Lot 99: Rare Kentucky Pioneer Document

[KENTUCKY PIONEER] a manuscript document from Hardin Co., Ky, dated 1811, signed by noted Kentucky pioneers including: BEN HELM (1767-1858) moved to Kentucky from Virginia in 1779. His father built one of three forts that became Elizabethtown. He purchased the farm owned by Christopher Bush, father of Sarah, who became Abraham Lincoln’s step-mother. Also Robert Bleakley, opened a store in Elizabethtown with William Montgomery, another Irishman. Their establishment is said to have been the first such operation in the pioneer village that could ready be called a "store." Montgomery was an Orangeman, who was engaged in the rebellion In Ireland in 1798. He was arrested and confined in a prison from which men were taken and executed daily He was released from prison through the efforts of his aunt, who was married to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland on the condition that he would emigrate to America. Wm. Montgomery and Bleakley opened adry goods store. In 1806 they hired the father of Abraham Lincoln [Thomas] to take a flatboat down the Mississippi river with their merchandise to be sold in New Orleans. They paid Tom Lincoln 16 pounds gold and a credit of 13 pounds in gold. Their store account books show Tom Lincoln buying "two twists of tobacco & one pint of whisky." And the books also show that in May 1806, Thomas went on a buying spree, purchasing silk, linen, scarlet cloth, dozens of buttons, etc. Earlier that year he had purchased an aristocratic beaver hat & a pair of silk suspenders for $1.50. He was, at this time, courting his future bride Nancy Hanks [Abe Lincoln's mother]. After the wedding he made his home in a cabin close to the courthouse in Elizabethtown. He then purchased at their store, knives, forks, spoons, thread, needles, silk & tobacco. Carl Sandburg wrote about Bleakley and Lincoln. Also William P. DUVAL (1784-1854) Interesting Kentucky pioneer who became Gov. of Florida. Born in Virginia he was inclined to be somewhat wild in his youth. While young he decided to go to Kentucky and told his father, who remarked, “If I give you a Negro you will sell him the first chance and spend the money you get for him; if I give you a horse you will bet him off at the first horse race you see, and if I give you a pocket full of money you will bet it off or give it away. You love a gun and would not part with that.” With a light heart he left home telling his family he wouldn’t come back until he was a member of Congress. So he walked to Kentucky. He arrived at Bardstown, Ky. and studied law, fell in love and married the daughter of Col. Andrew Hynes. Col. Hynes was the founder of Elizabethtown, which was named after his wife. Having sown his wild oats he began to practice law in Elizabethtown. As there were no lawyers there, he was appointed County Attorney of Hardin County. In 1812 he ran for congress and was so popular that no one opposed him. He served in congress, 1813-14. On his first trip to Washington he visited his relatives in Virginia for the first time since leaving, thus verifying his promise not to return until he was a congressman. In 1822 he was appointed Gov. of Florida by President Monroe, and re-appointed by Presidents' Adams and Jackson. We believe that the William P. Duval signature was written by Ben Helm. This is a court document signed on the front & verso by Ben Helm. All other signatures are on the verso. Approx. 7.5 x 13-3/4 in. VG.

VG