Based on current cemetery records and previous recordkeeping of photographer, Beverly Mahoney, the following persons rest here:

Curtis W. ABBOTT (26 Apr 1872 - 25 Nov 1872)

E.A. ABBOTT (no dates given)

Lilia ABBOTT (8 Jan 1868 - 20 Aug 1863)

Infant son ABBOTT

Pearl ABBOTT (5 Mar 1879 - 24 Dec 1882)

John M. CRAIG (19 Nov 1830 - 9 Feb 1903)

Mary Onstott  CRAIG (24 Apr 1834 - 4 Dec 1879)

Thomas E. CRAIG (18 Mar 1876 - 16 Apr 1899)

James G. GILL (22 Jul 1809 - 14 Mar 1878)

Nancy Shirley GILL (7 Apr 1808 - 1 April 1882)

Elizabeth R.M. LADD (11 May 1870 - 10 Jan 1874)

Elizabeth VEST (1828-1901)

George VEST (1825-??)

To Volunteer, Donate, or Provide Permission to Remedy,

Please Write to Us.

Type CRAIG-ONSTOTT-GILL in the Subject Line of Your E-Mail.

trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com

Initial Research

1.       Write what you know.

a.       Conduct a Self-Interview. Many researchers begin by interviewing the oldest ancestor. The parent, aunt, or uncle who can recall the most about the family history. Few think to interview themselves. Before embarking on the interview process with family members, write down what you know from memory, and include details about yourself.

b.      Conduct family interviews. Reunions seem like great opportunities. I mingle with everyone but leave my clipboard and recorder at home. Interviews are great in a one-on-one setting perhaps in the comfort of someone’s home. Details could be missed in the noise of the family gathering. Make appointments to see those family members and talk about the old days. A list of interview questions is provided here for your review. Pick 25 of interest to you and make visits or phone calls.

c.       Create a Family Interview Binder

2.       Become Familiar with Genealogical Terms
Ancestry.Com Concise Genealogical Dictionary

Dictionary of Genealogy and Archaic Terms

3.       Identify Records and Collect Source Information

a.       Family histories from long ago rarely contain source information. While the information may be accurate, it is difficult to replicate the research without citations. Determine the source of all information held by your family.

2.       Verify Previous Research

a.       Older family histories are no longer considered credible sources for multiple reasons.

                                                               i.      Information available today may change the previous conclusions drawn in older family histories.

                                                             ii.      Records located may conflict with the information contained in the older family history.

                                                            iii.      Few contain citations or used primary and secondary sources to verify the stories told by our ancestors.

                                                           iv.      While researchers may record what they find, some never record what they fail to find. Both are important when documenting your family history.

3.       Analyze Research Findings

a.       How does the information uncovered reflect on the established family stories?

b.      What question(s) does the newfound research answer?

c.       What question(s) does the newfound research create?

d.      Is all research provided from credible sources?

e.      Is another record required to verify the information found to date? One source may not be enough. Seek multiple credible resources to verify birth, death, property, taxation, and marriages.

4.       Organize and Write

a.       Keep a research journal of all searches and the findings.

b.      Write down what you learned and what other research is required. This helps the researcher pick back up even after weeks away from the family records.

Self-Interview Questionnaire – Genealogy Research

1.       What is your full name? Is there a story behind your name? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.       What is your nickname, and why? _________________________________________________________________________

3.       Where did you grow up? _____________________________________________________________________________________

4.       Did other family members live near you growing up? Who were they? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.       Describe your home growing up: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.       Do you recall any special items in your household? Grandfather’s clock or Grandma’s China?
List them here:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.       What is your earliest childhood memory?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8.       What is your mother’s full name? __________________________________________________________________________

9.       Mother’s Dates of Birth and Death:  _______________________________________________________________________

10.   Parents of Biological Mother:  ______________________________________________________________________________

11.   Name of Biological Father? _________________________________________________________________________________

12.   Father’s Dates of Birth and Death: _________________________________________________________________________

13.   Parents of Biological Father: ________________________________________________________________________________

14.   Describe your family members:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

             ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15.   What personality traits does your family share? ________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16.   Your favorite color? __________________________________________________________________________________________

17.   Your favorite game? _________________________________________________________________________________________

18.   Name your favorite toy and tell us why? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19.   Did you have a pet? Cat, dog, bird? ________________________________________________________________________

20.   Where did you attend school and name some of your classmates: ___________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21.   Did you serve in the armed forces? ________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22.   Name your best friend?        _________________________________________________________________________________

23.   Who was your high school sweetheart? ___________________________________________________________________

24.   The man/woman you married? _____________________________________________________________________________

25.   Where did you meet your spouse? _________________________________________________________________________

26.   Who said, “I love you” first? _________________________________________________________________________________

27.   Describe your spouse/significant other. What is easy to love about him/her? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

28.   What religion did your family practice? ___________________________________________________________________

29.   What type of music do you like? ____________________________________________________________________________

30.   Did you play sports? __________________________________________________________________________________________

31.   What major event(s) had a major impact on you growing up?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32.   Your favorite holiday or time of year? _____________________________________________________________________

33.   Describe your proudest moment? _________________________________________________________________________

34.   Did you have children? How many? What did you name them? _______________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

35.   How did you choose your children’s names? _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

36.   Do you have any famous or infamous relatives? ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

37.   What occupation do you have? _____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

38.   What makes you happy? ____________________________________________________________________________________

39.   If you could relive one moment, which one would you choose? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

40.   What is the secret to life?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________    Date: _______________________________

Additional Resources

Conducting Oral History Interviews with Family Members – UCLA Library

What’s Your Story? Conducting Interviews for Genealogical Research – New York Public Library

50 Interview Questions to Ask Your Relatives about Family History – The Thought Company

Finding Your Revolutionary War Ancestor – Family Search Wiki

Planning a Genealogy Trip? Grab This Checklist from Thomas MacEntee

Members of the Cemetery Club met at Corn Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, October 14, 2017 for fall cleanup and gravestone maintenance. A few club members were wearing their new shirts bearing the slogan We Dig History across the front.  Shirts were also distributed to the Trimble County Middle School History Club by Hilda Parrish.  The History Club is invited to share in our preservation efforts at Corn Creek and other locations.

The Corn Creek Cemetery Trustee, Troy Helton (pictured above), is working to bring sinking stones to the surface for families. As gravestone maintenance requires the consent of living descendants, it is important to contact us should you relate to anyone with a stone at risk in the Corn Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The Cemetery Club of the Trimble County Historical Society is happy to help Troy Helton with maintenance at Corn Creek.  Thanks to everyone who volunteered last weekend!

The Trimble County Historical Society's Cemetery Club Volunteers for October 14, 2017:
Jo and Lewis Popp
Richard Bedwell
Phil Tingle
Ken Boehnlein
Billy Taylor
Chris Liter
David Watts
Theresa Watts
Dave Masterson
Chase Masterson
Troy Helton, Cemetery Trustee, Corn Creek Baptist Church
Hilda Parrish
Tina Mitchell Boutall

The group plans to return Saturday, October 21, 2017 after the Trimble County Historical Society Meeting at 10:30 a.m. The meeting adjourns at 12:30 p.m. The Cemetery Club will proceed from the Trimble County Public Library to the Corn Creek meeting house about 1:00 p.m. to clean and repair stones. Contact the Cemetery Club if you wish to join them that afternoon.

The new biologically friendly D2 cleaner allows the Cemetery Club members to bring the stone back to its original color. The epoxy is for repairing broken markers and monuments. It is capable of repairing monuments up to 2000 pounds in weight. According to the statutes within the state of Kentucky, a church like Corn Creek tends the ground itself where loved ones were lain to rest.

The maintenance of the marker itself, however, is the family’s responsibility. Many who sleep in the church yard may no longer have local descendants. We also realize those who moved away are unaware of what is happening to the graves of their ancestors.

The stones at Corn Creek Baptist Church need some love. The Cemetery Club needs donations, helping hands, and any time folks may have to complete the project. If we expect the cemetery to tell its story for years to come, remediation work is needed to prevent the stones at Corn Creek from disappearing forever.

Kentucky Cemetery Laws

Grave Matters: Accessing Cemeteries on Private Property

Donations for stone cleaning and repair

are accepted by the Trimble County Historical Society.

Please write the 

Name of the Deceased or the 

Family Plot Name and

Cemetery on your check.

The Cemetery Club will provide before/after photographs of each

stone receiving donations for maintenance.

