CHAPTER XLIV

SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL PROGRESS, 1792-1810

With the coming of the nineteenth century the state had made long strides in her social and intellectual development. The people were becoming more and more unlike the first settlers who had crossed the mountains. They were departing in many ways from the inevitable conditions that had made them one time frontiersmen in every sense. Material development had necessarily changed the social conditions. Created wealth widened the early classes that had tended to appear in Kentucky society almost as soon as a society could be said to have existed. A contemporary observer declared that in 1800 "the state of society in Kentucky, had undergone considerable change in the course of the last eight years; and especially, from the end of the war. There was a greater disparity between the extremes of the aggregate society; with an increased proportion of citizens of little or no property, or of new claims to land, not paid for, and who were ranked by themselves with the poor. While on the other hand, those who possessed the means, were accommodating themselves with good houses, and domestic comforts; which produced a contrast, not readily overlooked by the eyes. of envy or jealousy." 1 But with this development away from the equality of the frontier, there did not go a progress directly toward the social and intellectual conditions characteristic of the regions east of the mountains. The surroundings, past experiences, peculiar problems, and particular aspirations, all made the Kentucky character separate and distinct from the old states of the East. In fact so peculiar were these elements to Kentucky that the people even differed much from other communities and states that had sprung up in the West by this time. Thomas Jefferson declared of the Kentuckians in 1818, "They are freer from prejudice than we are, and bolder in grasping a truth. The time is not distant * * * when we shall be but a secondary people to them." 2 This peculiar Kentucky character was so lasting that evidences of it are not lacking even to this day.

A high-toned social condition was growing up which approximated in a gentility of Eastern society. The large estates of the Bluegrass region were graced with stately homes where much effort was taken and pride exhibited in entertaining visitors. Lexington and its environs became the center of this society which was indeed unequalled for many years in this respect in all the country west of the Alleghany Mountains. In 1814 it was thus described: "Society is polished and polite. They have a theatre; and their balls and assemblies are conducted with as much grace and ease as they are anywhere else, and the dresses of the parties are as tasty and elegant. Strange things these in the 'back woods'!" One of the most elegant and pretentious homes in the state was Chaumiere near Lexington. It was built by Colonel David Meade in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and here many men of 1 Marshall, History of Kentucky, II, 332.

2 Writings of Jefferson, XV, 168, 169. This was in a letter to John Adams, written May 17, 1818.

3 Niles' Register, Vol. 6, p. 250.

national prominence were entertained. Among the presidents who partook of its hospitality were Monroe, Jackson, and Taylor. Henry Clay was also a frequent visitor; and while Burr and Blennerhassett were engaged in their western ventures, they too, were entertained here.1 Ashland, the home of Henry Clay, was the seat of a no less brilliant society, and, indeed, a more lastingly important one. Col. Thomas Hart, who went to Kentucky in 1794, and who immediately became prosperous in the new country, wrote from Lexington of its social conditions to Governor William Blount of Maryland. He stated that his "family would be extremely glad at seeing any of their friends and I know that Mr. Blount would say with us that the society of this place is equal if not superior to any there is to be found in any interior town in the United States, for there is not a day passes over our heads but I can have half a dozen strange Gentlemen to dine with us and they are from all parts of the Union." 5 Years later a Kentuckian who had lived in and enjoyed this society looked back upon it with a longing and wistful eye! He attested to its convivial nature. "Almost every young man of his acquaintance had a horse, a gun and a violin." The life of the younger people seemed to have been made up of one round of dancing parties. "Society seemed to be viewed as if it were for amusement alone. * * Every independent farmer's house was a home for all, and a temple of jollity."

An element in the social affairs of the people as well as in their material progress was the practice of horse-racing. The race-course was early set up in the Bluegrass region. In 1798 Frankfort held a series of races lasting over a period of three days. In his trip through the state in the early part of the nineteenth century Francois Michaux observed the importance of the horse as a topic of conversation generally. This and other traits of the people he noted: "Horses and law-suits comprise their usual topic of conversation. If a traveler happens to pass by, his horse is appreciated; if he stops he is presented with a glass of whiskey, and then asked a thousand questions. These questions which are frequently repeated in the course of a journey, become tedious, but it is easy to give a check to their inquiries by a little address; their only object being the gratification of that curiosity so natural to people who live isolated in the woods, and seldom see a stranger."

