James Birney an Irish immigrant, settled in Danville, Kentucky, in 1787 where he established a highly successful mercantile business. Birney was at one time reputed to be the wealthiest man in Kentucky. Each year he made a trip to Philadelphia to buy goods for his store. He built his mansion, Woodlawn, at the same time Willis Green built Waveland, circa 1800. Birney's wife was a daughter of John Reed; their only son was James G Birney, the prominent abolitionist. - NRHP