Rev. Dennis MARTIN in his history of the Bedford Christian Church states, "The Bedford Christian Church had its official beginning sometime in 1845." The church was worshipping in a schoolhouse which stood beside the property where the church now stands. In later years, this schoolhouse was torn down. The Dr. Wilbur HANCOCK home stood there until recently purchased by the Bedford Christian Church for a parking lot. In December 1845, Eleanor YOUNG deeded the property to the Bedford Christian Church.

In this deed to the trustees of Bedford Christian Church, Deed Book C, pages 225-226, Eleanor YOUNG stated that the ground was to be the property of the Christian Church as long as it was used for religious purposes. 

In the late 1860s, Mr. PRICE started a college. Mr. Fallis MAHONEY was an active member of the Bedford Christian Church after it reopened. Mr. Fallis MAHONEY attended the college along with the HARDIN sisters: Carrie, Mary, Martha, and Lula. The college operated for a time. Church services did not resume until 1874. In that year, Madison MAYFIELD made an earnest effort to revive the Bedford Christian Church. Madison MAYFIELD was the grandson of Dr. Zibe TROUT who was a local physician and church member there. Mr. MAYFIELD visited homes all over the county and a new membership began from those who had no previous church relationship or whose churches were at a distance. 

Robert T. MATTHEWS was a young man from Transylvania. He served as pastor and church membership increased. After two successful revivals held in the late 1890s. The first revival was held by Trimble County native, Will MADDOX. The second revival was led by Henry County native, J.B. YAGER.

By 1907, church growth demanded a modern structure and the board of directors agreed. A committee composed of E.W. TANDY, C.W. HOOD, W.B. GILLES, J.W. MCMAHAN, and A.J. GIDDENS was appointed to move the old church and erect a new building on the old foundation, adding foundations for the tower and alcove. The contract for the construction was given to W.B. JACKSON of Trimble County. The building completed in 1909 cost the membership $1,650, respectively. Mrs. Lydia ADAMS, wife of F.A. ADAMS, contributed generously toward its construction as did other members. Today, the ADAMS Memorial Windows and the GILLES Memorial Windows are still admired and appreciated.

The church was fortunate to escape the fire of July 30, 1930, in which the Baptist Church and Trimble Banner office were totally destroyed. Sparks did fall on the shingle roof but were extinguished by the Carrollton Fire Department as they entered Bedford to help fight the raging flames. The only damage was to the church roof, which was soon replaced by a metal one. The church will be forever grateful to Carrollton for saving the church. Bedford had no fire department at that time.

In 1940 more space was needed especially for Sunday School. The building committee for this project was composed of the following:

The contract was given to Iva McCLURE of Madison, Indiana who was also a native of Trimble County. Four rooms and a hall, with basement, were added at a cost of $1,500. Soon after, a furnace was installed to heat the building, replacing the old stoves.

On February 22, 1942 the church was saddened by the death of Elder William B. SNYDER, a native of Milton. He was well educated, a graduate of Hanover College and Bible scholar. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. William B. SNYDER entered the ministry in 1906 as the pastor of Mt. Byrd Christian Church. He pastored churches in Missouri for many years then returned in 1919 to reside in Milton. SNYDER held the pastorate in many churches: Mt. Byrd, Bedford, Milton, and Wise's Landing. Beech Grove and Union Grove were also served by Rev. SNYDER as long as he was physically able. The body lay in state at the Bedford Christian Church for several hours before the funeral service was held at Mt. Byrd Christian Church on Febuary 24, 1942.

During the April 1942 church revival, a memorial service was held for Rev. SNYDER, their former pastor and friend. The church received a beautiful spray of flowers from the SNYDER family on Easter Sunday in keeping with their celebration of Christ's Resurrection from the dead.

On October 28, 1945, a dedication service was held for the new bulletin board. It was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Johnny PERKINSON and Mr. and Mrs. Wallace WRIGHT. Later this bulletin board was replaced by one made of brick. In 1950, the Wedding Ring Class gifted an automatic timer for the bulletin board.

In December 1945, the church celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its organization with a Centennial Program consisting of services by Rev. Glenn L. MURDOCK, current pastor. The various church organizations, pastors, and others closely associated with the work of the Bedford Christian Church were remembered. There was an additional dedication of the new electric powered church organ. An attractive eight page booklet contained a historical sketch of the church since its organization on December 1, 1845 compiled by Mrs. Gail RANSDELL and Mrs. Drew NEWMAN. Some of the material in this history was taken from that bulletin.

Rev. Paul RICHARDSON came to Bedford as pastor in 1947 when housing was scarce in town. The church had no parsonage. Mrs. Maggie B. MORGAN, a long-time member of the church, offered and gave the ground upon which a parsonage was built. See Deed Book 3, pages 55-56, for the particulars of this transaction. If a parsonage could NOT be built on this parcel of ground the lot reconveyed to Mrs. Maggie B. MORGAN. 

This housing issue gently coincided with problems at the Macedonia Christian Church. Declining membership due to deaths and members moving out of the area amplified when vandalism made it nearly impossible to keep the church locked and in good repair. These reasons prompted the gift of the Macedonia Christian Church building to the Bedford Christian Church to build a parsonage. The actual cost of the parsonage was $11,625.01 with volunteer labor and discounts keeping the total cost down. John HARMON donated the bulldozer time in addition to discounts given by local merchants for materials. Ike HARDIN did some hauling with additional thanks to the Farmers Supply and Farmers Equipment Company.

Under the leadership of Paul RICHARDSON (Minister, 1947-1952), a number of programs were initiated. Among the first was a Transportation Committee responsible for getting those in need of transportation to church, organized by Glenford HOOD, Chairman of the Membership Development Committee. Harold BRYAN was chosen chairman of this Transportation Committee.

The official board members for 1951 were:

H. L. WRIGHT, chairman

Keith HOOD, associate chairman

• W.P. BELL
• Wallace WRIGHT
• W.O. COMBS
• John RAND
• Harold BRYAN
• Flournoy CALLIS
• T. L. GOSSMAN
• Alfred JONES
• James W. McMAHAN
• J. C. CANTRELL
• Earl CAMPBELL
• James CARDER
• Glenford HOOD
• Clifton LITER
• Robert WAITS

By 1951, the church decided it needed additional space. The original plan was to build Sunday School rooms and restrooms. However, it would be some time before plans materialized due to lack of funding and support. In March 1952, building specifications were given to Joe FROST, the architect. The plans were later submitted to the congregation for approval. Work commenced and the Sunday School rooms were completed June 21, 1953. A dedication service was held. Tom GILTNER, minister of the Douglas Boulevard Christian Church in Louisville, gave the dedicatory message.

Parking became a concern in 1957 prompting the purchase of the front portion of the T. L. GOSSMAN property which lie across and to the north of the church. A one-story brick building on the property served as the Catholic parsonage at one time. The church ladies redecorated the building and used it for Sunday School rooms, church socials, and other activities. The brick structure was demolished in 1959 when a new brick structure replaced it. It was leased to the Post Office department who took occupancy on November 11, 1959. The committee members named to supervise the construction of the new brick structure were as follows.

The upper floor of the post office building was unfinished. Charles Edward PERSELL headed a group in 1960 who finished the large room across the front. This was used for youth activities and other church functions. Other rooms were gradually added. One room serves as the pastoral study and church office. Participation in the worship service improved with the installation of a public address system by W. C. SLOCUM.

The sanctuary was remodeled in 1963, which refreshed the paint on the walls and ceiling. The pews were refinished.  New draperies adorned the pulpit and the newly raised platform for the choir. 

Carroll BRUMLEY, Lyle WOOD, and W. C. (Wilbur) SLOCUM served as craftsmen on the latter project. 

The church dedicated the newly decorated sanctuary on Sunday, April 19, 1964 to the worship and service of God. Those participating in the dedication service included:

Rev. W. C. McALLUM, who delivered the message.

Rev. Earl TURNER, who spoke of Love's Labor.

Wilbur C. SLOCUM, chairman of the board

John RAND, vice chairman

All plans made were carried out by 1970 and remodeling began. The building received a new brick exterior veneer, new roofing, remodeled tower, and the vestibule received a new spire. The sanctuary was carpeted and redecorated. Air conditioning was installed. A bulletin board, a gift of Silas and LaVaughn McKINNEY was erected. The $24,000 renovation was financed through the Bedford Loan and Deposit Bank.

A number of active organizations, past and present, grew out of this church. The Ladies Aid Society assisted the needy and provided spiritual programs. The society organized in 1890 under the leadership of Mrs. Carrie L. HOOD along with Mrs. Amy HANCOCK as Treasurer throughout the life of the society became the Women's Council in 1945. 

