Matthew Christian, the founder of the Christian family in Union County, is the son of Paddy Christian, a Revolutionary hero, who fought entirely through the War of Independence. He was present at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a devout believer in the Christian religion. Matthew was born in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1776. He received some training in the schools of Augusta, and, when quite young, entered the United States Regular Army and served a term. When Gen. Wayne's expedition against the Indians of the Northwest, was organized, Mr. Christian accompanied it in the capacity of scout, and was present at the battle of Ft. Wayne. After the war he went to Frankfort. His uncle induced him to come "south of Green River to Highland Lick Salt Works" early in this century, and afterward he removed to the present Bordley Precinct, and remained there until his death in 1853. He was one of the men who pursued Big Harpe to his death, and saw Leper shoot the daring desperado. He formerly owned 600 acres of land, but gradually lost it all but 150 acres, which he had at the time of his death. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church all his life, and honored the church of his father by a consistent Christian life. He had eight children, six of whom are dead. The only survivors are Matthew C. and William. William married a Miss Amberson, who is now dead; Robert Black married Matilda Montgomery; Betsey married James Givens; Peggy married David Potts; Nancy married James Markham; and Prudence lived single, dying at the age of fifty years. The descendants of this pioneer are a solid and conservative set of citizens, who have always been a credit and advantage to the country, as well as an honor to their ancestor.
