My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN S. GAYLE was born in Franklin County, Ky., October 14, 1825, and is the second child in a family of eleven children born to John M. and Elizabeth H. (Stewart) Gayle, both natives of the “Old Dominion.” John M. Gayle learned the millwright’s trade in his native county. While yet a young man he moved to Frankfort, Ky., where, for a short time, he followed his trade, but was afterward engaged in the carpenter’s trade for many years. He was also married at Frankfort, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age of seventy-two years. During his latter years he had retired from active business life. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin S. Gayle, at the age of thirteen, went to learn the cabinet-maker’s trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of some five years, and immediately afterward he learned the carpenter’s trade. After completing his trades he again went to school for a time. He then worked at the carpenter trade in the summer and at the cabinet business in the winter at Frankfort for a number of years. In 1846 he enlisted in the First Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Col. Humphrey Marshall, and served under Gen. Taylor in the war with Mexico one year, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista. In 1857 he came to Columbus, Ky., where he followed the carpenter’s trade until after the close of the late civil war. In 1867 he embarked in the cabinet and furniture business at Columbus, and has pursued that business with success ever since. He recently erected and now occupies one of the best business houses in the city. He is also engaged in agricultural pursuits to some extent, owning a well improved farm near the city. He was married in 1855, to Miss Lucy L. Campbell, a native of Frankfort, Ky. One son has been left them—Walter—who resides in Clay County, Mo. In politics Mr. Gayle is a Democrat.