Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men

Abstract

The Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men (dated 1780 November 19; 0.01 cubic feet; 1 item) documents individuals hired to work in the service of Virginia to cut a road over the Cumberland Mountains.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men
Date
1780 November 19
Creator
Kinkead, John, circa 1726-1792
Extent
0.01 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Roads -- Design and construction -- Kentucky.
Transportation -- Kentucky
Finding Aid Author
Megan Mummey
Preferred Citation
2018ms055: [identification of item], Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men, 1780 November 19, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
The General Assembly of Virginia passed an act at its October 1779 session to build a road over the Cumberland Mountains to the County of Kentucky. The legislation empowered Evan Shelby and Richard Callaway to serve as commissioners to implement the plan and authorized them to hire laborers and secure militia guards to protect the work from Indian incursions. Those employed were to be compensated by warrants for 300 acres of unappropriated lands or $120. John Kinkead (circa 1726-1792) and William McBride (d. 1782) were hired as commissioners to supervise the work.
Scope and Content
The Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men (dated 1780 November 19; 0.01 cubic feet; 1 item) documents individuals hired to work in the service of Virginia to cut a road over the Cumberland Mountains. The list indicates that John Kinkead (circa 1726-1792) and William McBride (d. 1782) were hired to oversee the work. The list was possibly used to prepare certificates validating the work or services of the listed individuals in order to secure their land or pay. The list bears 50 names, the number of persons authorized by the original legislation. They include William Cowen as "pilet" of the road, Robert Herald as horse master, and Captain John Snoddy (circa 1740-1814) as officer of the guard. The document also bears the endorsements of Edward Archer (1747-1807) and Leighton Wood (d. 1808) of the Virginia Auditors Office. The list documents work accomplished on roads that fostered westward migration during the American Revolution.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Cumberland Mountain road list of laborers, guards and packhorse men, 1780 November 19

  • Box MS-46, folder 1
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.