, is wife of Walter Hudson and lives in Rutland township with their three children— Earl, Harold, and Marie; Moriah A., born January 26, 1870, married Carrie Roberts and is a farmer and school teacher in Oklahoma; they have two children — Ralph and Cecil.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS, Published 1903

At Page 364

Sarah Jane Taylor

Bailey P. Wootton. 

The law is known as a stern mistress, demanding of her devotees constant and unremitting attention, and leading her followers through many mazes and intricacies before she grants them success at her hands. This incessant devotion frequently precludes the idea of the busy and successful lawyer indulging in activities outside of the immediate path of his profession, especially if his vocational duties are of a large and important nature. But there are men who find the time and the inclination to devote to outside interests, and who by the very reason of their ability in the law are peculiarly and particularly fitted to perform capable service therein. Bailey P. Wootton, of Hazard, president of the Hazard Bar Association, has for a long period been known as a close devotee of the law. A master of its perplexities and complexities, his activities have been directed incessantly to the demands of his calling. Yet he has found the leisure to discharge in a highly efficient manner the duties pertaining to the conduct of the Hazard Bank and Trust Company, of which he is president, the establishment of telephone companies and other refining influences of civilization, the conduct of a newspaper, and the performance of the responsibilities dictated by a high ideal of citizenship, and he is, therefore, probably known in other fields as well as he is as a thorough, profound and learned legist. Mr. Wootton was born on a farm in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, May 20, 1870, a son of J. Eli and Sarah Jane (Taylor) Wootton. His grandfather was Joshua Wootton, a miller and distiller of Tennessee.  J. Eli Wootton was born in what was then Trousdale (now Sumner) County, Tennessee, in 1836, and in 1854 accompanied the family to the Rhoads farm in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, whence two years later they moved to the farm on which Bailey P. Wootton was born.  J. Eli Wootton was a farmer in ordinary circumstances, and was an outspoken democrat in his political views. When the issues between the South and the North resulted in the outbreak of the war between the states, he unhesitatingly cast his lot with the Union and was active in the organization of a company in the Eleventh Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, in which he became sergeant, and which was recruited at Rochester. He served bravely and faithfully under Crittenden and Sherman, but during the latter part of the war became very ill, and after a long confinement in the hospital at Nashville was honorably discharged because of total disability. He then returned to his home farm and continued his agricultural operations until his death, which occurred in August, 1903, when he was sixty-seven years of age. Mr. (J. Eli) Wootton married Sarah Jane Taylor, who was born in August, 1845, in Ohio County, Kentucky, a daughter of Harvey Taylor, and a member of a family which came to Kentucky from Virginia. Mrs. Wootton, who is a devout member of the Christian Church, survives her husband as a resident of Central City, Muhlenberg County, near the old home place which is now the possession of her son, Bailey P.  There were three sons in the family: Theodore A., the proprietor of a photographic studio at Martin, Tennessee; Finis A., a teacher who was preparing for the law when he died at the age of twenty-three years; and Bailey P.  Bailey P. Wootton, realizing the value of an education, determined that he would secure this desirable asset in his youth, and as the family finances did not seem sufficient to enable him to attain his object he set about getting finances of his own. In various ways he made money. When only a lad he edited a small paper at Rochester, later was editor of a paper established at Paducah in the Panhandle of Texas to boost the new country there, and in his vacation periods taught those who were less learned than himself. In this way he managed to work his way through the public schools of Muhlenberg County, Rochester Seminary and Lebanon University, from the last-named of which he graduated in 1890, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts after a course in civil engineering. For three years thereafter he continued to teach in Muhlenberg County, and it was as a teacher that he came to Hazard in 1893. The nearest railroad at that time was forty miles distant, but Mr. Wootton, with the foresight that has ever characterized his activities, saw the future of the community and was content to cast his lot among those who would grow with the community and share in its prosperity. In 1804 he was made principal of the school, and through his efforts a second story was added to the one-story, one-room schoolhouse and numerous other improvements were made. He remained as principal for four years, or until his activities in other fields necessitated his giving up teaching. Ever since then he has been one of the foremost promoters of education here, and through his efforts much has been accomplished in putting the cause of learning upon its present high pedestal. Many of the successful men of the valley today boast that Mr. Wootton was their instructor. While acting as principal of the little schoolhouse Mr. Wootton had applied himself to the study of law, and in 1897 was admitted to the bar. Shortly there after he became convinced that he needed further instruction in his chosen calling, and in 1808 he graduated in law from Southern University at Huntington.

