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Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 8a by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM CHRISTIAN BULLITT was born on his father’s farm — “Ox Moor,” as it was called — February 14, 1793, and is a son of Alexander Scott Bullitt, the first lieutenant-governor of Kentucky, and Priscilla (Christian) Bullitt. A. S. Bullitt died when William C. was sixteen years of age and bequeathed to the latter his farm, which he owned until his death, and upon which the greater part of his life was passed. He was admitted to the bar in Louisville in 1815, when under twenty years of age, and practiced until 1817, when he was debarred through the dueling law by reason of a challenge sent to the Hon. Ben Hardin. The legislature, however, by a general law removed the disabilities of all who came under that penalty. The law proving too great a strain upon a somewhat delicate constitution, he retired from the bar in 1820, and settled on the farm where his family were all brought up. His education was derived almost entirely from his father, having attended school but a very short time during his youth. He at all times took a deep interest in politics, was a constant student and well versed in history, but never entered upon public life, the only public position he ever held being that of a member of the convention which formed the present State constitution. In youth he was of a gay and joyous disposition, but of quick temper. In later years he became reserved and somewhat stern. Strong, practical sense, and unyielding firmness of purpose, perfect candor in his dealings with men, and a strong sense of justice, were his marked characteristics. While he mingled but little in society, his home was distinguished for that rare hospitality which marked the early days of Kentucky. During the late war, the disturbed condition of society in the country induced him to remove to the city to Louisville, and he never afterward resided on his farm. Mr. Bullitt was married on the 1st of September, 1819, to Mildred Ann Fry, a daughter of Joshua Fry, who was early distinguished as a teacher in Kentucky. Ten children were born of this marriage; four died in early life and without issue. Those now surviving are: Hon. Joshua F. Bullitt, of Louisville; John C. Bullitt, of Philadelphia; Thomas W. Bullitt, of Louisville — all of whom are lawyers; and Henry M. Bullitt, who lives on a part of the old farm. The daughters are Mrs. Sue B. Dixon, widow of Hon. Archibald Dixon, of Henderson; and Mrs. Helen M. Chenoweth, wife of Dr. Henry Chenoweth, of Jefferson County. Mr. Bullitt died August 28, 1877, in the eighty-fifth year of his age, his wife died July 12, 1879, in the eighty-third year of her age.

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This family biography is one of 195 biographies included in the Jefferson County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 8a published in 1888 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 8a

View additional Jefferson County, Kentucky family biographies here: Jefferson County, Kentucky Biographies

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