Bowling Green in the 1800s - From Newspapers of the Era

Photo, Kentucky Museum

Misc. News

The Kentucky Standard
Bowling Green Kentucky, Saturday morning


One Cent Reward The undersigned takes this mode of warning the public against harboring or trading with Jackson Harrell, an apprentice bound to the undersigned by his father, Wm. Harrel, and has left me.  I will give the above reward for his delivery as my house. - B. Grinstead

Smith Grove  Mr. Joel Morehead, unexpectedly returned last week from Texas. He says it was too lonesome down there for him.

Mystery Solved The painful mystery of the disappearance of Mr. Edward Slevin, on the 22nd of January last, has at last been cleared up by the finding of his body in the river a the foot of Sixth street. Mr. Kunke, the watchman on the steamer Logan, while riding in a skiff, on Sunday, discovered a body and brought it ashore.  The last time Mr. Slevin was seen was about two o’clock at night, and the watch found on he persons had stopped running at forty minutes past two. Although a minute examination was very unpleasant and difficult, or energetic Coroner left nothing undone to fully satisfy everyone as to its identify. - March 9, 1833

A Reward of Ten Dollars will be given for the apprehension and confinement in the jail of Warren County, for a negro man named David or Davy.  He is about 50 years of age, of the ordinary size, inclined to be bowlegged, his teeth before are rather far apart, inclines forward when walking; is very polite when spoken to; his clothes not recollected. He was formerly owned by Mr. Jas. R. Skiles, and last by Mr. Thos. S. Crutcher of this county. Should he be apprehended out of Warren County, and delivered to the Jailer of Bowling-Green, a reward of $15 will be given. -Nicholas W. Hobs.

Love and Marriage

Wedding dress, 1893, Kentucky Museum

The Sunday Journal
Bowling Green KY, Sunday Morning,
Vol. 1 No24  
 
Dr. Wright and Miss Margaret Reed Married, Thursday, by Rev. J.S Grider The marriage of Dr. A.C. Wright and Miss Margaret Reed was consummated, Thursday morning, at 11 o’clock. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J.S. Grider, in his usual happy and impressive manner. 
Only the immediate familles and a very few close friends were present.  The bride had been ill for several days and the trip South had to be abandoned.  The bridal presents were numerous and of an elegant nature.  Those present say they had never seen a handsomer couple married.  We wish for them many years o happy married life. - November 17, 1895

The Green River Gazette 
Bowling Green Ky., Saturday,  
Vol. 1 No 22  

Mr. Joseph Hopper
You are hereby notified that I shall apply to the next General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a divorce from you; that the ground that you have abandoned me for the last eight years.  I shall also attend the Law Office of Grider & Loving in the town of Bowling-Green, county of Warren, and state of Kentucky, on the 15th day of December next, for the purpose of taking the deposition of B.W. Dempsey and others to be read as evidence on said application, when and where you are respectfully invited to attend
Mary Hopper
Nov. 10, 1841.

In Memorium

Popular Ballad of a Mourning Husband, Ketnucky Musuem

The Kentucky Standard
Bowling Green Kentucky, Saturday morning

Old Printer Gone -- We regret to learn that Wm. B. Kilgore, an old and much esteemed citizen of Glasgow, died one day last week in that place.  Many years ago, Mr. Killgore published a paper in this place and afterward went to Glasgow and published the Gazette for a number of years.  He made a considerable fortune and retired to private life.  He leaves a highly accomplished wife and tow interesting children to mourn his loss.  Sept 9, 1854  



The Bowling Green Democrat
Bowling Green Ky, Saturday

In Memoriam of Thos.. Ray. Thomas Ray, who was the son of Andrew Ray, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, on the 29th day of March, 1785, and died at the residence of his son-in-law Henry D. Smith, in Warren county, KY, on the morning of the 20th inst., aged 90 years 10 months and 20 days.  Mr. Ray left the State of Virginia with his parents at the age of 7 years, escorted by an armed force to guard them from the savages, whilst, they with others, made their way to the State of Kentucky. The old gentleman, Andrew Ray, settling in Madison county. 

From thence he removed with his family to Clark county Ky., and from there to what is now known as Edmonson county, where he reared his family of twelve children. The deceased, being the eldest son, who removed from there, into Warren, where he died.  Thomas Ray was himself a soldier of war, know as the war of 1812, and drew a pension. 

He ever remembered deeds of kindness, and was willing to repay them back, though many years may have elapsed before he could accomplish his purpose. Whilst in the army, he fell sick -- not able to return home without assistance, which was rendered by one of his brother, who was also in the service, and many years after, when the government granted the soldier of said war land warrants, he remembered the kindness shown him by his brother, and mad him a present of his warrant. 

