James R. Lemon (1848-1919)

James R. Lemon, who lived here from 1848 to 1919, owned and edited the Benton Tribune and Mayfield Messenger, wrote a history of Marshall County, and in 1884 founded Big Singing Day. Big Singing Day evolved from Southern Harmony, a hymn-singing custom popular in the early 1800s that continues today. Using only four shaped notes, it simplifies music reading and has no accompaniment. The house is listed on the National Register.

Benton, Kentucky · United States