Returning to Hazard, he began the practice of his calling, and soon had an extensive legal practice, which has grown to large proportions with the passing of the years. He was counsel for the old L. & E. Rail road from 1906 to 1911, and from 1911 to 1920 for the Louisville & Nashville. Likewise he represented many of the leading coal companies, writing their charters and acting as their counsel in court procedure, and his practice today is one of the largest and most important in Perry County. The esteem in which he is held by his fellow-practitioners is shown in the fact that he is president of the Hazard Bar Association. In 1903 Mr. Wootton began the organization of the first financial institution at this point, the Bank of Hazard, which in 1906 became the First National Bank, of which he was a director and president at one time. In 1917 he founded the Hazard Bank and Trust Company, a strong institution which has an excellent reputation in banking circles and the full confidence of the public, of which he is president. Mr. Wootton was likewise a pioneer in the telephone field in this region. In 1900 he was the organizer of the Jackson and Hazard Telephone Company, the first line of its kind here, and two years later organized the Big Leatherwood Telephone Company. He was instrumental also in building the first light and water plant, which later became the Kentucky and West Virginia Power Company. He is still proprietor of the Hazard Herald, which was established in 1909. A stalwart democrat in his political allegiance, Mr. Wootton was chairman of the County Democratic Committee for a period of twelve years, and is now State Democratic Executive Committeeman from the Tenth District. He was appointed a delegate from Kentucky in 1915 by Governor James B. McCreary to the Southern Agricultural Congress; was commissioned a colonel upon the Governor's staff by Governor A. O. Stanley in 1916; and was delegate from the Tenth District of Kentucky to the Democratic Convention in Saint Louis in 1916 which nominated Woodrow Wilson. As a fraternalist he belongs to Hazard Lodge, F. and A. M., of which he is a past master; Phoenix Chapter, R. A. M., of Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent the winters of 1916-17; Winchester Commandery, K. T.; and the Mystic Shrine at Lexington. He also belongs to Hazard Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. With all his success Mr. Wootton is unassuming in character. He has ever been a loyal friend, and those with whom he struggled side by side in the early days will always find him ready to give an assisting hand when it is needed. Mr. Wootton married in 1902 Miss Rebecca Boggs, who was born October 17, 1880, in Knott County, Kentucky, daughter of J. C. Boggs, who is now a merchant at Chandler, Oklahoma. Mrs. Wootton died April 6, 1914, after having been the mother of three children: Thomas P., who graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1921 and is now attending the University of New Mexico; Sarah, who died at the age of three years; and Anita, who was one year old at the time of her death. In November, 1916, Mr. Wootton was united in marriage with Miss Clara Collins, daughter of Albert Collins, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and they have two children: Kittie and Alice. Mrs. Wootton is a member of the Christian Church and takes an active part in social affairs at Hazard.

Source: History of Kentucky, Vol 5.  By William Elsey Connelley and Ellis Merton Coulter. Published 1922.

Caroline Davis

Claudy Esty Gary, spouse of Caroline Davis.

The capacity for finding enjoyment in what one has to do, of being able to invest one's labor with interest and enthusiasm, are essentials of success which have been incorporated in the career of Claudy Esty Gary, Superintendent of Schools of Butler County, Kentucky. From the time that he began educational work, fifteen years ago, Mr. Gary has not only been a student and participant in the development of the educational system in Kentucky, but has always found pleasure in his labors, no matter how onerous, and perhaps this is one reason why his achievements are touched with the mark of originality and individuality and why they have borne so much fruit. Mr. Gary was born at Welch's Creek, Kentucky, July 23, 1887, a son of John M. and Mahala (Wilson) Gary. The branch of the family of which he is a member had its origination in England and the first immigrant came to America during the early history of Colonial Virginia. The great-grandfather of C. E. Gary was William Gary, who was born in the Old Dominion and was a pioneer of Butler County, Kentucky, where his last years were passed in agricultural pursuits and where he died in advanced age well esteemed and respected. William Gary, son of William, the pioneer, and grandfather of Claudy Esty Gary, was born January 10, 1839, in Butler County, Kentucky, and had little more than passed his majority when occurred the out break of the war between the North and the South. In this struggle he enlisted in the Union forces and fought bravely and faithfully until the close of hostilities, when he returned to the peaceful pursuits of farming. These occupied his attention and energies during the remainder of his life, which extended beyond four-score years, his death occurring September 16, 1920. He was a man of splendid qualities and had the respect and warm regard of those with whom he was associated. He married Caroline Davis, who was born in 1835, in Ohio County, Kentucky, and died in Butler County, in 19oo. For his second wife, the grandfather married Armilda Burden, a native of Butler County, who survives him as a resident of Grayson County, this state. John M. Gary, father of Claudy Esty Gary, was born in 1867, at Welch's Creek, Butler County, Kentucky, and received his education in the rural schools of his native community. He was likewise reared there, grew to manhood, adopted the occupation of agriculture, and was married, and for many years carried on operations as a successful and progressive Butler County farmer. In 1918 Mr. Gary transferred his attention to the oil industry, having realized on several investments therein, and at the present time is located at Goose Neck, Texas, where he is working as an operator of several valuable properties. He has resided in that community since 1918 and has received splendid returns from his investments. In political matters Mr. Gary gives his firm allegiance to the cause of republicanism, although he has not been a seeker after personal preferment of a political or public nature. He joined the Baptist Church as a young man and has always been a member thereof, and has lived his faith. Mr. Gary married Miss Mahala Wilson, who was born in 1860, in Butler County, Kentucky, and died here in 1916. The only child of his parents, Claudy Esty Gary, received his early education in the rural schools of Butler County, following which he pursued a course at the Butler County High School, at Morgantown, from which he was duly graduated with the class of 19o5. At that time he entered the Western Kentucky State Normal School, at Bowling Green, which he left after one year. In the meantime, in 19o5, Mr. Gary had commenced his labors as a country school teacher. This probationary period extended over something like eleven years, during which time he was broadening his education, enriching his experiences and gaining an intimate knowledge of his work and of the motives and hearts of the children placed in his care. Thus when, in 1916, the call came and he was elected to be county superintendent of schools of Butler County, he was fully prepared and ready for the place. He took office in January, 1918, and entered upon his duties for a four-year term, with his offices in the Courthouse at Morgantown. He has achieved much in the way of reforms and innovations, and has won the respect and confidence of the teachers and pupils, as well as of the general public. Under Mr. Gary's charge are ninety schools, 101 teachers and approximately 5,000 pupils. He takes a deep and pleasurable interest in his work and at all times is endeavoring to make his services more valuable. Mr. Gary is the owner of his own pleasant and attractive modern home on Roberts Street, Morgantown, and is a director in the Butler County Oil and Gas Company. In politics he adheres to the principles of the republican party, the candidates of which he sup ports without question. He holds membership in the Kentucky Educational Association and belongs to the Baptist Church at Morgantown. During the period of the great World war, Mr. Gary took an active and constructive part in all local war activities in Butler County and contributed his full share toward the success of every project. In 1916, in Butler County, Mr. Gary was united in marriage with Miss Emma Belle Ingram, daughter of H. D. and Josie (Embry) Ingram, who reside at Tilford, Butler County, where Mr. Ingram is engaged successfully in the general merchandising business. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gary: Joffre S., born May 23, 1917; and Emma Lois, born December 27, 1919.

