Gideon Shryock (November 15, 1802 – June 19, 1880) was Kentucky's first professional architect in the Greek Revival Style.
Shryock attended the famous Lancastrian school for boys directed by Mr. Aldridge.
Gideon also apprenticed under his father as a young boy, mastering the principles of business by practice.
[2] When Gideon Shryock was 21 years old, he moved to Philadelphia for the opportunity to study under the famous architect William Strickland.
While in Philadelphia, Shryock acquired a copy of the American edition of Swan's British Architect, which he brought back to Lexington.
[3] Following the completed construction of the Frankfort State Capitol, in 1831, Shryock moved his family back to Lexington.
[2] The notable projects of Gideon Shryock allowed him to enjoy a fame that extended beyond Kentucky.
[3] Gideon Shryock is the first architect to build in the Greek Revival Style in Kentucky.
Gideon shows a great enthusiasm and appreciation for architecture in the letters he writes to his parents.
[3] In January 1827 a bill was approved for the rebuilding of the Kentucky State House in Frankfort that was destroyed by fire.
Gideon Shryock married Elizabeth in front of the State Capitol Building on June 30, 6 months before the project was completed.
Gideon Shryock turned down the opportunity to supervise this project because back in Lexington, he was busy with the many commissions coming his way.
It was Henry Clay that executor the fund and construction for Morrison College began in 1831 with Gideon Shryock as the architect and superintended.
During this time, from 1831 to 1833, Shryock become an admirer of Henry Clay who was amid his presidential race against Jackson.
The purity of line and Grecian manner made his buildings a classic beauty to be appreciated even today.