History of Elkton, (Todd County) Kentucky United States of America

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Benjamin Helm Bristow, statesman, was born at Elkton, Todd county, Ky., June 20, 1832. He obtained his education at Washington and Jefferson college, Pa., where he was graduated in 1851. On leaving college he entered the law office of his father at Elkton, and continued the study and practice of law there until 1857, when he removed to Hopkinsville, where he practised his profession until the breaking out of the civil war. He entered the Union army as lieutenant-colonel of the 25th Kentucky volunteers. He distinguished himself for bravery at the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh, being wounded at the last-named battle. He returned home in 1862 and after recruiting the 8th Kentucky cavalry, he again entered the service as its lieutenant-colonel, soon receiving promotion as colonel. He was with the division that captured the Confederate raider, Gen. John Morgan. In 1863 he was elected state senator, but resigned in 1865 to resume his practice, settling in Louisville, Ky., where, in 1869, he was appointed United States district attorney, and held the office for one year. On the organization of the department of justice in October, 1870, he was made solicitor-general, organized the office, and during the absence of the attorney general performed his duties and filled his place in cabinet meeting. He resigned after two years' service to become attorney of the Texas Pacific railroad, but soon after resigned to resume the practice of law at Louisville. In 1873 he was nominated by President Grant U.S. attorney-general, but the appointment was rejected by the senate. In June, 1874, he was appointed by President Grant secretary of the treasury, which office he resigned in 1876. He was a prominent candidate at the Republican national convention at Cincinnati in 1876 for the presidential nomination, receiving one hundred and thirteen votes. He afterwards settled in New York city, taking up his practice as senior member of the law firm of Bristow, Peake & Opdyke. He died in New York city, June 22, 1896.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Elkton, (Todd County) Kentucky

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