1945 Women's Council:

Mrs. Love CARDER, president

Mrs. John RAND, secretary

Mrs. Amy HANCOCK, treasurer

This organization was replaced years later with the C.W.F.

WORLD WAR II VETERANS of the Bedford Christian Church

Bedford Christian Church Pastors (The First 100 Years)

Rev. MARTIN stated in his history the following names were taken from the

yearbook reports in the Yearbook of the Christian Church.

The names and dates of recent ministers were contributed by Mrs. Bernice LITER from the church bulletins.

Through the long history of the Bedford Christian Church, it endeavored to support institutions and organizations dedicated to spreading the Word of God. One institution being the College of the Bible, the oldest seminary of Christian churches. The name formally changed to the Lexington Theological Seminary on August 1, 1965. The same date it celebrated one hundred years of service to the Christian churches of Kentucky and the nation. It has always striven to cooperate with other churches in Bedford for the betterment of the community in leading men and women to the way of salvation. 

Due to lack of space, many of the fruitful revival and labors of the devoted ministers have not been mentioned. The Bedford Christian Church is long indebted to Dennis MARTIN for the history of the church. 

This article was fashioned from the original compilation by Christine MULLIKIN

on behalf of the Trimble County Historical Society.

Trimble County Heritage, 1990 edition

Please send additions or corrections for this article to trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com

Clarence STOCKDALE and Carlos BELL were reinstated and Mrs. Lafe HARMON, Victor COGHILL, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie SMITH[a] were received by letter.

Those baptized into the Baptist Church at this time by Rev. COOPER were

Kelly GINN, Dorothy LAW, Corinne LAW, Charles TINGLE, Carey GINN, and Ola GINN.

- Trimble Democrat

A history of the Bedford Christian Church is published in Trimble County Heritage, 1990 edition compiled by Christian MULLIKIN. A revised compilation is available under our Churches page of this website. 

A few copies of this book are still available. Let us know if you would like one for your family.

Union Grove Church

Palmyra, Trimble, Kentucky

In the heart of a rural community in Trimble County stands Union Grove Church, some 94 years old, having been built Fall 1892 and competed Spring 1893. The beginning of the congregration goes back even further. In the 1850s there were only four churches in the county: Bedford [Christian] Church, Mt. Byrd Christian Church, Corn Creek Baptist Church, and Mt. Tabor Methodist Church. Poor roads made it impossible to travel any distance; therefore, the people of the Mt. Tabor community attended the Methodist church there. The building was built in the late 1700s in the area previously called Winona. This was an Indian name given to the region by the tribes who hunted there.

The beginnings of the Union Grove Church in the 1850s was when the Christian and Baptist members asked to use the building after the Methodist services, and so a type of Union Church was started. This building was later abandoned and a neat frame building was built, one mile east of it, by the three denominations. [Which is] the present site of the Union Grove Church. The land where the church stands was donated by Mrs. America MILES. Walter S. MITCHELL wrote "The place was a thicket; greenbriars and blackberry vines were reaching from here to yonder." William SPILLMAN was the carpenter in charge. The name of Union Grove was chosen because it was a union of churches and was built in a grove of trees. 

The first trustees of the church were: Charles MITCHELL of the Christian Church, Nathan CULL of the Methodist Church, and William T. CARRACO of the Baptist church. The W.M.S. of Locust church presented a communion table and chairs. In more recent years the table was replaced by one of cherry wood from the farm of Aubrey JONES, donated by him.

Ida Mae JOHNSON gave a silver communion set, some of which is still in possession of the church. Song services at the new church were without the benefit of a musical instrument. Later, a pump organ was purchased. It was played by Mrs. Birdie DEHONEY. A painting The Good Shepherd by Doris Jones EGGENSPILLER, made in more recent years, hangs in the church sanctuary.

Charter members are from the SPILLMAN, CULL, CARRACO, MITCHELL, NEEVES, GINN, JACKSON, BELL, COGHILL, WEBSTER, COBLINS, and JONES families.

The only dissension in the early years was among the Baptists themselves. In 1909, about half of them bought the Mt. Herman Church building and moved there, taking some of their records with them. Later in the 1940s some of the Methodists broke away from Union Grove, longing to go back to their old territory. They rebuilt their church where the old Mt. Tabor building once stood.

By 1952, the church had grown to such proportions the additional Sunday School rooms became a necessity. Construction resulted in the addition of two basement rooms and two ground floor rooms. An oil furnace was installed at that time. Serving on this building committee were: 

Aubrey JONES, George MILES, Gale YOUNG, and Mrs. Carl ABBOTT.

By 1959, the growth of the church called for more additions. Three new Sunday School rooms and restrooms were added to the west side of the existing building at a cost of $5,620. These new rooms were dedicated August 16, 1959. The church history was compiled and given by Mrs. Clyde CROPPER [COOPER]. Cary GINN was the presiding Sunday School Superintendent at the time.

Previously published online by Northern Kentucky Views, the original story of Union Grove Church is held at the Trimble County Public Library in the Kentucky Room. If you would like a copy of the original, please stop by our library to obtain a copy. Our helpful librarians are there to assist you.

Trimble County Public Library

Equity Drive at US-42
Bedford, KY 40006

Larry D. CRAIG has agreed to provide some pictures of Miller's Branch. On receipt of his donation, they will be added to this installment for the enjoyment of all. Thanks in advance to Larry and Betty Bower CRAIG for your contributions to Trimble history.

Tina Mitchell Boutall

Research Committee

Trimble County Historical Society

The Case of the Invisible Coal Miner

The Y and MtDNA Trees at the National Genographic Project attempt to tell the human story.

The National Geographic DNA testing kit, Geno 2.0 Next Generation Kit is an additional option in atDNA testing.

How DNA Can Help Your Family Research

by Maurice Gleeson

Presented at Back to Our Past (13th Oct 2012), Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland

Please take time to watch all four parts of Gleeson's talk in 2012.

It is one of the best explanations of how DNA can help your research found online.

I hope researchers and members of the Trimble County Historical Society benefited from this discussion on DNA as it relates to the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). A member poll earlier this week expressed interest in forming a closed and confidential group for Trimble County DNA.  A notice will appear on our Facebook group page, Historical Trimble County when the group is ready for participants.  Please direct any questions to trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com. 

The Trimble County Historical Society meets the third Saturday of the month from April to November.

All meetings are open to the public.

PLEASE JOIN US! 

Location:

Trimble County Public Library, Conference Room

October 21, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Light Snack Provided

Tina Mitchell Boutall

Research Committee

Trimble County Historical Society

1.       Perform a reasonably exhaustive search. This means the researcher has left no stone unturned using credible documents.

a.       What is a Credible Document in Family Research?

                                                                                       i.      Certificates of Birth and Death

                                                                                     ii.      Marriage License

                                                                                    iii.      Last Will and Testament

                                                                                   iv.      Property Deeds and Transfers

                                                                                     v.      Court Records

                                                                                   vi.      Census Data

                                                                                  vii.      Authentic County, State, and Federal Maps

Proving an ancestor requires proving, at times, who the person is not. Many organizations such as the Daughters of the Revolution no longer accept family histories as credible documents. Earlier histories can contain errors. It may be necessary for the family researcher to disprove previous connections before confirming ancestors using credible documents. Without the proper documents though it is impossible to set the record straight. If the erroneous family history is placed online multiply the errors by the number of global users.

An exhaustive search is an in-depth look using credible documents as a guide to place the ancestor within the context of history. Taking the time to perform this research eliminates the possibility of another researcher overturning your findings and/or analysis later. Many today are redoing their family trees, doing the history homework, in the hope of correcting the family record once for all.

2.       Provide complete, accurate citations to the source or sources of each information item. Proper citations are crucial so other researchers can trace the steps involved in your research and obtain the same result. When another researcher cannot follow your research path and arrive at the same conclusion it casts a shade of doubt on the work done and conclusions drawn from the research. 

Forget how to properly cite a source?  No problem. EasyBib is free and easy to use.

3.      Tests – through processes of analysis and correlation – of all sources, information items, and evidence.

      Testing ensures the researcher comes to the right conclusion. Consider all the evidence careful not to omit any documents. This is where proving your ancestor may involve also proving who the person is not.

       I have an ancestor named Charles CLARK. He descends from John CLARK.

       Anyone who does CLARK research in Kentucky knows many men named

       Charles CLARK had fathers named John.  

Which John? Which Charles?

How can you be so sure that gentleman belongs to you?

Note: The following example is hypothetical. No one came to me thinking he married Helen Smith. This is an example of what kind of questions another researcher may ask you and how the GPS helps you respond with accuracy.