Source: History of Kentucky, Vol 5.  By William Elsey Connelley and Ellis Merton Coulter. Published 1922.

John Franklin Hoover

John Franklin Hoover

Some of the most representative business men of this part of Kentucky are located at Dawson Springs, finding in this city excellent opportunities for the development of their faculties and securing a fair share of prosperity. One of them is John Franklin Hoover, manager of the City Water Company and Ice Plant, who is recognized as one of the experts in his line and a citizen of marked public spirit. He was born at Livermore, McLean County, Kentucky, July 28, 1872, a son of George Burdett Hoover, and a grandson of Richard Hoover, who was born in Virginia and died in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1883. He was a farmer by occupation and the first of his family to come to Ohio County. George Burdett Hoover was born in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1839, and died at Livermore, Kentucky, in 1881. Reared and educated in Ohio County, he be came a farmer of that region, but later moved to Livermore and embarked in a mercantile business, which occupied him until his death. Both in his native county and at Livermore he supported the candidates of the democratic party, and he was equally earnest in his connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church of both places, having early joined that organization. He married Susan Simmons who was born in Ohio County, Kentucky, in 1843, and died at Dawson Springs, Kentucky, in 1912, surviving her husband for many years. Their children were as follows: Vollie T., who died at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1918, was in the employ of the American Tobacco Company; Maude, who married a Mr. Ratterree, a druggist of Louisville; John Franklin, who was the third in order of birth; Belle, who married C. B. Long, a retired merchant of Madisonville, Kentucky; and Georgia, who married Dr. C. A. Niles, a physician and surgeon of Dawson Springs, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

            John Franklin Hoover attended the public schools of Livermore until he was sixteen years old, and then left school and came to Dawson Springs, arriving here in 1888. For a time he did whatever work he found to do, and later became a dealer in real estate, buying realty and holding it until he could sell at a profit. In 1918 he became superintendent of the City Water Company, and still holds that position, his offices being located on Railroad Avenue, at Sycamore Street. The company supplies Dawson Springs with water and manufactured ice, and Mr. Hoover superintends the operation of both plants. In addition to his duties as superintendent Mr. Hoover has numerous realty holdings, including his substantial modern residence on Franklin Street, which is supplied with city water, electric lights and other improvements, five dwellings, a business block on South Main Street, and in partnership with Dr. C. A. Niles owns sixty vacant lots in the city. He also has an interest in the Tolo Water Company's building and the company itself, and he is a stockholder and secretary of the City Water Company. A democrat, he served as a member of the City Council for several terms, and is active in his party. Fraternally he belongs to Dawson Lodge No. 628, A. F. and A. M. During the late war Mr. Hoover was one of the most zealous workers in behalf of the cause, and bought bonds and subscribed to the various organizations to the utmost extent of his means, and did everything within his power to aid the administration in carrying out its policies. In 1898 Mr. Hoover married Miss Cora Simpson, at Carmi, Illinois. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Simpson. Mr. Simpson is now deceased, but was a farmer of White County, Illinois. His widow, who survives him, is residing at Carmi, White County, Illinois. The first Mrs. Hoover was a college graduate. She died at Carmi, Illinois, in 19o3, having borne her husband one son, John Franklin, Jr., who died at the age of ten weeks. In November, 1912, Mr. Hoover married at Jeffersonville, Indiana, Miss Stella Pearl  Dishman, born in Marshall County, Kentucky. She was graduated from the public schools of her native county and attended its high school course. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have one child, Gene, who was born February 11, 192o. Having lived at Dawson Springs for so many years, Mr. Hoover naturally is interested in it, for he has assisted in its development and has been instrumental in bringing about many improvements, both as a private individual and as a public official.

