It's Time to Recap

We're about to begin a new chapter in the life of Thomas H. Probert. As discussed in a previous post, Thomas was acquitted of the murder of Jacob Spears in February, 1859. The actual shooting took place in April, 1856, so this had consumed his life for almost three years. I have no information on how (or who) took care of his two daughters during his time in jail and while he was out on $2500 bail. At the time of his acquittal, his two girls, Addie and Lucy, were eleven and six years old.

I think that 21-year old Catherine "Kate" Probert may have had something to do with the girls' child care. Kate was born in Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky and was almost 13 years younger than Thomas. The Louisville Daily Courier carried the news of Thomas' acquittal on February 12, 1859.

On February 22, 1859, just ten days after the acquittal, Kate and Thomas were married in Paris, Kentucky. They took up residence in Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co., about 15 miles from Paris. A fresh start in a new town was just what was ordered.

Initially, Thomas appeared to support himself as a baker. According to a History of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, 

. . . the earliest baker to build a significant reputation in the community was Thomas Probert, who was in Mt. Sterling by 1859. By 1871 he was listed as a confectioner and liquor dealer, and apparently went completely in the liquor business after that." p.184)

This was an occupation Thomas had also practiced as a young man in Lexington.  So what would be the new chapter Thomas and Catherine would write in Mt Sterling?

Sources

"Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-9999-17840-48?cc=1804888 : accessed 23 Sep 2014), 004542764 > image 217 of 343; citing Madison County Courthouse, Richmond.

History of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, 1792-1918. Carl B. Boyd and Hazel Mason Boyd, 1984.