The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1919-03-10
MASON COUNTY FIRST
CONTINUED from Page q


abue abode for his b0yhood sweet
heart, the beautiful Ruth Killen,
whom he wished to bring soon from
her home in Delaware.
His energetic uncle decided to re-
main q short while to aid him in this
interesting undertaking and together
they erected, before spring, the story
and-a-half log building, quite preten-
tious for the time, whichis still stand
ing. It is the old Degman homestead
"Maplewood" erected in 1888 and SO,
of whip sawed poplar logs, large stone
chimneys and sawed pine floors, In
stead of the usual "puncheon" floors.
The nails used were forged out by
blacksmith Of Maysville and are still
performing their required office as
we'll as when they were first driven.
The roof was covered with short
boards (called clapboards) laid shin
gle fashion, and local furniture
maker named Hood Hines furnished
the house with substantial hickory
chairs, settees, benches and tables.
One of these chairs is still in existence
and constant use.
Another building was later erected
near the first and in 1t for years, the
first academy for higher learning in
that part Of the state was there con-
Quoted by Peter Degman before 1900.
The upper story of this school build
ing was used as boys dormitory by
the eager young students who came
from adjoining states and counties to
avail themselves Of the opportunity of
pursuing their studies. Among these
early students were the late Alfred
Redman, Chas. d. Tully, AL and Trav.
Glascock and their sister, Emily, and
Elizabeth Boyd.
After materially aiding his nephew
in his building. Matthias Denman has
tened away to his own business sche-
mes and shortly after Peter brought
his young bride to his home.
This, however, was not accomplish
ed without considerable difficulty. Her
father. the gallant Maj. Henry Killen
of Revolutionary fame, had but re-
Gently died and left her elder brother,
William, as her guardian.
Ruth's beauty and wealth made her
a prize and the brother considered
that the curley haired Irish boy from
the west, be he ever so prosperous.
was no match for his sister. So the
young couple were compelled to elope,
thereby forfeiting all her wealth with
the exception Of about $500, in gold
and Jewels, which she carried on her
person.
Like her namesake Of old, she de-
ciared whittier thou goest, will go.
They people shall be my people They
were married in the little village of
Vernon, Delaware, March 1, 1892, and
joyfully travelled to the home so low
ingiy prepared. On a high point OPP
posite the Beaver dam Of Cabin Creek
by the side of the old Indian War
Road, overlooking the site of the Ar
row makers cabin and the Indians
camping field, also the blue distant
hills of Ohio, beyond the glistening
waters OF the Ohio river, Ruth found
her home nest ready True to her
nuptial VOWS she made an ideal wife
and mother. Eleven children were
born to them and many trials as we'll
as pleasures we're here shared togeth-
er. When she was finally called to
her home above, her husband placed
a tall marble shaft above her grave
in the little family burying ground
and here after many visitudes he was
at last laid by her side.
Among the dearest friends who
visited this young pioneer couple dur
ing those first trying and lonely years
in the wilderness. we're the young cou-
pie whose acquaintance they had
made, when coming down the river
from Pittsburg. These were the Blen-
neshassetts and their congenial COM
x.ufccaht, ara thafv Lindnaao In Land