Tavern Keepers and Ferry Boats of Pike County - Pike County Historical Society

An early traveler required taverns for overnight lodging, whether it was near the forest trail, up or down the Sandy River these taverns located in Pike County, and in the city of Pikeville, were always welcome pleasures. A place of safety and a place out of the cold. This was a continuance of early Virginia hospitality which so many families had received when moving westerly into the Kentucky and Tennessee countryside. Though there are rules for the tavern or inn. With government limitation on the inn-keeper, nothing goes untaxed, or even without guidelines. The Commonwealth of Kentucky took its laws from its early parent state, Virginia in 1792, taxing the taverns along with the ferry boats. That tax and the personal bond taken by the county clerk was placed into the county court book. A way to guarantee to the patronage certifying the tavern keeper’s personal character to host a guest. It included the cleanliness of your stay, providing for a human diet, as well as feed and pastures for horses and other animals. It also provided that the person applying would act under the laws of the State in cases if in case any criminal suits arose. The word Tavern didn’t include just a bed or great hospitality. It included spiritous liquors such as Peach Whiskey, Apple Brandy, Rum, Wine, and the expensive French Brandy that is noted in court entries. The cost of such liquor would range with the French Brandy was $1.00 per a ½ gallon and the Apple Brandy being half the price as shown in the September term of court in 1846. A-161 – August Term 1828 – The former rates and prices of liquors, diet, lodging, stablage pasturage at and for which the several tavern keepers in this county were allowed to sell and continued for the ensuing year.

A-339 – Nov. Term 1830 – Ordered that the tavern rites as last said as to dieting, lodging, retailing liquors, horse feed, and stablage be continued as last.
Sept Term 1846 page 198 – Ordered the tavern rates of this county be as follows. For good whiskey peach and apple brandy per half gallon 50 cents; for quart 25 cents, per pint 12 ½ cents, per half pint 6 ¼ cents. For good rum wine and French Brandy per ½ gallon $1, per quat 50 cents, per pint 25 cents, per ½ pint 12 ½ cents. For diet 12 cents, for lodging 6 ¼ cents, for horse feed with grain and roughness 12 ½ cents for pasturage for 24 hours 12 ½ cents, for stablage for 12 hours 6 ¼ cents.

The Commonwealth, the General Assembly on December 19, 1793, having amended two earlier Virginia laws adopted but recognizing the distinction in the average Tavern (Inn) and the Tippling House (Bar), which they made the tippling house illegal in comparison to the tavern. Tippling houses implied the customer being in the business for drunkenness, and the occasional disorderly conduct, which the assembly frowned upon.
They also gave the county court authority to decide a mans character in order to apply for the tavern license. Presenting your application in front of the court was the only means which included; the business plan (i.e., application), location, and the appropriate sureties (county men and bond) in place vouching for the character of the individual applying. The Assembly also required the tavern owners to recognize the standardized rates imposed on them by the Commonwealth, so not to over-charge or harm the travelers’ wallets.
In fact, this 1793 act of assembly prohibited all sales in the tippling house of the “retail” manner, and if caught, one would pay a penalty in county court. Which is why, when you look into the early court records a tippling wasn’t an application made, only taverns. Pike had many requests for a tavern and ferry.
On Dec. 17, 1796, declared that they penalty imposed shall be uncertain, up to the Justice of the Peace decision, the trial shall be by jury, which was the repealed Act of Dec. 19, 1793, permitting a summary proceeding by presentment against a tavern keeper for a breach of bond, through an indictment, which the Act of 1793, implied a $10.00 fine for retailing liquors without a license. By 1820 the court provided for a $20.00 fine.
In 1817, under Act 1703, the Assembly made clear what was retailing from a tippling and selling the farm brew, which was made in order to not hurt the average farmer from selling his special blend of spirits. The farmer not considered a tippling or retailing, and it could not be consumed on his property.

“Regulating taverns and restraining tippling houses providing that no fine shall be imposed upon any person for selling liquor at any place whatever, made from the production of his own farm, unless sold to be drunk in his house, it is no offense to sell cider made from the production of the seller’s farm, when not drunk within the premises in which it was sold.”

Of course, with the tippling house, liquor being different than the natural cider made by the farmer, new laws were made, and under consideration; if a farmer can sell his brew and wasn’t considered retail if under a quart. The question always came back to drinking the brew on the farmers property, and selling in a limited quantity. If the farmer was found to keep a tippling house, retailing the liquor, and drinking on his own property, he would be charged and prosecuted as a tippling. And of course, gaming was highly prohibited where any liquor was spilled.
By 1830, the newspapers speak of revising the laws which govern retailing. 1840, in the Kentucky Gazette on March 12, the Committee on Religion, put fourth a number of petitions asking to repeal laws of retailing and authorizing spiritous liquor licenses. The argument with the laws involved wrote; selling of spiritous liquors didn’t defray but increased greatly the prevention of murders, or the crimes of intemperance. Noting liquor was at the center of incest, polygamy, gambling, adultery, fornication and intoxication. But of course, we would not see the temperance movement until the prohibition of alcohol in the Eighteenth Amendment 1920 to 1933, some 80 years later.
According to Pike County court books, James Honaker would be the first Pikeville citizen (court books) to acquire the tavern license in April of 1823. Though, looking back into Floyd County books, William James Mayo applied in May 1811, with Alexander Lackey as his surety. Spencer Adkins applied for a tavern license in 1812. His entry states “on the motion of Spencer Adkins, leave is granted him to keep tavern at his house on Sandy River and he thereupon together with David Morgan and Harry Stratton his securities, entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of L100 condition agreeably to law.

Though, the first citizen living in Floyd County, later this land is located in Pike County, was none other than John Hackworth, who was then living on the Sandy River. It was in May 1809, that John Hackworth was appointed surveyor of the road from Graham Shoal to Silas Ratliff and it is ordered that the hands residing along said road help him in keeping the same in repair according to law. On the very same day of court is written; John Hackworth.“leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house on Sandy and he together with John Haws and Lazarus Damron his securities entered in and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of one hundred pounds condition agreeable to law”. John Hackworth also applied in January 1811, to keep a tavern house with John Haws and James Lain as securities. In the September Term of 1812, John Hackworth made application for a tavern, “On motion of John Hackworth leave is granted him to keep tavern at his house who together with Silas Ratliff and Alexander Lackey his securities ordered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of L100 condition agreeable to law”.

Before the death of John Hackworth, he acquired another license in September Court of 1825, while he is living on the first Mathias Harman settlement land on the Sandy River acquired in 1782.

John Hackworth – Sept. 1825 – A1-128 – On motion of John Hackworth Sr leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house in this county for one year from the date hereof and from thence until the next county court to be holden in and for this county and who together with Elijah Adkins and Thomas Owens his securities into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeable to law. Sept. 1826 – A1-180 – Estate – Ordered that Caleb Bailey, Richard Ratliff, Richard Robinson, James Gannon be appointed the appraisers of the personal estate of John Hackworth deceased and report to curt according to law.

Regarding Floyd County, May Court 1809, and May 1812, produced the tavern rates in the court books set out by the General Assembly. The court then proceeded on May 1812, to regulate the tavern rates as follows to wit; For good Wine, and French Brandy per half pint 37 1/2 cents, for good Whiskey and Brandy per half pint 12 1/2 cents, Cider Royal per quart 25 cents, and Cherry Bounce(?) per half pint 12 ½ cents. Where a breakfast was tipped off at 21 cents, dinner at 25 cents, and supper at 21 cents. Lodging of a guest was much lower than the find spirits in their establishment being 8 ½ cents, and pasturing 12 horses 12 ½ cents, and stabling with rough food 12 ½ cents.

Much later, two records stand out for Pike “retail” sales when laws changed. The first was the July 1852 license of Frederick Henderson, also shown as Frederick Handman and Hanlan in the record, of the Sandy Mining Company, applied for a “retail” license as a merchant and a store house in which they would be located. He applied for the same license in July 1853, under the name of Henderson, which was a renewal of the 1852 license. The retail license, cost of $7.50, was much less than that of a tavern license at $100.00.

July 1852 – B1-557 – On motion of Frederick Handman a license is hereby granted the Sandy Mining Company to keep a liquor and retail the same as merchants at the house now occupied by them as a store house in this county for the term of twelve months from this date, they having made the satisfactory proof as required by law, whereupon F. Handman paid the sum of $7.50 to the clerk in open court it being the amount fixed by the court. (The records say Handman/Hanlan, but it’s probably Henderson as the following records shows.
Sandy Mining Company July 1853 – License to Sell Liquor – B1-639 – On motion of Sandy Mining by F. Henderson leave is granted thereon to retail liquors as merchant at their store house in Pike County proof being made as required by law and the clerk of the court is directed to _ payment of the sum of $7.50 cents the required by law that sum being fined by the court.

The second retail license wasn’t issued until April 1860, when Henry D. Harman applied for a retail license, and a tavern license, located at his own home with William Ratliff, Lewis Soword, and John H. Reynolds as his bondsmen. This was at least a year before the civil war, and before as the war had engaged fully in the Pikeville area. Henry D. Harman skedaddled out of Pikeville, then a confederate held town, and removed to Virginia for safety concerns because Federal Forces were approaching the town of Pikeville, as proven later in a Pike Circuit Court case in Nov. of 1866. Henry Harman was the plaintiff vs Christina Hatcher, A.J. Hatcher, and Thomas Owens being the defendants. The circuit case was over the land he left within the city limits. Harman tells he and many others fled as Gen. William Nelson and his Union forces were said to be approaching Pikeville. That a great apprehension came over the town and many fled for safety.

Harman states in this 1866 case; “that he resided in said lot in the town of Pikeville, the said lands until the fall of 1861, where the war raged hottest on the sandy valley, said town was first held by the Confederate Forces, then the Federal Gen. Wm. Nelson, with a larger Federal Force was said to be approaching said town, which caused great many the citizens under great apprehension all left town or nearly so. This plaintiff was in feeble health, greatly scared, left in great haste for Virginia, the said forces came to said town and occupied his property doing considerable injury. This plaintiff from the feeble condition of his health and scared for the apprehension of his life, which as he had bound, was threatened if he came back to his home, he came back at first scared, and had to leave as he on approach, it greatly impaired his mind living in VA, forced from his family.”

Henry D. Harman – April 1860 – C1-367 – Tavern License – On motion of Henry D. Harman for a license to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in the town of Pikeville the court sufficiently addressed it is order that a license issue to said H.D. Harman with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors for the term of 12 months from this date and thereupon said Harman and took the oath and together with Wm. Ratliff, Lewis Sowords and John H. Reynolds as his surety entered unto and acknowledge a covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law.

In 1861, Martin Thornsbury applied for a license to retail spiritous liquors. But, most of the retail licenses of the fanciful drinks wasn’t until after the war in 1867, when Thomas Johnson, Joseph Ratliff, and Thomas O. Marrs and others applied for the same.

In the many records of Pike County, some included the person as an owner of the land or applicants of a ferry crossing on the Big Sandy, and one application entry specifically was in the crossing at Johns Creek, and another on the Tug Fork owned by Henry Smith. Applicants of the ferry would apply for the license to carry across people, buggies, and even their animals. In Pike, the names of some of those ferry applicants were as named; David Polley, John C. Lester, James Slone, Thomas Owens, Richard Ratliff, James Ferguson, Booker Keesee, John Hargis, and Elijah Adkins.

he earliest person to acquire a ferry license in Pike County was Elijah Adkins. He acquired his tavern license in 1824, but wasn’t until March of 1825 (across the river at Pike Courthouse) and February of 1826, Elijah Adkins applied for a ferry to be stationed across the Sandy River at the State Road, where it crossed said river. The tavern was located in the town of Pikeville. So, once across the river the ferry arrives in the city of Pikeville, where travelers had a place in which to find a room, food, and spirituous liquor. This same ferry stayed in existence for a great many years and ran by many a Pikeville resident.

Pikeville wasn’t the only place in which a ferry was needed. Edmond Clark established a ferry on Johns Creek in February 1849. Clark was the property owner of land on both sides of the river, enabling him to apply without restrictions. The license called for this location “near the mouth of Millers Creek”.

Henry Smith in June of 1832 applied for a ferry license and tavern to be located on the Tug Fork. The tavern would be located at his house on the Pike side of the water. Smith owned the land on both sides of the Tug. Smith again filed in November of 1833, December of 1834 and June of 1837, with his sureties being Thomas Owens, William Weddington, Simeon Justice, and William Ratliff.

John Ferguson acquired a ferry license in January of 1847. The location stated “at the ford where the State Road now (word) across the Sandy River just below the mouth of Fergusons Branch, the said Ferguson owning the land on one side and Thomas Ownes on the other”. In this Thomas Owens gave his approval and signed bond.

