from Hancock County, Kentucky – Biographies

John C. Mercer, Hancock County, was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, June 16, 1827, to Nathaniel and Mary (Castillo) Mercer.  The father was born in North Carolina, near the northern boundary, in 1794.  Nicholas Mercer, subject’s grandfather, came from Ireland.  When the father of our subject was but four years of age his father came to Kentucky and settled in Wayne County, about ten miles from Monticello.  The grandfather was a farmer, and died about 1812.  The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was engaged in the battle of the Thames under Colonel Whitley.  Returning to Wayne County, he was married in 1822 to Miss Castillo, who was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1795.  Her father, Matthew Castillo, was a native of Ireland and a tailor by trade.  In 1839 Nathaniel Mercer settled in Breckinridge County, where he farmed until his death, December 13, 1839.  The mother was the third of a family of seven children, all of whom are now living:  Lageraldo, wife of Ezra Davis; Michal J.; John C.; Margaret, wife of John Litsey; Joseph, in Robinson, Colorado; Nicholas, county judge of Breckinridge County; and Jane O., wife of Dr. John N. Moorman of Ohio County.  Subject remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and then commenced farming for himself in Breckinridge County.  In 1860 he bought tobacco and also sold goods on his farm.  In 1864 he sold out there and moved to Cloverport, where he speculated in tobacco, merchandised and ran a livery stable in connection with his brother, Joe K. Mercer.  He remained in business at that point six years, then returned to farming in that county six years, then moved to Hancock County.  From 1877 he lived two years in Hawesville, and then leased Dr. Green Sterett’s farm, where he now lives.  Mr. Mercer was married April 14, 1874, to Miss Emily, daughter of John L. and Catherine (Chamblins) Marlowe.  This lady was born in Ohio County, June 10, 1851, and to her have been born four children, two of whom are now living:  Mary C. and John L.  Mr. and Mrs. Mercer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church south.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.