BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF GOVERNORS OF THE COMMONWEALTH

GOVERNORS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives has records for many of the governors. These holding are described in:

Catalog of Kentucky State Archives Holdings

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Governor Term Served State/County of Birth County of Residence Party Affiliation Occupation   Notes

ISAAC SHELBY 1792 - 1796 Maryland Lincoln Jeffersonian Republican Farmer, Surveyor, Soldier Active in American Revolution and frontier campaigns against the Indians; elected Governor again in 1812.

JAMES GARRARD 1796 - 1804 Virginia Bourbon Jeffersonian Republican Farmer, Soldier, Baptist Minister Only Kentucky Governor to serve two full successive terms; first to live in Governor's Mansion.

CHRISTOPHER GREENUP 1804 - 1808 Virginia Mercer and Fayette Jeffersonian Republican Lawyer Elected Governor without opposition. "Spanish Conspiracy" and Aaron Burr's activities revealed during this administration.

CHARLES SCOTT 1808 - 1812 Virginia Woodford Jeffersonian Republican Soldier, Farmer Extensive service in Revolution and Indian wars. Supported the War of 1812 which began at the end of his term.

ISAAC SHELBY 1812 - 1816 Maryland Lincoln Jeffersonian Republican Soldier, Farmer Second term devoted mainly to the War of 1812.

GEORGE MADISON 1816 Virginia Franklin Jeffersonian Republican Soldier, Public Servant Served as Auditor of Public Accounts, 1796-1816. First Governor to die in office, shortly after his inauguration in 1816.

GABRIEL SLAUGHTER 1816 - 1820 Virginia Mercer Democratic Republican Farmer, Soldier Saw action at Battle of New Orleans. Became Governor upon Madison's death. "Panic of 1819" caused economic disruption.

JOHN ADAIR 1820 - 1824 South Carolina Mercer Democratic Republican Farmer, Soldier Charged with conspiring with Aaron Burr, but exonerated. As Governor, signed bill creating Bank of the Commonwealth, one of several relief measures that brought about Old Court/New Court controversy.

JOSEPH DESHA 1824 - 1828 Pennsylvania Mason Jeffersonian Republican Farmer, Soldier Elected on a pro-relief platform, actively supported creation of New Court. The Old Court/New Court controversy dominated his administration.

THOMAS METCALFE 1828 - 1832 Virginia Nicholas National Republican (Whig) Stonemason Strong advocate of internal improvements. Later served in State Senate and U.S. Senate.

JOHN BREATHITT 1832 - 1834 Virginia Logan Jacksonian Democrat Lawyer Only Democratic Governor elected in Kentucky between 1828 and 1850, faced opposition majority in legislature. Died in office.

JAMES TURNER MOREHEAD 1834 - 1836 Bullitt Warren Whig Lawyer First native-born Governor, succeeded to office upon death of Breathitt. Supporter of Henry Clay. Later served in U.S. Senate, 1841-1847.

JAMES CLARK 1836 - 1839 Virginia Clark Whig Lawyer, Judge As judge, rendered decision which initiated Old Court/New Court controversy. First common schools created during this administration. Clark died in office.

CHARLES ANDERSON WICKLIFFE 1839 - 1840 Nelson Nelson Whig Lawyer Succeeded to office upon Clark's death. Later served as U.S. Postmaster General.

ROBERT P. LETCHER 1840 - 1844 Virginia Garrard Whig Lawyer Took office in midst of economic depression; state in recovery by end of his term. Strong supporter of Henry Clay. Served as ambassador to Mexico, 1849-1852.

WILLIAM OWSLEY 1844 - 1848 Virginia Lincoln Whig Lawyer, Judge Served on "Old Court" during Old Court/New Court controversy. Mexican War fought during his administration; although Owsley not an advocate of the war, he quickly sent troops when called upon.

JOHN JORDAN CRITTENDEN 1848 - 1850 Woodford Logan Whig Lawyer Active in national politics; served 20 years in U.S. Senate. Resigned as Governor to become U.S. Attorney General.

JOHN L. HELM 1850 - 1851 Hardin Hardin Whig Lawyer Succeeded to office upon Crittenden's resignation. Elected in own right in 1867 as a Democrat.

LAZARUS W. POWELL 1851 - 1855 Henderson Henderson Democrat Lawyer Successfully advocated initiation of a geological survey; also able to pass a tax increase to improve the common schools. Served as U.S. Senator, 1858-1865.

