Legacy Of Casey

Legacy Of Casey

By Samantha C Sinclair

Colonel William Casey brought the first teacher to what is now Adair County. Learned from sources provided by Mike Watson at the Adair County Genealogy Office, records were not kept by Casey and others at the time of coming to Adair. However, according to a deposition made by Mr. Casey, he came to Adair County in late 1789 or early 1790. Casey, along with approximately 30 other men, made their way through Hanging Fork of Lick River in Lincoln County. Some of these men had families, although the exact number of this company is not known. The group journeyed through Casey’s Creek, which received its name from Mr. Casey. The group made camp at a place called Settles Farm, now owned by Braxton Massy. Two block houses were built. This spot is along what is known as Columbia and Spring Field Road. With 33 year old Casey over one group, and 21 year old Captain John Butler over the second, the company continued to fight off the Indians. Due to this matter, traveling had been a horrific undertaking in its own right. The last known terrorizing Indian known to the area was killed at the hands of Casey. This occurred after the, appeared to be Chief, was left behind by a group of other Indians. This Indian lay in wait for Casey. However, while the Indian briefly stepped away from his thought to be hiding spot, Casey’s sharp eye found the arrangement in the woods along a path. The Indian had his plan back fire in his face upon return.

It goes with out saying that Colonel William Casey certainly deserved his name on a school in Adair County. Many of us spent many happy days learning, making friends, and memories in this school. In 2011, Colonel William Casey Elementary School was placed in the category five status. This followed a 2010 passage of a bill. This listed a school as one of the most neediest. Though Col William Casey has gone on, and the school no longer stands, his legacy and our memories remain.