"8

4 Courier-Journal, April 17, 1921.

* * *

5 Letter from Thomas Hart to William Blount, February 15, 1795, in the possession of Miss Lucretia Clay of Lexington, a descendant.

6 Butler, History of Kentucky, 455, 456.

Palladium, October 16, 1798.

8 F. A. Michaux, Travels to the West, 247, 248.

Lexington is thus described by Samuel R. Brown in 1817, in a sketch written for the Western Gazetteer at Emigrant's Directory.

"I had occasion to visit this place in the summer of 1797; it then contained about fifty houses, partly frame, and hewn logs, with the chimneys outside; the surrounding country was then new, a village lot could have been purchased for $30, and a good farm in its vicinity for $5 an acre. The best farmers lived in log cabins, and wore hunting shirts and leggings. In May last (1816) business again called me to Lexington. But how changed the scene! Everything had assumed a new appearance. The beautiful vale of Town Fork, which in 1797, I saw variegated with cornfields, meadows and trees, had in my absence been covered with stately and elegant buildings-in short, a large and beautiful town had arisen by the creative genius of the west. The log cabins had disappeared, and in their places stood costly brick mansions, well painted and enclosed by fine yards, bespeaking the taste and wealth of their possessors. The leathern pantaloons, the hunting shirts and leggings had been discarded, for the dress and manners of the inhabitants had entirely changed. The scenery around Lexington, almost equals that of the elysium of the ancients. Philadelphia, with all its surrounding beauties scarcely equals it. The surface resembles the gentle swell of the ocean, when the agitations of a storm have nearly subsided. The

The contented feeling of the people with their country was expressed often in celebrations and resolutions of their legislature and various other meetings. The Fourth of July very early came to play an im

roads are very fine and wide. The grazing parks have a peculiar neatness; the charming groves, the small, square and beautiful meadows, and above all, the wide spreading forests of corn waving in grandeur and luxuriance, and perfuming the air with its fragrance, combine to render a summer's view of Lexington inexpressively rich, novel, grand and picturesque. The site of the town is in a valley; but the declivities are so gentle that some travelers, not scrupulously accurate, have described it as a plain. Town Fork creek waters the central parts of the town; it is narrow and in severe droughts nearly dry. The main street, which is one mile and a quarter long, runs parallel with the creek on the north side. There are three other streets running parallel with the main street. These are intersected at short intervals by cross streets; all of which are wide and mostly paved. Main street presents to the traveler as much wealth, and more beauty than can be found in most of the Atlantic cities. It is about 80 feet wide, level, compactly built, well paved, and having foot ways, twelve feet wide on each side. I was surprised to see at every step, finely painted brick stores, three stories high, and well filled with costly and fanciful merchandise. Near the centre of the town is the public square, lined on every side with large, substantial brick houses, stores, hotels, etc. In this square stands the market house, which is of brick, and well furnished on Wednesdays and Saturdays; but occasionally the scene of a barbarous practice; for it is here that incorrigible or delinquent negroes are flogged unmercifully. I saw this punishment inflicted on two of these wretches. Their screams soon collected a numerous crowd-I could not help saying to myself: "These cries are the knell of Kentucky liberty.' I had not the leisure to count the buildings, and found no person capable of giving the requisite information. This town appears as large and populous as Cincinnati, which contained in 1816, 1,000 houses and 6,000 souls. The public buildings consist of several churches, belonging to Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Seceders, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics. The court house is a three story brick building, with a cupola rising from the middle of a square roof, and contains a bell and a town clock. The Masonic Hall and the Bank, are fine brick buildings. There is a public library, and a university called Transylvania, liberally endowed, the terms of tuition are $200 per annum. There is a female academy, where the following branches are taught, viz.: Reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, correspondence, elocution, rhetoric, geography, astronomy, ancient and modern history, chronology, mythology, music, drawing, embroidery, etc. The tavern and boarding houses are neat and well furnished. Wilson's hotel is excelled by none in America, for extensiveness, style and good living. The streets are often thronged with well dressed people. A prodigious quantity of European goods are retailed to the crowd of customers, who resort here from the neighboring settlements. There are two bookstores, and three printing offices, from which are issued as many weekly papers, viz.: The Reporter, and Kentucky Gazette, both Republican, and the Monitor, Federal, and the only one of that political cast in the state. The inhabitants are as polished, and I regret to add, as luxurious as those of Boston, New York, or Baltimore; and their assemblies and parties are conducted with as much ease and grace, as in the oldest towns of the union. The manufactories are extensive, and promise a continued growth of the town. There are four nail factories, which manufacture seventy tons of nails yearly-two copper and tin manufactories-several jewelers and silversmiths, ten saddler shops, five cabinet shops, and three painters, seven tailor shops, an umbrella manufactory, twelve blacksmiths, two gunsmith shops, several tobacconists, five chair makers, three dyers, six hatters, sixteen shoemakers, two stocking weavers; besides tanneries, breweries, distilleries, cooperies, brickyards, carding machines, etc. The rope walks are on a large scale, and its manufacture of hemp in 1811, were valued at $500,000. There are several cotton and woolen manufactories-three steam grist mills, and two steam paper mills. The Lexington woolen manufactory, erected by Messrs. Prentiss & Co. and Mr. Sanders' large cotton manufactory are built on the Town Fork, about a mile southwest of the town. They went into operation in June last. Mr. Sanders employed about 150 hands; the articles manufactured consist of cotton yarns, sheeting, shirting, bedticking, counterpanes, table clothes, chambrays, cassinets, sattinets, woolen cords, etc. The woolen manufactory also employed 150 hands-it manufactures broadcloths, cassimers, blankets and flannels. It has a steam paper mill connected with it, which produces paper of a fine quality. The other paper mill rivals any establishment of the kind in the United States.

