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Famous people · Lexington

Of the 7 famous people born in Lexington, an unusual share are leaders

At the top of the list is the American politician George Rockingham Gilmer, covered in 9 languages. Second place goes to the American politician William Harrell Felton, third to David Jackson Bailey. Most were born in the early republic: 4 of them. The oldest name on the list belongs to George Rockingham Gilmer, born in 1790, the newest to Shirley L. Bolton, born in 1945.

#1 best knownGeorge Rockingham GilmerPolitics & Law · 1790–1859
+3more
Born here
7
notable people
Best known
George Rockingham Gilmer
in 9 Wikipedia languages
First
1790
George Rockingham Gilmer
Youngest
1945
Shirley L. Bolton
Most common field
Politics & Law
5 people
Also called it home
1
notable residents

What stands out about Lexington’s famous people

★ What stands out · Known for

What Lexington is known for

Leaders stand out most, at 3.4 times the usual share.

The usual town: the share across everyone born in the towns gathered so far. Tap a field to see its people.

Through the years

When Lexington’s famous people were born

The busiest decade was the 1810s, with 2 births.

A new nationMills & railroadsThe American century1800185019001950Bob McWhorterJohn Henry LumpkinGeorge Rockingham Gilmer
Politics & LawMilitaryWriting & Arts

Each dot is a person, stacked by the decade they were born.

The best known

Born in Lexington

Two of the three are leaders.

George Rockingham Gilmer#1
Politics & Law

George Rockingham Gilmer

1790–1859

American politician

9 Wikipedia languagesRead more ↗
William Harrell Felton#2
Politics & Law

William Harrell Felton

1823–1909

American politician

9 Wikipedia languagesRead more ↗
DB#3
Military

David Jackson Bailey

1812–1897

Confederate Army officer

5 Wikipedia languagesRead more ↗
Everyone

Everyone else born in Lexington

Of the other 4, 3 are leaders.

John Henry Lumpkin

John Henry Lumpkin

1812–1860

American politician

Politics & LawWikipedia ↗
SB

Shirley L. Bolton

1945–1984

American artist

Writing & ArtsWikipedia ↗
Bob McWhorter

Bob McWhorter

1891–1960

Lawyer, academic, politician, college athlete

Politics & LawWikipedia ↗
CB

Clifford Cleveland Brooks

1886–1944

American politician and planter

Politics & LawWikipedia ↗
A chosen home

Also called Lexington home

One more notable person made the town home: Catherine Brewer Benson.

CB

Catherine Brewer Benson

1822–1908

First American woman to receive a college degree

Science & MedicineWikipedia ↗
The town’s pick

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From Wikidata and Wikipedia: people whose birthplace is Lexington and whose English Wikipedia article agrees, ranked by how many Wikipedia languages cover each person. People known mainly for crimes, and adult performers, aren’t listed. “The usual town” = everyone born in the towns gathered so far.

Photo credits (4)