In May 1868, William Smith conveyed a piece of ground located in the Y of the junction of the main stem and Lebanon branches of the railroad to the railroad in exchange for a ten year lease on the property that included the Lebanon Junction hotel. The deed of conveyance is shown below, followed by the lease agreement between the parties. Smith had purchased this land from the Starks' heirs in 1860.
Bullitt County Deed Book R, Pages 151-152
This indenture entered into this 22nd day of May 1868 between William Smith and Cassandra his wife of the county of Bullitt and state of Kentucky of the first part and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company of the second part.
Witnesseth that the party of the first part for and in consideration of lease of all the ground between the tracks of the main stem, Lebanon branch and the Y at the Lebanon branch Junction for the term of 10 years, which said lease is valued at $575, the receipt of said lease is hereby acknowledged, has bargained and sold, and does hereby sell and convey to the party of the second part the following described piece of ground in county of Bullitt and state aforesaid, being a portion of the land allotted by the commissioners in the divisions of Daniel Starks' heirs lying between the Louisville and Nashville and Lebanon Branch Rail Roads. Said piece of ground is now built on occupied by the Junction Hotel.
To have and to hold said piece of ground with principal of general warranty forever. In testimony whereof the party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and date first above written. (signed) William Smith, Cassie A. Smith
Bullitt County Deed Book R, Pages 157-158
Louisville, June 6th 1868. This memorandum of a lease made and entered into this day by and between the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company of the first part and William Smith of Bullitt County, Kentucky of the second part.
Witnesseth that the party of the first part for and in consideration of a deed of conveyance bearing date the 22nd day of May 1868 to a piece of ground at the Lebanon Junction, which is more fully described in said deed, and the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, has leased to the party of the second part all the ground on which the Lebanon Junction Hotel building now stands together with the yard, ice house and garden containing about 1 1/2 acres of land in the north corner formed by the junction of the Lebanon branch and the Louisville & Nashville Rail Roads, for and during the term of ten years from and after the 18th day of June 1868.
To have and to hold the ground for the time above specified. Should the parties hereto not be able to agree upon a further extension of this lease when the term is out, then the parties are to have the Hotel and improvements valued by arbitrators mutually chosen. Should the first party decline to accept the award made by said arbitrators then the second party shall have a reasonable time to remove the same. It is expressly understood and agreed that the party of the second part shall not underlet said premises or any part thereof during this lease or any part thereof without the written consent of the party of the first part.
(signed) Russell Houston, President, Louisville & Nashville Rail Road Company; William Smith.
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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 22 Feb 2025 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/wmsmith-lnrr.html
