Col. T.T. Garrard watch loaned to Clay We Were Museum

The ‘Clay We Were’ Museum added a historical piece to their collection that’s 164 year-old recently thanks to a local Manchester family.

The great-great-great granddaughters of Brigadier General Theopolis Toulmin “T.T.” Garrard loaned the pocket watch of the General to the Clay County Historical Society for display.

Granddaughters Catherine Burchell Owens, Emily Burchell Heuring, and Merianne Burchell Higgins visited with their former principal and Historical Society President Mike White with their piece of history.

“We (the society) cannot thank the Burchell girls enough for allowing us to display this timeless piece of history in the Clay We Were Museum,” White said.  “General Garrard played a vital role in our county’s history, and having his memorabilia on display is fantastic.” 

The Waltham Full Hunter 2-inch Pocket Watch (Serial Number: 8606) has a manual, key-wound movement and is in excellent working order. A hinged back case contains the inscription: "Gen'l T. T. Garrard, 1861." 

T. T. Garrard (1812-1902), the grandson of Kentucky's second governor, James Garrard, distinguished himself time and again fighting for the Union during the Civil War. In 1861 he organized a regiment of local men and led them in the first battle in Kentucky at Wildcat Mountain in Laurel County. He went on to fight in battles from Cumberland Gap to Perryville to Vicksburg and was promoted to brigadier general for his outstanding leadership. Before the Civil War, Garrard had served in the Mexican American War and led an expedition to the California Gold Rush. He served as a justice on the Clay County court, a Kentucky State Representative and Senator, and helped his father, Daniel, operate the famous family salt business. He is buried at the Garrard Cemetery. 

“Again, thank you to the Burchell family for this important loan to the museum! The watch will become the centerpiece of a Garrard exhibit planned for the Spring,” he said.