Israel Christian
| Israel Christian | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1720 Derry, Ireland |
| Died | 1784 Pulaski County, Virginia, United States |
| Nationality |
 United States
|
| Occupation | Businessman and landowner |
| Known for | Early Kentucky pioneer and landowner; founded Fincastle, Kentucky and Christiansburg, Virginia. |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Starke |
| Children | 6 children |
| Relatives |
William Fleming, son-in-law Caleb Wallace, son-in-law William Bowyer, son-in-law Stephen Trigg, son-in-law |
Israel Christian (c. 1720–1784) was an 18th-century American pioneer, militia officer, politician and businessman. One of the earliest landowners in Kentucky, he founded the town of Fincastle, Kentucky. He was also a representative of Augusta County in the House of Burgesses from 1759 to 1761.
Four of his daughters became married to William Fleming, William Bowyer and Stephen Trigg, all colonels in the Kentucky Militia, as well as Presbyterian minister Caleb Wallace. Three counties in Kentucky, as well as the Town of Christiansburg, Virginia, were named in honor of his son William Christian, and two of his sons-in-law, Fleming and Trigg.
Israel Christian was born in Northern Ireland, most likely in the Presbyterian enclave at Derry. His uncle Gilbert Christian had previously arrived in New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1726 and, after living in Lancaster for a time, he and his family were among the first to settle in the Valley of Virginia in 1732. Christian was engaged in the mercantile business in Dublin when he received news of his uncle's success in the American colonies and decided to emigrate there himself in 1740. He became a successful merchant in the Staunton River area before arriving in Augusta County (now Botetourt County) around 1740. He married Elizabeth Starke, reportedly a woman of "vigorous and cultivated intellect", around 1741 or 1742 and together had six children.
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Wikipedia