Polk, William Harrison, 1843-

Genealogist, author, newspaperman.

Polk was born in central Kentucky in 1843, was raised in Indiana, and returned to Kentucky after serving with the Union Army during the Civil War. He was appointed clerk and then postmaster of the post office in Paris, Ky., resigned, and moved to Texas, where he became city editor of the SHERMAN DAILY REGISTER. He returned to Kentucky to take a position as editor of the (Lexington) DAILY TRANSCRIPT, and later served on the staffs of and/or owned various other Lexington newspapers. He retired in 1908 to devote his time to historic and genealogical research, which culminated in the publication of POLK FAMILY AND KINSMEN, which was published in 1912.

From the description of William Harrison Polk papers, 1780-1920, ca. 1818-1920 (bulk dates). (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 14038716