Source: History of Kentucky, Vol 5.  By William Elsey Connelley and Ellis Merton Coulter. Published 1922.

Virgil Lee Couch

Virgil Lee Couch---Mr. Civil Defense

Compiled by Helen Allen McKeown

Born in Princeton, Caldwell County, Kentucky, November 12, 1907; died August 17, 1990; buried Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia.  Married December 24, 1931 Martha Pence Duncan; married August 29, 1952 Violet Mae Showers, U.S. Government Official; University of Kentucky, B.S. in Commerce, 1930.  He is son of John Couch and Malta Ann Duke.

His sister, Lucille Elizabeth Couch, born August 26, 1909 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky; died September 27, 1988; buried Sunnyside Cemetery, Ohio County, Kentucky. By October 1909 the family bought a farm and returned to Ohio County, having moved to Caldwell County in 1907.  Lucille was remembered as a music teacher at Centertown School, Ohio County.  ‘As a youngster he won prizes for his wheat crops by carefully sifting the kernels through a fine sieve, so that only the plumpest grains remained.’  Virgil first traveled to UK in 1924-1925 as a member of the championship debating team at Beaver Dam High School, where he graduated with Class of 1926.  He enrolled in UK in fall of 1926, rooming with Tennyson Payton, Beaver Dam class of 1925.  Virgil’s classmates at Beaver Dam were his sister, Lucille Couch, Lucille Baker, Malcolm Lynn Barnes, Karl Brown, Hubert Greer, Mildred Greer, Estill Hazelrigg, Beulah Kane, Helen (Knight) Barnard, Sterling Maddox, Audra (Martin) Sprigg, William Raley, Rhea Render, Ben Rummage, and Hayward Stevens.  March 10, 2014, I visited Audra Martin, age 107, who remembers both Virgil and Lucille Couch.  Western Kentucky Seminary name changed to Beaver Dam High School in 1920, that building enlarged in 1928.

Following graduation from the University in 1930, he served three careers, all involving new things in new ways with great speed and unusual economic conditions and international unrest.  His meticulous efforts reflect his guide, “You’ve got to arrive at solutions in advance-----like Noah did.”

He was in business, 1930-35, as an executive in the petroleum industry where he was recognized for sales development in which he gained national recognition for scientific selection, placement and training of sales representatives. He started his second career in 1935, when he took leave from industry temporarily to join the federal government as a consultant and advisor on personnel management and labor relations, a profession that was just beginning.

He was National Director of Personnel and Labor Relations for the Farm Security Administration, Farmers Home Administration, and other groups in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He has held some of the biggest jobs in personnel management in the world, including the first Director of Personnel for the Economic Cooperation Administration (Marshall Plan) named for United States Secretary of State George Marshall, where he served as adviser to other federal agencies, state and local governments and 16 foreign countries in establishing personnel management systems. He was charter member and International President of the Society for the Advancement of Management; Chairman of numerous committees of the National Personnel Council and Presidential committees concerned with federal management practices.

He organized the American Society of Training Directors, Federal Training Council, Federal Safety Council, and the Society for Public Administration. He was the first Chairman of the newly established Arlington County, Virginia, Civil Service Commission, and adviser to several governors and mayors on the establishment of merit systems and employment services.

He was Head (Dean) of the Department of Public Administration and professor of public administration at the USDA Graduate School, and authored numerous articles and pamphlets on personnel management. He was recognized as the "father" of personnel management and labor relations in the federal government. In 1951, he began his third career as assistant administrator for Civil Defense and Emergency Preparedness and was recognized as the nation's top adviser on methods of preparing for survival of nuclear attack and natural disasters. He was Director of field exercises for Atomic Test Operations. He established and directed the National Civil Defense Staff College and Training Center. In 1953, on leave, he served as consultant to the Venezuelan government on problems of public administration and reorganization. October 20, 1961, because of his worldwide identification with the civil defense effort, he was featured on the cover of "Time" magazine, the first career federal employee to achieve that recognition.

His honors and awards include the National Institute of Disaster Mobilization Award for "the greatest contribution to national defense and disaster preparedness;" the U.S. Civil Defense Council Citation for "outstanding assistance to local governments," and the American Society for Industrial Security Distinguished Service Award for "outstanding contributions in establishing the security profession." He also wrote numerous articles on aspects of emergency preparedness. He was the U.S. Representative to NATO and was chosen to draft programs to encourage and guide industries in preparing to survive major emergencies. His many assignments in civil defense earned him the title, "Mr. Civil Defense." He became a 32nd degree Mason and was a Shriner. While at UK, he was editor of the "Kentuckian," college yearbook; President of the YMCA, UK Radio Station's first announcer, and President of Alpha Tau Omega. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi, and winner of the Alpha Delta Sigma "best in the world award" in advertising. He was assistant advertising manager of "The Kentucky Kernel," and editor of the "Freshman College Handbook." 