"There are between fifty and sixty villas, or handsome country residences in the vicinity of Lexington, and that of Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives may be pronounced one of the most delightful. It is situated

portant part in the popular celebrations of the times. Lexington took much interest and made great efforts to set this day apart for a gathering of the surrounding country. Parades of the militia, of fraternal orders, and of other groups of the people, much speech-making, and a barbecue generally characterized the celebration of this day. The grove around Maxwell Spring for many years was the center of most of the festivities. This was the occasion where the masses of the people came to celebrate the birth of their country's independence by feasting on roasted beef and patriotic oratory. But to those who wanted a quieter celebration other ways were open. Family celebrations in which a few friends would be invited to participate were not uncommon. In 1794, one William Price held such a celebration and among his invited guests was Governor Shelby. However the governor was unable to be there, and Price in writing to him to express his disappointment described the celebration: "We had a glorious time, and a big dinner. Forty men Sat down at my table who had served in the late Struggle for American Independence. It was a glorious Sight to behold, and I wish King George III and Lord North could have witnessed this Scene in the wilds of America. On the return of this glorious anniversary of our freedom from British despotism the heart of every patriot in the late Struggle may rightfully pour forth its highest Tribute to the great Sages and Statesmen and Soldiers who resolved to Stake their lives and Sacred [honor] on maintaining the Declaration of Independence."9

The civic pride of the people was evident in the better living conditions that were soon developed in the small towns and cities. Lexington continued her progress, already noted in connection with making the city more healthful by banishing pigs from the streets and removing slaughter-pens from the city limits. Streets were yet, however, unpaved and muddy. In 1805 Frankfort made an important move toward bettering her living conditions. Instead of longer depending on town wells for water, a system of water-works was begun by a group of people. incorporated the same year and known as the "Frankfort Water Company." Later was carried to the town through log pipes from a spring two miles distant and distributed rather widely to the citizens.10 Although the works soon gave way on account of faulty workmanship and the instability of materials used, still the undertaking showed the rising consciousness of the town.

The educational and general intellectual development of the people about one mile east of the town, on an agreeable rise, and is nearly surrounded with poplar and locust groves.

"The inhabitants of Lexington have a healthful and sprightly appearance; there are several families from the New England states, who have resided here for a number of years, and enjoyed good health.

