Those who read this volume will find it unlike the usual history. It is the earnest work of a man who has spent a third of his life in a newspaper office. This will account for the style in which it is written. and, in some degree, for its matter. Of the early history of Kentucky not much will be found that is new. Earlier writers have so thoroughly gleaned that field that little is left for the historian of today. Coming nearer to our own time, the writer claims that his work contains much that is new. There will be those who will criticise what is written. It would be a stupid history which pleased everyone, and the writer will welcome honest criticism. He has, in all instances, endeavored to ascertain exact facts and to set them down fairly. He has opinions, and it may be, some prejudices. As he was not writing a mere gazetteer, he has stated his opinions where it seemed proper and has kept his prejudices in check to what he trusts is a reasonable extent.
His thanks for assistance generously rendered, are due to Mrs. Madeline McDowell Breckinridge, Rev. E. Y. Mullins, Rev. Thomas J. Jenkins, Rev. L. H. Blanton, Rev. Harvey Glass, Gen. B. W. Duke, E. G. Logan, Col. R. T. Durrett, A. C. Quisenberry, Col. J. Stoddard Johnston, Prof. H. H. Cherry, C. J. Norwood, Dr. Henry Enos Tuley, Young E. Allison, Blackburn Esterline and J. K. Patterson.
It is proper to say that the author assumes responsibility for the first volume only, of this work. The biographical sketches in volumes two and three are the work of others than himself.