JESSE H. BOULDEN, farmer and trader; P. O. Millersburg; one of the best
financiers and business men of Bourbon County; was born Aug. 2, 1825, to
Ephraim Boulden. Our subject, the only child by his first wife, who was
a Miss Talbott (for Boulden history see sketch of Rezin Boulden). James
H. resided with his grandfather, his mother having died when he was
about eight years of age, and at fourteen years of age was placed by him
in the dry goods store of Whaley & McClure, where he remained for about
seven years. Upon Aug. 13, 1846, he was married to Virrilla Moore,
daughter of Abraham Moore (see F. J. Barbee's hist.); by her he had nine
children, seven are now living, one died in infancy, and Henry M. was
killed at eighteen years of age; those living are: Lizzie, now the wife
J. G. Smedley, whose history appears in this work; Nannie, wife of Mr.
Wolfolk, a fruit grower, near Welaka, S. Fa.; Fannie, wife of Dr. Hurst
whose history also appears in this work; Carrie, wife of John C.
Crutchfield, of the firm of Myers & Crutchfield, prominent dry goods
merchants, of Lexington; Charlie M. married a Miss Poor, from near
Camp Nelson, where he now resides, engaged in farming and trading;
Samuel M. and Dick Gano, residing with their parents. During the first
two years of married life Mr. Boulden was engaged in the dry goods
business with Dr. Noah S. Moore, at the expiration of which time he
sold his interest in the business to his partner, and engaged in farming
and trading, in which he as since been engaged. During the late
rebellion he espoused the Union cause, and rendered valuable service
to the Federal Government, in large purchases of horses and mules for
their armies. He was a general favorite with the armies of of both
Governments, on account of his uprightness and truthfulness, and many
times was called upon to render service to both sides; the many
kindnesses to the "Gray Coats" being reciprocated in raiding upon him,
and entailing upon him heavy losses. The courage of his noble wife
during those trying times was also remarkable, remaining at home alone
and unprotected with a large family of small children; she faced danger
unflinchingly, and in numerous instances averted devastation by her
fortitude and unwavering determination. Mr. Boulden is a man of great
energy and business qualifications, having by his diligences and
industry accumulated a large fortune, notwithstanding numerous reverses.
He, without security, at one time in business transactions, overdrew
his account at the Northern Bank of Paris to the extent of $96,000
which was certainly a display of confidence in his honor. He and family
are members of the Christian Church, in which he has found a home for
more than forty years, and since 1854 has been a member of the I.O.O.F.'s.