He make liberal distributions out of his hard earning to his children at a time when they stood in great need of assistance.  He was kind to the poor man, the widow, and the orphan, and in his death they lost a friend.  He made no pretensions, but was plain in his dress, and manners, and requested that his burial should be conducted in conformity with his life.  He died, as he had lived, in the hope of the Gospel.

Fire Flashback: Yellow Cab Fire

From The Daily News
by Burton Speakman

In the wake of a fire that destroyed its building Wednesday, the Yellow Cab Co. has temporarily relocated. President Joe Boyd said today the company is operating out of the Old Hickory Building at 2530 Scottsville Rd. Despite losing five of its 50 vehicles in the blaze, Boyd said the company will still be able to serve the community. He also thanked people for their help.

"You wouldn't believe the support we've received from the community," Boyd said, "People have been coming by to see if we're OK, bringing us Cokes and food. Preachers have come by."

Firefighters spent nearly 12 hours extinguishing the fire at the company's building at 1586 Old Louisville Road. The call for the fire was reported at 10:55 a.m., said Marlee Boenig, spokesman for the Bowling Green Fire Department. The department left the scene at 10:15 p.m. Firefighters on the department's ariel ladder engine directed water through the top of the building while others manned each side of the building with hoses.

Fire Flashback: Fire Truck Collision, July 1966

From The Daily News
July 25, 1966

"A deplorable incident" and "blessing in disguise" are terms City Manager Harold J. Hilliard used Wednesday afternoon in describing a traffic accident earlier in the day involving two city fire trucks. Hilliard made the comments during an hour long informal inquiry into the cause of the 9:30 a.m. collision between pumpers No. 1 and 3, both from Central Fire Station. He said he found no "Dereliction of duty" on the part of either truck driver, but added:

"I think the accident was caused by the inexperience of Bonds, (fireman Buddy Wayne Bonds, driver of pumper No. 1 that struck a second fire truck) and the fact that he was following the other truck too closely.

Hilliard labeled the accident a "deplorable incident" but said it was a "blessing in disguise" in that it will create a reassessment of the knowledge of a fire truck, pumps and related fire equipment. He suggested that Fire Chief Lonnie Bellamy remove Bonds as a driver until Bonds is given a test in the operation and handling of the pumpers.

Bonds and fireman James Cooksey, driver of the second fire truck were among the crews and officer in charge of the trucks that were questioned during the inquiry. Cooksey said his unit left the fire station first en route to an alarm at 420 College St. Bonds said he followed Cooksey from the fire station and maintained a distance of 50 to 75 feet behind the first pumper along 10th St. to State St. and along State to 4th St. where teh accident occurred.

Hilliard questioned why Bonds told police Capt. James Penders, who investigated the accident, he thought the lead truck was attempting a right turn from State St. rather than a left turn onto 4th to College St. toward the fire. Bonds told Hilliard he applied the truck brakes, but the pumper, which recently underwent extensive engine repairs and was repainted, skidded and plowed into the left side of pumper No. 3.

Cooksey explained that he "swung wide" as he turned onto 4th St. from State because a small foreign made car was stopped on 4th St. at a traffic sign. As Cooksey's truck made the wide turn Bond's bumper struck the side of the lead truck, according to police reports.

Hilliard, in questioning Bonds, learned he is a relief or substitute driver and has driven pumpers only three to four times in answering alarms. He suggested Fire Department drivers or engineers learn the distance in feet required to stop a loaded pumper at various speeds. Hilliard also suggested that fireman Bobby Chaney, who was thrown to the street from the rear of pumper No. 3 by the impact of the crash, be examined for possible injuries. No injuries were reported in the accident.

Hilliard recommended Bellamy meet with ranking officers and department personnel and work out a plan for the distance trucks should trail another and maximum speed limits. Bellamy said such a plan already had been worked out and is posted for officers and engineers to read. He said he has received no estimates for repair of the two trucks nor for a car driven by Kenneth Meredith, Bee Springs, that was struck a glancing blow by the fire trucks.

A Hundred Years Ago, From the Sunday Journal, 1897

Bowling Green in the 1800s

The Sunday Journal
Bowling Green Kentucky, Sunday Morning, Vol. 3, No. 14

August 8, 1897  










A Hundred Years Ago

A day laborer received two shilings a day.
Imprisonment for debt was common practice.
There was not a public library in the United States.
An old copper mine in Connecticut was used as a prison.
There was only one hat factory, and that made cocked hats.
Books were very expensive. Lives of the Poets cost $15.
Crockery plates were objected to because they dulled the knives.
Dry good were designated as “men’s stuffs” or “women’s stuffs”.
Virginia contained a fifth of the whole population of the country.
A horseman who galloped on a city street was fined four shillings.
A man who jeered at a preacher of criticised the sermon was fined.
Two stage coaches bore all the travel between New York and Boston.
Six days were required for a journey between New York and Boston.
Stove were unknown.  All cooking was done before an open fireplace.
The parquet of a theatre was called the pit, and was filled with the rabble.
Three-fourths of the books in every library came from beyond the Atlantic.
Many of the streets were not named and the houses were not numbered.
The whipping post and pillory were still standing in New York and Boston.
The Mississippi Valley was not as well known as is the heart of Africa now is.
Quinine was unknown. When a man had ague fits he took peruvian bark and whiskey.  