All three, Edmond Clark, John Ferguson, and Elijah Adkins had first acquired their tavern license along with the ferry license. The ferry boats came with the dimensional structure distinction of 30 feet long and 7 feet wide. The customer charges which one paid was by man, beast, and carriage. An Act of 1812, tells us that the owner of the ferry must keep the roads leading to and from their respective ferries, between low and high-water mark, in good repair. Remember, not all ferries are vessels, but oversized wood rafts made to specification.

The longest license in terms of years, for a ferry license, was set in stone in the March Term of Court of 1875, when John Dils Jr was a plaintiff in an action against Pike County. Dils filed for a twenty-year license on the old site at the upper landing at the town of Pikeville across the Big Sandy River. As well did Lindsey Maynard for the same March 1875 timeframe. In 1868, May Term of Pike Court, Lindsey Maynard and Jacob Syck, appeared in court, where Syck assigned his right to the ferry at the mouth of Lower Chloe to Lindsey Maynard. Jacob Syck had been released from further responsibility of said ferry, and Maynard offered in court together with R.M. Ferrell and S.M. Hinckey his surety in covenant with the Commonwealth. Shortly after, W.B. Ratliff acting as Dils attorney filed and posted on the court house door for any objections to the measure of Dils twenty-year lease. At the same time, Mitchell Clay who had been operating the town ferry shown in the court records of March of 1875 (Ordered that the court that Micthell Clay ferry keeper at the upper landing at Pikeville across the Sandy River just below the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek be and required to keep a good ferry bank to be transported across the river by push poles), had already file for the exact ferry license and had his application approved, which caused Mitchell Clay to bring a suit against John Dils Jr, over competitive businesses within close distances. Attorney Ratliff introducing as a witness, A.J. Auxier, who proved that he took notices at the courthouse door. Evidence produced in the court were the deeds of Jacob Syck to Daniel W. Syck and the deed of Daniel W. Syck to John Dils Jr in the year of April 1869. The second deed of the date of June 1871, between Daniel Syck to John Dils Jr. Another witness Hibbard Williamson, testified Dils and the Sycks had owned the land since 1856. Franklin Williamson said they had continued possession since 1851. But, even upon approving right of property, Dils attorney asked for the motion to approve the application and to be passed. Giving Dils the ferry license. Dils owing land on both sides of the river.

The County Attorney gave the location as “property landing on the side of the river opposite the town of Pikeville” and “less than one half mile of an established ferry”. The established ferry would be Mitchell Clay. Note this was competitive business between Clay and Dils on who should operate a ferry transporting travelers to the city of Pikeville. In the higher Circuit Court case found in the Kentucky Archives, case 3460, it shows that John Dils Jr introduced several witnesses; A.J. Auxier, Hibbard Williamson, and Franklin Williamson. Recorded in Pike are these motions of the court. March 1875 session that Dils would not get his ferry license, which he appealed. Then on page 311, May 1875 in the court order book, John Dils Jr vs Pike County says he is permitted to administer the ferry at the upper landing across Sandy River at the old ferry sight just below the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek for twenty years. That he should maintain and keep in good repair the landing, and that a sufficient ferry boat by push polls and the use of the ferry rates is fixed. January of 1876, Dils appealed to the court for two hands in addition to a ferryman employed at his ferry. John Dils Jr persuaded Mitchell Clay to sell out to him, and the ferry issue had been resolved.

There were arrests made in Pike County over the years for selling or even partaking one to many sips of the cider requiring arrests to be made. One such arrest is Wild Bill as he was known. We get a hint at the last name as Shepherd. He is arrested for “unlawfully selling spiritous liquors to John B. Maynard on the 25th day of January 1890”, having the following warrant sworn out for his arrest on March 3, 1890. A few others arrested in Pike County ensued. Floyd McCoy is arrested for retailing spiritous liquors in the Sept. 1875 Pike term of court. On January 12, 1888, the Pike Court held its arraignments observed in The Big Sandy press, reporting 183 indictments, a large number of them for selling liquor. That same year in May 1888, Marshall Davis and Jailer Cline, decided it was best to arrest the men who are selling liquor in their county. They had discovered a total of eight men in a warehouse. Cline made his way into the building where Preston Fleming was locked and loaded, pointing his gun. Marshall Davis saved the life of Cline by shooting Fleming dead. He fell right there in the doorway, and the other seven men were arrested. Marshall Davis left the county in fear of more trouble.

April 10, 1889, Charles Burgey was arrested committing the offense of “Selling Spiritous Liquors” to James Haley Jr, a young man under age, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth. An arrest warrant to put to use.

There were many others too numerous to mention. Pike County is a truly remarkable place, then and now.

Tavern and Ferry Owners in Alphabetical Order

Elijah Adkins

Elijah Adkins was born about 1789 in Virginia, and died after 1850. His parents were Henry Adkins and Mary Ann Morgan. He married Annie Hackworth. His children are; Jefferson Larkin, Susan Adkins (William Britt), Margaret Drandy (Turner Williams), Dorothy Ellen (John Harvey Neale), and Harvey Bruce Adkins. Henry received a few land grants in Pike County. One on January 19 1821, for 100 acres on Sandy River, another on February 22, 1821, 50 acres on the Forks of Sandy, and one on February 30, 1823, 50 acres which supplied no water course for description.

Elijah Adkins in the early court books shown in various roles such as coroner and jailer as early as 1825. He had once filed for a settlement to be made on his own land in 1824, however, the court had dissented stating “no justification of cause”, and with John Bevins dissenting. May of 1825, he filed for his first tavern license, to be at his home in Pike County, where evidently, he had filed for a ferry license in 1826, stating he lived in the town of Pikeville and that the ferry was located at the courthouse. This ferry was the growth in the infrastructure of the new town of Pikeville, making it easier for those living in the area to make it to the city courthouse by water, which was the primary means for travel, except for the horse.

Elijah Adkins and James G. Hatcher married Hackworth women. Adkins sureties were John G. Hatcher, John Ratliff’s, Henry Weddington, John Adkins, James Honaker, James Roberts, John Bevins, Spencer Adkins and Simeon Justice, over the various roles or license taken.

Sept. Term 1824 – A1-86 – Motion for a Town – On the motion of Elijah Adkins for the establishment of a town on his land the motion over rule the court being of opinion that they had no justification of the cause, John Bevins dissenting.
Feb. 1825 – A1-106 – He was appointed jailer – Elijah Adkins coroner of this county came into open court and resigned his said office which is ordered to be recorded. Elijah Adkins is appointed Jailer of this county in my place of John Adkins resigned during the pleasure of the court and who together with Wm. Ratliff Jr, Henry Weddington, sworn justices, his entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of one thousand dollars conditioned agreeably to law.
March 1825 – A1-113 – Ordered Elijah Adkins be allowed to establish a ferry across said river at Pike court house and entered into bond with David Ramsey, John Ratliff Sr, and Wm. Ratliff Jr entered and acknowledged according to law.
March 1825 – A-148 – Ordered that Elijah Adkins and James G. Hatcher be authorized to keep a tavern for the term of twelve months to be kept at the house of Adkins and who together with John Bevins and Jas. Honaker entered into and acknowledged their bond the sum of one hundred conditioned agreeable to law.
May 1825 – A1 116 – ordered that Elijah Adkins be allowed to keep a tavern at his house in Pike County and entered into bond and with necessary security as the law directs.
Know all men by these present that we Elijah Adkins, Jas. G. Hatcher, and sworn Justice are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred pounds current money for payment to be made good to our said Commonwealth of Kentucky we the said Eljah Adkins, Spencer Adkins, James G. Hatcher and Simeon Justice do bind ourselves our heirs’ executors and administrators jointly and severally by these presents as our hands and seal this 14th day of May 1825.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above Elijah Adkins hath obtained a tavern license to keep tavern at his house in the county of Pike. None should this said Elijah Adkins constantly find and provide in his said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stables provider for pasturage for horses for the term of one year from the said house and shall not suffer and permit any unlawful gaming in his house nor suffer any person to tipple or as drink more than is necessary or at any time suffer disorderly or scandalous behavior to be practices in his house with his premises or construct there this obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue. Attest Spencer Adkins C.P.C.C.
Feb. 1826 – A1-154 – On the motion of Elijah Adkins ordered that a ferry be established across Sandy River at the State Road, where it crossed said River. And rates are as allows for each foot man 6 ¼; man, and horse 12 ½; each single horse 6 ¼; each hogshead 6 ¼; head of meat cattle 6 ¼; sheep, goat, hog or lamb 1 ¼; every two wheels carriage 12 ½; four-wheel chases, phaeton, and the driver, the same as for 4 horses 25, very coach wagon chariot and driver 37 ½. Who entered into bond and security conditioned agreeably to law.
Feb. Term 1827 – A1-207 – On motion of Elijah Adkins he is admitted to keep a tavern in his own house for the term of twelve months who together with Jas. Roberts and Wm. Campbell entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law.
April 1828 – A-150 – Appt Surveyor of state road – Ordered that Elijah Adkins be appointed surveyor of the State Road from the (?) house up to the court house in the town of Pikeville and that he, call on Jas. Robinson, Wm. Ferguson, Jas. Ratliff Jr, Samuel Marrs, John Linton, Wm. Ratliff Sr to assist him to keep the road in repair according to law and acknowledged thirty feet wide and dig twelve feet wide where digging is necessary

Spencer Adkins

Spencer Adkins date of birth is somewhere between 1784 and 1794 according to descendants. His death was circa 1832, in Pike County, Kentucky. He was the son of Jesse Adkins and Mary Ann. Husband of Anna Powell, daughter of Cader Powell and Frances Foote, on Nov. 11, 1808. She married again to Harry Stratton on Dec. 21, 1843. to Anna Spencer is the father to Johns, Spencer Adkins Jr., Pricey Adkins, and Juda Stone.

Elias Bazell

May 24, 1830 – Bond was actually made out to Elias Bazell, Richard Robinson, and Spencer Adkins in the sum of one hundred paid. (Loose papers)

John Breeding

On the motion of John Breeding, he owning the land on both sides of the Louisa fork at the mouth of Sandy River leave is granted him to keep a ferry across said river which gave bond with Richard Ratliff Jr his security in the penalty of 20 pounds condition as the law directs, boat to be 30 feet long and 7 feet wide forage for man and horse 12 ½ and so in proportion one hand allowed to attend the ferry.

James D. Bush

James D. Bush – F-117 – This day James D. Bush made motion to court by his attorney for license to keep a tavern with the privilege to retail spiritous liquor and the court hearing the proof, it is adjudged by the court that said James K. Bush is entitled to license to sell or retail spiritous liquor to which plaintiff objected to and from for an appeal which is granted and the plaintiff has time till the next term of this court to make out bill of exception.

William W. Campbell
William Woodward Campbell was born Jul. 16, 1814 in Tazewell, Virginia, son of William Campbell and Nancy Woodward. He is the father of Nancy, David, James M, Richard, Mary, Benton, Susannah, and Louisa J. Campbell. He died Feb. 20, 1887 in Pike County, Kentucky.

April 15, 1861 – (Loose papers) Whereas Wm. M. Campbell has obtained a license to keep a tavern as his house on Clay Creek in Pike County. Now we Wm. M. Campbell principal and John Raines, and William Ford as his surety do hereby covenant and agree that the said Wm. M. Campbell shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stabling and pasturage for horses or mules during the period the license recorded in form and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly conduct in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 15th April 1861. William Campbell, John Rains, Wm Ford.
April 16, 1861 – D-4 – On motion of Wm. Campbell a licensed tavern keeper of this county for the purpose of reviewing his tavern license the court being sufficiently advised leave is granted and thereupon said Campbell together with John Rains and Wm. Ford as his security entered into covenant and took the oath required by law as said tavern keeper to all which the attorney for this county excepts and prays on appeal to the circuit court which is granted.

Elias Bazell

May 24, 1830 – Bond was actually made out to Elias Bazell, Richard Robinson, and Spencer Adkins in the sum of one hundred paid. (Loose papers)

John Breeding

On the motion of John Breeding, he owning the land on both sides of the Louisa fork at the mouth of Sandy River leave is granted him to keep a ferry across said river which gave bond with Richard Ratliff Jr his security in the penalty of 20 pounds condition as the law directs, boat to be 30 feet long and 7 feet wide forage for man and horse 12 ½ and so in proportion one hand allowed to attend the ferry.

James D. Bush

James D. Bush – F-117 – This day James D. Bush made motion to court by his attorney for license to keep a tavern with the privilege to retail spiritous liquor and the court hearing the proof, it is adjudged by the court that said James K. Bush is entitled to license to sell or retail spiritous liquor to which plaintiff objected to and from for an appeal which is granted and the plaintiff has time till the next term of this court to make out bill of exception.

