“Dr. William Sutton and Kentucky’s First Vital Statistics Law” and “Kentucky’s Fighting Men in the Civil War”

In the morning, Lisa Thompson of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives will describe the history behind Kentucky's early attempts to record vital-statistics information. Kentucky was one of the first states west of the Alleghenies to pass a law requiring the registration of vital statistics. By an Act of the General Assembly passed January 9th, 1852, all physicians, surgeons and midwives were required to keep a registry of births and deaths at which they attended. The focus of this presentation will be the law, the records produced, and, most importantly, the man behind the law – Dr. William L. Sutton, a humble Scott County physician.

In the afternoon, Kentucky Ancestors editor Don Rightmyer will provide a detailed discussion about Kentucky men and their experiences while serving in the Civil War. He will touch on recruitment, organization, training, and the day-to-day experiences of the men, from both the North and the South as they campaigned during 1861-65. Handouts will include a concise bibliography and information on how to find out more about Civil War ancestors and individual wartime experiences. Free. Contact the Reference Desk, ext. 4460.