Christopher Greenup was a trailblazer in Kentucky law and politics. The Revolutionary War veteran played an active role in the formation of Kentucky, through multiple state conventions. At the pinnacle of Greenup’s political career, he served as the third governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Although little documentation exists about Greenup’s early life, it is believed that he was born around 1850 in Fairfax County, Virginia. He received his early education from local schools, before studying surveying and law under the guidance of Colonel Charles Binns. Following his education, Greenup served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. He saw action at Germantown and Brandywine, before resigning during the Valley Forge encampment in 1778.
After the United States won its independence, Greenup settled in Lincoln County, Kentucky to work as a land surveyor. By 1783, he was admitted to the bar. Later that same year, he was named one of the first trustees of Transylvania Seminary (later became Transylvania University). Greenup purchased land in nearby Lexington, where he began serving as the clerk of the town’s trustees. He was elected to represent Fayette County in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1785. Despite wearing many hats, Greenup continued practicing law in the Lexington and Fayette County area.
In 1792, Kentucky achieved statehood and Greenup relocated to Frankfort. Here, he would serve in the first Kentucky Senate. Not long after, Greenup accepted a seat in the US House of Representatives. He was one of Kentucky’s first two representatives in the house. Greenup’s popularity was evident, when he was elected to three consecutive terms in the House, from 1792-1797. After his third term, he served as clerk of the state senate. Greenup was a popular candidate for Kentucky Governor in the 1800, but he ultimately fell short and finished as the runner up. In 1802, he was appointed as judge of the circuit court.
In 1804, Greenup resigned from his judgeship to run for governor again. This time, he ran unopposed. Greenup was elected and became Kentucky’s third governor. He served as governor from 1804 to 1808. Although Greenup was very popular, he found it difficult to implement much of his agenda. However, the state did successfully charter the Ohio Canal Company and Bank of Kentucky during Greenup’s term as governor.
After Greenup’s term as governor concluded, he served as a presidential elector for James Madison and George Clinton. He became justice of the peace in Franklin County, in 1812, but this was short lived. By the end of 1812, Greenup had been appointed as Kentucky Secretary of the State. His appointment was approved, and he served this role till his resignation in 1813.
In April 1818, Greenup passed away in Blue Lick Springs Resort, where he sought relief from his rheumatism. He was laid to rest in Frankfort Cemetery in Kentucky. Greenup is still remembered for his instrumental role in the separation of Virginia and Kentucky, as well as the surveying and establishment of multiple counties. He left a lasting mark on Kentucky, not only physically, but also theoretically. In a fitting tribute to Greenup’s life, achievements, and service to Kentucky, Greenup County was named in his honor.