Virgil L. Couch was named to the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni on November 6, 1970.  In August of 1991, his widow donated his papers to Dwight D Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas.  The collection comprised of approximately 30,400 pages deals primarily with 1951-1972.  Papers reflect that by retirement he had earned title of  ‘Mr. Civil Defense’ or ‘Mr. Industry Defense.’  His philosophy, “It is better for industry to be paternalistic than for the Government to be.”

His influence was felt in Kentucky, as well as the rest of the country, during the Cold War time of 1950’s and 1960’s as homeowners often consulted fallout shelter plans.  Citizens were well informed as to possibility of nuclear attack and preparedness for that event.  The work of the country included plans for radiologic recovery of fixed military installations, banking preparedness, armored car specifications, prison policies, food industry and metropolitan vulnerability, underground industrial plants, mental health implications, etc.  Civil Defense was an everyday expression and every business and government division had a civil defense emergency plan in place.  Civil Defense and other agencies were brought together in today’s FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Paternal Genealogy    

John Couch born December 17, 1883; died January 7, 1964; married February 2, 1907 in Ohio County to Malta Ann Duke, born November 21, 1887, Ohio County, died January 17, 1975; they are buried Sunnyside Cemetery.  John Couch worked for Illinois Central Rail Road, he was night man in 1907 Ohio County when he was transferred to Princeton.

John Couch is son of Leander Jackson Couch, MD, born December 22, 1847 in Webster County, Kentucky, near Slaughtersville; died June 12, 1889; buried Slaughters Cemetery, Webster County, Kentucky; married December 29, 1881 in Webster County to Sallie Elizabeth Chandler, born September 9, 1859, died May 12, 1930, buried Sunnyside Cemetery.  After death of Leander Couch, his widow married October 4, 1891 to his brother Warren Lafayette Couch, born January 26, 1844, died March 24, 1910, buried Slaughters Cemetery.

Leander Couch is youngest son of large family, who in 1870, began study of medicine in the office of Dr. Jenkins, of Hopkins County, Kentucky, and afterward attended lectures at the Louisville Medical College, Jefferson County, Kentucky.  In 1874 he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1875.  He commenced the practice of his profession in Webster County and in 1876 came to Sebree, Kentucky.   He is a Mason and a Democrat.

Leander Couch is son of first cousins James Daniel Couch, born February 16, 1803 in Virginia, died April 11, 1866, buried Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hopkins County, Kentucky and Mary Ann Couch, born March 15, 1814, died May 30, 1904, buried Slaughters Cemetery, Webster County.  James Couch is son of Daniel Couch.  1860 census reflects the local teacher M. A. Pratt living in the home.

Mary Couch is daughter of John Couch, born July 8, 1773, Buckingham County, Virginia, died March 13, 1840, buried Couch Family Graveyard on the original plantation; married 1796 in Virginia to Mary Anderson who died between 1840-1850. Based on census review, they migrated to Kentucky in 1833 and homesteaded 1,000 acres between Mt. Pleasant community and Slaughters, then part of Hopkins County, now Webster County. They were parents of fourteen children.  The Couch family were likely slaveholders as William Couch, a colored man, was only barber in Slaughters in 1895.

John and Daniel Couch were sons of James Couch born 1750 in England died 1820.   James Couch served in Revolution, DAR record A026422 documents provision of beef and 65 days of service as canoe man.

Sallie Elizabeth Chandler is daughter of William McVey Chandler and Eliza Jane Parker.   William Chandler family from Person County, North Carolina, born January 16, 1829, died January 16, 1887, buried McClendon Chandler Cemetery, Webster County, Kentucky; married in 1849 to Eliza Jane Parker who died 1867.   The Chandler family landed in Hopkins County, Kentucky, January 25, 1829, coming from North Carolina.  In 1850 he moved to Henderson County which area is now Webster County.  William Chandler farmed until 1882 then purchased the Singer Mill in Sebree, which has a capacity of twenty barrels of flour and will grind 150 bushels of corn per day, was a Democrat and long time member of the Regular Baptist Church.   William Chandler is son of Washington Chandler, married January 7, 1825 in Person County to Letha Morrow.  Washington Chandler is son of John Chandler, married November 22, 1800 in Person County to Rebecca McVey, born 1783 South Carolina, died 1868, buried McClendon Chandler Cemetery. 

Rebecca McVey is daughter of presumed Revolutionary War soldier, John McVey and Mary ‘Molly’ Bumpass.  John McVey is son of Hugh McVey and Ruth Manning.  Mary Bumpass is daughter of presumed Revolutionary War soldier John Bumpass.  Prior to the Revolution John Bumpass organized a company of which he was Captain and was active as a Regulator, having the nickname “The Fighting Captain”.  He received a land grant from Lord Granville on March 10, 1761 in Person County.  His father, Robert Bumpass received similar land grant in 1752 era for 640 acres.  According to one tradition the Bumpass family can be traced back to Southern France.  In 1752, during the wars of the Count of Toulouse a youth was given a very important assignment of carrying a message through enemy lines to another commander. The job required such great courage and tact that when he completed his mission, the general jumped up and shouted "Bon Pas" (Well done! in French) so from then on he was given the new name, Bumpass.

