Meet Scottish immigrant John Brand, a highly successful businessman, farmer and entrepreneur. Arriving in Lexington in 1801, he partnered with John Wesley Hunt to produce hemp bagging, forming his own hemp production company in 1811. He expanded into other commodities such as cotton, whisky and gun powder, with major interests in real estate and banking, creating wealth that identified Brand as the third most wealthy man in Lexington. His many contributions to LexingtonÕs ÒAthens of the WestÓ culture and in turn its impact on him and his family left a legacy of distinction. BrandÕs friend, Henry Clay, described him as Òone of the most respectable and opulent Citizens of Lexington.Ó
Mary Beth Clarke is the great, great, great, great granddaughter of John Brand and a retired school music teacher. W. Harry Clarke is a retired University of Kentucky Music Professor., John Brand, Kentucky, History, Rose Hill, Lexington, Mary Beth Clarke| | 266PAGES