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running barefoot on gravel

History of Kentucky (1795)

-Richard H. Collins

Collins and Co., Covington, Ky

Four miles above Bowling Green, on the River (Barren River) is McFadins Old Station. Some anecdotes are connected with it. One of which we relate: A clashing young Virginian came to the station, and began his brag that he could out run any man in all Kaintuck. McFadin, who was a quizzical old genius, inquired whether he would run barefooted or shod, and was promptly answered barefoot. Let me fix time and place, said McFadin, and I will risk a gallon of whiskey & I’ll find a man to beat you. The bet was made and the day fixed. The old hunter Raymer was sent for. The parties departed to the tract selected by McFadin. It was probably the most Flinty bed in all the country. At the word the racers started. They had gone but a few yards when the Virginian was compelled to hold up. But as Raymer’s feet were as hard as buffalo’s, he kept ahead like a quarterhorse, to the great amusement of old McFadin and his friends. That ground has since been called “Raymers Race Tract.” The part of Logan Co., Ky. which later became Warren Co., is here represented by the McFadin’s & Abraham Raymer, who is mentioned as the fast runner in Finleys history.
(Source: History of Kentucky by Collins, Vol. II p.739 Warren Co. 1795.)