Eliza Parker, daughter of Jonas Parker, married February 8, 1816, Person County, to Ruth Tapp; they came to Kentucky in 1837.  Ruth Tapp, daughter of Revolutionary War soldier, William Tapp, married July 19, 1796 Person County to Rebecca Fowler, DAR record A112786.

Maternal Genealogy

Malta Duke, daughter of William Virgil Duke, born September 17, 1853, died April 6, 1916; married May 21, 1884, Ohio County, Ida Elizabeth Acton, born December 7, 1866, died August 16, 1942; they are buried Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery, Daviess County, Kentucky. 

William Duke is son of Thomas Duke, born March 17, 1807, died March 2, 1888, married March 28, 1837, Dorcas Ann Tanquary Addington, born January 22, 1820, died June 21, 1884; they are buried Old Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery, Ohio County, Kentucky, described as Horton or Hells Neck area.  Thomas described in his obituary as a good citizen and true Christian.  Dorcas (Darcus) is daughter of William ‘Henry’ Addington, born March 6, 1774, Maryland; died November 10, 1850, and second wife, Polly Davis, born January 15, 1796, died 1834, they married March 2, 1815.   William Virgil would have been named for Dorcas father, William Henry Addington, and younger brother, Virgil Porter Addington .  Henry gave land for Equality Church/Cemetery so likely they are buried in old part of cemetery next to Equality Methodist Church ruins.  Polly is daughter of Lodowick Davis, Methodist minister, whose name is found on several Ohio County marriage records.   The Addington and Davis families were early settlers, part of Rev. Ignatius Pigman’s Maryland Methodist migration, they would have been affiliated with Goshen Methodist Church, Ohio County, Kentucky prior to organization of Equality Methodist Church.

Thomas Duke is son of John Duke, born March 26, 1773, died April 7, 1844; married December 25, 1794 to Elizabeth Ann Stevens, born August 18, 1775, died January 24, 1856, who came to Ohio County from Maryland, buried Old Bethel Cemetery.  Elizabeth Stevens is daughter of Richard Stevens, born October 8, 1734, died June 14, 1798 in Montgomery County, Maryland; married March 11, 1766 to Lydia Garner, born March 17, 1740, died June 7, 1829; she is buried Carson Cemetery, Ohio County.   Carson is located near No Creek Methodist Church where family members still worship.   In fall of 1800 a group including John and Elizabeth Duke and her mother left Maryland to arrive in Ohio County in 1801, traveling in wagons drawn by teams.  They crossed the Alleghany Mountains to Wheeling on Ohio River where they built a boat, loaded it with wagons and people to continue by river to Cloverport, Hancock County, Kentucky, arriving in January, 1801.  Two of the group brought their horses overland.  The horses then pulled the wagons on to Ohio County.  This was unsettled area and one family story relates story of shooting a panther measuring six feet from nose to tail.  Other wild animals included bear, wolves, wildcats and wild hogs.  Travel was required to Saline salt works to secure salt.   John Duke was one of five trustees of Bethel Meeting House organized on April 30, 1814.  Annual camp meetings were held at both Bethel and No Creek churches.

Ida Acton is daughter of Fielder Weemes Acton, born March 24, 1837, died March 14, 1912; married January 27, 1858, Ohio County, to Elizabeth Wade Hines, born February 29, 1840, died June 13, 1921; they are buried Mount Vernon Cemetery, Ohio County.   Fielder is son of Bartemus Acton, born April 25, 1799, died March 31, 1868, married June 27, 1825 to Sallie Anne Roby, born June 6, 1809, died June 19, 1849; they are buried Bean Cemetery, Ohio County.  They were born and married in Charles County, Maryland.  Bartimus is son of Osborn and Elizabeth Acton.

Elizabeth Hines is daughter of Simeon Walton Hines, born February 20, 1802, Charlotte County, Virginia, died February 26, 1872, buried Hudall aka Swain Cemetery, at Hudnal’s Landing on Green River, Little Bend Road aka Highway 269, Ohio County, Kentucky; married September 15, 1823, Lincoln County, Kentucky, to Mary Elizabeth Wade, born 1805, Boyle County, Kentucky, died February 29, 1840, at birth of Elizabeth.  Mary Elizabeth Wade, daughter of William Wade, born July 9, 1780, died 1840, buried Jim Wade Cemetery, Butler County, married Mary Collicott, born April 26, 1781, died February 12, 1865, buried Aunt Jane Tichenor Cemetery, Ohio County.  William Wade the son of Andrew Wade and Sarah Petty.

Simeon Hines moved to Boyle County in 1816, and on to Butler County in 1826; he was a Methodist.  He is son of Elizabeth Jane Harvey and Henry Hines, born December 18, 1732, died November 5, 1810, Charlotte County.  Henry Hines (Hinds) was a Virginia planter and owned 105 slaves, having served in Revolution with Captain Tarlton Payne’s Company and Colonel Richard Parker’s 1st Virginia Regiment as a private, being called ‘Fighting Henry’.  DAR record A055195 documents his furnishing of supplies.   All his children had a good English education.  Below is transcription of a letter from Henry to his son.