Civil War Burning of Bowling Green from Harper's Weekly

Bowling Green, Ky - Burned After The Confederates Marched Out
Harper's Weekly
March 15, 1862

On the evening of the 12th General Mitchell learned that the rebels were preparing to evacuate Bowling Green, and had already shipped their artillery to Nashville. He immediately determined to march upon them, and At an early hour on the morning of Friday, the 14th, he started his men in fine spirits, and eager to avail themselves of the opportunity for which they had so long waited to show their mettle. The distance to be marched was twenty-nine miles, six of which were over such a road as only Kentucky can boast.

But the march was easily made in nine hours, and At eleven o'clock in the forenoon of Friday General Mitchell Appeared before the city, and met the flag of truce which the rebels had the impertinence to send him, requesting six hours in which to evacuate the place. General Mitchell replied that he would not give them six minutes and, planting a rifled piece on the slope of Baker Hill, he threw a shell or two among the thousand rebels about embarking on the cars for Nashville.

They hastily scrambled aboard the train, which was as hastily put in motion, and disappeared, Hardee and Hindman being left behind, and afterward escaping on horseback.  Persons here assert that these generals were afraid to join their men aboard the cars, they having loudly declared their intention to have their revenge upon them for their harsh treatment. Many of Hindman's men have often before been heard to declare their intention to kill him at the first opportunity.

At the time of the shelling of the few troops remaining at the depot in Bowling Green the buildings of the railroad company were fired, and are now a mass' of ruins The depot and round house or machine-shop at this place were extensive and splendid buildings. The intention was doubtless to destroy the whole town; but the appearance of General Mitchell prevented this. The bridges across Barren River had been destroyed the day previous to the appearance of General Mitchell. He was compelled to wait until the day following, when he crossed and took possession of the city.

The flag was raised over the Courthouse of a deserted city. I use the term in its literal sense. The rebels had for months been the only inhabitants. Many still find a home within the city limits. The pits where they lie are seen on every hill-side. It is estimated by the inhabitants here that not less than five thousand rebel soldiers have died of disease during the six months of occupation.

Bowling Green is described by the gazetteers as a pleasant and beautiful city, lying in the valley of numerous hills which ride above its loftiest buildings. But the gazetteers are not of late dates. Let those of the future write it down as one whose beauty has departed. The houses look dingy and dirty, and the streets like those of a country village during the muddy season. It looks as if the shadow had settled upon it, never to be removed. From the hills around it in every direction tile fortifications are frowning and, as it were, withering with a frown.

Once splendid residences graced Mount Airy and Underwood's Hill, a vineyard lay on the side of Baker's Hill and the green wheat and yellow corn were once seen in the valley at the foot of Price's and Webb's. But Mount Airy has been despoiled of the handsome building that graced Its brow, and in its place a lunette fort frowns upon the river that glides silently by.

The vineyard has been trampled under foot, and the yellow corn has been gathered, and the wheat dares not spring up. It seems as if the rebel presence had blighted the country and the city. Inhabitants have fled and left their dwellings to be transformed into hospitals or stables. Ruin and devastation have had their full away.

---

Bowling Green Civil War Map


http://www.warrencoky.com/newspaper_tidbts.htm

Fire Flashback: The Mariah Moore House

From The Daily News
by Brian Wilkerson

Fire gutted one of Bowling Green's oldest brick buildings early today, but owner Rick Kelley said he plans to salvage what he can rebuild. The Mariah Moore House, buit either in 1819 or 1820 at 801 State Street, has been home to Mariah's restaurant since 1980.

"The objective now is to put it back together," Kelley said, adding that contractors will be contacted immediately. "We've got 100 employees we've got to put back to work."

The hardest hit portion of the restaurant was the oldest. Though the walls are still standing, the roof over the two-story structure caved in. The newer areas sustained smoke and water damage, but fire walls and doors helped protect them, said Kelley, who learned of the fire from his secretary, who was listening to a police scanner.

"It's a major loss, said Rick DuBose, Bowling Green-Warren County Chamber of Commerce's executive director.

