ASSASSINATION OF JUDGE ELLIOTT

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

FOUND AMOUNG THE PAPERS OF MRS. ROYSE

Judge John Milton Elliott was born in Scott County, Virginia, May 18, 1820. He

was a son of John A. Elliott, a farmer, who served in both branches of the

Kentucky Legislature.

Judge Elliott located in Floyd County, Kentucky and began to practice law in

1841.  In 1847, he was elected to the Kentucky Legislature.  In 1852, he was

elected to Congress and was re-elected in 1855-57 and 59.  In 1861, he was again

elected to the Kentucky Legislature from Floyd and Johnson Counties, but he was

indicted in the United States Court, Judge Bland Ballard presiding, and he was

expelled for, "directly or indirectly giving aid and comfort to the enemy."  He

then cast his fortunes with the South and represented the Ninth district in the

Confedate Congress which assembled in Richmond, February 18, 1862, and he

represented the Twelfth district in the two succeeding terms and until the

downfall of the Confederacy.  After the war he settled in Bath County, Kentucky

and was elected Judge of the Circuit Court.  His term expired in 1874 and two

years later he was elected to represent the First Judicial district in the

Supreme Court of the State.

He was a man above medium height with a clean shaven full face, genial in

manner, and social by nature.  He was a brave and true man in every sense of the

word.  He acted well his part in the great drama of life.

There seemed to have beeen a fatality which marked the sources of the Elliott

family.  Judge Elliott's father once killed a man.  One of his brothers was shot

through the stomach and killed at the battle of Princeton, Virginia.  One of his

brothers killed another brother, and a fourth one blew his own brains out in a

fit of insanity.

Judge Elliott was buried in the State Cemetery at Frankfort; a beautiful marble

shaft marks his last resting place.  The subbase is of stone the base is marble

about three feet square and about six feet high on which is a marble column

about fifteen feet tall and on which is the Goddess of Liberty, blindfolded and

holding in her hand the Scales of Justice.  On the east side of the base, facing

the driveway is inscribed the following:

John Milton Elliott

Born May 18, 1820

Assassinated for having done his duty as a Judge

March 26, 1879

On the South side is found:

"A stateman of stainless honor.  He became a member of the Legislature of

Kentucky, served three terms in the Congress of the United States and two terms

in the Confederate Congress.

A judge of pure heart and strong intellect, fearless, faithful, kind and

efficient.  As Circuit Judge and Judge of the Court of Appeals, he was without

reproach."

On the West side:

"As a man he was ardent, social, genial; by nature a philanthropist.  He won the

love of his fellowmen by his generosity and worth.  Devoted as a husband; as

friend, faithful and just.  A dutiful citizen and upright official.  His

crowning virtues were candor, integrity, and love of truth."

On the North side is the of Judge Elliott, which is said to be a very fine

likeness.