JOHN W. BEDFORD, farmer; P. O. Millersburg; born near Clintonville,
Bourbon County, June 30, 1827, to John and Sally G. (King) Bedford, she
a daughter of William King and Nancy (Reamy) King, who after his death
married Redmon Thomas, the latter's ancestors, natives of Nelson County;
John, the father of our subject, was son of old uncle Barry Bedford, who
came from Virginia, settling in Paris Precinct at a very early date;
built the house where Mrs. Patsey Clay now lives; he going to Lexington
to have the nails wrought for use in the building. John W. received a
good education for the early times, and rendered his father assistance
in the business transactions and labor of the farm. There were Ann
(deceased), became the wife of Mr. Fish Scruggs; six children were the
fruits of this marriage; have settled throughout the country. L. B.
Mosby, living in Paris Precinct; J. W.; Washington K., who died in young
manhood; Susan R., now a Mrs. Young; W. Moran, also in Paris Precinct,
and Mattie, who died in young womanhood. Mr. Bedford was married Oct.
20, 1853, to Victoria Emeline (Shier), daughter of Charles P. and Mary
S. (Wiggins) Shier, natives of South Carolina, he a leading business man
of Charleston. The fruits of this union are ten children: Charles,
now one of the leading business men of Millersburg, of the firm of Bedford
& Hedges, Clothiers. Mary, Susan, John, also engaged in business in
Millersburg, of the firm of Boulden & Bedford; William, Sally, Mattie,
George (deceased), Barry and Edwin. Mr. Bedford, after marriage, engaged
in business for a time with his father-in-law in Charleston, then went to
Florida, locating on a large cotton plantation, near the famous "Silver
Spring" where he was very successful; disposed of his plantation and
returned to Charleston again, engaging in business. In 1859 he came to
Fayette County, where he resided until 1871, when he purchased the
beautiful home, where he now resides. He has lived a varied life, meeting
with success in each branch. Upon his farm, is the location of the William
Miller Fort, where lived one of the first settlers of the Blue Grass
region.