April 15, 1861 – (Loose papers) Whereas Wm. M. Campbell has obtained a license to keep a tavern as his house on Clay Creek in Pike County. Now we Wm. M. Campbell principal and John Raines, and William Ford as his surety do hereby covenant and agree that the said Wm. M. Campbell shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stabling and pasturage for horses or mules during the period the license recorded in form and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly conduct in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 15th April 1861. William Campbell, John Rains, Wm Ford.
April 16, 1861 – D-4 – On motion of Wm. Campbell a licensed tavern keeper of this county for the purpose of reviewing his tavern license the court being sufficiently advised leave is granted and thereupon said Campbell together with John Rains and Wm. Ford as his security entered into covenant and took the oath required by law as said tavern keeper to all which the attorney for this county excepts and prays on appeal to the circuit court which is granted.

Perry A. Cline

Perry A. Cline, a colorful character in the Hatfield-McCoy feud, received his law license to practice as an attorney in the June 1884 court. To which he made his living. In 1775, Cline was a sheriff and made Jim Vance his deputy. August term of court 1880, Perry applied for a druggist license, but was denied. In this same record he applied to sell spiritous liquors and malt liquors as a druggist together with drugs. After the court listened to testimony, counsel of both sides of Cline vs Marrs, to which the court dismissed the license, having Cline object to the courts answer to institute the license. Cline then appealed the decision and won in court to acquire a license to a tavern and to retail liquor for 12 months. Stephen and Shadrick Osborne, H.W. Blackburn and R.T. Cecil were his sureties. He did not receive a druggist license. When a mere lad, his father, Jacob Cline died leaving land on Grapevine Creek in (W) Virginia to sons Perry and Jacob Jr. John Dils Jr was retained as his guardian. The Cline land was sold to Anderson Hatfield by deed as 5000 acres, shown in the court case of Torpin and recorded in Logan County. Perrys death is recorded 10th day of March 1891, and his estate can be found in the court books of Pike County. Perrys death is also mentioned in a case of Martha Cline vs. Torpin, when Harry Weddington, under testimony, tells date of death, and that Perry died at 7:00 a.m., both being Masons. Harry Weddington was an officer of the Masonic Lodge, and was there to superintend to Perrys burial. Harry tells he made record of his death in the Masonic record book.

Sept. 1876 – H-13 – Tavern License – Upon hearing the proof it is adjudged by the court that the plaintiff Perry A. Cline be and he is granted license to keep a tavern at his house where he now lives in the town of Pikeville Kentucky with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors in connection with the same for twelve months from the date he having taken the oath required by law. He is authorized to keep his bar in the store of Cline and Ford in the town of Pikeville to sell and vende or retail ardent spirituous liquors by the drink he being in court and entered in to covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with Stephen Osborn, Shadrick Osborn, H.W. Blackburn and R.J. Cecil his surety who acknowledged covenant according to law said Cline having paid the tax required by law to which the defendant excepted to and prays on appeal to the circuit court which is granted and the defendant has till the next term of this court to make up bill of exception.
I-9 – This date P.A. Cline sheriff of pike County filed delinquent list of taxable property for the state to the amount of taxable property which is examined offered and ordered to be certified to the auditor.
I-13 – Perry A. Cline vs the Commonwealth – Upon hearing the plaintiff it is adjudged by the court that the plaintiff Perry Cline, be and he is granted license to keep a tavern at his house where he now lives in the town of Pikeville, y. with the privilege of retailing spirituous liquors in connection with the same twelve months from this date he having taken the oath required by law. He authorized to keep his bar in the drug store of Cline and ford in the town of Pikeville to sell the Vend ardent spiritous liquors by the or retail the drink be being in court and entered into the covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with Stephen Osborne, Shadrick Osborn, H.W. Blackburn and R.T. Cecil his surety who acknowledged covenant according to law, said Cline having paid the tax to which the defendant excepted and prays an appeal to the circuit court which is granted and the defendant has till next tern of this court to make up bill of exception.

Aug 1880 – I-345 – Druggist License Rejected – A motion was entered by W.M. Connelly attorney for plaintiff on motion was filed on the 23rd day of 1880 for the purpose of obtaining a license to sell and vende liquors or malt liquors as druggist together with drugs. P.A. Cline, N.B. Marrs, and after hearing the testimony and counsel on both sides and after a certified examination of the same it is therefore adjudged by the court that said application for license to do business as a druggist be dismissed and that the Commonwealth of Kentucky recover of P.A. Cline and N.B. Marrs his costs herein expended this 24th August 1880 to which the plaintiff by their attorney objects and rejects.
June 1884 – K-43 – Practicing Attorney – This day P.A. Cline appeared in open court and took the oath as a practicing attorney in said court.
March 1891 – L-608 – this day the last will and testament of P.A. Cline deceased was produced in court and read and filed by Hi. Williamson and its contents proved by the oath of Hi. Williamson one of the subscribing witnesses who from the signature of P.A. Cline deceased and that P.A. Cline deceased acknowledged the same to be his last will and testament and that the same be probated and recorded in the proper book.

William R. Cravens

Sept. 1860 – C1-414 – On motion of William R. Cravens to obtain a license to keep a tavern at his house in Pike County, he having produced the necessary proof and the court being sufficiently advised, it is ordered Wm. R. Cravens authorizing him to keep for a term of twelve months from this date and thereupon said Wm. R. Cravens took oath required by law and together with James Deskins and Richard Daniels his surety entered into and acknowledged conditioned according to law.

John Damron

Feb. 1867 – D-345 – Appointed Dep. Tavern Keeper – Upon a motion of H. Ford to have Thomas O. Marrs and John Damron sworn in as his deputies to retail spiritous liquors in his tavern at his house the lower _ of the said Ford Lives in they being in court and took the oath required by law.

Richard Damron

1857 – C1-67 – On motion of Richard Damron a tavern license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in the county for the term of one year from this date, he took the oath required by law and together with Harrison Ratliff, Lewis Sowords and Wm. Ratliff Jr as his securities, entered into and acknowledged a covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law. Appointed Coms. 1854; Appointed Dep. Sheriff in 1851.

John Dils Jr.

John Dils F-116 – This day John Dis Jr made motion to construct to enter into covenant for the Ferry at the mouth of lower Chloe Creek and opposite the lot of A.J. Hatcher in Pike County Ky, ordered by the court that he be permitted to give said covenant he being in court and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with Thomas O. Marrs as his surety and acknowledge covenant according to law; Jan. 1875 – G-255 – This day John Dils Jr, tendered his resignation as ferry keeper at or near the mouth of lower Chloe Creek at the town of Pikeville which is received; Jan. 1875 – G-258 – John Dils Jr, Plaintiff – to raise the ferry rates – on the order amending the raising of the ferry rates entered on the first day of this court the plaintiff asks and appeals to the court which the court granted; March 1875 – G-271 – John Dils Jr, Plaintiff – This day John Dis Jr filed motion for ferry at the old site at the upper land at the town of Pikeville and made the motion for ferry;
March 1875 – G-276 – John Dils Jr, Plaintiff – On motion for a ferry at the old site at the upper landing at the town of Pikeville across the Big Sandy River for the period of twenty years and the court hearing the proof over-ruled the motion to which said Dils excepts and prays an appeal which is granted;
March 1875 – G-283 – Mitchel Clay Plaintiff against John Dils Jr Defendant – Motion for new Trial – John Dils Upon hearing the court over-ruled the motion to which the defendant by his attorney excepts and objects and prays an appeal which is granted; March 1875- G-283 – John Dils Jr, Plaintiff – Upon hearing the court over-ruled the motion to which the plaintiff by his attorney excepts and objects and pray an appeal which is granted;
March 1875 – G-284 – Mitchell Clay vs John Dils Jr, – The defendant John Dis Jr this day produced and filed his Bill of exception which was signed by the county Judge and made part of the record herein;
March 1875 – G-284 – John Dils Jr, Plaintiff against Pike County – The plaintiff this day produced and filed his Bill of Exception which was signed by the county Judge and made a part of this record herein.
March 1875 – G-284 – Ordered that the court that Mitchell Clay the ferry keeper at the upper landing at Pikeville across the Sandy River just below the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek be and he is required to keep a good and sustained ferry boat to be transported across said river by push poles and the ferry rates is fixed at the following rates for each person transported across said river five cents for each horse or mule or each head of cattle transported across said Sandy River five cents, for each wagon transported across the river ten cents per wheel and for each buggy transporter across the river 35 cents; G-302 – John Dils Jr vs. Pike County – John Dils Jr vs Mitchell Clay – By consent these cases were heard together and the court being adjudged that the orders of the county court be reversed and that the said court reject the application of Clay to establish the said ferry and grant the application of Dils to establish said ferry, Dils will recover of Clay the cost of the prosecution between them, and the clerk of this court will certify this judgment to the Pike County Court and the post are herein dismissed.
This indenture made this 12th day of April 1869, between Jacob Syck and Nancy Syck his wife of the first part and Daniel W. Syck of the second part all of the county of Pike and state of Kentucky witnessed that the parties of the first part have this day sold and conveyed unto the party of the second part a certain tract of land on Lower Chloe Creek in the county of Pike and state of Kentucky this conveyance is a deed of Gift for the love and affection. That the said Jacob Syck has for his and is on and banded as follows; beginning on a sycamore standing on the bank of the Chloe Creek just above D.W. Syck house thence running strait up the hill to the top of the point thence running with the tip of the point to the top of the hill to John Dils home so as to include all the Joseph Fields hollow thence coming back to the same sycamore. Thence running across the bottom and up the center of the point through a bunch of black pines to the top of the hill to James Fergusons line thence running up the river to the mouth of Chloe Creek thence running with Williamsons line up the center of the point to John Dils line thence running with Dils line to where it joins Dils line at the upper and the this deed is not to include the William Harris lot this deed is to all of land of over below the conditional line between Richard Syck and D.W. Syck to have and to hold with its appurtenances to the party of the second part and assigns forever free from us and heirs and assigns and defend the title against all and every person or persons have hereto in witness whereof set our seals. Jacob and Nancy Syck.
This indenture made this 26th day of June 1871, between Daniel and Sophia Syck his wife of the first part and John Dils Jr of the second part witnessed that its paid one thousand dollars paid and to be paid as follows. Five hundred dollars to be paid in fifteen days from this date and note of even date herewith give for five hundred dollars and returned the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do hereby sell grant and convey to the party of the second part his heirs and assigns the following described property.

James Ferguson

James Ferguson is found in the 1850 Pike Census as 45 years of age, and a farmer. In the 1860 census says his birth year was 1806, 54 years old, and a farmer. In the year 1870, census says he was born 1808, 62 years old, and a farmer. The 1880 says he was born 1804 in Virginia, 76 years old, and a farmer. James Ferguson was born between 1804 and 1808. He died May 26, 1884 in Pike County. He married Rachel McCoy in Pike County on Nov 10, 1832, by Baptist Minister, Hamman Williamson. Children are; Mary Elizabeth (James D. Bush), Emeriah Jane (James E Ratliff), Malinda Katherine, Dimia Alcey (Horatio Daniel Motley), and John M. Ferguson.
James had half-brothers; Malachi, Joseph and William Ferguson. His parents are believed to be William Ferguson born about 1775, and died 1845, Morgan County, Kentucky. His mother is believed to be Sarah Scott (1875-1861)

James Ferguson first acquired a tavern license in December of 1854 and renewed his license until the year 1866, with the location to be at his home. Varying those years, he had John M. Rice, William T. Cline, Joseph McCoy, Richard Thompson, Richard Ferrell, Colbert Cecil all signed bond as his sureties. He resigned his license in 1858. In 1866, he qualified as a sheriff in Pike County, this would be right after the war. In September of 1868, he filed for bond and renewed his license.

