Image from The Battle for Governor in Kentucky, compiled by Carl Dailey in 1900. KHS Collections.
In 1899, violence marked the disputed gubernatorial election in Kentucky between state senator William Goebel, Democrat, and William S. Taylor, Republican. Although the Board of Election Commissioners, thought to be under Goebel’s control, certified Taylor as the winner and he was inaugurated, the Democratic majority in the General Assembly voted to investigate the election. Before the committee could decide, Goebel was shot while walking across the capitol grounds. Taylor declared a state of emergency and called out the militia. Democratic legislators refused to accept Taylor’s action but found themselves barred by troops from meeting in the capitol or several other public places in Frankfort. Gathering secretly in the Capital Hotel on January 31, they unanimously accepted the report of the contest committee, declared Goebel governor, and he was sworn in. With two opposing governments, the state verged on civil war. When Goebel died on February 3, he was succeeded in office by the Democratic lieutenant governor, J. C. W. Beckham. Eventually the courts decided in favor of the Democratic majority, Taylor fled the state, and Beckham remained in the governor’s office.
Image from The Battle for Governor in Kentucky, compiled by Carl Dailey in 1900. KHS Collections.