Charlotte, Virginia 20^th June 1810

Dear Son,

It is not without some degree of emotion, that I once more find myself spared, to inform you that I am yet in being prompt with a flattering hope of recovery.  I have suffered much with both pain and confinement for these four or five months past, but thank God, am now in some measure relieved.  Professing a fond hope that yourself and the other members of my children and family are enjoying health and happiness.  I wish you to inform me of the standing of my affairs under your direction, and if you have any money—to contrive so that I get it.  As I feel an intention to see Kentucky, next fall; if life and strength permit, when; if I like shall endeavor to get the balance of my family there also.  The illfate to which I have undergone recently, (in lawsuite) has reduced me to a straight for money, and hope you will use your best endeavor to accumulate to me what may be due.

I have nothing interesting or uncommon to detail, only we have a gloomy prospect for a crop and are extremely dry.  But few people have pitched their crops of tobacco as yet---

There is a great stir among the people of this time for to make out the answer the bonds suspending executions---The produce is at a very good price, say corn $5-tobacco $7-Flour $7-and so on in proportion.

To hear from you all would add to the relief of your afflicted father.

Henry Hines, Sen.

Henry is son of Thomas Hines and Elizabeth Jones.

After death of Henry Hines, Elizabeth Harvey, born October 3, 1781, died January 18, 1823, remarried May 14, 1811 to Lewis Jackson and moved to Boyle County.    Simeon Hines sold the ‘Dower Negroes’ assigned to her from Henry Hines estate to his brother, John Hines of Warren County, Kentucky.  Elizabeth Harvey is daughter of Thomas Henry Harvey, born February 26, 1760, died September 19, 1844, married April 22, 1779, Amelia County, Virginia to Barbara Walton, born December 20, 1763, died October, 1792.  Thomas Henry Harvey’s home was named Butterwood, he used that as part of his name, he and his dad served in Revolution; Thomas Henry Harvey DAR record A052204 is son of Virginia soldier DAR record A052110 Captain John Harvey and Ann Richardson, buried Harvey Family Cemetery, Charlotte County, Virginia.  Thomas Henry Harvey was a private serving under Captain Bedford, Lieutenant Joseph Fuqua, also wagon master for General Gates.  He drew a pension but his widow rejected for lack of proof of marriage to his second wife.

History of the families:  Rowe, Snell, Casebier, Hines, Bozeman, Rone, Greer and France,  Patricia Brooks, 1984

The Story of Slaughtersville, Louise P Fleming, 1988.

Hartford Herald, March 7, 1888, July 5, 1899, October 20, 1909

Hartford Republican, June 7, 1907

Ohio County Times, January 23, 1975

Kentucky Ancestors, Volume 46, Number 4, Spring 2011, pages 201-206, Jerry Long

Kentucky:  A History of the State, Battle-Perrin-Kniffen, Webster County, 1885

University of Kentucky, Hall of Distinguished Alumni

Dwight D Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas

Descendants of Henry Hines, John P Morton & Company, 1925

Time magazine, October 20, 1961, pp 21-26

Ohio County Library genealogy annex

Kentucky Death Certificates

Lynn Miller, researcher.

Claude Taylor, Beaver Dam alumni information

Johnnie Brown, Chandler information

HON. CLARENCE BARTLETT

HON. CLARENCE BARTLETT

Since that day in 1923 that Clarence Bartlett assumed his first public office, the post of city attorney of Hartford, when he was only 28 years old, he has grown steadily in influence, importance and stature in his city and county and today, as Judge Clarence Bartlett, he can be said to hold a foremost place among his fellow citizens.

Judge Bartlett not only sits on the Circuit Bench, enforcing justice, but holds a leading place in innumerable other spheres—being one of the head men of the Knights of Pythias, of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, of the Ohio County Republican organization and active in other fields of human endeavor and interest, including the Christian Church. In addition he operates a dairy farm.

Judge Clarence Bartlett was born near Red Hill, in Daviess County, Kentucky, December 9, 1895, coming from a family which established itself in that county and Ohio County in the days when the American Republic was being brought to fruition after the Revolutionary War. His father is Richard Dudley Bartlett, born in Ohio County on February 27, 1875, now engaged in farming near Hartford; the mother was Sarah Ellen (Himes) Bartlett, born in Daviess County on March 30, 1875. Richard Dudley Bartlett, like his judicial son, is a member of the Christian Church and is a Republican. His own parents were William Samuel and Mary (Chamberlain) Bartlett. The former, who spent his entire life in his native Ohio County, was a farmer about ten miles north of Hartford, served in the Union Army during the War Between the States, and also was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. He died on the farm near Hartford in May, 1915, at the age of seventy-four. His wife, Judge Bartlett’s grandmother, was born in Hancock County, Kentucky, and died in Ohio County on August 19, 1886. William Samuel Bartlett’s father was W. W. Bartlett, a native of the Holston River section of Tennessee, who became a pioneer farmer in Ohio County and who died there. Judge Bartlett’s mother, Sarah Ellen (Himes) Bartlett, was a daughter of Addison and Lucy (Mahaney) Himes; the father having been a native of Tennessee who came to Daviess County, Kentucky, to farm and who died there in March, 1913, at the age of sixty-four; the mother having been a native of Allen County, Kentucky, who died in Daviess County.