James Ferguson 1854 – Tavern License – C-112.
Nov. 21, 1855 (Loose papers) Whereas James Gerguson has obtained a license to keep a tavern at his house residents in the county of Pike made we James Ferguson principal and Colbert Cecil his security do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that the said James Ferguson shall continually find and provide in said times good wholesome cleanly lodging and diets for travelers and stabling and provender as pasturage for horses or mules during the period the license remains in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on is premises and will not suffer any person to tipple as drink more that is necessary in his house or under his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandals or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 21st day of November 1855.
Tavern License Renewed – Dec. 1856 – C1-47 – On motion of James Ferguson he is hereby to renew his license as tavern keeper of the county to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in the county for the term of one year from this date where upon he took the oath required by law and together with Colbert Cecil as his security entered into acknowledgment a covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned agreeably to law.
(1856) Whereas James Ferguson has obtained a license to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in this county of Pike now we James Ferguson, Principal, and Colbert Cecil his security do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that said James Ferguson shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stabling and provider – or pasturage for horses and mules during the period the license remains in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in this house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 15th day of December 1856. Att. S.K. Damron Clk. James Ferguson, Colbert Cecil.
Dec. 1857 – C1-121 – On motion of James Ferguson he is hereby permitted to renew his tavern license as tavern keeper of this county he is hereby permitted to keep a tavern at his house now occupied by him in this county for the term of one year from this date he entered to covenant as required by law together with William T. Cline as his surety and took the oath agreeably to law.
(1857) Whereas James Ferguson has obtained a license to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in this county of Pike now we James Ferguson, Principal, and William T. Cline his security do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that said James Ferguson shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for man and horse and mules during the period the license remains in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in this house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 22nd day of December 1857. Att. S.K. Damron Clk. James Ferguson, Wm. T. Cline.
C1-282 – Upon the motion of James Ferguson he is permitted to renew his tavern license for the term of 12 months who thereupon took the oath required by law and together with John M. Rice as his surety entered into and acknowledged the Commonwealth conditioned according to law.
March 18, 1861 – C1-461 – Ordered that James Ferguson to renew his tavern license for the term of twelve months from this date and thereupon said Ferguson together with William Thompson and Joseph McCoy as his surety entered into and acknowledged a covenant and took the oath required by law.
Resigned as Tavern Keeper – Aug. 1858 – C1-173 – James Ferguson came into open court and upon his motion resigned his license as a tavern keeper of Pike County. (bond in Loose papers)
April 1861 – D-2 – On motion of James Ferguson he was permitted to renew his license granted at the last term of court as said tavern keeper and upon motion by agreement required to said Ferguson the $10 tax paid by him to the state and is not entering the same in his report of tax moneys as collected by him it is further ordered that the clerk charge his fee bill of $1.25 as due for his services in granting said license and to the county to be provided for as the court of claims; Qualified as Jailer in 1866
Sept. 1868 – E-127 – Upon a motion of James Ferguson by his attorney to obtain a license to keep a tavern at this house the house he now lives in and to retail spiritous liquors. It is ordered by the court that he be granted license to keep a tavern for twelve months from this day with the privilege to retail spiritous liquors at his house, the house he now lives in the tavern of Pikeville he being in court and entered in to covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with H. Ford and Richard Ferrell as his sureties and took the oath according to law.

John Ferguson

John M. Ferguson was born Jun. 15, 1844 in Pike County, Kentucky. His death occurred Jul. 27, 1932 in Pike County, Kentucky. He is buried at Road Fork Cemetery. His father is James Ferguson and mother is Rachel McCoy. John M. Ferguson married Thriza Ann Ratliff and had one child, William Arvid Ferguson.

Nov. 1867 – E-51 – On motion to have Joseph Ratliff to have John Ferguson sworn in as his deputy tavern keeper he being in court and took the oath according to law.
Dec. 1868 – E-174 – On motion of James Ferguson to have John Sowords sworn in as his surety as his deputy bar keeper he being in court and took the oath according to law.

Joseph Ferguson

Joseph Daniel Ferguson was born Oct. 20, 1814 in Floyd County, (later Pike) and died Mar. 17, 1875 is Daviess County, Missouri. He was the husband of Elizabeth Ann, and father to Julia Ann Best.

Sept. 1847 – B1-254 – On motion of Joseph Ferguson ferry keeper who took the necessary oaths and who made satisfaction to the court of his qualifications leave is given to keep a tavern at his house in Pike County for one year under the head of his ferry who together with Colbert Cecil as his security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Sept. 1848 – B1-314- On motion of Joseph Ferguson leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house for one year under the head of his ferry free of tax, who together with Reuben Rutherford and Harrison Ratliff as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Sept. 1849 – B1-374 – On motion of Joseph Ferguson a taverns license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern (under the head of his ferry) at the house now occupied by him in this county for the term of one year from this date where upon he took the oath required by law and together with Wm. Cecil his security entered into and acknowledged bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penalty of L100 conditioned according to law.
Nov. 1851 – B1-509 – On motion of Joseph Ferguson is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in this county for the term of one year from this date whereupon he took the oath required by law and to grantor with George N. Brown as his surety, entered into and acknowledged bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penalty of one hundred pounds conditioned according to law.
Jan. 1847 – B1-209 – Petition to establish a Ferry – On motion of Joseph Ferguson who made application for the establishment of a Ferry across Sandy River at his house, he given Thomas Owens the proprietors of the land on the opposite of the river notice of said motion Thomas Owens resisted said motion and after hearing the evidence in the case, it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the notice had not been executed one month previous to hearing the motion the same is over-ruled.
Mar. 1847 – B1-218 – On motion of Joseph Ferguson to establish a ferry at the ford where the state road now _ across the sandy river just below the mouth of Fergusons Branch the said Ferguson owning the land on one side and Thomas Ownes on the other and it appearing that said Owens have had the necessary justice and appearing in and proof of the necessary there on is ordered that said Ferry established and that he be allowed the following rates for every coach wagon, chariot, and the driver, the same as for six horses for every four wheeled chaise, phaeton, and driver the same as for four horses and for every two wheel riders carriage the same as for two horses and for every hogs head of neat cattle the same ad for one horse for every sheep, goat, hog, or lamb, one fifth part of the ferriage of a horse and for every man or horse 6 ¼ cents each and he thereon together with George P. Brown and William Cecil his security entered into their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of twenty pounds conditioned according to law.
Sept. 17, 1847 (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Joseph Ferguson and William Cecil are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of 100 pounds…. this 17th day of September 1847. (second paragraph) and shall not suffer or permit any unlawful gaming in his house, or suffer any person to tipple or drunk more than is necessary….
Sept. 20, 1847 (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Joseph Ferguson and Colbert Cecil are firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the sum of 100 pounds, full and lawful money, …sealed this 20th day of September 1847.
Nov. 18, 1850 – (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Joseph Ferguson, Orison R. Sord and Barnabas Johnson are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky int e penal sum of 100 pounds current money for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators jointly severally and firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 18th day of November 1850.

Harrison Ford

1866 – D-187 – Upon motion of Harrison Ford for to obtain a license for a tavern in the town of Pike at his house it is ordered by the court that he be granted license for to keep a tavern in his house the house he now lives in being in court and executed to covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and took oath according to law.
Jan. 1867 – D-340 – Harrison Ford having made motion by his attorney for license to keep a tavern and sell liquor in the town of Pikeville, Ky., and having provided and the requisite proof and having giving the bond required by law with John Dils Jr his surety, it is ordered that a tavern license be granted to the said Ford to keep a tavern in the town of Pikeville from the 21st day of January 1867 till the 21st day of Jan. 1868 he having taken thee oath and executed the bond required by law.
Aug. 1866 – D-298 – Circuit Court Clerk – On motion of Harrison Ford circuit court clerk for to have Richard M. Ferrell sworn in as his deputy for the office of Circuit Court clerk he being in court and took the oath according to law.
Sept. 1868 – E-127 – Upon motion of Harrison Ford by his attorney to obtain license to keep a tavern at his house the house he now lives in for twelve months from this day with the privilege to retail spiritous liquors. It is ordered by the court that the be granted a license to keep a tavern at his house and retail spiritous liquors. At his house the house he now lives in the town of Pikeville for twelve months from this day he being in court and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with Richard M. Ferrell and James Ferguson as his surety.

George W. Gilbert

George W. Gilbert was born about 1817 and a husband to Lydia Ratliff, the daughter of William “Bigger Bill” Ratliff and Martha Patsy Thornsbury. His parents are James and May Gilbert. James H. Gilbert, his son, was mentioned in Will Book B, page 85 and in Pike County June Term of Court for 1874; the Will was signed on March 17, 1874, with S.M. Ferguson and R.M. Ferrell as witnesses. Mentions his wife Lydia, son James H. and Mary Fink who he calls “his darling little girl”, who is being raised at his house. Specifically, he left his wife Lydia the tavern house and lot which resides in Lanville, Pike County.

George first shows up in the 1850 in Letcher County, Kentucky, age 33 and born in Virginia. He states he is a tailor by trade. By 1857, George applies for a tavern license on Nov. 17, 1857. The location was his home in Pike County. His sureties are James Deskins, R.T. Cecil and Harrison Deskins. By the 1860 census he is shown as a Hotel Keeper in Pike County. By the 1870 census his post office is shown as Mouth of Pond Creek, and occupation Dry Goods Merchandise – retired. Mary Fink is five years of age in the 1870 census listed in his home. James H. Gilbert is shown at the mouth of Pond in 1870 census and his inferred spouse is Louisa Gilbert and a child Mary J. Taylor. January of 1860, he is appointed as a deputy sheriff with Richard Ferrell being the sheriff.

One such report to his Excellency the Governor Beriah MaGoffin, shows that George Gilbert was indicted in the Pike Circuit for selling liquor to a minor, who lived in the neighborhood, and was not known as a minor, that the boy was a son of a widow. He mentions in his undated petition that John M. Elliott and John M. Burns know the facts of the petition. George applied to the Governor for help and relief. The petition is believed to be about Sept. 14, 1861.

Nov. 1857 – C1-107 – Tavern License – On motion of George W. Gilbert a tavern license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the mouth of Pond at the house now occupied by him in this county for one year from this date whereupon the said George W. Gilbert took the oath required by law a together with James Deskins, R.T. Cecil as his sureties entered into and acknowledged as covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law.
Nov. 17, 1857 – Whereas George W. Gilbert has obtained a license to keep a tavern at his house in the county of Pike now we George W. Gilbert principal and James Deskins, R.T Cecil and Harrison Deskins his surety’s do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that the said G.W. Gilbert shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome family lodging and diet for taverns and stocking and providing as pasturage for horses or mules during the during the period the license remains in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and well not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 17th day of Nov. 1857. Atto. S.K. Damron Clk. G.W. Gilbert, James Deskins, R.T. Cecil, Harrison Deskins.
Nov. 1857 – page 107 – On motion of George W. Gilbert, a license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the mouth of Pond at the house ow occupied by him in this county for one year from this date where upon the said George W. Gilbert took the oath required by law and together with James Deskins, R.T. Cecil, and Harrison Deskins as his sureties entered into and acknowledged a covenant to the Commonwealth condition according to law.
Nov. 1858 – C1-186 – Renewal of Tavern License – Upon motion of George W. Gilbert for the purpose of obtaining the renewal of his tavern license said Gilbert having made the necessary proof as required by law is hereby permitted to renew said license and his is hereby permitted to keep a tavern at the Mouth of Pond in Pike County in the house in which he now resides from the term of one year from this date and thereupon and Gilbert took the oath required by law and together with Jacob Smith, Aly Smith, and Harrison Ratliff his security entered into and acknowledged bond to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law and the clerk is hereby directed to issue a license to sell Gilbert accordingly.
Appt Dep Sheriff Jan. 1860 – C1-326 – Sworn in by Richard Ferrell, sheriff.

John Hargis

John S. Hargis, was the son of Samuel Hargis a revolutionary soldier. John married Elizabeth Weddington a native of Washington County, Virginia and daughter of Jacob Weddington, who moved to Pike County. Jacob was said to be a soldier in the war of 1812. John Hargis, his son Thomas was the renowned Judge. John Hargis was a native of Washington County, Virginia and moved to Pike County, and afterwards moving to Breathitt County in 1839, where his son Judge Thomas Hargis was born in 1842. John was a lawyer and came to Kentucky in 1826. Later in 1856, John Hargis moved to Morehead, Rowan County. His son Thomas was in the civil war in Col. Jack Mays 10th, in Oct. 1862, and was under 5th Kentucky Regiment in 1861, under John S. Williams. In Rowan County, the Louisville Journal newspaper 1859, he is noted as Col. John S. Hargis, and head of the democratic party. In 1855, he is noted to be in the anti-know nothing party, and elected to the Kentucky House of Representative for Morgan and Breathitt counties.

April 1834 – B-141 – On motion of John Hargis Ferry Keeper without fee leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville one year from the date hereof who together with Edwin Trimble, WM Ratliff Jr, and Simeon Justus his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of L100 condition as the law directs.
Dec. 1834 – B-166 – on the motion of John Hargis he has leave to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months who together with Thomas Owen and Payton Justus his security entered in to and acknowledge their bond in the sum of 100pounds conditioned as the law directs.
April 1834 – B-139 – Ferry License – On motion of John Hargis in his own proper person for a ferry across the Louisa Fork of Sandy river opposite Pikeville from Thomas Cains lot in Pikeville it is ordered by the court that John Hargis have leave to establish a ferry across said river Thomas Cain appearing in court and waived the right of notice it appearing to the court that Thomas Cain owner the land on each side of the river the boat to be thirty-five feet long 8 feet wide who together with Wm. Ratliff Jr and Theopolis Powel his securities entered into and acknowledge their bond in the penalty of 20 conditioned as the law directs tents to be the same as Thomas Owens whereupon Thomas Ownes produced his bill of exceptions to the opinion of the court which was signed sealed and made a part of the record which is done.

James G. Hatcher

James Garrett Hatcher was born Oct. 20, 1804, in Harold, Floyd County, Kentucky. His father was John Greer Hatcher and his mother was Elizabeth Hackworth. He married Christina Harman Peery on Feb. 15, 1831 in Tazewell County, Virginia. They are the parents of six sons and three daughters. He died June 30, 1851. His children were Andrew Jackson Peery, John Lee, Ellen L., James Henry, Kenaz Farrow, George Marion, Angelina Martelia, Ferdinand Columbus, and Isabella Christina Hatcher.