CHARLES SLAUGHTER MOREHEAD 1855 - 1859 Nelson Franklin American ("Know-Nothing") Lawyer Geological survey completed. Enlarged and improved penitentiary. Began funding an annual State Fair to encourage agricultural production. Imprisoned for 4 months in 1861 for anti-administration sympathies.

BERIAH MAGOFFIN 1859 - 1862 Mercer Mercer Democrat Lawyer Attempted to uphold Kentucky neutrality as Civil War began, but lost power to pro-Union legislature. Resigned in 1862 after negotiations allowed him to pick his successor.

JAMES F. ROBINSON 1862 - 1863 Scott Scott Democrat Lawyer Although a Unionist, he raised objections to the policies of federal authority in Kentucky, which he considered to be unconstitutional.

THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE 1863 - 1867 Cumberland Jefferson Democrat Lawyer, Judge Serving as a General in Union Army when nominated for Governor. He opposed the restrictive policies of the federal government in Kentucky. In 1865, granted a general pardon to those indicted for treason in the state.

JOHN L. HELM 1867 Hardin Hardin Democrat Lawyer Became ill during election campaign, died five days after inauguration.

JOHN W. STEVENSON 1867 - 1871 Virginia Kenton Democrat Lawyer Succeeded to office upon death of Helm. He faced post-war issues of civil rights and violence. Resigned in 1871 to become U.S. Senator.

PRESTON H. LESLIE 1871 - 1875 Wayne Barren Democrat Lawyer, Farmer Succeeded to office upon resignation of Stevenson. Proposed strict measures to stop mob violence of "Regulators." Appointed territorial Governor of Montana in 1887.

JAMES B. McCREARY 1875 - 1879 Madison Madison Democrat Lawyer Confederate veteran. Served in U.S. Congress beginning in 1885. Elected Governor again in 1911.

LUKE P. BLACKBURN 1879 - 1883 Woodford Jefferson Democrat Doctor Renowned for his medical work in cholera and yellow fever epidemics. As Governor, strong advocate of prison reform, issued numerous pardons and pushed for construction of new penitentiary.

J. PROCTOR KNOTT 1883 - 1887 Marion Marion Democrat Lawyer Served six terms in U.S. Congress, 1867-1883. As Governor, achieved some success with tax reform and state finances. First Dean of Law Department at Centre College, 1894.

SIMON BOLIVAR BUCKNER 1887 - 1891 Hart Hart Democrat Soldier, Businessman, Newspaperman Instructor at West Point, served in Mexican War, and as a Confederate General in Civil War. As Governor, vetoed many private interest bills and granted few pardons.

JOHN YOUNG BROWN 1891 - 1895 Hardin Henderson Democrat Lawyer First Governor to operate under new Constitution. Faced conflicts with legislature and with corporate interests. Unsuccessfully ran for Governor again in 1899.

WILLIAM 0. BRADLEY 1895 - 1899 Garrard Garrard Republican Lawyer First Republican Governor. Faced political difficulties with Democratic General Assembly. Served in U.S. Senate, 1909-1914.

WILLIAM S. TAYLOR 1899 - 1900 Butler Butler Republican Lawyer, Farmer Inaugurated after close race with William Goebel. Democratic General Assembly contested the election. Armed militia from both sides in Frankfort. Courts ruled against Taylor's election, after Goebel's death.

WILLIAM GOEBEL 1900 Pennsylvania Kenton Democrat Lawyer Shot in front of Capitol on Jan. 30, 1900 while election being contested. Sworn in on deathbed, courts later upheld his election. Only U.S. Governor to die by assassination.

JOHN CREPPS WICKLIFFE BECKHAM 1900 - 1907 Nelson Nelson Democrat Lawyer Succeeded to office upon Goebel's death. Elected to full term in 1903. Strong advocate of prohibition. Kentucky's first popularly elected U.S. Senator, 1914.

AUGUSTUS E. WILLSON 1907 - 1911 Mason Jefferson Republican Lawyer Declared martial law to end "Black Patch War" in western Kentucky. Disagreements with Democratic General Assembly precluded much progress.

JAMES B. McCREARY 1911 - 1915 Madison Madison Democrat Lawyer Ran on a progressive platform; as Governor, successfully advocated passage of primary election law and compulsory education legislation.