My Charles CLARK married Polly TROXELL. Careful analysis of available documents concerning the birth, marriage, death, and property held by this couple is necessary to prove MY Charles Clark was the husband of THAT Polly Troxell. Without proof of this simple fact, it is impossible to prove their descendants.

If another researcher should ask,

“How can you be so sure this Charles Clark is really the husband of that Polly Troxell? I think you are in error and he married one Helen Smith. I have their marriage license!” 

The Clark-Troxell historian (insert any family historian here) must be prepared to defend the research conclusion in a number of ways to satisfy the one asking.

a.       Are you sure Charles Clark married Polly Troxell?

Marriage License, Census Data, Last Will and Testament of Charles, Polly, or their parents may be used to establish the marriage is valid between these two people. If Census Data is the sole credible document then pairing it with a marriage license or will/probate records is needed to justify the researcher’s conclusion.

b.      Are you sure the Charles in those documents definitely belongs to you? What documents are in your possession to confirm the claim to Charles Clark who married Polly Troxell as your ancestor?

CHECK COURT RECORDS, Certificates of Birth and Death, Property Records, Will and Probate Records. As one Credible Document enforces another the researcher builds a strong defense to support the research conclusion.

c.       Did you check for other marriage records?

Check dates, county vital records, verify the date of death for Polly Troxell. Compare Polly’s date of birth, marriage, and death to this Helen Smith. Are there any conflicts? Write them down.  Is there a marriage record for Charles Clark and Helen Smith? How does this fit with the rest of your information? Take great care to weigh and measure all available information.

Do the dates of birth and death match?

What is the age of Charles CLARK? Is he too young, too old, or the right age to marry Helen SMITH? Mismatches occur between generations when men pass names down to sons and grandsons. A Charles CLARK could be the husband of one Helen SMITH in another branch of family. This could also be a descendant of a man in another county or known family line of no blood relation to you.

d.      Did you verify all the children and grandchildren?

Examine the Last Will and Testament, the Census Data collected on the family, carefully read all property transactions again.  Consult Family Bible Records, obituaries, and search for newspaper articles for proof of all marriages and children of each ancestor in question.

e.      Where are the deeds for the old farm and other property transfers?

Check the Deed Room at the courthouse in every county of residence.

f.        Pull every piece of information acquired to prove your analysis is correct.

Use these documents to write your response to this inquiry. Remember to use GPS. Make sure all research is presented in a logical manner citing all credible documents used in your analysis of this family tree for Charles CLARK and Polly TROXELL.

g.       Review all research before answering this inquiry. Do not casually assume your documentation is correct. You must know beyond all doubt the research is correct.

Would even a seasoned researcher do this exercise?

YES. 

Why go over this information again and again?

People miss things. Everyone is guilty of some error at some time. If someone challenges your research, do not dismiss them out of turn.

-          Provide a reasoned response after a good look at your records.

-          Invite this person to share how they feel related to you.

-          Armed with your knowledge of family and local history, consider the ways in which you could be related (even if Helen SMITH never married your Charlie CLARK).

-          When someone reaches out, don’t smack their hand for questioning you. Open the door of opportunity and help this person find the right connection. They just want to find their family. Everybody wins here.

Using the GPS (Genealogical Proof Standard) as a guideline for research helps produce the right conclusion and provides us with credible documents to prove our family history is right the first time. Another benefit to using the GPS in your family research is it introduces the method to those who may question your findings.

Do you use GPS when documenting your family tree? I do.

If you’d like to know more, I’d be happy to forward information to you.

4.     Resolution of conflicts among evidence items.

Resolving conflicts substantiates the credibility of the research. In genealogy, there are credible researchers and those who like to think they are credible.

Do not fall into the second category.

Genealogy is a collection of family facts not fairytales. If a conflict is found when analyzing credible documents, it must be resolved before moving forward. Without conflict resolution there can be no credible research.

5.       Soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.

a.       Credible Researchers Do The Homework Assignments

                                                                                      i.      Place Ancestors Within The Context of History

                                                                                     ii.      Employs knowledge of geography at the state and county level from settlement to county formation dates where said ancestors lived. In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a thorough understanding of the founding of our 120 counties is imperative. A settler in Fayette County in 1782 may have stayed there or moved. Land purchased in Lincoln County may lie in a different county today. The county line changed while one delegate slept through the meeting!

                                                                                    iii.      Understands migration patterns and how the journey impacts settlement and future moves, if any, for the family unit.

                                                                                   iv.      Knowledge of record systems and archives of the period. Who houses these collections now? Are they available to the public and what fees are involved in obtaining copies?

                                                                                     v.      Knowledge of arcane medical terminology. The common cold, influenza, and pneumonia are easy. Seeing ‘La Grippe’ on a death certificate might stump you. Read up before attempting to analyze death certificates from a bygone era.

                                                                                   vi.      And much more.

• Which DNA Test Is Right For You? How DNA Helps To Establish Proof Of Relationship
• GPS:  Step By Step

o    Credible Documents

o    Citations

o    Testing

o    Conflict Resolution

o    Writing A Soundly Reasoned, Coherent Conclusion

• Unleashing the Power of the Public Library System
• The Importance of Joining Your Local Historical Society

Questions and comments are welcome on the blog

or our Facebook page, Historical Trimble County. 

Send family research inquiries to trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com.

Tina Mitchell Boutall

Research Committee

Trimble County Historical Society

On September 6, 1917, seven pages out of ten of the Louisville Courier-Journal discussed war and Camp Zachary Taylor.  Soldiers listed by home county and state would train there then head for Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Germany entered the war and pointed the finger at France and Italy for their need to be involved at all.  Meanwhile, the folks on Capitol Hill argued over war profits taxation and high-tax advocates remained a minority.

President Wilson and Fuel Administrator, Harry A. Garfield, addressed

the increased demand for coal and fixed the retail price.

Analyses showed growing needs of railroads and businesses, not consumers, was responsible.

Back on the farm, some things remained the same with tobacco but  

apple crops fall delinquent in the bluegrass state. 

The railroads mobilized to service the draft of 5,710 soldiers to the new Louisville cantonment including the Louisville & Nashville, Illinois Central, and Chesapeake & Ohio. From September 19, 1917 and five days thereafter special passenger trains carried soldiers drafted into the military to Camp Zachary Taylor.  Another 4,000 men each month was promised for the war effort.  

Henry Ford is called out for being a conscientious objector and another cartoonist takes a jab at the notion the trees could have eyes. An official report from the District Appeals Board states “No Conscience Is A Barrier To Service” as exemption was denied to sixty-six men who gave ‘conscience’ as the reason.  Those exemptions honored due to dependency claims or industrial claims appeared in the paper giving full name, address, employer, and type of exemption granted. One may deduce Kentucky’s opinion of Henry Ford based on how the appeals board handled local cases. 

All newspaper clippings used here came from the
Louisville Courier-Journal published 6 September 1917,

available online at www.newspapers.com. 

Milton Semi-Annual Flea Market & Annual Swap Meet

Labor Day Weekend

September 2-3, 2017

Location: City Park (Highway 36 in Milton, KY)

Flea Market items include animals, poultry, crafts, antiques, tools, and miscellaneous items.   A state permit is required for all out of state poultry. Poultry will need to be AI clean. Small animals need to have a Certification of Veterinarian Inspection & must have an ID tag. This is required for all in-state & out of state animals. Phone the Office of the State Veterinarian at 502-782-5904 for more information. Lot space is $20 per lot per seller. For more information phone 502-268-3152 or 502-268-5224.

Not responsible for accidents.

NEW MEETING TIME

Third Saturday of Each Month

April to November

10:30 AM - 12 NOON

Trimble County Public Library

Equity Drive

Bedford, KY 40006

TRIMBLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Mailing Address

P.O. BOX 136

BEDFORD, KY 40006

Email Inquiries:  trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com

Extracted from www.newspapers.com by Tina Mitchell Boutall on 17 June 2017.

Michael Maddox (1789-1838), son of Daniel Maddox (1755 Lunenburg, VA - 1823 Jennings IN) and an unknown mother of Virginia, settled in Trimble County, Kentucky.  Many of his relations are buried in the Moffett Cemetery located in Milton, Trimble, Kentucky.  

His father, Daniel Maddox (1755-1823) was the son of Wilson Maddox and Jane Gwinn who migrated from Virginia to Kentucky in 1795 purchasing land first in Shelby County, Kentucky on Bullskin Creek.   Daniel Maddox remarried in 1798 in Shelby County to Miss Nancy Willis. Daniel Maddox was the first deacon of Burks Branch Baptist Church of Shelby in 1801. By 1813, the Maddox family was living near Corn and Spring Creeks in what was then Gallatin County (later Trimble).  Daniel Maddox also purchased land in Jennings County, Indiana but did not immediately move to that area.  