March 1828 – A-148- ordered that Elijah Adkins and James G. Hatcher be authorized to keep a tavern for the term of twelve months to be kept at the house of said Adkins and together with John Bevins, and Jas. Honaker entered into and acknowledged their bond the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law; Constable 1829.

Richard Hatfield and McGinnis Hatfield

Richard and McGinnis Hatfield are sons of Joseph Hatfield and Martha Evans. McGinnis Hatfield was born about 1833 and died in April 1899. He married Feb. 3, 1859 to Mary F. Cartwright. His second marriage was to Parlee J. McCoy about 1866. Child of McGinnis and Mary are; McGinnis Hatfield Jr and Albert Smith Hatfield. Children of McGinnis and Parlee are; Roland T. Hatfield, Horace G. Hatfield, and Ali F. Hatfield. McGinnis was appointed a surveyor in 1869, for Tug River Road.

Richard Hatfield, the older brother to McGinnis, was born in Dec. 1819 and died Feb. 1899. Richard married Perlina Venters Burris on Aug. 25, 1842 in Pike County. Richard and Perlina had children; William A. Hatfield, Isabelle Hatfield, Ulysses Hatfield, Tolbert Hatfield, Rebecca Hatfield, Lydia (Ferrell) Hatfield, and Smith Hatfield. He married second to Mary Horton Davis on April 30, 1877 and gave birth to Sarah J. Hatfield who married her cousin Horace G. Hatfield. Richard was appointed surveyor for Blackberry Creek Road in 1858.

Richard and McGinnis ran this tavern for at least three years before the civil war, May 1857 to June 1860. With both listed as the “principal” on the application for the tavern license, to be located at the home of Richard Hatfield, until 1860, when McGinnis is seen to have changed the location to his home. Booker Keesee as their surety in 1857, with others being J.M. Jackson, and John and Benjamin Mainor (Maynard). The tavern would be located at the house of Richard Hatfield in Pike County, who lived on Blackberry Creek. Though it was McGinnis who kept the tavern alive by renewing the tavern license for the years 1859 and 1860

McGinnis & Richard Hatfield – Tavern License – May 1857 – C1-73 – On motion of Richard Hatfield and McGinnis Hatfield a tavern license is hereby granted then to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by Richard Hatfield in this county for the term of on yar from this date they took the oath required by law and together with Booker Keese, as their security entered into and acknowledged a covenant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky conditioned according to law.
May 1858 – C1-141 – On motion of Richard Hatfield and McGinnis ordered that on hearing the proof that they to renew their license to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by Richard Hatfield in this county for one year from this date. Where upon the said McGinnis Hatfield took the oath required by law and together with George Hatfield.
McGinnis Hatfield – Tavern License – May 1859 – C1-253 – On motion of McGinnis Hatfield and Richard Hatfield permitted to renew his tavern license for the term of one year from this date and together with J.M. Jackson and John May as his surety entered into and acknowledged covenant to the Commonwealth and took the oath required by law.
McGinnis Hatfield – Tavern License – June 1860 – C1-370 – Upon motion of McGinnis Hatfield a tavern keeper of this county by having made the necessary proof is presented to renew his tavern bond for the term of 12 months from this date and thereupon said McGinnis Hatfield took the oath required by law and together with John and Benjamin Mainer as his surety entered into and acknowledged be covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law.
Whereas Richard Hatfield and McGinnis (Hatfield), has obtained a license to keep a tavern at Richard Hatfield’s house in this county of Pike now We Richard Hatfield and McGinnis Hatfield principal and Booker Keesee his surety do hereby with the Commonwealth of Kentucky covenant and agree that the said Richard Hatfield and McGinnis Hatfield shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for man and horse and mules during the period the license remain in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house on or in his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this May the 18th, 1857. Atto. S.K. Damron Clk. Richard Hatfield, McGinnis Hatfield, Booker Keese.

James Honaker

James Honaker was born approximately 1791, and his death circa 1832. He was the son of Jacob Honaker Jr and Mary. He was the husband of Levisa Owens, and father to Samuel M. Honaker.

James Honaker – April 1823 – A1-47 – On the motion of James Honaker ordered that the said James Honaker be allowed to keep tavern at this house in this county and who together with Simeon Justice and William Campbell his security entered into and acknowledged their bond in penalty twenty pounds conditioned agreeable to law.
April 1823 – A-61 – On the motion of James Honaker leave granted him to keep a tavern at his house in this county and who together with Simeon Justice and William Campbell his securities entered into and the bond in the penalty of L20 conditioned agreeable to law.
A1-243 – Nov. 1827 – James Honaker of this county is allowed to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville who together with William Ratliff Jr, John Bevins and Wm. Campbell entered into bond. Acknowledged their bond according to law;
Jan. 1929 – A-199 – Ordered that James Honaker be authorized to keep a tavern for the term of twelve months to be kept at his house in the town of Pikeville who together with John Bevins and David Polley entered into and acknowledged bond in the penal sum of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law.
June 1831 – A-374 – On motion of James Honaker he had leave to renew his tavern license and who together with James M. Rice and Wm. Campbell entered to and acknowledge their bond conditioned agreeably to law.
June 1831 – B-3 – On motion of James Honaker he has eave to renew his tavern license and who together with James M. Rice, and Wm. Campbell entered into and acknowledged their bond conditioned agreeably to law.

Thomas D. Honaker

Thomas D. Honaker was born Mar. 25, 1818 in Floyd County, Kentucky and died Jan. 7, 1851 in Pike County, Kentucky. His father was James Mann Honaker and mother is Louisa Owens. Thomas married Nancy Jane Porter and they Belva Dora and Louisa C.

Sept. 1845 – B1-144 – On motion of Thomas Honaker who took the necessary oath leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house for the term of one year who together with Lewis King, George Powel, Colbert Cecil, and John Sword as his securities entered into bond and acknowledge their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.

Archibald Huffman

Archibald Huffman was the son of Solomon Huffman and Sarah H. Plott. He was born Mar. 6, 1826 in Giles County, Virginia. His death occurred in 1900, Pike County, Kentucky. His first wife was Louisa B Robinson, married 1853, and his second wife was Julia Ann Mims, married 1872. The children of Louisa Robinson and Archibald Huffman are; James Richard Huffman, Mary Catherine Lesley, Thomas n Huffman, William Thedron Huffman, and Roland Huffman. He had one child with Julia Ann Mims, she was Louise Florence Mays.

Aug. 1876 – Tavern License – H-22 – Upon hearing the proof it is adjudged by the court that he is granted license to keep a tavern at his dwelling house the house he now lives in town of Pikeville, Kentucky with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors in Commonwealth said for twelve months from this date the liquor to be sold at his grocery store in the town of Pikeville on Main Cross Street he having taken the oath according to law he being in court and entered in to covenant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky with H.W. Blankenship, Mitchell Clay, and W.O.B. Ratliff as his surety who acknowledge according to law.

Thomas Johnson

Nov. 1867 – E-52 – This day Thomas Johnson by his attorney motioned the court for license to keep a tavern and retail liquor at this house the house he lives in ordered by the court that h be granted license to keep a tavern and retail liquor at his beginning Nov 1867 and ending Nov. 1868 and paid the required fee of $25.00 and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth of Ky with John Dis Jr as his surety and took the oath according to law.
Feb. 1869 – E-189 – After hearing the proof the court grants license to keep a tavern without the privilege to keep a bar to which the applicant except and prays an appeal we keep is granted and has until the first day of the next court…

Peyton Justice

Peyton Justice was according to the August 29, 1862 Newspaper article was born circa 1784, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was reported to have been brutally killed by rebels during the war, and unarmed man. He first married Polly May July 1814, Floyd County. They divorced Nov. 1816., in Floyd County. He married Mary Blackburn Dec. 25, 1818 in Floyd County, Kentucky. and was the father of Sarah Raines, Mary Bevins, Green Justice, America Sipple, James Epperson Justice, Hutson Justice, William Justice, Polly Slone, Pricy Justice, Flemming Justice, Peyton Albert Justice, and Sarah Smiley. Peyton lived on Peyton Creek, in Pike County, Kentucky.
Aug. 29, 1862 – The Sandy Valley Advocate and reported in the Fremont Weekly Journal of Ohio, was the death of Peyton Justice. It read; BRUTAL MURDER BY THE REBELS…. Soon after the occupation of Pike County by rebels, they arrested Peyton Justice, an old man of 78 years, who they retained in custody for several days, and then took him to the woods and shot him dead. The ball entered the back part of his head and came out of his forehead. His body was left lying where he was murdered. Mr. Justice as a Union man, but had never taken an active part against the rebellion. By reason of his advanced age, he could not even use a musket to defend his home. He had committed no offense; and the only crime of which he was guilty was that of devotion to his country. He was a worthy citizen of Pike County, where he had lived all his life.

June 1823 – A-65 – Ordered that Peyton Justice be allowed to keep a tavern at his own house the bond to be dated the eighth of May last and that he offers William Justice, George Justice as his security.
June 1823 – A1-49 – Ordered that Peyton Justice be allowed to keep a tavern in this county at his house and he together with William Justice and George Justice his security entered into and acknowledge their bond in the penalty of one hundred conditioned agreeable to law. 1848 Appointed Patrolman; 1865 Estate D-72.

Peyton Justice
Peyton Justice was according to the August 29, 1862 Newspaper article was born circa 1784, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was reported to have been brutally killed by rebels during the war, and unarmed man. He first married Polly May July 1814, Floyd County. They divorced Nov. 1816., in Floyd County. He married Mary Blackburn Dec. 25, 1818 in Floyd County, Kentucky. and was the father of Sarah Raines, Mary Bevins, Green Justice, America Sipple, James Epperson Justice, Hutson Justice, William Justice, Polly Slone, Pricy Justice, Flemming Justice, Peyton Albert Justice, and Sarah Smiley. Peyton lived on Peyton Creek, in Pike County, Kentucky.
Aug. 29, 1862 – The Sandy Valley Advocate and reported in the Fremont Weekly Journal of Ohio, was the death of Peyton Justice. It read; BRUTAL MURDER BY THE REBELS…. Soon after the occupation of Pike County by rebels, they arrested Peyton Justice, an old man of 78 years, who they retained in custody for several days, and then took him to the woods and shot him dead. The ball entered the back part of his head and came out of his forehead. His body was left lying where he was murdered. Mr. Justice as a Union man, but had never taken an active part against the rebellion. By reason of his advanced age, he could not even use a musket to defend his home. He had committed no offense; and the only crime of which he was guilty was that of devotion to his country. He was a worthy citizen of Pike County, where he had lived all his life.

June 1823 – A-65 – Ordered that Peyton Justice be allowed to keep a tavern at his own house the bond to be dated the eighth of May last and that he offers William Justice, George Justice as his security.
June 1823 – A1-49 – Ordered that Peyton Justice be allowed to keep a tavern in this county at his house and he together with William Justice and George Justice his security entered into and acknowledge their bond in the penalty of one hundred conditioned agreeable to law. 1848 Appointed Patrolman; 1865 Estate D-72.

Booker T. Keesee

Booker T. Keese was born March 1819, in an area now known as Logan County, West Virginia. He died April 1865 in Pike County, Kentucky. His parents are Richard Mustain Keesee born about 1770, of Pittsylvania County Virginia. He was married to Elizabeth Perminah, daughter of Abraham Salle. He also married Judith “Juda” Morris, daughter of Ambrose Morris. Richard and Judith, the second wife, had children; Nancy (wife of Charles Staten), Mary Polly (wife of Reuben Rutherford), John, Elizabeth (wife of Jacob Phillips), Permillia Oma (wife of Jos. Rutherford and Ambrose Goslin), Arthur, Jeremiah, and Richard Keesee. Richard and his first wife, Elizabeth Perminah, had children; Elizabeth (Sparks), Dinah (Bare), Charles, Rev. Elias, Avery, John, and Jesse.

Booker T. Keesee married Mary Ann Louise Lowe on Oct. 4, 1840 in Pike County. She was born about 1818 and died about 1894. They are the parents of 8 sons and 4 daughters; Sarah, Orison Butch, Judith, Nancy, Richard, Elizabeth, James Aaron, John H., William Larkin, Allen, Albert B., and Booker T. Keesee Jr. Booker Jr is shown in the court records in 1884, (page 44), whereon James B. Auxier is appointed his guardian.

Booker T. Keesee and Richard Phillips received a tavern license May 18th, 1857, in Pike County, to be located at the house of Booker. His sureties were given as Richard Phillips, Richard Hatfield, Richard T. Cline, and Ambrose Morris.

