John Hamilton of Carlisle, Nicholas County, Kentucky

Cumberland Gap from Wikipedia

Dr. Thomas Walker, a Virginia physician who became an explorer, discovered Cumberland Gap in 1750. A lot of hunters, like Daniel Boone, used the Gap to reach the Kentucky hunting grounds. The Gap was widened in 1796 in order to allow Conestoga Wagons to travel through.

After exploring this wilderness, Dr. Walker, brought back enthusiastic accounts of its beauty, its fertility, its possibilities. But it was Daniel Boone who really popularized this western paradise.

Upper Blue Licks was discovered in July, 1773 by Major John Finley, Col James Perry, James Hamilton, and Joshua Archer. After surveying several tracts and drawing lots, John Finley received the Upper Lick tract upon which he settled at a later date. The lots the other men drew are unknown.

“Before 1776 the State of Kentucky was part of Fincastle County, Virginia. In that year the Virginia Legislature divided Fincastle County and named what coincides with what is now all of Kentucky (Exclusive of the Purchase) 'Kentucky County.' In 1780 Kentucky County was sub-divided into Jefferson, Lincoln and Fayette. In 1785 most of the northern part of Fayette was cut off and called Bourbon County and extended to the Ohio river. In 1792 when Kentucky was admitted to statehood Bourbon was one of the nine counties that made up the Commonwealth.”

Whether our Hamilton ancestors traveled to Kentucky by wagon, or on flatboats, is not known.


They were, however, part of the establishment of Carlisle, Kentucky. In 1810 Samuel Kincart built a substantial brick house on his 200 acre farm along the great public road about 12 miles from Upper Blue Licks. The site of the Kincart home was later Lot #1 in the Town Plat of Carlisle (below).

Of the 139 original Lots sold in Carlisle, Kentucky in 1816, the following are of interest.
Lot, Purchaser, Amt.

No. 14., R. Hamilton, $61.00
No. 15., John Hamilton, $62.00
No. 37., J. J. Hamilton, $92.00

(To be continued.)
History of Nicholas County, compiled and edited by Joan Weissinger Conley, Nicholas County Historical Society, Inc., Carlisle, Kentucky, 1976, pages 152-5. FHL US/CAN 976.9417 H2c. Pictures and map from Wikipedia.
http://history.wdgordon.com/gordon30.htm

John Sanderson Morgan, son of Garrard Morgan II.

Stump Speaking from Wikipedia.

While researching the Hamiltons in Bourbon and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, I've discovered this interesting biography. It's full of information and further confirms our Morgan family history posted here.

“Among the many distinguished men who have figured in our early history, none deserve a higher honor than Colonel John Sanderson Morgan. His father, Jared [Garrard II] Morgan, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Sarah Sanderson, of South Carolina. They emigrated to Kentucky about 1797, and settled in Nicholas, then Bourbon County, near the Blue Lick Springs, where he was born January 6, 1799. In 1812, his father died, leaving him, and his mother and a large family, upon a small and poor farm. Upon this he struggled heroically, laboring both late and early to secure an education for himself and to aid in the support of the family. In this respect, his history corresponds precisely with that of General Thomas Metcalfe. In 1824, he was elected to the Legislature from Nicholas by the suffrages of the “old Court” party. Soon after this, he came to Carlisle and opened a dry-goods store in partnership with William C. Rainey. In May, 1828, he was married to Eleanor Bruce, of Fleming County. The newly married couple began housekeeping where Henry Stewart now lives, and the store of Morgan & Rainey was held in the frame house on Front street, now Sammons & Brother. Mr. Rainey retiring soon after 1828, Mr. Morgan went on in business with James Squires. Not long after, Mr. Squires retired, and was succeeded by Robert P. Hughes. Colonel Morgan was elected a member of the Board of Trustees four years successively, to wit: August, 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832. In 1833, he was elected for the second time to the Kentucky Legislature. In March, 1834, having bought out Thomas Jones, he moved to the county, sold out all his interest in town property, and devoted his whole time to the cultivation of the farm. As a farmer, he was eminently successful, and from his annual earnings continued to add to his landed estate, until he owned near twelve hundred acres, extending on both sides of the road from the town suburbs to Old Concord. In 1838 and 1844, Colonel Morgan was elected a member of the Kentucky Senate from Nicholas and Bourbon—the last time, over Mr. Jacob Hutzell, of Bourbon, after a heated contest upon the subject of relief, or anti-relief. In the great National interest of 1840 and ’44, Colonel Morgan took an active part as a stump-speaker. He was indeed, for years the leader of the Whig party in Nicholas. His plain, straight-forward style of presenting facts, his evident sincerity and well-known integrity of purpose, always insured him a warm reception at all public meetings.