Clarence Bartlett first attended the public schools of Daviess and Ohio Counties, following which he studied at the Western Kentucky State Teachers College, at Bowling Green, from which he was graduated in 1918 and granted a life teacher’s certificate. He took his legal training in the law school of Indiana University, at Bloomington, spending two and one-half years there, and then spent a summer at the University of Kentucky. In September, 1921, he was admitted to the Kentucky bar. During the period he was preparing for his legal career, the future judge taught school in Ohio County in 1914, 1915 and 1917.

Having been admitted to the bar, he came to Hartford and formed a law partnership with A. D. Kirk, which lasted from 1921 to 1923. In 1924, Clarence Bartlett became associated with the law firm of Gordon, Gordon and Moore, of Madisonville, and practiced his profession in that community for about a year.

When, in March, 1925, Mr. Kirk was appointed United States Commissioner for the Western District of Kentucky, with headquarters at Louisville, Mr. Bartlett returned to Hartford and the two restored the old partnership, forming the firm of Kirk and Bartlett. This firm was again dissolved when Mr. Bartlett went on the bench.

Mr. Bartlett had become active in the Republican Party early in his legal career and in 1923, through the party’s support, became city attorney of Hartford. His active interest, and leadership in public affairs, continued through the years that he engaged in his private practice. In 1937, his ability was again recognized, and he was elected County Attorney of Ohio County. This post he resigned the next year to accept the candidacy for Circuit Judge, a post to which he was elected in November, 1938, to fill an unexpired term. In 1939, Judge Bartlett was returned to the bench for a full six-year term.

In 1945, Judge Bartlett became his party’s nominee for another six year term on the Circuit Court bench and his re-election was assured as he was without opposition. He wished however to return to private practice and therefore resigned his office and entered into a partnership with Hon. Ernest Woodward of Louisville, and Hon. Charles I. Dawson of Louisville, former Federal Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. This firm maintains offices in Owensboro and Hartford, Kentucky. In Owensboro the firm name is Woodward, Dawson, Bartlett and Halbrook and in Hartford it is Woodward, Dawson, Bartlett and Catinna. Aside from his bench and other legal activities, he has maintained his activity in the Republican Party, and has served as the President of the Ohio County Republican Club. Also, he has been chancellor commander of his lodge, Rough River No. 110 of the Knights of Pythias, has been chairman of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and held office in various other fraternal, civic and legal organizations. Since 1935, he has successfully operated a dairy farm. In 1927, he was elected a State Senator, serving for four years, and in 1944 he was a candidate in the Republican Primary for the office of United States Senator.

Judge Bartlett married Miss Willie Lorene Hoover, born in Ohio County on February 24, 1897, near Hartford on June 1, 1917. Mrs. Bartlett is the daughter of C. W. and Oma Belle (Westerfield) Hoover, both also natives of Ohio County. Mr. Hoover, a successful farmer and Democrat, is the son of James M. and Catherine (Brooks) Hoover, natives of Ohio County and a farming family, who died there. Mrs. Bartlett’s mother is a daughter of William and Sarah (Wallace) Westerfield, the former a native of Ohio County, the latter of Spencer County, Indiana. Mrs. Bartlett was educated in the public schools of Ohio County and is now, like her husband, active in the Christian Church. They have two sons: Lawrence D. Bartlett, who was born on June 5, 1919, and Conard Dale Bartlett, who was born on May 6, 1924. (A third son, Richard Wilson Bartlett, who was born May 12, 1918, died the following day.) Both Lawrence and Conard Bartlett are engaged on their father’s dairy farm. The former married Martha Allen on February 22, 1938. They have three children—Sandra Dale Bartlett, born on December 9, 1938; Clarence Dudley Bartlett, born on March 4, 1940, and Judith Allen Bartlett, born on August 29, 1941. Conard Bartlett is married to the former Bonnie Daugherty of Hartford, the wedding having taken place on November 15, 1941. They have one child, Conard Dale Bartlett, Jr., born in Hartford on May 18, 1943.

Following his many interests in a fashion which contributes to the advancement
of numerous civic and professional enterprises, and dispensing justice in kindly,
impartial manner, Judge Clarence Bartlett continues to win ever more respect and esteem from his fellow citizens in his part of the state.

Source: A Sesqui-Centennial History of Kentucky; by Frederick A. Wallis. Published 1945.

John Walker Ragland

John Walker Ragland

Born in Smith County, Tennessee, in 1834 to John Walker Ragland  and Mary Easley . John Walker married Anna Elizabeth Harreld , born in Butler County 22 April 1839 and died 25 March 1899, and they had 13 children. The family moved to Rosine in 1860. John Walker passed away on 8 May 1900 in Rosine, Ohio, Kentucky.

The children were: James W.; Mary Frances; John Mortamo; Lorenzo Dow; Stephen McClellan; Sallie Jones; Nancy Jane; James Abner; Susan Malinda; Helen; Laura Bell; Thornton Walker; and Elizabeth Florence.

The following is a newspaper article about John Walker and his wife: