Person:George Downs (5)

From Jessamine County Kentucky 1798-1993: One of Jessamine county's first ferries was at the mouth of Hickman Creek near present day Camp Nelson. It was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1785 on the lands of James Hogan to be operated by him between the counties of Lincoln and Fayette. James Hogan also built a warehouse at this location for the prising and shipping of tobacco and other commodities. In 1802 Hogan leased his ferry to William Downs and John Moss. In 1838 a covered bridge was erected across the river at the mouth of Hickman which eventually led to the ferry's demise. This was the only bridge to span the river, in central Kentucky, until after the Civil War. Prior to 1800 William Downs, had apparently operated a ferry near Handys Bend at Elk Shoals about 3 miles upstream from High Bridge. The 1799 Jessamine Co Court Orders mentions "Viewing a proposed road from Down's Ferry to the Seat of Justice," (Nicholasville)

In the minutes of the Circuit court of Jessamine county, there are numerous entries for William and his brother Benoni regarding the leasing of this ferry. Apparently Mr. Hogan and then Mr. Moss owed William money from this transaction and William tried for many years to collect it.

1. ↑ Kentuckiana Digital Library, Subject: Millitary Service (Bourbon County men and women who served in World War
   Land Grants.

   _TMPLT:
   FIELD:
   Name: Page
   VALUE: Land Grants

2. ↑ 100 acres Kentucky river, Polly's Bent, Mercer co, KY Grant #23, 1790-91 p. 496 Reel 89