Thomas Sandford

Gen. Thomas Sandford may be called the pioneer statesman of what is now Kenton County, being its earliest representative in high public positions. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1762; came to Kentucky about 1792, settling on the high lands back of Covington; was the only member from Campbell County in the convention which framed the second constitution of the state, August, 1799; was several times a member of the legislature; representative in congress for four years, 1803-07; other and higher honors were in store for him, but he was drowned in the Ohio River, December 10, 1808, when only 46 years old. His appearance was that of a distinguished gentleman of the old school; he wore the large ruffled shirt bosoms, and a queue; was 6 feet 3 inches high, straight as an arrow, bold, muscular, and powerful, of attractive and commanding person, of fine practical talents, and popular manners "a native great man.'

His sons Alexander and Alfred were opposing candidates for the legislature in 18__. The former, in the excitement of the canvass, vowed that if beaten he would leave the state; his brother's majority over him was only 4, yet he kept his vow, removed to Missouri, and although a man of fine talent, abandoned all ambitious views of life. The youngest brother, Cassias B., was mayor of Covington for several years.


Source: History of Kentucky, Volume II, by Lewis Collins, Published by Collins & Company,
Covington, Kentucky, 1874