Booker Keesee – May 1857 – Tavern License – C1-74 – On motion of Booker Keesee and Richard Phillips a tavern license is hereby granted them to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by Booker Keesee in the county for the term of one year from this date were upon they took the oath required by law and together with Richard Hatfield, R.T. Cecil, and Ambrose Morris as their securities entered into and acknowledged a covenant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky conditioned according to law.
Whereas Booker Keese and Richard Phillips has obtained a license to keep a tavern at the house of Booker Keese now occupied by him in this county of Pike, now we Booker Keesee and Richard Phillips as principal and Richard Hatfield, Richard T. Cline, and Ambrose Morris their sureties or hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky the said Book Keesee and Richard Phillips. I have continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for horses and mules during the period the license remains in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house or on his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 18th day of May 1857. Atto. S.K. Damron — Booker Keesee, Richard Phillips, Richard Hatfield, Richard T. Cline, Ambrose Morris.

Samuel Keel

Samuel Keel was born Dec. 25, 1826 in Beaufort, NC. His father was Hardy and mother Susan. Samuel married Ann Elizabeth Owens on Dec 17, 1866, in Pikeville, Pike County, Kentucky. He died January 20, 1916, as reported in the Lexington Herald Leader. They gave birth to 3 sons and 7 daughters. They are Samuel H. Keel, Katie, Catherine, Duran, John D., Minnie, Elizabeth, Fannie, Srah and Virgie Keel. The Courier Journal Feb. 2, 1863, mentioned 2nd Lieut. Samuel Keel (original issue), 39th Mounted Infantry Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. January 12, 1863. His death was found in The Lexington Herald Leader on Jan. 20, 1916, dying of Typhoid fever. He was said to be the leading Republican of the Big Sandy Valley, and the chairman of the Pike County Republican Committee for many years. He was also the Republican member of the county election commission. At the time of his death, he was one of the largest merchants in the county.

1866 – D-208 – Upon the motion of Samuel Keel by his attorney to obtain a license to keep a tavern at his house it is ordered by the court that he be granted license to keep a tavern at his house for twelve months, for the date in the house he now resides in, he being in court and entered in covenant with the Commonwealth with Stephen Osborn and John W. Ray as his surety for the said and took the oath according to law.

Leonard Kinney

Leonard Kinney was born Nov. 1831 in the area of Robinson Creek, Pike County, Kentucky. His death occurred Mar. 1930. He is the son of Harrison Newsome and Polly Jane Kinney. His wife is Sarah Jane and Martha A. Kinney. Leonard has siblings; John Washington Kinney, Sarah Elizabeth Damron, Catherine Branham and William Kinney. His half-siblings are; Hartwell Newsome, Frederick Newsome, James Newsome, Mary Mullins, Nancy, Henry Lackey Newsome, Margaret Mullins, Elizabeth Mullins, and Davenport Newsome.
The Big Sandy July 10, 1903 wrote… The examining trial of the Commonwealth of Kentucky vs K.F. Keathly was heard today by county Judge W.O.B. Ratcliff. The prisoner was acquitted. Keathly, a deputy sheriff had one Leonard Kinney under arrest. Nelson Ray ordered Keathy to release the prisoner, at the same time running his hand in his hip pocket. Upon this Keathly shot Ray, killing him instantly. It was also written that many people from Robinson Creek attended court.
Lexington Herald Leader March 20, 1930 – Pikeville – A casket, made 20 years ago, was lowered into a grave on Robinson Creek containing the body of Leonard Kinney, 98, native of that section, who constructed the casket when he felt the end coming on. Mr. Kinney, in his stories of early life in this section, recalled when he killed bears, wildcats, and other large game in this now well populated district.

March 1860 – C1-353 – On the motion of Leonard Kinney for license to keep a tavern at this house on Shelby Creek now occupied by him ordered that a license issue to him allowing him to keep said tavern for the time of 12 months from this date.

John N. Layne

John N. Layne married Mary Honaker on Oct. 10, 1842 in Pike County, Kentucky. In the 1850 census he is 33 years old, and approximate birth date is 1817, born Virginia. His occupation is a carpenter. In the 1860 census he is 43 and again born in 1871, in Virginia. His home is now in Catlettsburg, Boyd County, Kentucky in 1860. He has one son in 1860, James Layne. He then moves to Bell County, Kentucky in the 1870 census with three children shown, Sarah, James, and Joseph.

Aug. 1849 – B1-369 – Tavern License – On motion of John N. Layne a tavern keeper is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the house occupied by him in the town of Pikeville in the county for the term of one year from the date whereupon he took the oath required by said together with Thos D. Honaker and _ Brown as his security entered into and acknowledged to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penalty of L100 conditioned according to law.
Nov. 1850 – B1-439 – Tavern License Refused – On motion of Joseph Ferguson a tavern license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the house no occupied by him under the head of his ferry tax as such – for the term of one year from this date whereupon he took the oath required by law and together with Barnabas Johnson and Orrison L. Low his security entered into and acknowledged bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of one hundred pounds conditioned according to law.

John C. Lester

(Not sure who this is ?) is he the John Lester that married Nancy Hilton in 1820, Floyd County?

Nov. 1829 – A-264 – Ordered that John C. Lester be and he is hereby authorized to keep a ferry across the river immediately below the junction of the Russell forks of Sandy River and that he together with David Branham, and Wm. Ratliff Jr, and John Bevins entered into and acknowledge their bond.
Nov. 1829 – A-265 – On motion of John C. Lester that Lond Lester be authorized to keep a tavern at the house in Pike County for twelve months and that he together with John Linton, Wm. Ratliff Jr, and John Bevins entered into bond in the sum of one hundred pounds current money conditioned agreeably to law.
June 1831 – A-378 – On motion of John C. Lester allowed that John C. Lester have leave to keep a tavern at this own house under his ferry established by himself and who together with Thomas Owens Sr., Wm. Ramsey, and Richard Robinson entered into and acknowledged their bond conditioned agreeably to law.
June 1831 – B-5 – On motion of John C. Lester ordered that John Lester have leave to keep a tavern at his own house under his ferry established by himself and he together with Thomas Owens Sr, William Ramey, and Richard R. Robinson entered into an acknowledged their bond conditioned agreeably to law.
Nov. 1829 – A-259 – Ferry – That he furnishes a good ferry boat built seven feet wide by thirty feet ling to be furnished by said _ six months and that he together with Frederick Adkins, Wm. Campbell, Simeon Justice, and entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of twenty pounds conditioned agreeable to law. To which establishment of the said Ferry, John C. Lester by his oath excepts and prays this his Bill of Exception may sign sealed and made part of the record which is within sworn by pltf.; Disappears after 1835.

Thomas O. Marrs

1867 – D-345 – Tavern Keeper – Upon a motion of H. Ford to have Thomas O. Marrs and John Damron sworn in as his deputies to retail spiritous liquors in his tavern at his house the lower _ of the said Ford Lives in they being in court and took the oath required by law.
1868 – E-128 – Appt. Deputy Bar Keeper – On motion of Harrison Ford to have Tho. O. Marrs sworn in as his deputy bar keeper he being in court and took the oath according to law.

John May

1874 – Tavern License – G-191 and G-194 – John May for tavern license with the privilege to retail spiritous liquor offered proof of this being prepared to keep said tavern and the court hearing the proof granted license to said John May to keep a tavern with the benefit of retailing spiritous liquors.

Lindsey Maynard

Lindsey Maynard as already told above run the ferry from 1868 for twelve months. In 1874, John Dils Jr was noted as the ferry keeper, resigned from the ferry per a court entry, and in 1875, asked for the twenty-year lease, as well did Lindsey Maynard. Ultimately, John Dils Jr won out. Lindsey Maynard was a long-time public servant as a Commissioner, Sheriff, Deputy, Coroner under his resume as official positions held.
Lindsay Maynard – March 28, 1875 – G-280 – Lindsey Maynard plaintiff for a ferry to be established across Big Sandy River from where the State road intersects said river at the upper ford of Pikeville on the tavern side to a point just above the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek in Pike County, Kentucky and on the land of said Lindsey Maynard on the opposite side said Lindsay Maynard by his attorney made motion and moved the court to establish said ferry for the period of 20 years to him, and the court hearing the proof over ruled and dismissed the motion to which ruling the plaintiff Maynard excepts and objects to the ruling and prays an appeal which is granted.
Pike County March Session 1875 – John Dils Jr Plaintiff against Pike County Defendant} Motion
On motion for a ferry at the old site at the upper landing of Pikeville across the Big Sandy River for the period of twenty years and court hearing the proof and dismissed the motion so which said plaintiff Dils excepts and prays on appeal which is granted and dismissed has motion to all of which the plaintiff at the time excepts and still excepts and prays on appeal to the Pike Circuit Court which is granted and prays that this be singed as a Bill of Exception which is done. March 1871 page 116 – Daniel W. Syck tendered his resignation as ferry keeper at the ferry at the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek which is rescinded and A.J. Auxier and John H. Reynolds his sureties is released from further responsibility.

March 1875 – G-276 – This day Lindsey Maynard by his attorney filed a notice and moved that a ferry be established across Sandy River at the place designated in said motion.
March 1875 – G-284 – Lindsay Maynard Plaintiff for Ferry – The plaintiff filed grounds for new trial and the same is continued.
April 1875 – G-291 – Motion for New Trial – Lindsey Maynard plaintiff for ferry across Sandy River at upper landing just below and above the mouth of Chloe Creek against Pike County defendant -continued.
June 1875 – G-322 – Lindsey Maynard vs Pike County – for a ferry at the upper landing or just above the mouth of Chloe Creek is continued.
May 1875 – G-305 – Lindsey Maynard plaintiff vs Pike County for a ferry just above the mouth of Lower Chloe Creek at upper landing. Continued

Randolph McCoy

Randolph McCoy was born about 1801, probably in Virginia. His death occurred in 1870, and is the son of William McCoy and Cordelia. He is the husband of Mary Ann Stafford, and father to John R., Malinda, Louisa, William M., and Marion McCoy. This Randolph of the record, is not the feud Randal McCoy, and we can tell that because of the date oof 1839 and 1841, application for a tavern license. Randal of the feud would not have been old enough.

Dec. 1839 – B-382 – On application of Randolph McCoy leave is given him to keep a tavern at his home in Pike County for 12 months next to come who took the necessary oaths and entered into bond with Wm. Ratliff, and Wm. Weddington his security conditioned as the law directs in the sum of L20.
April 1841 – B-441 – On the motion of Randolph McCoy leave is granted him to keep a tavern at this house in the waters of Raccoon Creek in Pike County for twelve months from this date and he together with Elijah Porter and Edmond Clark his securities entered in to their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned according to law and he thereupon took the oath required by law.

James Moore

May 1831 – B-1 – On motion of James Moore ordered that he be allowed to keep a tavern under his ferry established by himself within the meaning of the act of assembly in which was made and provided at his own house and that he took oath with Thomas Owens and James Honaker and Wm. Ratliff in his securities in the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law.

Ambrose Morris

Dec. 1851 – B1-513 – On the motion of Ambrose Morris a tavern license for the purposes of keeping a tavern at his house and occupied by him on the road fork of Big Creek in this county for the term of one year from this date whereupon he took the oath and entered.

Thomas Owens

Thomas Owens was born about 1780 and died in 1854, Pike County. His wife was Mary Henry Owens. The children are; Sarah (Sally), Margaret, Thomas Jefferson, Robert S.W., William F., Levicy, Nancy, Matilda, and Rhodes M. Owens. His father was David Owens and mother was Mary Margaret unknown.