Bowling Green fire Chief Vindell Webster said half of the structure was saved, and he praised the approximately 50 firefighters who responded.

"Normally, you don't save buildings like this because of their age and because renovations create spaces where fire can hide," Webster said.

The origin of the blaze isn't yet known, but when the department arrived about 1:40 a.m., more flames appeared to be in the basement area, he said. It took nearly two hours to control the blaze, but firefighters were at the scene today to douse hot spots and ensure the building is structurally safe. Webster, emphasizing that an investigation will take seeral days, said arson isn't currently suspected. Employees who were in the restaurant about midnight will be questioned, he said.

One firefighter hyperextended his knee fighting the fire, "but he's OK," Webster said.

Moores part of BG history
From The Daily News

The Mariah Moore House, built either in 1819 or 1820, is generally considred the oldest brick building in Bowling Green and is on the National Register of Historic Places. An old lawsuit uncovered in Barren County indicates that a carpenter who worked on the house estimated that it cost about $3,000 to build.

Although named after Moore, the structure was built by her mother, Elizabeth. Moore, who never married, lived there until her death in 1888. Elizabeth was the widow of George Moore - who, with his brother Robert donated the land for the county's first court house. The Moore brothers are Bowling Greens' founding fathers.

Before 1979 the building served as a carpet shop, said current owner Rick Kelley, who turned it into Mariahs' Restaurant in 1980.

Local Notables: Bill Miner, Bowling Green's Notorious Stagecoach Robber

Ezra Allen Miner (1847 – September 2, 1913), more popularly known as Bill Miner, was a notorious stagecoach and train robber from Bowling Green, Kentucky.  He was known for his unusual politeness while committing robberies, and was nicknamed The Gentleman Robber or The Gentleman Bandit. He is reputed to have been the originator of the phrase "Hands up!".

After his third prison term, Miner moved to the province of British Columbia in Canada, where he adopted the pseudonym George Edwards and is believed to have staged British Columbia's first-ever train robbery on September 10, 1904 at Silverdale about 35 km east of Vancouver, just west of Mission City.

It is often claimed that Miner was the robber, but neither he nor his accomplices were ever tied conclusively to the botched Silverdale heist. It is also widely reported that Silverdale's train robbery was the first in Canada, but Peter Grauer's definitive study ("Interred With Their Bones", 2005) cites a train robbery in Port Credit, Ontario 30 years prior as the first.

Miner was eventually caught after an aborted payroll train robbery near Kamloops at Monte Creek (then known as "Ducks"). He and his two accomplices, Shorty Dunn and Louis Colquhoun, were located near Douglas Lake, B.C. after an extensive manhunt. When found, Miner apparently surrendered to the arresting officers with his customary courteousness, but Dunn attempted to fire at police and was himself shot (in the foot) during the arrest.

Miner's arrest and subsequent trial in Kamloops caused a media spectacle. Upon his conviction, he, Dunn and Colquhoun were transported by train to the provincial penitentiary in New Westminster. By that time, Miner's celebrity status had risen to the point that the tracks were reputedly lined with throngs of supporters, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the fact that someone had taken the very unpopular CPR to task.

After serving time in the B.C. Penitentiary Miner escaped and was never recaptured in Canada. It is presumed that he moved back to the US, becoming once again involved in robberies in the South. There, he served more prison time, and escaped again.

Miner's time in BC propelled his celebrity there in many ways since. BC restaurant chain, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, have named drinks and their famous Billy Miner Pie after the train robber. Their early decor also showed many photos of Miner. A mural depicting Miner's robbery near Monte Creek is being painted on the exterior south wall of Cactus Jacks Saloon & Dance Hall located in the building at the corner of 5th Avenue & Lansdowne Street in Kamloops, BC.

Maple Ridge BC. features the Billy Miner Pub which is located in historic Port Haney on the bank of the Fraser River. The Pub is located in the original Bank Of Montreal building built in the early 1900s
Some speculate that Miner left a hidden cache of loot in the forests south of Silverdale after the first robbery. Some believe he used these funds to fund his escape, while others surmise that there is still hidden loot to be found there.

Miner was the subject of the 1983 Canadian film The Grey Fox, in which he was played by Richard Farnsworth. Miner is buried in Memory Hill Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Miner escaped in death as well. It was discovered several years ago his headstone was in the wrong location and name spelled wrong. A new headstone was put in correct spot and spelled correctly. The old one was kept where it was.

Mount Miner near Princeton, formerly Bald Mountain or Baldy, was re-named in Bill Miner's honour in response to a motion by the Princeton Board of Trade in 1952. Miner had lived on the ranch owned by Jack Budd, which was on the other side of this mountain from Princeton, while planning the robbery at Duck's.

^{From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Miner}