JACOB, Richard Taylor, soldier, born in Oldham county, Kentucky, in 1825. He studied law, and travelled in South America. Visiting California in 1846, he raised a company of cavalry, and joined General John C. Fremont in his military operations there until its conquest. Returning home, he was soon afterward called to Washington as a witness for General Fremont, and while there married Sarah, third daughter of Thomas H. Benton. He has filled the offices of legislator and judge for his county, and has been active in politics. Though a supporter of Breckinridge and Lane in 1860, he resisted with boldness and efficiency the effort to take Kentucky out of the Union, in the legislature and before the people. In 1862, at the request of General Boyle, military commandant, he opened camp at Eminence, Kentucky, in ten days had raised a regiment of 1,244 cavalry, and in ten days more was mounted and in the field, he rendered active and valuable services, especially to Buell's army in Kentucky, and was engaged in several severe skirmishes and battles, receiving two disabling wounds. His regiment was engaged in resisting Morgan's raid, and followed him until his capture at Buffington island. In 1863 Colonel Jacob was elected lieutenant-governor on the ticket with Thomas E. Bramlette. Colonel Jacob fiercely assailed the emancipation proclamation as an act of violated faith toward the friends of the Union cause, and of injustice to the owners of property in slaves in a loyal state. He advocated the election of General McClellan to the presidency in 1864, and censuring the administration in unsparing terms, while canvassing the state, was arrested by order of General Burbridge, and sent through the Confederate lines to Richmond. He afterward received an unconditional release from Mr. Lincoln, and returned to Kentucky, where he now (1887) resides in Oldham county.