Rev. William Downs

Historical marker location:

Hartford, Kentucky

( 415 Mulberry St., Hartford)

This orator, debater, and minister was also a teacher, Bible scholar, and hymn composer. He preached near the Lincoln home on Knob Creek and baptized Abraham's father, Thomas Lincoln. William Downs was born 1782 in old fort at site of Hartford. Father killed by Indians. William's brother Thomas also became pioneer Baptist preacher. William died 1860, near Hartford.

Baptist Church Creeks Abraham Lincoln Thomas Lincoln