AUGUSTUS OWSLEY STANLEY 1915 - 1919 Shelby Henderson Democrat Lawyer Supported and passed progressive legislation. Major disagreements within Democratic Party over issue of prohibition. Resigned in 1919 after election to U.S. Senate.

JAMES D. BLACK 1919 Knox Knox Democrat Teacher, Lawyer Succeeded to office upon resignation of Stanley, served only seven months. Defeated in his own race for Governor in November, 1919.

EDWIN P. MORROW 1919 - 1923 Pulaski Pulaski Republican Lawyer Strong opponent of lynching and the Ku Klux Klan. Passage of legislation creating Board of Charities and Corrections. Supported suffrage for women.

WILLIAM J. FIELDS 1923 - 1927 Carter Carter Democrat Businessman, Lawyer Served seven terms in U.S. House before becoming Governor. Defeated in attempt to pass bond issue to fund roads, schools, and prisons. Passage of legislation reorganizing state government.

FLEM D. SAMPSON 1927 - 1931 Knox Knox Republican Judge, Lawyer Court of Appeals Justice prior to election as Governor. Few achievements due to disagreements with Democratic General Assembly, and onset of Great Depression.

RUBY LAFFOON 1931 - 1935 Hopkins Hopkins Democrat Lawyer Proposed sales tax to increase revenue during Great Depression, opposed by Lt. Governor Chandler. After much party in-fighting, Laffoon's measures defeated.

A. B. (Happy) CHANDLER 1935 - 1939 Henderson Woodford Democrat Lawyer Repealed sales tax, increased income and excise taxes. Reorganized state government. Began rural electrification, built new hospitals and prisons. Resigned to enter U.S. Senate, later served as baseball commissioner. Elected Governor again in 1955. Papers at University of Kentucky

KEEN JOHNSON 1939 - 1943 Lyon Madison Democrat Journalist, Businessman Succeeded upon Chandler's resignation, then elected to a full term. Faced restrictions due to World War II, still able to leave office with a budget surplus. Supported purchase of power from TVA, and successfully pushed for legislative redistricting.

SIMEON S. WILLIS 1943 - 1947 Ohio (state) Boyd Republican Lawyer, Judge Achievements included educational improvements, construction of five tuberculosis hospitals, and increased aid to the elderly and dependent children.

EARLE C. CLEMENTS 1947 - 1950 Union Union Democrat Public Servant Successfully advocated development of state parks, road construction, and industrialization. Established the Legislative Research Commission and a professional state police department. Resigned in 1950 to run for U.S. Senate.

LAWRENCE W. WETHERBY 1950 - 1955 Jefferson Jefferson Democrat Lawyer, Judge Succeeded to office upon Clements' resignation, then elected to a full term. Supported and desegregated public schools, began Bookmobile program, encouraged tourism, built hospitals, created Department of Mental Health. Passed a "sin tax" to raise revenues. Papers at University of Kentucky

A. B. (Happy) CHANDLER 1955 - 1959 Henderson Woodford Democrat Lawyer Passed bond issue to fund federal and state highways, enforced desegregation. Prominent role in establishing medical school and hospital at University of Kentucky.   Papers at University of Kentucky

BERT T. COMBS 1959 - 1963 Clay Floyd Democrat Lawyer Passed sales tax to fund improvements in education, parks, and highways; created Commission on Human Rights; desegregated all public accommodations; established statutory merit system for state government.

EDWARD (Ned) T. BREATHITT 1963 - 1967 Christian Christian Democrat Lawyer Passed civil rights bill, strip mining regulations, increased budget for education. Kentucky Educational Television created. Strengthened campaign financing laws. Passed bond issue to fund capital improvements.

LOUIE B. NUNN 1967 - 1971 Barren Barren Republican Lawyer Worked with Democratic General Assembly to achieve most of his goals, including increased funding for colleges and universities, mental health facilities, and state parks. Sent National Guard to Louisville and Lexington in response to civil rights and anti-war disturbances.

WENDELL H. FORD 1971 - 1974 Daviess Daviess Democrat Businessman Successfully advocated reorganization of state government, passage of severance tax on coal, and creation of an environmental protection agency. Supported Equal Rights Amendment. Resigned upon winning election to U.S. Senate.

JULIAN M. CARROLL 1974 - 1979 McCracken McCracken Democrat Lawyer Succeeded to office when Ford resigned, then elected to a full term. Increased funding for primary and secondary schools, created Dept. of Energy, advocated use of coal to offset energy crisis. Chairman of National Governors Association in 1978.