"In October, 1847, he packed up and took leave of Carlisle for his new home in Covington. He bought a handsome piece of property in the suburbs of the city, and of this he at once took possession. It was about the year 1849, that the building of both the Kentucky Central and the Maysville and Lexington Railroads was projected. Colonel Morgan showed his public spirit by subscribing liberally to both. He gave the Maysville road the right-of-way through his farm, and also a subscription of two thousand dollars. In 1840, he was elected President of the Covington and Lexington road. To the completion of this great work he now bent his whole time and energies, not forgetting often to likewise send words of cheer to the Directors of the Maysville road.

"In 1852, Colonel Morgan was appointed Presidential Elector for the Tenth District of the Whig party of Kentucky, in the great Presidential struggle between General Winfield Scott, and General Franklin Pierce."

History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, by Robert Peter, M. D., Edited by William Henry Perrin., Illustrated, 1882, History of Nicholas County, pages 411-12. FHL, US/CAN 976.94, H2p

Rev. John C. McCoy carried Hamilton family news between Kentucky and Indiana.

Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky,

from Wikipedia.

From the Hamilton Family plot,

Kingston Cemetery, Decatur, Indiana

The McCoy sisters who married the Hamilton brothers, here, are either sister or cousin to Elizabeth S. McCoy, who married Capt. James Morgan, here. And so the McCoys tied the Hamiltons and the Morgans together in an additional way.

This picture of an early Mormon missionary

looks like I envision Rev. John C. McCoy.

Lycurgus McCoy, nephew of Rev. John C. McCoy, recalled sixty years later, his Uncle, as "a remarkable man in many ways," who frequently visited his father's home. "They usually spent the greater part of the night talking over reminiscences of former days. Uncle John McCoy, as he was familiarly called, was greatly beloved by all. This man of God was a true missionary, a lover of humanity, a house-to-house evangelist. Traveled on horseback from place to place, and found a welcome everywhere. Once a year he made a trip to Kentucky from Decatur Co., Indiana, on horseback carrying letters and messages both ways. The McCoys, Hamiltons, Donnells, and others were originally from Kentucky, and they all had relatives in Kentucky, and his coming was hailed with delight, on both sides of the Ohio River. It is my candid opinion that no better man has ever lived than John C. McCoy, and should I meet him in the home of the saved, on the earth made new, and I sincerely hope to, I shall expect to see him on his white pony. He never married."

Rev. John C. McCoy

b. May 30, 1782, Washington Co., Pa.

d. 1865 in Decatur Co., Indiana, and buried at Kingston.

William McCoy and his Descendants, compiled and written by Lycurgus McCoy, published and copyrighted 1904 by author. On line here.

John Hamilton Morgan, the Groesbecks, visit cousins Cobb in Florida. 1885.

In 1885, January 25, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Southern States Mission Headquarters, John Morgan wrote: At 9:40 p.m. Henry Dinwoody [1825-1905], N. H. [brother-in-law, Nicholas Harmon] Groesbeck, [brother-in-law] Jno. Groesbeck, and his two boys [presumably John Amberson 1872-1930, Frank Bringhurst 1873-1951] arrived from Cincinnati. ... John Morgan showed his visitors the local sites and they made ready for a trip South.

from John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Specdial Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
1885
January 30
After breakfast came down to the R.R. and waited about one hour for the train which proved to be a terribly slow one, the engine gave out and we had to change at Cochrane, reaching Jessup four hours late or about 7 p.m. Had one of the worst suppers I ever ate. Took sleeper from this point in and left Jessup in a heavy rain.

