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323 High Street
Hours of
Operation: Information about the Library The John Fox, Jr., Genealogical Library, named in honor of
John Fox, Jr., one of Kentucky's most famous authors who was born in Bourbon
County, Kentucky, is located on the ground floor of the Duncan Tavern Historic
Center, state headquarters of the Kentucky Society of the Daughters of the
American Revolution (KSDAR). Duncan Tavern was named the state headquarters in 1940. To enhance its historic resources, the Daughters planned a genealogical library to be named for John Fox, Jr. The library was first established in what was then called the Ardery Room, now the Founders’ Room, on the first floor of Duncan Tavern. The formal dedication of the library was held on October 24, 1950 at its present location on the ground floor, with historians, dignitaries, and DAR members in attendance. The Fox family generously donated many personal items used by John Fox, Jr., including his writing desk; his sisters were also present for the ceremony. Over 350 people attended the dedication. Through the years the library has grown. Two more rooms, a second reading room and a periodical reading room were added as additions were made to the Duncan Tavern Historic Center over the years. The shelves hold an impressive collection of history and genealogy books. Also there are vertical family files and numerous family histories in book form, as well as maps and county and state histories focusing on Bourbon County families and Revolutionary War patriots. Most Kentucky counties are represented in either vertical files or books. The collection also includes the complete set of KSDAR Genealogical Records Reports. Purpose of the John Fox, Jr., Genealogical Library The John Fox, Jr., Genealogical Library is a subcommittee of the Duncan Tavern Historic Center, state headquarters of the Kentucky Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a genealogical library focusing on assisting patrons document their Revolutionary War ancestors. John Fox, Jr., Library is also a historical library with resources unique to Bourbon County and other Kentucky counties. It has excellent resources for other states, especially Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The John Fox, Jr., Library serves researchers by email, regular mail, telephone calls and, of course, by visits in the library. Contents of the Library The contents John Fox, Jr., Library can best be described as a wealth of vibrant, ever-changing genealogical and historical information. This wealth lies in the uniqueness and volume of the material available that is maintained through continuous appraisal and supplementation by the Library staff. The generous support received through book donations by the Daughters and patrons adds to this wealth. The Library is arranged for the convenience of the patron by separating and collocating the categories of information. These categories include-but are not limited to-the following bound volumes. Family Histories. Perhaps the largest collection of books contained in the Library. The books in this category are filed by family name for convenience of the patron. State, County, and Local Records. The early history of Kentucky including publications dating from the 1800s. Many Kentucky counties are represented in the County files. An extensive history of Bourbon County is available. Colonial History and Records. All Colonial States are represented with more extensive holdings from Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Revolutionary War Soldiers and Patriots Books and periodicals listed by states as Proof of Service in "Is that Service Right?" include the 51 volumes of J. F. Dorman's "VA Revolutionary War Pension Applications," 3 volumes of "VA Revolutionary Publick Claims," White's "Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files," selected volumes of the "Pennsylvania Archives" and "Archives of Maryland," Harding's "George Rogers Clark and His Men," Pierce's Register," and many, many more.. Lineage Societies. DAR and complete KYGRC volumes, SAR, Founders and Patriots, National Huguenots of Manakintown, Pilgrims, Society of Colonial Wars, Descendants of Early Quakers, Bench & Bar, Colonial Clergy, and others. Early Churches. Publications from various Colonial church denominations. Periodical Room. DAR publications. KY Historical Society "Register," Filson History Society "Quarterly," National Genealogical Society Quarterly and Newsletter, "VA Genealogist". Also in the Periodical Room are the surname files of Mary Anne Stokes and Duncan Stokes and the Heraldry Files of Helen Hadden containing many family names. In addition to the bound volumes, the following reference material is available in the Library. Maps. Early maps from surrounding areas to include the earliest Bourbon County map. Family History Folders and Bibles. A substantial number of family names are represented and a myriad of family history is available. Contents of folders include newspaper articles, obituaries, bible records and other genealogy records donated by families. Files are continuously supplemented as information is received. County Folders. Information pertaining to Kentucky counties that is not specific to family name. Files also contain information regarding historical sites such as Ruddle's Mill, Bryan's Station, Strode's Station, Battle of Blue Licks, and many others. Census Records. Early Kentucky census records plus certain County census records in the County Files. Cemetery Records. Includes a number of Kentucky cemeteries and burial location for many Revolutionary War soldiers. Microfilm. Bourbon County Tax Lists, 1786-186? and the 1850 Census of Kentucky by county. CDs. 1880 Census of the United States, family history and genealogy. New material is continuously received and cataloged in the Library.
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