JOHN YOUNG BROWN, JR. 1979 - 1983 Fayette Fayette Democrat Businessman A millionaire businessman, he brought other business leaders into his administration. Cut state workforce, but raised salaries. Reformed process of awarding road contracts. Balanced budget despite reduction of federal funds.

MARTHA LAYNE (HALL) COLLINS 1983 - 1987 Shelby Woodford Democrat Teacher First woman to be elected Governor of Kentucky. Advocated educational reform, but unable to fully fund proposals. Through bond issues and tax incentives, brought a major Toyota automotive plant to the state. Chaired Democratic National Convention in 1984.

WALLACE WILKINSON 1987 - 1991 Casey Fayette Democrat Businessman Supported passage of Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and creation of a state lottery; advocated economic development in rural areas through the use of bonds and incentives.

BRERETON CHANDLER JONES 1991 - 1995 Ohio (state) Woodford Democrat Businessman Successfully advocated health care reform legislation, as well as ethics and election laws. Downsized state government and left office with budget surplus.

PAUL EDWARD PATTON 1995 - Lawrence Pike Democrat Engineer, Businessman Created EMPOWER program to increase efficiency of state government. Proposed revisions in juvenile justice system and in higher education.   Governor's Web Page

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Last revised: June 8, 1998

Governor	Term Served	State/County of Birth	County of Residence	Party Affiliation	Occupation	Notes
ISAAC SHELBY	1792 - 1796	Maryland	Lincoln	Jeffersonian Republican	Farmer, Surveyor, Soldier	Active in American Revolution and frontier campaigns against the Indians; elected Governor again in 1812.
JAMES GARRARD	1796 - 1804	Virginia	Bourbon	Jeffersonian Republican	Farmer, Soldier, Baptist Minister	Only Kentucky Governor to serve two full successive terms; first to live in Governor's Mansion.
CHRISTOPHER GREENUP	1804 - 1808	Virginia	Mercer and Fayette	Jeffersonian Republican	Lawyer	Elected Governor without opposition. "Spanish Conspiracy" and Aaron Burr's activities revealed during this administration.
CHARLES SCOTT	1808 - 1812	Virginia	Woodford	Jeffersonian Republican	Soldier, Farmer	Extensive service in Revolution and Indian wars. Supported the War of 1812 which began at the end of his term.
ISAAC SHELBY	1812 - 1816	Maryland	Lincoln	Jeffersonian Republican	Soldier, Farmer	Second term devoted mainly to the War of 1812.
GEORGE MADISON	1816	Virginia	Franklin	Jeffersonian Republican	Soldier, Public Servant	Served as Auditor of Public Accounts, 1796-1816. First Governor to die in office, shortly after his inauguration in 1816.
GABRIEL SLAUGHTER	1816 - 1820	Virginia	Mercer	Democratic Republican	Farmer, Soldier	Saw action at Battle of New Orleans. Became Governor upon Madison's death. "Panic of 1819" caused economic disruption.
JOHN ADAIR	1820 - 1824	South Carolina	Mercer	Democratic Republican	Farmer, Soldier	Charged with conspiring with Aaron Burr, but exonerated. As Governor, signed bill creating Bank of the Commonwealth, one of several relief measures that brought about Old Court/New Court controversy.
JOSEPH DESHA	1824 - 1828	Pennsylvania	Mason	Jeffersonian Republican	Farmer, Soldier	Elected on a pro-relief platform, actively supported creation of New Court. The Old Court/New Court controversy dominated his administration.
THOMAS METCALFE	1828 - 1832	Virginia	Nicholas	National Republican (Whig)	Stonemason	Strong advocate of internal improvements. Later served in State Senate and U.S. Senate.
JOHN BREATHITT	1832 - 1834	Virginia	Logan	Jacksonian Democrat	Lawyer	Only Democratic Governor elected in Kentucky between 1828 and 1850, faced opposition majority in legislature. Died in office.
JAMES TURNER MOREHEAD	1834 - 1836	Bullitt	Warren	Whig	Lawyer	First native-born Governor, succeeded to office upon death of Breathitt. Supporter of Henry Clay. Later served in U.S. Senate, 1841-1847.
