Among the names of many of the first settlers of Harrodsburgh, are those that are found most prominent in the early annals of Kentucky.  In the first list of these we find the names of McGary, Harland, McBride, and Chaplain.  Among the young settlers, none were more conspicuous for active, daring, and meritorious service, than James Ray.  Prompt at his post at the first moment of alarm, brave in the field, fearless and persevering in the pursuit of the enemy, scarcely a battle, skirmish, or expedition took place in which he had not a distinguished part.  Equally expert as a woodsman, and skilful and successful as a hunter, he was often employed as a spy.  It is recorded of him that he left his garrison, when short of provisions, by night marched to a forest at the distance of six miles, killed a buffalo, and, loaded with the choice parts of the flesh, returned to regale the hungry inhabitants in the morning.  He achieved this enterprise, too, when it was well known that the vicinity was thronged with Indians, lurking for an opportunity to kill.  These are the positions which try the daring and skill, the usefulness and value of men, furnishing a criterion which cannot be counterfeited between reality and resemblance.

We may perhaps in this place most properly introduce another of the famous partisans in savage warfare, Simon Kenton, alias Butler, who, from humble beginnings, made himself conspicuous by distinguished services and achievements in the first settlements of this country, and ought to be recorded as one of the patriarchs of Kentucky.  He was born in Virginia, in 1753.  He grew to maturity without being able to read or write; but from his early exploits he seems to have been endowed with feelings which the educated and those born in the upper walks of life, appear to suppose a monopoly reserved for themselves.  It is recorded of him, that at the age of nineteen, he had a violent contest with another competitor for the favor of the lady of his love.  She refused to make an election between them, and the subject of this notice indignantly exiled himself from his native place.  After various peregrinations on the long rivers of the west, he fixed himself in Kentucky, and soon became a distinguished partisan against the savages.  In 1774, he joined himself to Lord Dunmore, and was appointed one of his spies.  He made various excursions, and performed important services in this employ.  He finally selected a place for improvement on the site where Washington now is.  Returning one day from hunting, he found one of his companions slain by the Indians, and his body thrown into the fire.  He left Washington in consequence, and joined himself to Colonel Clarke in his fortunate and gallant expedition against Vincennes and Kaskaskia.  He was sent by that commander with despatches for Kentucky.  He passed through the streets of Vincennes, then in possession of the British and Indians, without discovery.  Arriving at White river, he and his party made a raft on which