January 31
Arrived at Jacksonville, Fla. At about 7:30 a.m. and went to the Grand View House. Raining considerably during the morning. At noon cleared off and was warm. We visited the principal point’s of interest about the city, including the vegetable and fish markets, public, and business street, museum, etc. Crossed over the river and visited Ex-Gov. Reid’s orange orchard eating oranges that we picked ourselves. Very many northern people here for the winter. Flowers are in bloom, oranges hang on the trees, on the side-walks, and in almost every yard.

Florida Capitol, 1845, from Wikipedia

February 1
Took train at 9 a.m. for St. Augustine arriving there at 10:20. It is the oldest city in America, inhabited by Europeans. Here Ponce de Leon landed. In 1565 Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed and took possession in the name of the Spanish King. Many old buildings are still standing, erected 300 years ago, of a conglomerate called Coquina composed of sea shells and land. During the day we visited the Atlantic Beach and gathered some shells. Crossed the Mantauzas River in a sail boat. Attended U. S. Military Dress Parade. Visited some orange groves, the old Fort San Marco, the cathedral, Plaza, City Gates, etc. N. H. G., H. D., and myself remained all night at the Cleveland House.

St. Augustine, Florida, from Wikipedia

February 2
Crossed the River on a sail boat and took wooden trainway street car and rode to the Light House which ascended it being 164 feet high, where we had a splendid view of the coast. Returning to the city, we had dinner in the old Court House and at 3:30 p.m. took train for Jacksonville, arriving at 5 p.m.

February 3
At 7:35 a.m. took train over the Florida Central and Western Ry., one of the roughest roads I ever traveled over arriving at Tallahassee at 4:30 p.m. and put up at the St. James. Called down and saw cousins Rice and Hack Cobb, who are running a Livery Stable here. Had a pleasant little chat with them and attended the session of the Senate during the evening. Quite a number of negro members.

Bridge Lions, Matanzas River, from Wikipedia


St. James Hotel, Tallahassee, Florida,
from Wikipedia

February 4
Took a walk with brother Dinwoody and at 10 a.m. Hack furnished us a carriage and driver and drove us over the city. We visited all the prominent points, including College and colored Public School and had dinner with cousin Rice Cobb and at 2:40 took train for New Orleans, arriving at River Junction at 5 p.m. where we took sleeper for New Orleans. During the night the train jumped the track, nearly all going off but one car. Did not get on again until after daylight.

February 5
Arrived in New Orleans at 2:30 p.m. On the train between Mobile and N. O. met Olivery Shelby, of Ind. Stopped at 76th St. Charles Street, Slept in the hardest bed I ever found.

February 6
After breakfast walked out on the street and met a number of Salt Lake people. Rode [sic] street car out to Exposition. Visited a number of different departments and spent a pleasant day. The Exposition is simply immense in every way.

St. Augustine, Florida, from the Light House,
from Wikipedia

An earlier reference to cousin Cobb is found here.

John Hamilton Morgan visits Greensburg, Decatur, Indiana, cousins. 1882.

Greensburg, Decatur, Indiana from Wikipedia.

These biographies of Capt. James and Elizabeth S. McCoy Morgan’s three oldest daughters, helped identify several “cousins” John Hamilton Morgan wrote in his journal of visiting.

Amazet H. Morgan

b. April 23, 1822, Nicholas Co., Ky.

p. Capt. James Morgan, Elizabeth S. McCoy

m. April 22, 1842, Rice R., son of Willard Cobb

d. June 6, 1881, Decatur Co., Ind.

Rice R. [Reuben Rice from NFS] Cobb

b. Jan. 2, 1811, in Vermont

p. Came to Indiana with his father [Willard NFS] when nine years of age

d. June 5, 1897, Indianapolis, Ind., at the home of his daughter, Mrs. [Cassandra] Robbins.

"He was a farmer, merchant, and stock dealer, and very successful. He and wife spent many winters in Tallahassee, Fla. For some twenty years made large shipments of mules to the South. Traveled extensively in the United States. Held no public office, except president of Decatur Co. Agricultural Society. Was a prominent citizen in his county.

"Mrs. Cobb was much attached to her kindred, very proud of her lineage, and was the family genealogist. The spot just east of Greensburg, Ind., now occupied by the Odd Fellows’ Home, is the site of their once model farm home. Four children came to this home, all born in Decatur Co., Ind.