JAMES CLARK	1836 - 1839	Virginia	Clark	Whig	Lawyer, Judge	As judge, rendered decision which initiated Old Court/New Court controversy. First common schools created during this administration. Clark died in office.
CHARLES ANDERSON WICKLIFFE	1839 - 1840	Nelson	Nelson	Whig	Lawyer	Succeeded to office upon Clark's death. Later served as U.S. Postmaster General.
ROBERT P. LETCHER	1840 - 1844	Virginia	Garrard	Whig	Lawyer	Took office in midst of economic depression; state in recovery by end of his term. Strong supporter of Henry Clay. Served as ambassador to Mexico, 1849-1852.
WILLIAM OWSLEY	1844 - 1848	Virginia	Lincoln	Whig	Lawyer, Judge	Served on "Old Court" during Old Court/New Court controversy. Mexican War fought during his administration; although Owsley not an advocate of the war, he quickly sent troops when called upon.
JOHN JORDAN CRITTENDEN	1848 - 1850	Woodford	Logan	Whig	Lawyer	Active in national politics; served 20 years in U.S. Senate. Resigned as Governor to become U.S. Attorney General.
JOHN L. HELM	1850 - 1851	Hardin	Hardin	Whig	Lawyer	Succeeded to office upon Crittenden's resignation. Elected in own right in 1867 as a Democrat.
LAZARUS W. POWELL	1851 - 1855	Henderson	Henderson	Democrat	Lawyer	Successfully advocated initiation of a geological survey; also able to pass a tax increase to improve the common schools. Served as U.S. Senator, 1858-1865.
CHARLES SLAUGHTER MOREHEAD	1855 - 1859	Nelson	Franklin	American ("Know-Nothing")	Lawyer	Geological survey completed. Enlarged and improved penitentiary. Began funding an annual State Fair to encourage agricultural production. Imprisoned for 4 months in 1861 for anti-administration sympathies.
BERIAH MAGOFFIN	1859 - 1862	Mercer	Mercer	Democrat	Lawyer	Attempted to uphold Kentucky neutrality as Civil War began, but lost power to pro-Union legislature. Resigned in 1862 after negotiations allowed him to pick his successor.
JAMES F. ROBINSON	1862 - 1863	Scott	Scott	Democrat	Lawyer	Although a Unionist, he raised objections to the policies of federal authority in Kentucky, which he considered to be unconstitutional.
THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE	1863 - 1867	Cumberland	Jefferson	Democrat	Lawyer, Judge	Serving as a General in Union Army when nominated for Governor. He opposed the restrictive policies of the federal government in Kentucky. In 1865, granted a general pardon to those indicted for treason in the state.
JOHN L. HELM	1867	Hardin	Hardin	Democrat	Lawyer	Became ill during election campaign, died five days after inauguration.
JOHN W. STEVENSON	1867 - 1871	Virginia	Kenton	Democrat	Lawyer	Succeeded to office upon death of Helm. He faced post-war issues of civil rights and violence. Resigned in 1871 to become U.S. Senator.
PRESTON H. LESLIE	1871 - 1875	Wayne	Barren	Democrat	Lawyer, Farmer	Succeeded to office upon resignation of Stevenson. Proposed strict measures to stop mob violence of "Regulators." Appointed territorial Governor of Montana in 1887.
JAMES B. McCREARY	1875 - 1879	Madison	Madison	Democrat	Lawyer	Confederate veteran. Served in U.S. Congress beginning in 1885. Elected Governor again in 1911.
LUKE P. BLACKBURN	1879 - 1883	Woodford	Jefferson	Democrat	Doctor	Renowned for his medical work in cholera and yellow fever epidemics. As Governor, strong advocate of prison reform, issued numerous pardons and pushed for construction of new penitentiary.
J. PROCTOR KNOTT	1883 - 1887	Marion	Marion	Democrat	Lawyer	Served six terms in U.S. Congress, 1867-1883. As Governor, achieved some success with tax reform and state finances. First Dean of Law Department at Centre College, 1894.
SIMON BOLIVAR BUCKNER	1887 - 1891	Hart	Hart	Democrat	Soldier, Businessman, Newspaperman	Instructor at West Point, served in Mexican War, and as a Confederate General in Civil War. As Governor, vetoed many private interest bills and granted few pardons.
JOHN YOUNG BROWN	1891 - 1895	Hardin	Henderson	Democrat	Lawyer	First Governor to operate under new Constitution. Faced conflicts with legislature and with corporate interests. Unsuccessfully ran for Governor again in 1899.
