Re: John Selden Hargis 1820-1892
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In reply to:
John Selden Hargis 1820-1892
Mike Kohus 10/27/07
John Selden Hargis b. Nov 11, 1820 Lee Co, VA.Died Feb 28, 1892 Breathitt Co, KY.Married Evaline M Brittain Dec 05, 1858.8 children born in Breathitt Co, KY.
John Selden may have been illegitimate child, some info have Mary B. marrying a unknown Jackson late in life but John carries her sir name.From Franklin Co History center, Hargis Files; a Mr. McAlstry from Scott Co, VA - an influential farmer is suspected to be the father of John Selden Hargis.
This family (John S. Hargis & Evaline Brittain) was an only son to Mary Hargis, older daughter of Samuel Hargis and Nancy McMunn of Russell Co, VA.It seems he was born out of wedlock even though some researchers claim that Mary had married a Hargis.
Evaline lost 3 of her sons in the feud against the Cockrells.The last to be killed was judge Hargis by his son in 1908.
John S. Hargis, son of Mary "Mollie" Hargis, the unmarried sister of Bally John Hargis, came with her son and brother to Jackson, KY in 1839. She was born in 1799 in Virginia. She and her son lived together until after his marriage, after which he provided her with a home near where he lived until her death in 1869. John S. was born in Lee County Virginia, November 11, 1820 and was therefore about 18 years old when he came to Jackson. His death occurred February 28,1892 in Frankfort, KY where he was serving a time as a member of the State Senate. He was succeeded in office by his son Alexander who served the remainder of his unexpired term. In the year of 1858 he was married to Evoline Brittian Sewell, the widow of William Sewell. She was born in Lee County Virginia April 16, 1832 and died at Jackson, KY January 29, 1914. They lived on a farm John S. purchased from William Cockrell which was located across the river from Jackson on the Pan Bowl where they resided the remainder of their lives. At the time of his marriage and for some years previous, he was engaged in the mercantile business which was operated in a log building on Main Street opposite the court house. This building was later enlarged and weather boarded. He eventually sold his business to his two sons, Alexander and James H. who removed the old building and erected on its site the present large brick building where they conducted business for many years under the name of "A.H. and J. Hargis" This business grew until they practically controlled most of the mercantile and lumber business of the county. This condition continued to exist until James decided to enter politics and was elected County Judge. He also became a member of Democratic State Central Committee from his Congressional District. He was great friend of William Gobel in his race for Governor and J. C. W. Beckham who succeeded Gobel and did his bidding. In the meantime James H. and his brother Alex disagreed and Alex later sold his interest in the business to James who continued to operate the business till his death. After James H. entered politics he began to incur enemies who increased from time to time. His business dropped off and he became engaged in a feud and was finally killed by his son. Alexander the brother of James engaged in banking business, being President and Controller of the Hargis Commercial Bank and Trust Co. of Jackson. This bank prospered and became the leading bank in that section of the state. Then a business depression and financial panic came. The bank closed, many depositors lost their money and Alex died a pauper. John S. Hargis reared eleven children, four children of his wife by her previous marriage and seven children of his own.
Journal of the Senate
1891-1892
Vol. 1,Page 415
March 10, 1892
Mr. Wortham, from the special committe appointed to draft resolutions regarding the death of Hon. John S. Hargis, late senator of the 34th District, submitted the following report, viz:
Hon. John S. Hargis, who represented in this General Assembly the 34th Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Breathitt, Lee, Johnson, Magoffin, Menefee, Morgan, Powell and Wolfe, died in the city of Frankfort on Sunday morning, February 28 1892.He was born in Scott Co, Virginia seventy-two years ago, but nearly all of his life was spent in Eastern KY and mostly in Breathitt Co, in which, for years he engaged in farming, trading, and general merchandise.Beneath the rugged exterior of an earnest andhonest nature, which is a characteristic feature of a pioneer or leader of men, there was a kindly feeling and genial humor in Senator Hargis which drew him to us in the bond of close fellowship.As a member of the House of Repersentatives of the General Assembly of 1855-57, and as a member of this Senate for a brief period, we recongnize in all of his public services the inspiration of a true hearted citizen and legislator, whose aims and efforts were directed to the faithful and efficient discharge of a duty, conceived in the highest interest of his constituency and state, therefore be it, Resolved, That in the death of Senator Hargis the state has lost a patriot in all the relation of life; and that while cherising his memory and extending our sypmpathy to the bereaved family, we bow in humble submission to the Divine will, which in its omniscient wisdom has seen fit to remove him from our midst.
2. That this memorial be spread upon the Journal of theSenate, and that an engrossed copy be transmitted by the Clerk to the family of the deceased at Jackson, KY.
It was moved, that as a further mark of respect and tribute to the memory of the deceased, the senate do now adjourn.
Bible Record
Birth November 11, 1820
Death February 28, 1892
Samuel was the son of John Hargis.Samuel was married in NC.
Cemetery in Jackson, KY where several of the Hargis family are buried is on private property where the Hargis family once lived and is owned by Sue Clair.