W. H. SANDERS, M. D., was born in Smithland, Livingston Co., Ky., February 13, 1843, and is a son of Dr. D. B. and Jane W. (Lillard) Sanders. The father was born in Bullitt County, Ky., in 1805, his people being natives of Virginia. The father attended lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1827. He subsequently attended the Transylvania University at Lexington, graduating from that institution also. He then came to Livingston County, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. He was one of the most successful practitioners in this portion of the State, his practice extending over this and several adjoining counties. He was also a very successful planter, owning many thousands of acres of land in this and other counties, including a 5,000-acre tract in the immediate vicinity of Smithland. He died August 7, 1867. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. His widow is still living in Paducah. W. H. is the third of a family of eight children, of whom four are now living: Dr. W. H., Lizzie wife of Dr. F. H. Enders, of the Sandwich Islands, David and Katie wife of J. A. Rudy, of Paducah. W. H. received his education in this county and at the St. Joseph College at Bardstown, Ky. He read medicine with his father for about two years, and then attended lectures one year at the Louisville Medical College. He subsequently graduated in the class of 1864, at the Long Island College Hospital medical school. Returning to Livingston County he began the practice of his profession with his father. After practicing two years his health failed, and he abandoned the practice of medicine and turned his attention to farming. At present he owns about 1,050 acres, with about 550 acres in cultivation. He pays some attention to stock raising, handling about seventy-five head per year. Dr. Sanders was married in Livingston County, January 26, 1871, to Miss Kate Davis, a daughter of T. M. and Emily (Roach) Davis. Mrs. Sanders was born in this county January 7, 1851, and to her and husband have been born nine children, of whom seven are now living: William D., Lillard D., Thomas, Irene, David B., Laura, Sallie. Mrs. Sanders is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of Smithland Masonic Lodge, No. 138, and Felula Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F., and of the K. of H.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 832.