Bonnie Strassell - Owen County Historical Society

“The American backwoodsman - clad in his hunting shirt, the product of his domestic industry and fighting for the country he loves, he is more than a match for the vile but splendid mercenary of a European despot.”

These words of William Henry Harrison reflected his high regard for the Kentucky troops during the War of 1812. Harrison was commander of the Northwest army during this conflict, and Kentuckians led the way in achieving a victory for the young, untested America.

Harry Worsham announced he had the “best barber shop in town,” and he invited folks to give it a try; and G.E. Goode, located in Doty Brothers new garage, guaranteed his vulcanizing to “outwear the balance of tires.”
Harry and G.E. placed these ads in the July 3, 1919 issue of the News-Herald.
In this same paper, the entire right half of the front page was devoted to ads, a common practice in the early days of newspaper publication.

It is a landmark in Owen County. Local history permeates every inch of its surface. For over 160 years, it has gazed upon Seminary Street and collected family stories of those who stopped by to visit. Age does not detract from its character but rather defines it; and it represents more than a century of Owen County cherished traditions.

They came on horseback, by wagons laden with worldly possessions, or on foot, driving a bony family cow over twisted trails.
For many, the long wilderness trek from Virginia and the Carolinas ended among the rolling hills and winding creeks of what is today Owen County, Kentucky.