1829 – A-214 – Ferry License – Ordered that Thomas Owens be allowed to keep a ferry on his own land across Sandy River at or near the state ad crosses the same opposite the town of Pikeville and who together with Wm. Ratliff, Jas. Honaker, and Simeon Justice entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of one thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs.
Feb. 1829 A-204 – Ordered that he be allowed to keep a ferry at the town of Pikeville across Sandy River at that crossing of the state road opposite the town of Pikeville, who together with Frederick Adkins and Wm. Ratliff Sr entered into and acknowledge their bond in the present sum of twenty pounds conditioned as the law directs; Ordered that the said Ownes be allowed the term of one month to procure a boat of the following description thirty feet long and seven feet wide; and Ordered that the two foregoing orders authorizing Thomas Ownes to keep a ferry be rescinded.
Nov. 1830 – A-339 – On Motion of Thos. Owens Sr he is admitted to keep a tavern at this own house for twelve months from this term according to law and he together with Thos. Price, and Henry Weddington entered into and acknowledged their bond, conditioned according to law.
June 1831 – (Loose Papers) Know all men by these present that we John C. Lester, Thomas Owens Sr, William Ramey and Richard P. Robinson are held and firmly bond unto the Commonwealth of Ky, for one hundred pounds paid and bind ourselves… 27th day of June 1831.
Nov. 1831 – A-399 – Renewal of Tavern License – On motion of Thomas Owens he had leave to renew his tavern bond who together with Thomas Price entered into and acknowledged their bond and one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law and the further conditions of said Ownes he keeping a ferry across the Sandy River under a former order of this court he is authorized to keep his own tavern under the said keeping said ferry according to law.
Ferry on Sandy River – 1831 – A-400 – On motion of Thomas Owens pay not unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky the sum of ten dollars for keeping tavern in his house in Pikeville commencing at the November Term 1830, he being a ferry keeper across Sandy River at the same time which is ordered to be certified to the auditor of public accounts.
Nov. 1832 – B-65 – Thomas Owens [on motion] Ferry Keeper license free came into open court and reviews bond as such with John Hargis, Simeon Justice and Wm. Ramey his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of L100 conditioned as the law directs.
Ferry License Nov. 1833 – B-119 – Ferry License – On motion of Richard Ratliff he owning the land on both sides of the Louisa fork of Sandy leave is granted him to keep a ferry at his house and (same boat of John Breeding who gave bond with Henry C. Harris and Silas Ratliff and Wm. Ratliff his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of twenty ponds conditioned as the law directs.
Nov. 1833 – B-119 – On motion of Thomas Owens Sr he owning the land on both sides (by consent of Thomas Ownes Sr) leave is granted him to keep a ferry across the Russell and Louisa Forks of Sandy, the boat to be the same size of that of John C. Lester had at same place heretofore who together with David Mainor and John Hargis his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of twenty pounds conditioned as the law directs. Same page Thomas Owens Sr (ferry keeper) to keep a tavern at his house with David Mainor and John Hargis his securities.
April 1839 – B-347 – On motion of Wm. Ratliff leave is granted him to keep tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months next to come who together with Thomas Bevins and his security entered into and acknowledged their bond conditioned according to law and took the oath.
April 1840 – B-396 – On motion of Wiliam Ratliff is given him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for the term of one year who together with John Sword and Cobert Cecil as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of condition as the law direct.
April 1842 – B-482 – On motion of Thomas Owens ferry keeper leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for one year from the date without paying a fee who together with John Sword and Hammon Williamson his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Sept. 15, 1845 – (Loose papers) know all men by these present that we Thomas Owens, William Cecil, and Samuel Hall are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of 100 pounds current money for the true payment thereof will and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs, executors, and administrators jointly severally and firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 15th day of September 1845.
Sept. 20, 1847 – (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Thomas Owens, William Ratliff Jr and Colbert Cecil are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of 100 pounds good and lawful money…. dated this 20th day of September 1847.

Thomas Stovall Pinson

The Pinson family is clearly renowned in Pike County, and have many heirs. Their roots start with an Aaron Pinson I* family, who can be found in an early Lunenburg County, Virginia deed and later found in Grayson County, Virginia. He had a son named Aaron Pinson II* who married Delilah Stovall, daughter or John and Dorcas Stovall. Aaron Pinson II died in 1801, leaving his estate in Granville County, N.C., naming 12 children; Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah, Dorcas, Annie, William, Mary, John, Isaac, David, Aaron, and Zachariah. Son, Thomas is born approximately 1745 and married Mary (Molly) Denny, both buried Coal Run, Pike County, Kentucky. Their children were Aaron, Henry, Anne, John, Allen, William, Thomas, Jarrett and Elizabeth. In 1796 the family migrated to present day Pike County.

Allen Pinson, born Nov. 24, 1785, probably Grayson County, Virginia married his first wife, Margaret Ann Belcher. Children named are Aaron, Martha, Mary (Bevins), George, Elizabeth, Sarah (Williamson), Margaret (Polly) and Thomas Stoval Pinson. Allen Pinson second wife, married July 6, 1843 in Pike County to Elizabeth Lee Smith born 1811, died 1898. Formerly the wife of William Smith and mother to son Robert Smith born 1838. The children of Allen and Elizabeth Lee Smith Pinson are; John C., Henry C., Nancy, Susannah, Sophia, Malinda and James A.

Thomas Stovall Pinson was born February 1828 and died May 1905. His burial was in Meta, Pike County, Kentucky. He married on June 18, 1857 to Sarah Elizabeth McForcane Hurt, born, Sept. 4, 1839 in Russell County, Virginia. She died Aug. 7, 1912. Buried in Bent Ridge Cemetery, Meta, Kentucky. Their children are; Marion, John Wesley, Annie Margaret, Robert Sparrell, George, James B.L., Mary Jane, and Minnie Laura. His mother was said to have died in 1825, prior to Thomas birth date.

Thomas Stovall Pinson received a tavern license on July 16th, 1856, to be run from the mill of John Scott or the store or house of William M. Scott, the place was evidently not yet secured. His surety was John Scott.

David Polley

Aug 1828 – A-161 – On motion of David Polly he is admitted to keep a tavern at his house for the term of twelve months and who together with Wm. Campbell, James Honaker, and Wm. Ratliff Jr entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of one hundred paid conditions agreeable to law;
March 1835 – B-178 – On motion of David Polley Jr to establish a ferry across the Sandy river for twelve months at the forks of the same on Thomas Owens land and said owner appearing in court and consented to the same it is ordered by the court that the said Daivd Polley have leave to establish the same and who together with James Morgan and James Damron his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of 20 condition as the law directs boat to be 30 feet long and seven feet wide the rates to be the same that Thomas Owens is the boat is to be completed by the next term of this court.
1835 March – B-179 – Tavern License – On motion of David Polley Jr ferry keeper and to have leave to keep a tavern at his house at the forks of Sandy in Pike County for twelve months from this date who together with John Rowe and James Damron his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of 100 pounds conditioned as the law directs.

W.L. Radar

July 1867 – E-5 – Tavern Keeper – Upon motion of Wm. M. Scott by his attorney to have W.L. Radar sworn in as his deputy tavern keeper he being in court and took the oath according to law.

David Ramsey

Nov. 1829 – A-256 – This day David Ramsey on motion he is allowed to keep a tavern in Pike County at his own house for twelve months ensuing the date who together with Wm. Ratliff Jr, Samuel Hall, and James Roberts entered into and acknowledged their bonds in the sum of one hundred pounds current money. Condition agreeably to law.

F.M. Ratliff

Sept. 1876 – H-34 – Upon hearing the proof it is adjudged by the court that F.M. Ratliff, and he is granted license to keep a tavern with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors in said tavern in his house when the now lives in Pike County, Kentucky and he being in court and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky with Richard M. Ferrell, H.W. Blackburn as his sureties the said F.M. Ratliff having taken the oath required by law and paid the tax due the state.
I-34 – 1876 – F.M. Ratliff vs Pike County – Upon hearing the proof it is adjudged by the court that F.M. Ratliff be and he is granted license to keep a tavern with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors in said tavern in his house where he now lives in Pike County, Kentucky and he being in court and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth with R.M. Ferrell, H.W. Blackburn, as his sureties having taken the oath required and paid the tax due the state.

Joseph Ratliff

Nov. 1867 – E-51 – This day Joseph Ratliff by his attorney motioned the court for license to keep a tavern and to retail spiritous liquor at this house the house he now lives in in Pike County ordered by the court that he be granted license to keep a tavern and retail liquors at his house he now lives in he being in court entered into covenant with the Commonwealth with Nelson Hamilton as his surety and took the oath according to law.

Richard Ratliff

Nov. 1833 – B-119 – On motion of Richard Ratliff Ferry keeper leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house without paying a fee for the same for 12 months from this date who gave bond with Wm. Ratliff, Silas Ratliff in the penalty of L100 conditioned as the law directs.
Nov. 1833 – B-119 – On motion of Richard Ratliff he owning the land on both sides of the Louisa fork of Sandy is granted him to keep a ferry at his house and same boat of John Breeding who gave bond with Henry C. Harris and Silas Ratliff and Wm. Ratliff Jr his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of twenty pounds conditioned as the law directs.
April 1835 – B-183 – Orders that Tavern license be granted to Richard Ratliff, ferry keeper, free of fee for twelve months from this date at his house at the mouth of Card who together with Wm. Ratliff and Henry C. Harris his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth in the sum of 100 pounds conditioned as the law directs.
Sept. 1837 – B-282 – On motion of Richard Ratliff tavern license is granted for one year from this date fee of tax and he thereupon together with Henry C. Harris and John D Mims ahis securities entre into an acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law and took the oath prescribed by law.

Silas Ratliff

June 1825 – A1-119 – Ordered Silas Ratliff be allowed to keep a tavern in this county at his house and together with unto bond with Simeon Justice and John Bevins his securities.
June 1837 – (Loose Papers) Know all men by these present that we Henry Smith, Allen Pinson, and Silas Ratliff are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred pounds paid of lawful money of Kentucky for the true payment…5th day of June 1837.

William Ratliff Jr.

Apr. 1839 – B-347 – Tavern License – On motion of William Ratliff leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months next to come who together with Thomas Bevins and his security entered into and acknowledged their bond conditioned according to law and took the oath as the law prescribes.
April 27, 1840 – B-396 – On motion of Wm. Ratliff Jr leave is given him to keep a tavern at this house in the town of Pikeville for the term of one year who together with John Sword and Colbert Cecil as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned as the law directs.

John H. Reynolds

Page 175 – Motion of John H. Reynolds by his attorney for license to keep a tavern at his house in Pike County Kentucky, with the privilege to “retail” spiritous liquors. – – – The court hearing proof ordered that John H. Reynolds be granted license to keep a tavern at this house without the privilege to “retail’ spiritous liquors to which the plaintiff excepts and from and appeal to the circuit court and is to have till the next term of the court to prepare bill of exception.

Lewis Runyons

Lewis Runyon was born Jan. 30, 1849 in Pike County, Kentucky. His death is recorded Sept. 12, 1906, in Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia. He can be found in the 1850, 1860, and 1870, Pike County Census. The 1870 census places Lewis on Pond Creek. His father is Mitchell Runyon and mother is Margaret “Peggy” Taylor. He married Esther Jane Bevins on April 6, 1871 in Pike County.

1875 – G-295 – Tavern License – This day appeared in open court and made application for a license to keep a tavern with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors in his hands at the mouth of Coon Creek in Pike County Kentucky, and he having executed bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky with R. Cecil, James Honaker, Thompson Phillips, and William Thompson as this surety which was offered by the court and took the oath prescribed by law and having paid the tax due by law to the Commonwealth of Kentucky the court therefore ordered that a license be granted to him to keep a tavern as aforesaid for the ensuing twelve months with the privilege of retailing spiritous liquors subject to the restriction imposed by the statutes of Kentucky.

Wm. M. Scott

July 1867 – B-5 – This day William M. Scott by his attorney to obtain a license to keep a tavern and vende spiritous liquors at his house in the town of Pikeville and made proof according to law. It is adjudged by the court that he be granted a license to keep a tavern and to retail liquor at his house in the town of Pikeville the house he now lives in and he being in court and entered into covenant with the Commonwealth with John Dils Jr as his surety and take the oath according to law commencing the 15th day of July 1867, ending 15th day of July 1867 (should read 1868).

James Slone

James Slone Sr was born about 1755 in Virginia. His wife was Mary Justice, they married Oct. 17, 1784 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. His children were James, Archibald, and William Slone. James Slone died in 1847 at the age of 92 in Pike County, Kentucky. His Will can be found in Book A, page 17.

Nov. 1829 – A-258 – Ordered that there be a ferry established across the Louisa Fork of Sandy River to a point in the Junction of the said Louisa an Russell Forks of Sandy River pursuant to a two month notice set up by James Sloan at the door of the court house and having claim to the bed of River to low water mark for the use and benefit of James Sloan, and he appeared with papers and oral testimony had thereon he holds the land on the north east side of the Louisa fork of said River, and that James Slone be allowed to keep said.
Nov. 1829 – A-265 Nov. 1829 – On motion of James Slone ordered that said Slone be authorized to keep a tavern at his own house for twelve months and that he together with Wm. Ratliff Jr, Simeon Justice, and John Bevins entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned to law;
May 1831 – A-368 – On motion of James Slone ordered that he be allowed to keep a tavern and the ferry established by himself and within the meaning of the act of assembly in such cause made and provide at his own house and that he together with Thomas Owens, James Honaker, and Wm. Ratliff Jr his securities in the sum of one hundred pounds conditioned agreeably to law.
Dec. 1835 – B-228 – On motion of James Slone ferry keeper or free of fee he have leave to keep a tavern for twelve months at his house in the county who together with Wm. Ratliff Jr and Paton Justice his securities entered unto and acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of 100 pounds conditioned according to law.

Henry Smith

June 1832 – B-48 – On motion of Henry Smith he owning the same land on this side of the Tug Fork leave is granted him to keep a ferry across said river who gave bond with Thomas Owens.
Tavern License – Nov. 1833 – B-119 – On motion of Henry Smith Ferry Keeper leave is granted him to keep tavern at his house without fee for one year from the date hereof who together with Thomas Owens Jr and Wm. Weddington his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond on the penalty of one hundred pounds conditioned as the law directs.
Dec. 1834 – B-171 – Henry Smith have leave to keep a tavern at his house for twelve months (free of fee) together with Simeon Justice and Wm. Ratliff Jr his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned as the law directs.
June 1837 – B-274 – On motion of Henry Smith Tavern license is granted him for one year from this date under his ferry and therefore entered into bond and security and took the oath required by law.

