Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Groomsman

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. Groomsman Marker

Inscription. Octie Keys, died July 1929, had a listed occupation of horsegroom. Horsegrooms are responsible for all aspects of the care and maintenance of thoroughbred horses. Until Keeneland was built, Lexington's racetrack, The Kentucky Association Racetrack, was located near 7th Street in the approximate location of William Wells Brown Elementary School. Many of the African Americans in the East End found employment with the racetrack as groomsmen.
Sign produced with support from a University of Kentucky
Commonwealth Collaboratives Grant
'Young Equestrian Scholars Initiative'

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1929.

Location. 38° 3.047′ N, 84° 28.664′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from East 7th Street. Marker is located in African Cemetery No. 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 East 7th Street, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hostlers (a few steps from this marker); Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886) (a few steps from this marker); James 'Soup' Perkins (within shouting distance of this marker); Trainers

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Farriers (within shouting distance of this marker); Oliver Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans in the Horse Industry Buried Here (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Also see . . . Octie Keys (ca. 1884-1929). More personal details about Keys, among 129 people affiliated with the horse-racing industry who are buried in African Cemetery No. 2. (Submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. Groomsman Marker

Octie Keys' gravestone is next to the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.