The name of Daniel Maddox's first wife from Virginia, mother of Michael Maddox, is unknown though she bore five children for him.  Nancy Willis and Daniel Maddox had an additional six children.  Daniel passed away in Jennings County, Indiana in 1823 while Nancy Willis Maddox passed away in 1855 at the age of 80 years also buried Indiana.  

MADDOX, MICHAEL:  Inventory, 2 February 1838: Selah [Celia Owsley] Maddox-widow administratrix. Commissioners, Jeremiah Strother, Robert Moffett, Burdett Mayfield. Persons buying at sale; Selah [Celia Owsley] Maddox, Mary Maddox, Eveline Maddox, John Gardner, Nelson Gardner, William Norvell, Wyatt Mayfield, Alexander Norvell, John Fresh, Harvey Spilman [Spillman], Jesse Wise, Robert J. King, Burdett Mayfield, Henry Gossom, Willis Singer, Wm. D. Stewart, Preston Young, Robert Moffett, Hugh McIntire, John Maddox, John Gossom, John Moreland.

Source:  Trimble County Will Book I (1837-1875), page 2

Descendants of Michael Maddox and Celia Owsley                  

1. Michael Maddox    b: 09 Nov 1789 Charlotte Co., VA   d: 09 Jan 1838 Trimble Co., KY

    +Celia Owsley    b: 09 Aug 1789 Fayette Co., KY   

    m: Jul 1810 Gallatin Co., KY    d: 26 Oct 1877 Trimble Co., KY

    Children:
    2.  Emily G. Maddox   b: 20 Dec 1813 Gallatin Co., KY     d: 12 Feb 1845 Boone Co., MO
         +George Alexander Norvell    b: 20 Jun 1810 VA   

         m: 09 Apr 1833 Gallatin Co., KY    d: 14 Nov 1856 Boone Co., MO
    2   Amelia T. Maddox    b: 16 Nov 1820 KY        d: 21 Sep 1896 Trimble Co.,  KY
    2   Lucinda Owsley Maddox    b: Apr 1823 Gallatin Co., KY  d: 18 Mar 1883 Trimble Co., KY
         +French Strother    b: 20 Apr 1811 Gallatin Co., KY  

          m: 28 Jul 1842 Trimble Co., KY    d: 06 Oct 1870 Trimble Co., KY
    2   John S. Maddox    b: 27 Jul 1827 KY        d: 04 Feb 1892 Trimble Co., KY
         +Lucetta Trout  b: 10 Feb 1826 KY m: 05 Mar 1850 Trimble, KY d: 01 Jun 1898 Trimble, KY

Genealogical data provided by Julia Maddox Mortensen, Maddox Family Researcher.  

Julia would like to make contact with additional Maddox family researchers.

The grandparents of Larry D. Craig of Milton, Kentucky raised nine children in this house from the years 1917 to 1945, respectively.  Larry was born in 1945 and lived in the home for two weeks before his parents moved up on the hill.  Larry's father used to play on the big rock where the sheep graze in this photo provided to the Trimble County Historical Society.  His grandfather, Elliott Surber Craig, built the barn on this property, which Larry states is now in poor condition.  

His grandmother was Mable Wise Craig.

According to Larry Craig, his grandfather Elliott Surber Craig was bitten by a copperhead while suckering tobacco.  Mable would not cut the snake bite open. Elliott took a razor and did it himself to the snake bite on his hand. They killed a chicken and cut it open and put his hand in it thinking it would draw out the poison. Then, they put his hand in coal oil on the way to doctor.

"Not many cars in those days so they hailed down the first one that came by and took him. The doctor cut his arm open from his hand to his elbow. every inch or so. He still had scars when he passed on at age 96."

Editor's Note:  The use of fresh chicken meat to draw snake venom is an ancient cure.  First recorded in the history of Wiltshire, England the entrails of a freshly killed chicken were suggested as a means to draw venom from a snake bite.  Another variation of this treatment was recorded in Devonshire, England as well.  The Devonshire remedy suggests thrusting the wound into the stomach of a freshly killed chicken.  If the skin turned dark, they felt the treatment was a success in those days.  

For more information on folklore medicine check out the book, Encyclopedia of Folk Medicine:  Old World and New World Traditions by Gabrielle Hatfield.

The tenderness and love rolls off the pages here with the collector's words, "Love me and the world is mine."  A mirror into the past, the surveyor catches a glimpse of this unknown woman's heart.

Finally, a clue comes!  Here, we see the poetic reminders of the Spring and Winter of life.  Pictures of women the collector calls Aunt Ann, Liz, and a girl declaring, "He loves me."  A lady writing her regrets for an invitation finds herself in a pinch when the ink runs (or so it appears).  "It ran -- Carrie -- I can not come!"  How easy it is for today's researchers to forget there was a time when ink was purchased by the well and sometimes, it ran.  She ends with, "I wonder why?" and another cameo that simply reads, "How sunny!"  Is this besotted young maiden the author of this beautiful book?

A new chapter opens for the chronicler displaying pictures of a thoughtful young woman and her children.  "Laugh and the world laughs with you," she writes along with the youthful reminisce, "We know no sorrow" as children.  Meanwhile, she confirms this truth with a picture of two girls only "trying to be sad" yet you can see the giggles in their eyes.  Meanwhile, she pokes a bit of fun at her melancholy middle schooler who looks as if she sits there "with no one to love."  This was a home filled with love.

These pages continue the flow of life.  A girl graduates, another fails to marry, one is pleased.  Yet, something in the spirit of her words tells me the author is still poking a bit of fun at life itself.  She finds comfort in her love astride the sadness depicted in "Heavenly Twins" and "Sad Hearts" but "Chums" making us wonder if these two blissfully happy gals from the page before died all too young.  Yet, the mother fondly recalls them and their antics.

Yet another chapter opens in this life as the author becomes a grandmother.  This takes her back down memory lane again with humor in tow.  This woman certainly knew a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine of life go down.  I imagine her taking two sugars with milk in her coffee or tea.

More of the author's antics.  I daresay she was never a dull moment.  I am still trying to figure out who this mysterious chronicler is then I see, "Hurley's wife".  Is Hurley the young man she calls, "Our little pet" in previous entries?  A look at the Trimble County High School rolls for 1914 produced a young man in his freshmen year named, Hurley Barnes.  Was the chronicler then Mrs. Barnes making 'Hurley's Wife' her new daughter-in-law?  Hopefully, this entry will prompt the memories of the Barnes family to prove or disprove my amateur detective work.

We see one lovely lady is "Bob's Choice" but nothing stands out to identify the others on this page.

I am unsure if these are twin girls or two slightly different poses of the same girl.  The remaining pages were left blank.

The collection ends like most of her entries -- on a sweet note.  What impressed me most about this collection was the love it put on display.  How appropriate that the back cover should showcase this woman's definition of "Charity" and "Love" right above the snapshot of "Pa's Little Man" front and center. Just who did he marry?

Thanks for walking through this little book with me.  If anything or anyone looks familiar, please let us know.  It is these things we find along the way in research that make the journey worthwhile.  Sometimes, we get a history lesson.  Sometimes, we get a lesson in love.

One of the Methodist Circuit Churches located in Trimble and Oldham Counties of Kentucky.  Name spellings have been kept the same.

John J. Morgan, Steward                                         Carry Brown

Mary F. Morgan                                                        Jamima Shepherd

Jane E. Morgan                                                         Sarah Pinnell

E. Hoagland                                                              Westley Burkes, C.S.

Jno. Hoagland                                                           Mary Burkes 

C.C. Hoagland                                                           Nancy Bolster

Wm. O. Callis                                                            M. Schuyler

Amanda Callis                                                          Betty Morgan

Mary C. Callis                                                            Mary E. Tindal

Martha Callis                                                            Emilie Givans

Rhoda Morton                                                         Mortimore Givans

Aisley A. Webster                                                    Allie Kent

Charlotte Webster                                                  Nelly Wheeler or Bell

Lucy Jennings                                                          (a few have joined-names on Class book)

Susan Staples

Sarah Abbott                                                           Colored members

Sarah Taylor                                                            Starlin Branch, C.S.