"There is nothing in the manners or morals of the people of Lexington to justify the shameful calumnies of the British hireling Ash. "The inhabitants (he says) show demonstrations of civilization; but at particular times, on Sundays and market days they give a loose to their dispositions, and exhibit many traits that should exclusively belong to untutored savages. Their churches have never been finished, and they have all the glass struck out by boys in the day, and the inside by rogues and prostitutes who frequent them at night.'

"Land is as dear around Lexington as it is in the oldest settlement on the seaboard, whole farms have sold for $100 an acre; and small parcels for a far greater sum; town lots are exhorbitantly high.

"The cattle, horses and sheep are very fine. Great numbers of cattle are bought by the drovers for the Baltimore and Philadelphia markets. A first rate yoke of cattle can be purchased for fifty dollars; and a horse worth one hundred dollars in New York, could be bought for seventy dollars. Provisions are cheap, and abundant. Mechanics charges are high. A tailor will charge you from five to ten dollars for making a coat. Board $2.50 a week for laborers. Most of the mechanics are in prosperous circumstances."

Durrett MSS. Letter from Wm. Price to Isaac Shelby, July 5, 1794. 10 Marshall, History of Kentucky, II, 373.

at the beginning of the nineteenth century was as vigorous and promising as any line of their material progress. It was observed and noted by numerous travelers, some of whom were so enthusiastic in their description as to be guilty of exaggeration. Francois Micheaux declared that the "children are kept punctually at school, where they learn reading, writing, and the elements of arithmetic. These schools are supported at the expense of the inhabitants, who send for masters as soon as the population and circumstances permit; in consequence of which it is very rare to find an American who does not know how to read and write." 11 As heretofore mentioned, higher education first engaged the attention and exertions of the leaders of the state. Transylvania Seminary had already resulted from this enlightened sentiment. But this institution had scarcely begun its existence before a feeling had grown up among the Presbyterians that the school had departed from the orthodox faith and that it had fallen under deistic influences. So as a result, they were able in 1794 to secure a charter from the Legislature for a rival seminary. To save it from the forces that controlled the Transylvania institution they had inserted into the charter certain protective stipulations. In the first place, "The president of the said academy shall be a minister of the Gospel, of the most approved abilities in literature, and acquaintance in mankind, that may be obtained, and zealously engaged to promote the interest of real and practical religion." And to protect the unsuspecting student from occult heresies, it was provided that "No endeavours shall be used by the president, or other teachers, to influence the mind of any student, to change his religious tenets, or embrace those of a different denomination, any further than is consistent with the general belief of the Gospel system, and the practice of vital piety." 12 James Blythe and David Rice were soon dispatched on a mission to the Eastern states for the purpose of soliciting contributions. The unusual concern of the Kentuckians in setting up educational institutions aroused much interest and support among men of prominence in the East. President Washington was especially interested in these ambitious frontier undertakings; he subscribed $100. John Adams also subscribed a like amount, while Aaron Burr contributed $50. The Kentucky agents raised in all more than $10,000. Two years after the charter had been obtained, the school was set going at Pisgah, near Lexington, and was accompanied with success from the beginning. This created considerable alarm among the authorities and supporters of Transylvania Seminary; as they believed that two such schools could not flourish so close together. Negotiations were soon entered into by the trustees of both institutions with the result that in 1798 on a point petition of both bodies, the Legislature amalgamated the two schools under the name of Transylvania University, the title under which the institution went for sixty-six years.18

About the same time Kentucky Academy was set up, a school known as Bethel Academy was being provided for in Jessamine County. In 1795 Franklin Academy was given a charter and was soon started going at Washington. The academy movement was now rather general over the state. The schools were each granted charters by special acts; but no state aid or control was exercised over them. The situation was ripe for the government to assume leadership in the movement by giving badly-needed help and by exercising a central directive power. This was done in 1798 by a law granting to each of the academies in existence

11 F. A. Michaux, Travels to the West, 250.

12 Marshall, History of Kentucky, II, 158, 159.

13 W. H. Siebert, "The Tory Proprietors of Kentucky Lands" in Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly, No. 1, January, 1919, 16, 25; Collins, History of Kentucky, I, 24, II, 184; Lewis, Education in Kentucky, 21-24.