Hanks, Thomas H., House
a.k.a. Hanks-Bond-Major House
516 E. Woodford St., Lawrenceburg, KYThe Thomas H. Hanks House in Lawrenceburg achieves historical significance by its association with Thomas Holman Hanks, an important attorney and political figure in Anderson County, who built the house ca. 1858.
Hanks was born in Anderson County about a mile from Lawrenceburg on November 6, 1823. His father, Turner Hanks, had migrated to Kentucky in 1800 from Virginia where his father, George Hanks, had been killed as a soldier in the American Revolutionary: War. This line of the Hanks family was distantly related to Abraham Lincoln through Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks. John Hanks, the forebearer of Lincoln, was the great uncle of Turner Hanks and his three brothers who came to Kentucky during pioneer days.
In 1849, when he was only twenty-six years old, Hanks was elected as a member of the House of Representatives of the Kentucky General Assembly to represent Anderson County. During the years 1850-51. Hanks became a "Forty-Niner" in California but returned to Kentucky whereupon he was elected Circuit Court Clerk in 1856 and served in this position until 1862. During this time he also studied law and in 1863 was admitted to the Bar. He served as County Attorney from 1863 to 1867. Hanks became well-known as an attorney and was retained on most of the important litigation of his county and circuit.
In 1881, 1886, and 1892 Hanks was elected to the lower house of the General Assembly and eventually became known as the "patriarch of the Kentucky legislature." He served in the legislature under three different state constitutions, was chairman of the committee on suffrages and elections, and was a most able, conscientious, and indefatigable worker on other important committees. He represented Anderson County in the constitutional convention of 1890 and was a member of the house during the two succeeding sessions when the most important legislative work of the state was accomplished.
Thomas Hanks was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret R. Myers, of Anderson County, and shortly thereafter built the two-story frame house on Woodford Street in Lawrenceburg.
Local significance of the building:
Hanks was born in Anderson County about a mile from Lawrenceburg on November 6, 1823. His father, Turner Hanks, had migrated to Kentucky in 1800 from Virginia where his father, George Hanks, had been killed as a soldier in the American Revolutionary: War. This line of the Hanks family was distantly related to Abraham Lincoln through Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks. John Hanks, the forebearer of Lincoln, was the great uncle of Turner Hanks and his three brothers who came to Kentucky during pioneer days.
In 1849, when he was only twenty-six years old, Hanks was elected as a member of the House of Representatives of the Kentucky General Assembly to represent Anderson County. During the years 1850-51. Hanks became a "Forty-Niner" in California but returned to Kentucky whereupon he was elected Circuit Court Clerk in 1856 and served in this position until 1862. During this time he also studied law and in 1863 was admitted to the Bar. He served as County Attorney from 1863 to 1867. Hanks became well-known as an attorney and was retained on most of the important litigation of his county and circuit.
In 1881, 1886, and 1892 Hanks was elected to the lower house of the General Assembly and eventually became known as the "patriarch of the Kentucky legislature." He served in the legislature under three different state constitutions, was chairman of the committee on suffrages and elections, and was a most able, conscientious, and indefatigable worker on other important committees. He represented Anderson County in the constitutional convention of 1890 and was a member of the house during the two succeeding sessions when the most important legislative work of the state was accomplished.
Thomas Hanks was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret R. Myers, of Anderson County, and shortly thereafter built the two-story frame house on Woodford Street in Lawrenceburg.
Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The famous African-American author and poet, Langston Hughes, spent much of his childhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
About Anderson County
Anderson County Timeline
Anderson County, Kentucky has a rich and interesting history that stretches back to the early 18th century. The area was initially settled by pioneers in the mid-1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources. The county was officially established in 1827 and named after Richard Clough Anderson Jr., a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
During the early years of Anderson County, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. Farmers relied heavily on tobacco, hemp, and livestock production to support their families and contribute to the local economy. The county also had a significant iron industry, with several iron furnaces established during the 1800s.
The Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it experienced both Confederate and Union occupation. The Battle of Lawrenceburg, which took place in the county in 1862, was a significant event during the war. The county was home to both Confederate and Union sympathizers, which led to tensions and conflicts throughout the war.
In the late 19th century, Anderson County underwent significant economic and industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to larger cities and markets. This led to the growth of businesses and the creation of new jobs. The county also saw the rise of tobacco warehouses and distilleries, which became crucial industries. Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture and small businesses, while also embracing its historical roots.
During the early years of Anderson County, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. Farmers relied heavily on tobacco, hemp, and livestock production to support their families and contribute to the local economy. The county also had a significant iron industry, with several iron furnaces established during the 1800s.
The Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it experienced both Confederate and Union occupation. The Battle of Lawrenceburg, which took place in the county in 1862, was a significant event during the war. The county was home to both Confederate and Union sympathizers, which led to tensions and conflicts throughout the war.
In the late 19th century, Anderson County underwent significant economic and industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to larger cities and markets. This led to the growth of businesses and the creation of new jobs. The county also saw the rise of tobacco warehouses and distilleries, which became crucial industries. Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture and small businesses, while also embracing its historical roots.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Anderson County, Kentucky.
- 1827 - Anderson County is established as the 62nd county in Kentucky.
- 1840-1850 - Anderson County experiences a population boom due to the growth of the railroad industry.
- 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Anderson County, with many residents serving in the military.
- 1882 - Lawrenceburg becomes the county seat of Anderson County.
- 1904 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad extends its line through Anderson County, boosting economic growth.
- 1920s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardship in Anderson County as agriculture prices plummet.
- 1950s-1960s - Anderson County experiences suburbanization, with an increase in residential development and a decline in agriculture.
- 1980s - The opening of the Bluegrass Parkway brings increased tourism and economic opportunities to Anderson County.
- 2004 - The Wild Turkey Distillery opens in Lawrenceburg, becoming a major tourist attraction.
- Present - Anderson County continues to be a blend of rural landscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and growing commerce.