WILLIAM P. BLACK, Caldwell County, was born in Fredonia District, July 16, 1843, and is a son of James S. and Jane (Peden) Black. James S. Black was born in this county, February 14, 1814, and died April 23, 1885. His father, who was born in Albemarle County, Va., was of Irish descent, came to this State about 1800, and purchased land in Caldwell County. He patented 160 acres where L. Adamson now resides, and remained there until his death, which occurred about 1850, at the age of eighty-three years. In 1840 James S. came to the place now owned by subject, and first purchased 150 acres. He was married in 1839 to Miss Peden, a daughter of Robert Peden, who was from South Carolina. The result of this union was two children: William P. and David A.; the latter born January 16, 1840, and died in 1857. The mother died in 1878. William P. received his education at Bethlehem Academy. He has always resided on the old homestead, which now contains about 600 acres, with about 350 acres in cultivation. He also pays attention to stock raising and trading, handling about 100 head per year. Mr. Black was married in September, 1854, to Miss Eveline Brelsford, a daughter of Hiram Brelsford, of Caldwell County; she died in June, 1865. Mr. Black's second marriage was to Mrs. Mary Leech, nee Wilson, a daughter of James and Amanda Wilson, of this county. They have two children living: Jane Ella and Thomas W., one died in infancy, James Clay. Jane Ella is a graduate of C. F. C., McMinnville, Tenn., having completed her studies there in June, 1885, and has a diploma from that faculty, with degree of M. A. Thomas W. is the youngest, and is yet attending the common schools in Caldwell County. Mr. Black and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1867 he was elected magistrate, and served eight years. He has also served as road commissioner.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 689.