John “Rockhouse” Sizemore is an important name in the early history of Leslie County, but understanding his story is not simple. This is because Leslie County itself did not exist when he was alive. The county was officially formed in 1878 from parts of Clay, Perry, and Harlan counties, with Hyden as its county seat. So, most early records about Sizemore are actually found under older counties like Clay or Perry.
Early Life and Settlement
John “Rockhouse” Sizemore is believed to have lived in the early 1800s, when this region was still part of Clay County. At that time, families were settling near rivers and creeks for water and farming.
Local history says that the Sizemore family were among the first settlers at the mouth of Rockhouse Creek, along the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. This area later became the town of Hyden.
Connection to Hyden’s Land
According to county history:
- The Sizemore family first settled the land
- John Sizemore later sold this land to the Lewis family
- The land was eventually used to establish Hyden in 1878
This means Sizemore did not found Hyden directly, but his land became the base for the town’s development.
Early Records and Evidence
Finding exact records for Sizemore is difficult, but some early documents support his presence in the area:
- An 1810 census record from Clay County lists a John Sizemore
- The 1811 Clay County tax list includes John, Edward, and Henry Sizemore
- Historical books on early Kentucky families also mention the Sizemore name
These records do not prove every detail, but they show that the family lived in the right place and time.
Land Sale Claim
There is a common belief that John Sizemore sold land to the Lewis family around 1842. However:
- This claim is repeated in genealogy sources
- The actual deed still needs proper verification in official records
It is important to understand the difference:
- A land patent shows original ownership from the government
- A deed shows a private sale between people
So far, the deed is not fully confirmed, but the story is widely accepted in local history.
Family Stories and Oral History
Much of Sizemore’s story comes from oral traditions and family records. Sources like old interviews and genealogy collections connect the Sizemore family to other early families in the region.
These stories are useful but should be handled carefully, as they are not always fully proven by official records.
Different People with the Same Name
One important point is that there were multiple men named John Sizemore:
- A later John Sizemore lived in Clay County in the mid-1800s
- Another John Sizemore was recorded in 1937 during folk music sessions
These are different individuals and should not be confused with “Rockhouse” Sizemore.
Why He Is Important
John “Rockhouse” Sizemore matters because:
- He represents early settlement before Leslie County existed
- His family is linked to the land where Hyden was later built
- His story connects family history, land records, and local tradition
