John LaRue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John LaRue
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| Born | January 24, 1746 Frederick County, Virginia, United States
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| Died | January 4, 1792 (Age 55) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Landowner, surveyor |
| Known for | Pioneer of Hodgenville, Kentucky |
John P. LaRue (1746-1792) was an important pioneer who helped settle the land that became Kentucky. He was part of the well-known LaRue family from Virginia.
John LaRue: A Kentucky Pioneer
John LaRue was born on January 24, 1746, in Frederick County, Virginia. He was the second child of Isaac and Phebe LaRue. John grew up working hard on his family's farm. He didn't have many chances to go to school. Later, he owned land in Virginia. He also served as an officer in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War. This was a big fight for America's independence.
After the war, John and his brother Samuel moved west. In 1779, they built a cabin near Guist Creek. This area is now Shelby County, Kentucky. In 1783, John married Mary Brooks (1766-1843) from Virginia. A year later, they moved to Kentucky together. John had sold his land in Virginia to make the move.
They settled at Nolin Station. This place was about one mile from what is now Hodgenville. Nolin Station was a small settlement. It had a stockade fort, which is a strong fence made of logs. This fort was called Phillips' Fort. It was built on land owned by Phillip Phillips.
John became a very successful landowner. He got help from Squire Boone, a famous surveyor. Squire Boone was the brother of the well-known explorer Daniel Boone. John claimed a lot of land, eventually owning about 40,000 acres. That's a huge amount of land!
Legacy and Family Connections
John LaRue died on his farm near Hodgenville on January 4, 1792. He was buried in the old Phillips Fort Cemetery. Many years later, in 1843, a new county was created in Kentucky. It was named LaRue County, Kentucky in John's honor. His grandson, John LaRue Helm, suggested the name. John LaRue Helm was serving as the speaker of the house at the time.
John's widow, Mary, later remarried. In 1809, she worked as a midwife for the birth of Abraham Lincoln. This happened on the nearby Sinking Spring Farm. John's daughter, Maraget LaRue Walters (1789-1864), is also thought to have been there. His niece, Rebecca Hodgen Kieth (1784-1845), might have been present too.