Ann A. Adcock                                                         Nicholas Hoagland

Mary O'Bryan                                                          Marth Hoagland

Thos. Smith, Steward                                             Mary F. Branch

Willie J. Smith                                                           Harrette Young

Lucy J. Hunley                                                          Georgeana Lane

Caroline J. Brown                                                    Julia Penn

Reader's Note:  This newspaper is falling to bits.  The following stories appeared on the front page.

WOMEN'S CLUB PRESENTS PLAY WITH WASHINGTON PROGRAM

"Deestrick Skule Up-To-Date" Attracts Crowd At Auditorium

           Last Monday night, February 22, marked the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington, the 'Father of his country'.  

           The occasion was celebrated through the land with appropriate ceremonies, more particularly at Washington City, our Nation's Capitol, where the President of the United States and other dignitaries delivered addresses in honor of him who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the heart of his countrymen." 

           But in the exigencies of the hour, it being impossible for those in this immediate vicinity to be in attendance at more than one of the functions in commemoration of our first great soldier and statesmen, the Woman's Club of Bedford, with the tact which has characterized their unselfish devotion to home and native land, conceived the idea of public observance with a celebration at McCain auditorium in a four-act comedy entitled, "Deestrick Skule Up-To-Date."  The largest crowd ever assembled in the new auditorium witnessed the performance.

            Before the play was started, however, the audience was pleased with a minuet by a bevy of pretty girls, given by home talent, of course who were arrayed in beautiful and colorful colonial costumes appropriate to the day of Washington.

           The performance was well rendered and in the glitter of the light the be-wigged characters carried out the program with dazzling effect.  Music for the minuet, as well as the play, was furnished by Mrs. W.R. Sanders at the piano.

           The play, also by local talent, had its setting in the "Deestrick Skule of Coon Creek Hollow," the alma mater of many noted and outstanding members of its alumni.  This school is taught and presided over by that most illustrious of all modern instructors, Professor John D. Rockefeller Dusenberry, a principal who has done much for the case of education in this particular rural district famed for its much learning.

            A most laughable aspect was presented when the boys and girls marched from the rear of the auditorium hand-in-hand at appointed intervals to the platform carrying their books and dinner baskets.  It was reminiscent of the good old days when like scenes were exacted in the experience of men and women present whose hair is now streaked with white.

            One of the most attractive features of the play were the costumes, which were such as were worn by the pupils of the old Colonial school.  The boys presented a natural appearance in knee pants and red neckties, while the girls in short dresses and waving hair, reminded many present of the good old school days of long ago.  The cast represented every type of school boy and girl, and their answers to the Professor's questions, always given in witticisms, were intensely unique and entertaining.  The program was interspersed with speeches and songs that kept the audience interested throughout.

            The unexpected and embarrassing predicament in which all the pupils sometimes find themselves, from 220-pound little Benny Shafto Sistrunk up to the eighth grade, was very ludicrous, while the order that failed to be maintained would have racked the nerves of any teacher of less experience and smaller caliber than Professor Dusenberry.

             The play ended with a visit to the school by members of the school board all of whom with the exception of Madame Okefonokee, were old maids in the persons of Misses Kathryn Parkinburg, Matilda Methusalah, and Mariah Fitzpatrick, who sought the heart and hand of the most popular Professor.  And when, in conclusion, announcement was made by Professor Dusenberry of his engagement to the Widow Jones, the last curtain went down with the fainting of the feminine trio whose hopes were doomed to bitter disappointment.  

The cast of characters follows:
Professor John D. Rockefeller Dusenberry, Principal of Deestrick Skule -- Mack Law.

Madame Okefonokee Shumanheink, President of the Board of Trustees -- Mrs. E.R. McCain

Miss Kathryn Parkinburg -- Mrs. C.M. Cutshaw

Miss Matilda Methusalah -- Mrs. Pearl Williams

Miss Mariah Fitzpatrick -- Mrs. W. L. Peak

Flappers:

Marge Thompson -- Mrs. John Harmon

Mitzi Foster -- Mrs. Don Tandy

Deacon Brown -- C.R. Vanhook

Widow Jones -- Mrs. Lem Goode

Students in Deestrick Skule Up-To-Date

Arabella Macaroni Sistrunk -- Mrs. B.S. Ball

Benny Shafto Sistrunk -- Attorney E.W. Tandy

Amos and Andy Meriweather -- Harry Bowman and L.C. Yager

Chas. A. Lindberg Jehosophat -- Orem LaMaster

Sabula Sapington Jehosophat -- Mrs. Harry Bowman

Bobby Jones Quackenberg -- Sheriff J.A. Suddith

Ruth Elder Earlington -- Mrs. E.W. Tandy

Jonathan Augustus Scroggins -- B.S. Ball

Carrie Nation Scroggins -- Mrs. Orem LaMaster

Al Smith Scroggins -- Albert Wood

Charlie Chaplin Everglades -- J.M. Buchanan

Will Rogers Tiddlewinks -- Lonnie Smith

Maria Dressler -- Mrs. Clinton Walker

Polly Moran -- Mrs. Nannie Wood

Joe E. Brown -- Gilbert Wood

BAREBONE GREAT COUNTRY FOR PRODUCING EARLY LAMBS

Mr. Harry Bowman, who operates a farm for Messrs. R.E. Clem and A.G. Spillman down on Barebone, claims that it is the best section he ever saw for the production of early spring lambs.  To prove his statement he tells us that four ewes from their flock produced twelve lambs.  These four ewes and eight more produced a total of twenty-six lambs, and out of the twenty-six he lost only one.  Anyone who can tie this is a real sheep raiser.

LEGION AUXILIARY HOST TO PRESIDENT FRIDAY

Ladies Serve Refreshments After Joint Meeting At School Building

        A joint session of [the] Joe McCain Post of the American Legion and the women's auxiliary here Friday evening was addressed by the State Auxiliary President.  A splendid representation of the veterans and their wives attended to make of the evening one that was both entertaining and profitable.

        The ladies of the auxiliary served refreshments to the gathering.  These women are endeavoring to make their organization one of the best in the State and they desire to number every eligible woman in Trimble county among their list of members.  They have a definite program of work outlined with a clear purpose to accomplish, just as the members of the American Legion have.

         These are two of the community's most valuable associations, working hand in hand for a common good.  Give them your support, and your membership, if you are eligible.

THREE TRIMBLE STUDENTS ENROLLED AT EASTERN

          Three Trimble county students are included in the record enrollment of 1,305 college students at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College for the second semester which opened February 1st.  They are Glenford Carder, Milton; Miss Virginia Spillman and Miss Sylvia Clifford, of Bedford.

          Eighty-six other Kentucky counties are represented by the student body of Eastern, which outnumbers last year's second term attendance by 132 students.

          The training school, which is operated on the campus as a practice school where the college students get actual teaching experience under skilled critic teachers, has 420 children in attendance, making the combined enrollment of the college and training school 1,725 students.

          Last year, 2,637 enrolled for college work at Eastern, and 19 of this number were from Trimble county.

Front Page News To Be Continued...

The genealogy of the HALL family of Trimble County, Kentucky is taken from several sources.  The HALL family story is given in the Trimble County Heritage Book of 1988.  Further resources for this family are also found online and links are included here for the researcher’s reference. 

Nathan HALL was born October 11, 1784 in Louisa County, Virginia and died in Trimble County on December 11, 1835.  He married Mary WOOD also of Louisa County, Virginia who was the daughter of William WOOD. Her mother’s name was Ursuly _______.  

In the name of God, Amen, I, Nathaniel HALL, of the county of Gallatin and state of Kentucky, being in good health of body and memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous to dispose of all such worldly estate as it pleased God to bless me with, do hereby make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following; that is to say:

1^st.  That all my just debts be paid.

2^nd. All my estate, both real and personal be divided between my children, Robert HALL, Francis HALL, Ruben [Reuben] GATEWOOD, and Susannah GIDDENS as below devised.

3^rd. I give to my son, Robert HALL, the farm or tract of land I now live on with all the appurtenances appertaining thereunto to him and his heirs forever.

4^th. I give to my son-in-law, Reuben GATEWOOD, and to my daughter Susannah GIDDENS to be equally divided between them the tract of land which I purchased from Townsend to them and their heirs forever.

5^th. I give to my son Robert HALL, my negro man SAMUEL and I give to my son, Francis HALL my negro woman Mariah and her child to them and their heirs forever, and should my personal estate not be equal to the value of the above slaves in that case the said Robert and Francis is to pay to the said Reuben and Susannah the amount lacking and then the above slave to theirs.