John Sword

John Mims Sword was born May 24, 1797, in Swords Creek, Virginia and died Sept. 21, 1876, Island Creek Kentucky. He married to Rebecca Ratliff on Sept. 20, 1818, she was born 1804 and died 1871. His children are William Henry, Richard Percy, Sarah (James A. Houston), Martha (James A. Kennard), James Elijah, Frances Magnell (Solomon King Damron), Mary Polly (Wm. Fuller Compton), Rebecca (James W. Johnson) Malinda (Wm. P. Chaney), Virginia (James G. Burke), Eliza (John Fidler) and John Mims Sword. He married Margarette Sanders Fife, a widow, on July 24, 1872, in Pike County. His last Will was recorded Juy 9, 1874 in Pike County.

A newspaper, The Baxter Bulletin, Feb. 18, 1995, asked in an article who was the father of John Sword and brother to Francis Sword. The response to that article is that John Mims Sword was born May 24, 1797 in Virginia, died Sept. 21, 1876, married Rebecca Ratliff Sept. 20, 1818 in Floyd County. She died Aug. 24, 1871 and is buried in Mims/Sword Cemetery. That his second wife was Margaret Sanders Fife.

John Sword is probably the longest running tavern license holder. Starting on September 1846, and nearly twenty years later in July 1861, he is still renewing his tavern licenses. Over the years, his sureties varied with William Cecil, John E. Hargis, Lewis Sword, John Helms, Richard Robinson, James Weddington Jr, Jerry Osborn and others. On May 18, 1857, with N. Hamilton, Jeremiah Johnson, Thomas Cecil, and F.M. Sword are his sureties. The tavern was to be at his home on Island Creek. He once again secured a tavern license July 15, 1861, at his home on Island Creek with sureties Henry D. Harman and Jeremiah Osborn.

John Sword – Sept. 1846 – Tavern License – B1-198 – On motion of John Sword who made it appear to the satisfaction of the court that he was qualified and having taken the necessary oath leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house for one year who together with Wm. Cecil, John E. Helms, and Richard P. Robinson as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Tavern License – April 1856 – C1-10 – On motion of John Sword who made it appear to the satisfaction of the court that he was qualified and having taken the necessary oath leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house for one year who together with J.W. Emmert, Jonathan Casebolt, Stephen Osborn and James Weddington as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Renewal Tavern License May 1857 – C1-74 – On motion of John Sword ordered that he be permitted to renew his tavern license at his house not occupied by him in this county for the term of one year from this date where upon he took the oath required by law and together with N. Hamilton, Jeremiah Osborn, F.M. Sword and This. Cecil his securities entered into and acknowledge a covenant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky conditioned according to law.
(1857) Whereas John Sword has obtained a license to keep a tavern at his house now occupied by him, Pike County, now John Sword principal and N. Hamilton, Jeremiah Osborn, F.M. Sword and Thos. C. Cecil his security do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that the said John Sword shall continually find and provide in said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for man and horse and mules during the period the license remain in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house on or in his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this May the 18th, 1857. Atto. S.K. Damron Clk. John Sword, N. Hamilton, Jeremy Osborn, F.M. Sword, Thos. C. Cline
May 1859 – C1-253 – Upon motion of John Sword he is permitted to renew his bond as tavern keeper in Pike County for one year and thereupon he took oath required by law and together with Lewis Swords, Jerry Osborn, and James Weddington Jr, his securities entered into and acknowledged covenant to the Commonwealth conditioned according to law.
June 1860 – C1-369 – Upon motion of John Sword a license tavern keeper of this county his having made the necessary proof he is permitted to renew his tavern bond for the term of twelve months. His sureties are Hibbard Williamson, William Weddington and Lewis Soword.
July 1861 – D-21 – Upon the motion of John Sword a license tavern keeper of this county for the privilege of renewing his tavern bond he having made the necessary proof he is permitted to renew his license for the time of 12 months from this date and thereupon said Sword together with H. D. Harman.
1861 – Whereas John Sword has obtained a license to keep a tavern at his house on Island Creek in Pike County, now we John Sword principal, and Henry D. Harman and Jeremiah Osborn as his security do hereby covenant and agree with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that the said John Sword shall continually find and provide in said tavern good and wholesome and cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stabling and or pasturage for horse and mules during the period the license remain in force and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house on or in his premises or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house or on his premises given under our hands this 15th day of July 1861. Attest. J.W. Emmert Clk. John Sword, Henry D. Harman, Jeremy Osborn.

Martin Thornsbury (Jr)

Martin Thornsbury Jr was born about 1828, and married Nancy Campbell. He died April 24, 1876. His father and mother were Martin Thornsbury and Martha “Milla” Adkins.

Feb 15, 1861 – C1-313 – For tavern license to retail spirituous liquors this day the plaintiff filed his motion. The Loose Papers is the bond; Whereas Martin Thornsbury has obtaining a license to keep a tavern at the mouth of Card in the county of Pike now we Martin Thornsbury principal and Harvey Childers and Isaac Epling his surety do herby covenant to and agree that the said Martin Thornsbury shall continually find and provide in said Tavern good cleanly wholesome lodging and diet for travelers and stabling and provender or pasturage for horses or mules and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house or on his premises and will not suffer any person to tipple….15th day of February 1861.

Henry Weddington and James Weddington

Henry Weddington is a mystery of sorts. He can be found in the Floyd County 1810 census, age 26 to 33. Also found in Floyd County in the 1820 census age 26 to 44. According to the book “The Big Sandy” Henry married Elizabeth Garrell. The union provided for two children; James and William. Henry died in 1836 and was buried on Shelby, where the Weddington family first settled. His wife lived until circa 1860, died while living with her son Judge William Weddington. Henry came to Pike County with a brother Jacob Weddington about 1790.

Henry received his tavern license in January of 1824, to be located in his own home and again on May 14, 1825, in Pike County, Kentucky. His surety was Simeon Justice, in the sum of 100 pounds, current money of the Commonwealth. The tavern was to be held at the home of Henry Weddington

Jan. 1824 – A-82 – Tavern License – Ordered that Henry Weddington is allowed to keep a tavern at his own house and has entered into bond as the law directs.
Jan. 1824 – A1-60 – Ordered that Henry Weddington is allowed to keep a tavern at his house and has entered into bond according to law.
May 1825 – A1-116 – Henry Weddington be allowed to keep a tavern at his house in Pike County and entered into bond and necessary security at the law directs.
Know we all men by these presents that we Henry Weddington and Simeon Justice are firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred pounds current money for the payment to be made good to our said Commonwealth of Kentucky we the said Henry Weddington and Simeon Justice are held and firmly bound jointly our executors and administrators has jointly and securely by these presents as witnesses our hands and seal this 14th day of May 1825.
The condition above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Henry Weddington hath obtained a license to keep tavern at his house in the county of Pike. Now should the said Henry Weddington constantly find and provider in his said tavern good wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for travelers and stables provider for pasturage for horses for the term of one year from the said house and shall not suffer and permit any unlawful gaming in his house nor suffer any person to tipple or as drink more than is necessary or at any time suffer disorderly or scandalous behavior to be practices in his house with his premises or construct there this obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue. Attest Spencer Adkins C.P.C.C. – Henry Weddington, Simeon Justice.

James Weddington, son of Henry Weddington, stayed in the family business of hospitality filing for his tavern license in June 1839, stating location to be at this home in Pikeville. Renewing this license until into 1844. Evidently, young James knew family business quite well growing up in the household of his father. His sureties being John Hargis, Jacob Weddington, Thomas Lesly, John Bevins, H. Burns, Colbert Cecil, Wm. Cecil, John Sword, and James Damron over those years.

June 1839 – B-356 – Tavern License – On motion of James Weddington Jr he hath leave to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months from the date hereof who together with John Hargis, Jacob Weddington and Wm. Cecil his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky according to law and he thereupon took the lath required by law.
July 1841 – B-408 – On motion of James Weddington Jr he having taken the oath prescribed by leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for the Commonwealth from the date hereof and who together with Wim. Cecil and Wm. Weddington his securities entered their bond of L100 conditioned according to law.
Sept. 1841 – B-457 – James Weddington Jr who made it appear to the satisfaction of the court he is qualified according to law is admitted to keep a tavern at his house in Pikeville for one year to come who together with Wm. Cecil and John Sword entered their bond of L100 conditioned according to law.
Sept. 1842 – B-500 – On motion of James Weddington who made oath thereto leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for the term of one year next to come who together with Colbert Cecil, James Damron, and Wm. Cecil his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
Jul. 1844 – B1-91 – On motion of James Weddington who made it appear to the satisfaction of the court that he was qualified and necessarily provided as the law directs leave is given him to keep a tavern at his house for the term of twelve months from this date who together with John Bevins, Wm. Weddington, H. Burns and Thomas Lesly as his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of L100 condition according to law.
July 27, 1840 – (Loose papers) know all men by these present that we James Weddington Jr, William Cecil, and Wm. Weddington are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky the sum of one hundred pounds…dated this 27th day of July, 1840.
June 1839 – (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we James Weddington are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred pounds good and lawful money of Kentucky for the true payment thereof we bind ourselves our heirs’ executors and administrators firmly jointly and severally by these present with our seal and dated this 24th day of June 1839.

Jacob Weddington

Jacob Weddington (Jr) – May 1833 – Tavern License – B-96 – On motion of Jacob Weddington leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville in Pike County who gave bond with John Bevins and Henry Weddington his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond to 6 months in the penalty of L100 as conditioned as the law directs.
Apr. 1836 – B-231 – On motion of Jacob Weddington Jr he hath leave to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months who together with Wm. Ratliff Jr and Samuel Marrs his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of L100 conditioned according to law.
April 1837 – B-267 – On Motion of Jacob Weddington Jr leave is granted him to keep a tavern at his house in the town of Pikeville for twelve months who together with Henry C. Harris and Jacob Weddington Sr his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond as conditioned as the law directs.
July 1846 (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Jacob Weddington, James Damron, and John Sword are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of 100 pounds good and lawful money…. sealed this 20th day of July 1846.
Feb. 1848 (Loose papers) Know all men by these present that we Jacob Weddington, Colbert Cecil, George N. Brown and William Cecil are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in te penal sum of 100 pounds current money for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators severally and firmly by those present sealed with our seals and dated the 21st day of February 1848.
March 19, 1849 – B1-347 – On motion of Jacob Weddington Jr a tavern license is hereby granted him to keep a tavern at the house now occupied by him in the county for the tern of one year from the date wherefore he took the oath required by law and together with Colbert Cecil his security entered and acknowledged the bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to the penalty of one hundred pounds conditioned according to law.

Isaac Whitaker

March 1869 – E-200 – Appt. Bar Keeper – Upon motion of William Whitaker to have Isaac Whitaker sworn in as his bar keeper, he being in court and took the oath according to law.

William Whitaker

Feb. 1869 –E-186 – Tavern License – Upon a motion of William Whitaker by his attorney for license to keep a tavern at his house in the county of Pike and state aforesaid the house he now lives in on Elkhorn Creek with the privilege to retail spirits liquor the court hearing the proof it is awarded he be granted license to keep a Tavern at his house the house he now lives in on Elkhorn Creek with the privilege to retail spiritous liquors for the term of twelve months from this ate he having paid $25.00 for the same he being in court and entered into a covenant with the Commonwealth of Kentucky until Stephen Osborn and Samuel Ratliff his sureties.
Nov. 1874 – G-232 – William Whitaker motion for tavern license with the privilege to retail spiritous liquors those with which is filed and continued

Frederick Wolford

Frederick Wolford was born about 1825, in Pike, Kentucky. His father was John Wolford Jr. His mother was Mary Polly Charles. He married Margaret Mounts on 23 August 1849, in Pike, Kentucky. They were the parents of at least 7 sons and 6 daughters. The children were Jonathan, Sarah, Elijah, David, Nancy, Sylvania, Elkanah, Greenville, Comfort, Mary, Mariah, James, and Jacob. He lived in Magisterial District 1, Lawrence, Kentucky, per the 1860 census, and Precinct 7 Peter’s Creek, Pike, Kentucky, in 1880. He died in 1884, at the age of 59, and was buried in Phelps, Pike County, Kentucky. His land must have bordered county lines because in Sept. 1860, he filed an application with the court for a license to keep a tavern.

Sept. 1860 – C1-413 – Upon motion of Frederick Wolford for the purpose of obtaining a license to keep a tavern at this house on Peter Creek in Pike County he having made the necessary proof as required by law and the court being sufficiently advised ordered that a license issue to said Frederick Wolford authorizing him to keep said tavern as aforesaid for the term of 12 months from this date; Appointed Dep Sheriff in 1865.

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