Sarah Jane Morgan

b. March 28, 1824, near Greensburg,Ind.

p. Capt. James Morgan, Elizabeth S. McCoy

m. first, Oct. 5, 1837, to Elkanah Lathrop, who died Jan. 20, 1851, Greensburg, Ind. She was married, second, Feb., 1861, to James Chambers, her deceased sister's husband,

d. June 11, 1887, and buried at South Park Cemetery, Greensburg

James Chambers

b. Nov. 23, 1822, Kentucky,

d. April 29, 1899, Shelby Co., Ky.

"Sarah Jane had four children by Lathrop, and at the time of her marriage with Chambers he had five children. She was the same kind, loving mother to his children that she was to her own … "

Mary E. Morgan

b. Nov. 7, 1825, Decatur Co., Ind.

p. Capt. James Morgan, Elizabeth S. McCoy

m. Feb. 20, 1844, James Chambers

d. May 29, 1859, Greensburg, Ind.

James Chambers

b. Nov. 23, 1822

d. April 29, 1899, Shelby Co., Ky.

"Mrs. Chambers was never rugged in health. Mr. Chambers was a man of good ability and good education. A farmer most of his life. He also engaged in merchandising, lumber, and milling business for years. He resided in Decatur and Bartholomew Counties, Ind., and lastly Shelby Co., Ky., and died in the latter. He taught school in his younger days, and preached the gospel as opportunity offered, but was never ordained to the gospel ministry. Upon the death of his wife he married Sarah Jane [Morgan] Lathrop, sister to his first wife. No children by second marriage. He married the third wife, who survived him. Mary E. had five children, all born in Decatur Co., Ind."

From John Hamilton Morgan's Journal in Special Collections at the Marriott Library, University of Utah.

It appears President Morgan had an opportunity to visit family and friends.

1882
October 23 All of the remaining Elders left this a.m. and during the day brother Snow and myself attended to getting our correspondence into shape. At 7:30 left for Cincinnati.

October 24
Arrived at 3:39. Met Len. Wiles and cousin R. R. Cobb. Went home with the latter and stayed all night. Met a number of old acquaintances and relatives.

October 25 Cousin Cobb lent me buggy and horse and I drove out to cousin Jim Chambers and spent the day quite pleasantly visiting and talking with the folks. Assisted him with some logs and walked about over the farm some. Very pleasant weather for visiting.

October 26 Drove back to town and from there to Marshall Hamiltons. Went out the Michigan Road and at the Toll Gate met Perry Treman, and had quite a talk with him. At the Clemens Schoolhouse called and paid Eliza Treman a visit and had a look at the old house. From there drove by the old Homestead and to Clay Elders, and visited for an hour or so. Then to cousin Sarah Rankines, then to Wood Hamiltons and from there to uncle Marshalls where I spent the evening quite pleasantly.

October 27 tarted early this a.m. and drove to town and at 10 a.m. took train for Indianapolis where I visited cousin Robbins and uncle Morgan Hamilton. Attended the Grand Opera with cousin Gail Hamilton and saw the Hanlons play. Stayed all nigh at uncle Hamiltons.

October 28
Left Indianapolis at 8:50 a.m. on Wabash train for Peni,? Where I changed cars and at Attica changed again and arrived at Oliver Shelbys. At 6 p.m. met and was warmly welcomed by all the folks.

October 29
Drove up to Dave Fergusons at 9 a.m. and had a short visit. Returned and had dinner at Shelby. Attended meeting in the p.m. and met brother and sister Graham in the evening.

October 30 Bid the folks goodbye and at 8:30 a.m. took train for Attica. Changed cars and went to St. Louis arriving at 8 p.m. When to the St. James where after writing a few letters, retired to bed.

October 31

At 8:30 left over the O. an M. for Cincinnati. Had an unpleasant ride and arrived at 7:30 p.m. and took train for Chattanooga.

November 1 Arrived at 8:30 and met Elder Snow. Spent the day in looking over matters connected with the emigration and mission and wrote a number of letters.

From Nicholas G. Morgan, list of Southern States Missionaries: Alphonso Snow, set apart April 7, 1881, returned April 7, 1883.

Oliver Shelby is a friend from John Morgan's first mission to this area and mentioned here.

William McCoy and His Descendants, compiled and published by Lycurgus McCoy, 1904.