Louisville & Atlantic Railroad

"One of the most important enterprises in the county of Estill is the Louisville & Atlantic Railroad. This road runs from Versailles, in Woodford County, to Beattyville, Lee County, Ky., a distance of ninety-four miles. In the year 1888 Estill County voted a tax of $100,000 for the building of this road, which, upon its completion, was called the Richmond, Nicholasville, Irvine & Beattyville Railroad. One-half of the amount was to be paid upon the final completion of the road within a certain time. The wording of the contract was some what ambiguous and consequently the county claimed they did not owe the road company any amount what ever. The company admitted that fact so far as it extended to the payment of the last $50,000 and the bonds for that amount were burned in front of the court house at Irvine. The county was then sued by the holders of the bonds for the other $50,000, but though the various courts thus far have decided in favor of the bondholders, no amount has been collected. The amount, together with the interest and expenses of litigation have made the amount claimed amount to nearly $100,000. The people generally throughout the county are opposed to the payment of the claim, and even the Louisville & Atlantic Railroad would object to the payment of it, as they would necessarily be compelled to pay their part of the tax and would not receive a single cent for themselves.

Notwithstanding this trouble, we are glad to have the railroad with us. It places us in connection with the outside world. There are in our county inexhaustible resources consisting of timber, coal, coal oil and other commodities that are readily conveyed to market, whereas, there would necessarily be less improvementsin the way of saw mills, factories and other interests, whereby employment is furnished to our citizens.

The road is splendidly managed. Capt. J. R. Pates, the Superintendent, who married the worthy daughter of Rev. J. B. McGinn, a minister of the Christian Church, well known throughout the state, is the soul of honor and the true exponent of success. The picture of Capt. Pates herewith produced will be recognized by his numerous friends.

Mr. H. R. Smith, General Freight and Passenger Agent and Chief Clerk to the President, was born in Irvine and is one of the city’s prides. At the age of seventeen years, he took up the study of telegraphy and becoming a master thereof, he was given the management of Panola Station. Being endowed with energy and true worthiness, he was advanced from position to position, until he attained the one he occupies. We hope to soon witness his further advancement. Mr. Smith's photograph is presented.

It will be a difficult thing for any traveler to find more polite and attentive conductors than Messrs. Robert and Jo Harris They have been identified with the road ever since its inception and we hope they will long continue to hold their positions.

Another gentleman who is connected with the L. & A. Railroad is Mr. R. A. Woolums, the Soliciting Agent for that road. He is an affable and polite man, and is thoroughly conversant with the conduct of his business.

Many a passenger rides over that road because it is un der the management of Mr. Woolums."

- Park, E. C. (Elbridge Clark). "History of Irvine And Estill County, Kentucky". [Lexington, Ky.: The Transylvania Printing Co., 1906, pp. 8-9.