6^th.  My two aged negro women, FILLIS and HANNAH is not to be appraised or taken into account of my estate at all in any way, but to remain with my son, Robert, and to be provided for, and lastly, I do constitute my sons, Robert and Francis HALL, my executors of this my last will and testament with full power to carry into effect all its items according to law, and that no security to be required of them from the County Court in granting letters of administration.

                Given under my hand and seal, the eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.                                               Signed:  Nathan HALL

WILL BOOK I, PAGE 46:  TRIMBLE COUNTY

Robert HALL was born 04/20/1798, Amherst Co., VA, died 11/07/1860 in Trimble County, buried in HALL Cemetery, son of Nathan and Mary Wood HALL.  Robert married Elizabeth Reed, born 10/24/1796 in Henry County, KY, died 2-27-1883 in Trimble County.

Robert and Elizabeth Reed HALL were parents of eight children:[i]

1.       Nancy SIMMS    b. 12/06/1818 d. 02/--- /1892      Trimble County, KY married W.H. GATEWOOD

2.       Sarah J. (Sallie)   b. 10/01/1820 d. 02/27/1883       Trimble County, KY unmarried

3.       John S.                 b. 11/02/1824                               Trimble County, KY

4.       Nathan C.            b. 11/08/1825 d. 02/22/1883      Trimble County, KY

5.       Robert Thomas  b. 05/03/1827 d. 04/07/1906       Trimble County, KY

6.       Wm. Francis        b. 01/24/1830 d. 08/03/1895       Trimble County, KY

7.       James L.               b. 04/24/1832 d. 07/27/1908      Trimble County, KY unmarried

8.       Ely Crane             b. 04/17/1838 d. 02/11/1905      Trimble County, KY married Frances DUNHAM[ii]

See the African American GATEWOOD Home Page run by Dawn Gatewood Daniels.  The researcher is tracing slave ownership and family records dating from 1687 in Virginia forward.  As the GATEWOOD sons married the daughters of Nathan HALL, other researchers may find additional GATEWOOD research of use to them on their genealogical journey.  More is given below regarding Henry Bibb and his time at the Gatewood Plantation.

HALL FAMILY CEMETERY

There are 16 interments in this family plot.  According to the FindAGrave Volunteer, the cemetery is located on the Cecil Staples farm, which is two and one-half miles north of Bedford.

Special Notes and Recognition:

While James W. GIDDENS is buried in the Hall Family Cemetery the final resting place of his wife, Susanna Hall Giddens Bain, is not known.  She married second, Leroy BAIN, and her date of death is also unknown at the time of this publication.  Researchers with burial information are encouraged to contact us that we might update our records.

Nancy G. RYKER was a REED by birth, the sister of Elizabeth Reed HALL and is also interred in the Hall Family Cemetery.

The HALL Family Bible Records were in the possession of Mrs. Dallas Moore of Bedford, KY 40006 when this family history was originally published by the Trimble County Historical Society in 1988.  At this time, no further information is known concerning the HALL Family Bible.

A free copy of the book, Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, an American Slave, is available online at www.archives.org.  Please also refer to the writings of Diane Perrine Coon regarding the Henry Bibb Heritage Trail for sidebar information.

Bethel School was built in 1898 and was located on the western bank of the Little Kentucky River.   The land adjoined the Bethel Methodist Church a distance of one mile south, where US 42 winds down what is known as Scott Hill and is six miles northeast of Bedford.

The land where the small white building stood was donated by A.G. Hill but instead of being named for the land donor, it was given the name of the Bethel Church nearby.  Average attendance was 25 to 30 pupils although maximum capacity was forty (40) pupils from grades one to eight.  

Children walked to school.  Some enjoyed the walk but others were frightened by crossing the two swinging foot bridges across the river.  There was a division in the river at this point making two bridges necessary).  Ice and snow to a depth of four feet during the Winter of 1917 made it possible for the children to walk on top of the fence and posts.

The walls of the school were constructed with grooved ceiling board.  The blackboard was slate.  The seats were wooden desks, some of which were stationary.   There was a long "jerry-built" recitation bench facing the blackboard and pot-bellied coal stove heated the room.  Water was obtained from a spring that was at the water level of the Little Kentucky, since the dug well was not satisfactory.  All the pupils used the same water pail and dipper.  Lunch boxes of tin lard pails and woven reed sat on the shelf near the door.  A library of forty-odd books contributed by Mrs. A.G. Hill consisted mainly of alger books, but still very welcome.

Welcome!

    Thank you for joining us in the early stages of our latest project to bring the rich history of our beloved Trimble County, our friends, the family, and favorite places to you online.  Be watching for updates on our latest projects.  As information is loaded to the site, check the sections dedicated to specific areas of research.

      Be sure to sign our Guestbook, browse the Book Shop, and read our Society History.  New sections dedicated to Cemeteries & Obituaries, Churches, and Schools will fill with articles and information to help you on your genealogy journey.  The Periodical section will feature highlights on articles available in PDF format from the Trimble County Historical Society for a small donation as they are transcribed. Each article is available in PDF format or hard copy in addition to our collection of heritage books.  Links to our local news can also be found under the Periodical tab.

      Cemetery projects are underway.  Be looking for updates in our Blog section as our members check in and detail the progress made with regard to cemetery preservation in Trimble.  Past and present residents of Trimble are encouraged to submit their family stories, family tree information, or old newspaper clippings and pictures for the Blog.  Just send a message using our Contact page to trimblehistoryinfo@gmail.com.  One of our Society Members will respond to your inquiry.  Additional research projects by individual society members are also in progress and will be published here.

       Trimble makes history, new memories, all the time.  Join us as we chronicle the lives of those who made Trimble County their home, served our citizens, and made a difference in our lives.  For all that we have accomplished and in honor of all that our proud citizens will do, thanks to everyone for making Trimble County a place to remember!

Happy Researching!

The date of establishment for Totten School is unknown.  Mrs. Cobb writes in her History of Education of Trimble County that there were eight (8) one-room rural schools in Trimble.  By 1849, fifteen (15) more were added including Totten School.  Her reference for this addition was its mention in Hamlett Barksdale's History of Education in Kentucky, Department of Education in Frankfort, Kentucky.   Stating that Totten School was established circa 1850 is a fair assessment.  

The first documentation found regarding acquisition of land for the school grounds was an indenture made Spring 1874 between Dr. John Totten and his wife, Mildred Black Totten, parties of the first part; and Frank Lee and William Dean, parties of the second part, Trustees of School District Number 19 and their successors in office (see Deed Book J, page 117, office of the Trimble County Clerk).  This deed defined the enclosure sold to said Trustees but it does not mention a school building.  It specified that "two-fifths of the land together with two-thirds of the house thereon unto them, the said Lee and Dean, Trustees of the District No. 19 as aforesaid and their successors in office -----."  The other three-fifths of the land and one-third of the house belonged to H.P. Fix and is not conveyed in this deed.

In the Spring 1875, there was a land transaction between H.P. Fix and Martha Black Fix, his wife, of the first part; and Frank Lee, Trustee of District No. 19, and his successors in office of the second part (see Deed Book 31, page 386, office of the Trimble County Clerk).  The deed read as follows:

" ....containing one-eighth acre to have and to hold said lands and appurtenances thereto belonging remains so long as it may be used for school purposes.  Should it cease to be used for school purposes, the land reverts back to the original owner, H.P. Fix or his heirs.  The house and all appurtenances thereto belonging remains as the property of the district with the privilege of selling or removing the same within two years after it ceases to be used for school purposes."  

In addition to the above, the above named district agrees "to keep up the fence from the southeast corner of the said school house to county road in back to a stone wall west of the house, also from north west corner of house to county road in back of Barebone Creek".  For this Fix received $27.80, respectively.  Fix and Totten jointly owned this property.  Fix received less due to retaining a lien on the property.

School Picture, 1911 

Identities from Left to Right

Bottom Row:  Joe Yager,  Sidney Abbott, J.D. Starling, Ruby Conn, ____ Sampson, Elmer Chandler, Perry McClure, ____ Sampson.

Second Row (seated):  Nadine Starling, Fredia Chandler, Tink Yager, Mamie Conn, Joe Andrew, Christine Mullikin, Viola Barrickman, Lewis Garriott.
Standing at the end of the second row:  Claudys Lee, Edwina Andrew.

Third row:  Roy Maxfield, Flora Burton, Selby Burton, Corene Fix, Daisy Garriott, Thelma Fix, Gladys Priest, Edna Westover, George Ann Rowlett, Ruby Maxfield, Hazel Joyce, and Ada Yager.

Fourth Row:  Joe Abbott, Leonard Swisher, Herman McClure, Ray Swisher, Henry Barrickman, Elmer Andrew, Ray Button, Henry Rowlett, Justice Chandler, Edythe Priest, Orville Swisher, Sarah Sampson, Nellie Maxfield, and Ethel Abbott.

