My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 7 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1887.  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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JAMES B. A. RISK, M. D., a practicing physician of Morgan, Pendleton Co., Ky., was born in Georgetown, Scott Co., Ky., December 4, 1823, and is a son of John B. and Mary (Hughes) Risk. John B. Risk and wife were born near Richmond, Va., and immigrated to Kentucky with their parents when infants, who settled near Newton, Scott County; they were married about 1820, and John B., a farmer by occupation, was a man of considerable intelligence. After his death his widow removed to Pendleton County, where she spent the remainder of her life. James B. A. Risk was brought up on the farm and received his education principally at Sugar Ridge Academy, Scott County, where he followed farming until eighteen; years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Robert Flournoy and also Dr. Isaac Ganoe, subsequently studying with Dr. D. L. Price, of Fayette County, graduating in medicine, and receiving a diploma from the medical department of the. University of Transylvania a few years later. Also, after becoming a member of the Medical Philosophical Society of that institution, he, was honored with a diploma from that society. By his fondness of science and literature he became the honored recipient of the degree of A. M. from Eminence College, of Kentucky. In a few years the honorary degree of Legum Doctor, LL. D., was conferred upon him by the same college, whose president, Prof. W. S. Giltner, one of Kentucky’s noble sons, is worthy of high encomiums. In the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1864, he was appointed to the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and children. After laboring in that department most gratifyingly he was appointed to the chair of obstetrics only. From this he was removed, and placed in the chair of pathology, and thence to the chair of physiology. It seemed that he grew rapidly in favor with the trustees and faculty as a teacher, and as there was a vacancy in the chair of medical jurisprudence and forensic medicine, he was honored with that place, and last of all he was identified with the chair of the principles and practice of medicine. After the faculty moved in their new college building, he moved with his family to Covington, and commenced the practice of medicine, but returned to Morgan, and resumed his practice. After a few years he moved to Falmouth, the county seat of Pendleton County, this State. After practicing medicine a few years in this city he disposed of his property, and went to St. Louis, where he expected to remain. In this, however, he was disappointed, for, soon after he reached that place, his wife informed him that the children were going back to Kentucky. Desiring to be near their children, they returned to this State, near Falmouth, where they now sojourn. His labors in the college are during the fall and winter months. By invitation he became a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Risk owns 528 acres of land, and lives in a stone house built by Gov. Metcalf about one hundred years ago. March 23, 1852, he married Miss Lucy Myers, a daughter of John and Frances (Asberry) Myers, natives of Pendleton County. To this union have been born four daughters and two sons, viz.: Stowers, Scott, Margaret A., Harriet A., Nancy M. and Emma T., all deceased but Emma T., who is the wife of Dr. John M. Meek, a practicing physician of Pendleton County. Dr. Bisk was a member of the F. & A. M.; politically he is a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 27 biographies included in the Pendleton County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 7 published in 1887 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 7

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

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