TODAY IN KENTUCKY HISTORY

Thank You For Visiting

Localtonians wishes a Happy Birthday to “Captain” Elijah Pepper born in 1760.

Localtonians wishes a Happy Birthday to William Logan, born in the fort at Harrodsburg in 1776. He was one of the first white children born in the state. His father was General Ben Logan, one of the earliest settlers to Logan County, the namesake. In 1818, William was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Richard M. Johnson by a vote of 67 to 55. He served one year and then resigned to make a bid for governor. He ran second to John Adair in a four-way race, 20,493 to 19,947. His death at 45 was viewed, too many, a significant loss to the state.

December 8, 1903, Governor Beckham takes the oath for 2nd time after he wins the November general election for Governorship. Beckham was the youngest Governor who stayed in office for seven years, 10 months and seven days.

December 8, 1905, the Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded the city of Somerset $10,000 to build a new city library. It would be the last gift the Corporation would give to a Kentucky city.

Somerset school Carnegie library section

December 8, 1914, Louisville native Madison Julius Cawein, a poet, passed.

Localtonians wishes a Happy Birthday to Viper native Jean Ruth Ritchie, born in 1922 in Perry County. Ms. Ritchie was an American folk singer, songwriter, and Appalachian dulcimer player, called by some the “Mother of Folk.” She is ultimately responsible for reviving the Appalachian dulcimer, the traditional instrument of her community, which she popularized by playing the instrument on her albums and writing tutorial books. She inspired a wide array of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Shirley Collins, Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris and Judy Collins.

December 8, 1931, Ruby Laffoon became the 43rd Governor of Kentucky. Laffoon set new records for the number of pardons granted and the number of Kentucky Colonels commissioned. Laffoon’s effort to get a sales tax split the Democratic Party. Leading the opposition was Lt. Gov. Happy Chandler and Ben Johnson, whom Laffoon had made highway commissioner. Party factionalism and a sick economy left Laffoon with a poor record as governor and the Louisville Courier-Journal called the 1932 legislative session “about the worst legislative session in Kentucky’s history.”

December 8, 1934, the Kentucky State Thorobreds football team compiled an 8–0 record, won the Midwest Athletic Association (MAA) championship, shut out seven of eight opponents and outscored all opponents by a total of 193 to 2. The black college national champions played their home games at Alumni Field in Frankfort.

December 8, 1959, Governor Bert Combs was sworn in as the 50th Governor of Kentucky. Combs rose from poverty in his native Clay County to earn a law degree from the University of Kentucky and become one of America’s most progressive governors.

December 8, 1968, Army SP5 Harry E. Bates from Beattyville in Lee County, Marine Corps PFC Charles W. Caldwell from Rush in Boyd County, Marine Corps CPL Connard D. Mallory from Leesburg in Logan County, Marine Corps PFC Jack D. Schaffner from Louisville and Army SGT Philip A. Terry from Lexington all died fighting in the Vietnam War.

December 8, 1969, Army SP5 Floyd G. Talley from Scottsville in Allen County died fighting in the Vietnam War.

December 8, 1971, George D. Widener died. Mr. Widener breed over 100 stakes winners, most of them Kentucky foals. He was a horse racing giant who served on numerous boards and associations and helped establish Elmendorf Farm in Lexington with his uncle. He later sold his part of the farm to Leslie Combs.

Localtonians wishes a Happy Birthday to Lexington native Damaris Phillips born in 1980. Damaris is a celebrity chef best known as the season nine champion of Food Network Star. As the winner, she earned her own show on the Food Network called Southern at Heart. She earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Jefferson Community and Technical College.

December 8, 1984, Brian Taylor, while racing at the Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong was thrown from his saddle while crossing the finish line. His mount, Silver Star (銀星一號), stumbled. Taylor would succumb two days later in hospital from the serious neck and head injuries he had received. His friend Bill Burnett wanted him to find someone else to replace him for that race due to his shingles. Wally Hood offered to take the ride but at the last minute, Brian decided to race, which turned out to be his last.

December 8, 1987, Frankfort held an inauguration for newly elected governor, Wallace Wilkinson. Former Gov. A.B. “Happy” Chandler was the grand marshal in Frankfort. Chandler’s endorsement of Wilkinson during the campaign was considered crucial to his election victory.

Kentucky Trivia: There have been sixty-five Caucasian men who have represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate. Thirty-six were born in Kentucky, nineteen in Virginia, two from Pennsylvania, and one each from the following states: AL (McConnell), NC, SC, NY, RI, TX (Paul) and WVA. Senator James B. Beck was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland.

December 8, 1991, house majority leader Greg Stumbo was charged with a DUI after his truck ran off the road. He had been a leading proponent of tougher drunken-driving measures in the General Assembly.

December 8, 1992, the city of Frankfort changed their minds and voted to allow the MTV channel to continue to air in their city. Pat Layton a Frankfort resident for 32 years stated that she had never seen an issue divide the city like the MTV debate.