MAJOR WILLIAM T. BARRY.

Major William T. Barry, one of the most remarkable men who ever lived in Kentucky, was born in Virginia, February 5, 1783. At a very early age he came to Kentucky with his father and settled first in Fayette and afterward in Jessamine County. He attended school at Woodford Academy, graduated at Transylvania University, and commenced the practice of law in Lexington when twentyone years of age. He was one of the most brilliant and eloquent men of the period in which he lived. From 1805 to 1835 his life was a series of wonderful successes. Fortune appeared to lavish upon him her richest gifts and noblest rewards.

In his twenty-first year he was elected to fill a vacancy in the legislature of Kentucky from Fayette County, and re-elected in 1809. He was chosen to represent the Ashland District in Congress in 1810, and again in 1814. He also represented it in the legislature. In the discussion of the matters which led up to the War of 1812, no man was more eloquent, earnest, brilliant, and patriotic. His speeches won the admiration and confidence of all parties. His courage and gallantry while serving on the staff of Governor Shelby as his secretary merited and received the gratitude and approval of his chief. The people of Ken

tucky recognized in him not only a brilliant statesman but an unselfish patriot.

When twenty-seven he became speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. He represented Kentucky in the senate for two sessions, 1814-16, and then resigned to accept the circuit judgeship. In 1817 he was forced to stand as a candidate for the State senate. His magnetic power and influence enabled him, while in the Kentucky Senate, to secure aid for Transylvania University, in which he was lecturer in the Law Department. His name gave the law school wide prestige and success.

In 1820 he was elected lieutenant-governor by an overwhelming majority, and at that time was unquestionably the most popular man in Kentucky. He was appointed chief justice of the "New Court" in 1825, and held the place until the repeal of the "New Court" act in 1826. A candidate for governor in 1828, he was defeated by only seven hundred and nine votes, but his splendid presence, superb eloquence, and the influence resulting from his canvass caused the State, in the following year, to cast 7,934 votes for Andrew Jackson.

He was appointed postmaster-general by Jackson, and held the office until declining health caused him to surrender it. In the hope that a change of location and a milder climate might restore his health, Judge Barry

was sent by President Jackson as Minister to Spain. He sailed for his post, and died at Liverpool, England, in 1835.

In 1854, by act of the legislature, the remains of Judge Barry were disinterred, brought to Kentucky, and buried in the State lot at Frankfort. His friends erected a monument to his memory in the courthouse yard at Lexington. The State erected a headstone over his grave.

COLONEL GEORGE WALKER.

Governor Shelby appointed Colonel George Walker, of Jessamine County, his inspector-general. He was admirably fitted for this responsible post. He came from Culpeper County, Virginia, where he was born, and settled in Kentucky in 1794. He began the practice of law in Nicholasville, Kentucky, in 1799, and was the second lawyer to open an office in the new county seat.

Colonel Walker was of distinguished lineage. His mother was a sister of David Meade, of Chaumiere, and this fact doubtless induced his permanent residence in Jessamine. A man of wide learning and attractive manners, he wielded a great influence in Central Kentucky, and he enjoyed in a high degree Governor Shelby's confidence and esteem. When a mere lad he had fought at Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown. Brave as the bravest he had battled for his country's liberties with

superb courage and gallantry. He had answered every call his country made, and was among the first to respond in the War of 1812. He represented Jessamine County in the Kentucky Senate in 1810, and held this position when he followed Kentucky's governor to the Thames.

He married a daughter of General John Coffee, of Tennessee, and was the father of quite a family when he volunteered. He died on his farm, near Nicholasville, in 1819.

The regard of Governor Shelby for the patriotism of Colonel Walker was again manifested by his appointing him to fill a vacancy in the senate of the United States in 1814. He remained in the senate until 1815.

He was one of the commissioners appointed to survey and locate the line between Kentucky and Tennessee, and the line was afterward known as Walker's line.

He was one of the first men to respond to Governor Shelby's call, and to his influence and that of Captain Augustine Bower was attributable in large degree the prompt and enthusiastic response of Jessamine County in this campaign; although a small county it sent two full companies, which were assigned to Trotter's regiment.

Colonel Walker was buried on his farm, now the property of Melancthon Young, Esq., about one mile east of Nicholasville. The monument built over him has long