Historical Marker

John Littlejohn

Historical marker location:

Russellville, Kentucky

( Town Square, US 68, Russellville)

Born Eng., 1756, came America, 1767. Became Methodist preacher at age 20, riding the circuits in Md., Va., Ky. Came to Louisville from Leesburg, Va., 1818. Moved Warren Co., Ky., and then 7 miles south of Russellville in 1822. Died in 1836 after 60 years as minister. His priceless journals (1772-1832) are preserved by the Methodist Church.

Reverse

John Littlejohn - Guardian of the Declaration of Independence, other state papers, which were entrusted to him by President James Madison in War of 1812. As the British advanced on Washington, Aug. 1814, the President ordered the national archives loaded onto a wagon and sent about 35 miles to Littlejohn, Methodist preacher, Leesburg, and sheriff, Loudoun Co., Va.