Adair, John

Adair, John ədârˈ [key], 1757–1840, American pioneer in Kentucky, b. North Carolina. He went into the Kentucky country in 1786 and became famous as an Indian fighter and as a political leader. In the War of 1812 he was a commander of Kentucky volunteers in the battle of New Orleans. As governor of Kentucky (1820–24) he adopted a vigorous program of internal improvement to fight hard times. He was (1831–33) a member of the House of Representatives.

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