A Birthday for the Green River Academy

Written By Matthew Colin Bailey

190 years ago today, on September 26, 1834, a group of true visionaries gathered to address a critical need—the formal education of young women in Western Kentucky. At a time when education on the frontier was scarce, and most concerns revolved around the basics of survival—lacking hospitals, proper law enforcement, and markets for trade—the community of Todd County made education a top priority. Not just any education, but a rigorous academic program for women, including subjects such as algebra, astronomy, science, Latin, and French, matching the curricula offered in academies for men.

This progressive vision led to the founding of one of Kentucky's most distinguished educational institutions, the Green River Academy. Today, we honor these forward-thinking individuals who pooled their resources to create a landmark that still stands as a testament to their dedication.

Green River Academy Record Book

The Academy’s Record Book covers a period of September 26, 1834 to around 1888.

FROM THE GREEN RIVER ACADEMY RECORD BOOK, ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1834:


We whose names are herewith subscribed have agreed to; and do by these presents, associate and join ourselves together, for the purpose of erecting a suitable buildings, in the Town of Elkton, Todd County, Kentucky, for a Female Academy; and for the conduct and management of such a female school as the wants of the town and county will require.

 And we mutually agree to and with each other, that the occupancy of such buildings for the purposes aforesaid shall be regulated, conducted, and in all things appertaining there governed and controlled by a majority of the parties; or such Trustees as they may elect: allowing to each individual one vote in such election for every twenty five dollars he may contribute towards said object.

 We agree to and with each other to meet as soon hereafter as may be; and elect seven Trustees, or Commissioners, who shall hold their offices for on year; to whom all things relating to said concern shall be confided during their continuance in office.

 And we mutually agree to and with each other and hereby bind ourselves to pay to the Trustees first elected the sums of money hereinafter agreed to be paid by each of us at such time as they may order and direct; to be appropriated by them toward the object aforesaid.  

September 26th 1834

I will pay one hundred dollars, B. E. Gray $100.00

We will pay one hundred dollars T. G. & W. Greenfield $100.00

I will pay one hundred dollars F. M. Bristow $100.00 (Francis Marion Bristow)

I will pay fifty dollars T. G. Greenfield Jr. $50.00

I will pay one hundred dollars N. E. Gray $100.00 (Ninian Edward Gray)

I will pay fifty dollars W. Greenfield $50.00

I will pay fifty dollars W. M. Lansdale $50.00

I will pay one hundred dollars F. M. Ewing $100.00

I will pay fifty dollars H.H. Roberts $50.00

I will pay twenty five dollars Roberts & Green $25.00

I will pay fifty dollars Jno. L. Anderson $50.00

I will pay one hundred dollars Dan’l Grumbley $100.00

I will pay fifty dollars H. B. Grooms $50

I will pay twenty five dollars I. Ayres $25 (Issac Ayres)

I will pay twenty five dollars T. H. Harris $25.00

I will pay one hundred dollars J. W. Kendall $100.00

I will pay fifty dollars J. Crabb $50.00

I will pay one hundred dollars F. W. Drew $100.00

I will pay fifty dollars E. Shanklin $50.00 (Edward Shanklin)

I will pay one hundred dollars T. A. Anderson $100.00

I will pay fifty dollars John Roach $50.00

I will pay one hundred dollars W. Fort $100.00

I will pay twenty five dollars Wm. Goul $25.00

I will pay twenty five dollars S. H. Scott $25.00

I will pay one hundred dollars T. W. Gray $100.00

I will pay one hundred dollars F. E. McLean $100.00 (Finis Ewing McLean)

I will pay fifty dollars T. A. Bailey $50.00

I will pay twenty five dollars A. Alexander $25.00

I will pay fifty dollars J. C. Hardin $50.00

I will pay twenty five dollars Jesse Russell $25.00

I will pay fifty dollars John Foster $50.00

I will pay fifty dollars Jno. Foster $50.00 (John Foster)

I will pay fifty dollars Stephen Harris $50.00

John M. White 25.00

Thomas Cross $50.00

Caleb N. Bell $50.00

Roah. Roberts $25.00

Petrie & Campbell is good $50.00

Robert E. Glenn is good $100.00

Reeves & Witherspoon is good $50.00

D. V. Robinson $25.00

W. Fort $25.00

Jno. Roach $25.00

Willis L. Reeves by T. M. Ewing $25.00



The Green River Academy Record Book covers the period from its founding on September 26, 1834, until the Academy's closure in the 1880s. While the later entries become irregular and sparse in the final decades, the earlier records are remarkably detailed, offering valuable insights into the operations of 19th-century academies.

This Record Book also provides a rare look into the construction of an early 19th-century building, documenting contracts, labor divisions among trades, legal disputes, and the financial aspects of the project. It answers some of the most intriguing questions about the building’s craftsmanship, from its expert brickwork to the origins of its ornate stone detailing. Stay tuned for more glimpses into this remarkable historical document.

Matthew Colin Bailey

,Matthew Colin Bailey is trained as a preservation architect and practices in Nashville, Tennessee with a focus on residential, boutique retail, and garden design. He was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to Kentucky’s Heritage Council, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky’s College of Design, and is a published author. He is the former director of My Old Kentucky Home Historic Site, and Director of Preservation at Belle Meade Plantation. He is the recipient of the D.T. Porter Person of the Year Award. He is the current President of the Green River Academy Preservation Society and a founding member of the non-profit organization.

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