Fifth Row:  Sherman McClure, Pat Abbott, Pearl McClure, Raymond Barrickman, Laura Garriott - Teacher, Denzil Joyce, Georgia Maxfield, Chester Abbott, and Betty Abbott.

The photo provided is from the collection of Christine Mullikin.  The bottom of the picture says, "Wise's Landing, Ky. 1911.  Photo by O.S. Matthews and Bro."

Additional information on the history of Wise's Landing can be found online, published by Northern Kentucky Views here.

Article I

The name of the Society shall be TRIMBLE COUNTY HISTORIAL SOCIETY.

Article II

The purpose of this Society shall be to accumulate materials relative to the history of our county or region, to collect books, pamphlets, maps, for the use of the community and tourists alike; to preserve and to mark sites involved in community history; and to share the knowledge gained in these pursuits through publications, pageants, programs; involvement in the Kentucky Historical Society program and through Information Technology.

Article III

Membership shall be of several classes:

1.  Active:  Any person interested in the purpose of the Society with all dues paid and current.

2.  Institutional/Organizational:  Any school, library, or other organization who wishes to be a member.

3.  Life Members:  Contributing a sum equal to or more than $150.00.

Article IV

The Society shall meet on the Third Saturday of the month from April to December annually.

Article V

Officers and Directors

Section 1:

Officers shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and three Directors, more if necessary, each of whom shall be elected for a period of two years.

Section 2:

The Officers and the Directors shall constitute the Board of Directors.  All should have attended at least six regular meetings of the last nine scheduled Meetings.  This includes members representing the Society on outside activities and events on scheduled Meeting days.  Such members shall give a followup report at the next scheduled Meeting.

Article VI

Nomination/Voting

Section 1:  All Officers and Directors shall be elected by plurality of votes cast at the Annual Business Meeting every other year.  The Annual Business Meeting shall be the Regular Meeting of the month of December.

Section 2:  The Committee on Nominations shall submit a state of suggested Officers at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 3:  Nominations may also be made by a Member of the Society from the Floor at the Annual Meeting.  All candidates for the office must be an individual active Member.

Section 4:  Officers and Directors shall be installed at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and shall serve until their successors have been duly elected and installed.

Section 5:  In the event of a resignation of an Officer or Director, the President shall request the Committee on Nominations to recommend a person to fill that position.  The regular procedure in Section(s) 2 and 3 will be followed.

Section 6:  A Fund Raising Committee consisting of three (3) Members to be appointed by the President with the purpose of setting up activities in Trimble County to procure extra funds shall be formed.  This committee will bring before the Society for vote the use of said funds.

Article VII

This Constitution may be amended at any regular or called meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those voting provided notice was given at the previous meeting.  All proposed Amendments shall be submitted in writing.

Article I
Membership

Section 1:  Any person interested in the history of Trimble County Kentucky who has paid the current membership fee shall become an active member.

Section 2:  Lifetime membership shall be a contributing sum according to the current established membership fee and be paid in one lump sum.

Section 3:  Student membership shall be free, to those students who are interested in Trimble County History, through high school graduation.  (Student must be enrolled in and attending high school.)

Section 4:  Dues are payable on the first day of April each year with a grace period to June 1, respectively.

Article II

Meetings

Section 1:  Regular Meetings of the Society shall be held the third Saturday of the month unless advised otherwise.  Meetings are held April through December.

Section 2:  Special Meetings may be called by the President or by a majorit of the Board Members.

Section 3:  The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly for thirty (30) minutes as requested by the President immediately prior to the monthly meeting.

Section 4:  Five (5) Active Members with dues paid up to date and have attended six (6) meetings of the nine (9) previous regular meetings shall constitute a quorum and can vote on issues.

Article III

Duties of Officers / Board of Directors

Section 1:  Any person nominated for Officer must have been an active member for two years prior to the nomination date.

Section 2:  The President shall preside at all meetings; Report annually on the activities of the Society; Appoint committees as provided for and as needed and must appoint an Audit Committee.  The President is to vote on a motion in case of a tie vote.

Section 3:  The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the event of absence, incapacity, or resignation of the President until a new President is provided for by election.

Section 4:  The Secretary shall keep the Minutes of the Society and of the Board of Directors, maintain a list of members, notify members of coming meetings, and render an annual report.

Section 5:  The Treasurer shall be responsible for the safe keeping of Society Funds and for maintaining adequate financial records, maintaining filing fees, and sales tax.  The Treasurer will collect annual dues and shall render an Annual report.

Section 6:  The Board of Directors shall have the power to conduct the business of the Society, pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation and the Constitution and the Byaws.  The Board of Directors will elect its own Chairman and may render an Annual Report each year.  Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

Article IV

Projects

Section 1:  Personal Project is any project that has not been approved by the Board of Directors and the Membership.  The Society is not responsible for any expenses incurred for Personal Projects.

Section 2:  As of June 2008, complimentary copies of publication(s) shall not be given to anyone who works on any Society publication(s) or project(s).

Section 3:  Any person who donates their research or publication to the Society shall sign a waiver relinquishing copyright ownership of the materials to the Society.  The Society may, in turn, publish or otherwise disseminate said materials at its expense but shall receive all profits from publication/dissemination to be used solely for the purposes of the Society.

That we, the undersigned, have this day voluntarily associate ourselves together for the purpose of forming a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Kentucky, and to that end do hereby adopt Articles of Incorporation as follows:

Article I:  The name of this corporation shall be the Trimble County Historical Society, Inc. and its duration shall be perpetual.

Article II:  Its principal place of business shall be Bedford, Kentucky.  The name of the process agent is Irene P. Long, whose address is in Bedford Kentucky.

Article III:  Its object shall be to collect and perpetuate facts of historic interest relative to Trimble County, to awaken an interest in the study of the history of this county and of the entire State.  To collect and preserve relics and documents of interest pertaining to Trimble County.

Article IV:  The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) active members of the Society.  The incorporators whose names are subscribed hereunto shall elect from their number five (5) directors who shall hold their office during the time of active membership in the Society, and two (2) directors who shall hold their office until the third Thursday in October 1978, or until their successors are elected and qualified.  At the said time the successors in office of the said two (2) directors shall be elected by the members of this Society as then constituted for such time and manner as may be provided by the by-laws of the Society.  Any vacancy that shall occur in the said Board of Directors by death or resignation shall be filled by the remaining directors for such time as the Director who has vacated the office would have held, unless the Society shall by a by-law adopted t a regular meeting thereof by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all the active members thereof provide a different way of filling vacancies.                                                                                                                                                                        
Article V:  The membership of the Society shall consist of such persons interested in its objectives as shall be provided by the by-laws adopted by the majority of the incorporation, whose names are subscribed to; and by these by-laws may be amended by the active members of the Society following the meeting at which amendment is proposed and filed in writing.  There shall be several classes of membership as specified in the by-laws.

Article VI:  The corporation shall not have nor issue shares of stock and it shall pay no dividends of pecuniary profits whatsoever to its organizers or members, although, it may confer benefits upon members in conformity with its purposes and the law.

Article VII:  The Society shall have the power to acquire real estate and other property, to sue and be sued in its corporate name, to have a seal, and to do any and all things authorized by corporations organized under the Statutes of Kentucky of similar nature.

Article VIII:  Any property may be acquired by the Society by donation or purchase shall be managed by its Board of Directors, but no indebtedness shall be incurred by the action(s) of the said Board without the approval of the two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the active members of the Society at a regular meeting thereof.

Article IX:  The number of directors constituting the initial Board of Directors is five (5).  The names and addresses of persons who are to service as initial Directors are:

Clara Scott

Bedford, Kentucky

C.A. Hollowell

Milton, Kentucky

John B. Young

Milton, Kentucky

James W. McMahan

Milton, Kentucky

Lola Stark

Bedford, Kentucky

A change in the number of Directors may be made by amendment to the by-laws of the Corporation.

Article X:  The private property of the incorporators and of the members of the Society shall not be subject to the payment of the corporate debts of the Society.

Article XI:  The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and by-laws for the management of the business affairs of said Society as they may seem best for the accomplishment of its purposes which are not inconsistent with these Articles of Incorporation or with by-laws of the said Society in existence at such time.  By-laws can be amended only at a regular meeting after amendment proposing any change or repeal of any section has been submitted in writing to a meeting of the Society.

Article XII:  The Corporation shall not engage in any activities prohibited by the terms of KRS 273.400.