WILLIAM 0. BRADLEY	1895 - 1899	Garrard	Garrard	Republican	Lawyer	First Republican Governor. Faced political difficulties with Democratic General Assembly. Served in U.S. Senate, 1909-1914.
WILLIAM S. TAYLOR	1899 - 1900	Butler	Butler	Republican	Lawyer, Farmer	Inaugurated after close race with William Goebel. Democratic General Assembly contested the election. Armed militia from both sides in Frankfort. Courts ruled against Taylor's election, after Goebel's death.
WILLIAM GOEBEL	1900	Pennsylvania	Kenton	Democrat	Lawyer	Shot in front of Capitol on Jan. 30, 1900 while election being contested. Sworn in on deathbed, courts later upheld his election. Only U.S. Governor to die by assassination.
JOHN CREPPS WICKLIFFE BECKHAM	1900 - 1907	Nelson	Nelson	Democrat	Lawyer	Succeeded to office upon Goebel's death. Elected to full term in 1903. Strong advocate of prohibition. Kentucky's first popularly elected U.S. Senator, 1914.
AUGUSTUS E. WILLSON	1907 - 1911	Mason	Jefferson	Republican	Lawyer	Declared martial law to end "Black Patch War" in western Kentucky. Disagreements with Democratic General Assembly precluded much progress.
JAMES B. McCREARY	1911 - 1915	Madison	Madison	Democrat	Lawyer	Ran on a progressive platform; as Governor, successfully advocated passage of primary election law and compulsory education legislation.
AUGUSTUS OWSLEY STANLEY	1915 - 1919	Shelby	Henderson	Democrat	Lawyer	Supported and passed progressive legislation. Major disagreements within Democratic Party over issue of prohibition. Resigned in 1919 after election to U.S. Senate.
JAMES D. BLACK	1919	Knox	Knox	Democrat	Teacher, Lawyer	Succeeded to office upon resignation of Stanley, served only seven months. Defeated in his own race for Governor in November, 1919.
EDWIN P. MORROW	1919 - 1923	Pulaski	Pulaski	Republican	Lawyer	Strong opponent of lynching and the Ku Klux Klan. Passage of legislation creating Board of Charities and Corrections. Supported suffrage for women.
WILLIAM J. FIELDS	1923 - 1927	Carter	Carter	Democrat	Businessman, Lawyer	Served seven terms in U.S. House before becoming Governor. Defeated in attempt to pass bond issue to fund roads, schools, and prisons. Passage of legislation reorganizing state government.
FLEM D. SAMPSON	1927 - 1931	Knox	Knox	Republican	Judge, Lawyer	Court of Appeals Justice prior to election as Governor. Few achievements due to disagreements with Democratic General Assembly, and onset of Great Depression.
RUBY LAFFOON	1931 - 1935	Hopkins	Hopkins	Democrat	Lawyer	Proposed sales tax to increase revenue during Great Depression, opposed by Lt. Governor Chandler. After much party in-fighting, Laffoon's measures defeated.
A. B. (Happy) CHANDLER	1935 - 1939	Henderson	Woodford	Democrat	Lawyer	Repealed sales tax, increased income and excise taxes. Reorganized state government. Began rural electrification, built new hospitals and prisons. Resigned to enter U.S. Senate, later served as baseball commissioner. Elected Governor again in 1955. Papers at University of Kentucky
KEEN JOHNSON	1939 - 1943	Lyon	Madison	Democrat	Journalist, Businessman	Succeeded upon Chandler's resignation, then elected to a full term. Faced restrictions due to World War II, still able to leave office with a budget surplus. Supported purchase of power from TVA, and successfully pushed for legislative redistricting.
SIMEON S. WILLIS	1943 - 1947	Ohio (state)	Boyd	Republican	Lawyer, Judge	Achievements included educational improvements, construction of five tuberculosis hospitals, and increased aid to the elderly and dependent children.
EARLE C. CLEMENTS	1947 - 1950	Union	Union	Democrat	Public Servant	Successfully advocated development of state parks, road construction, and industrialization. Established the Legislative Research Commission and a professional state police department. Resigned in 1950 to run for U.S. Senate.
LAWRENCE W. WETHERBY	1950 - 1955	Jefferson	Jefferson	Democrat	Lawyer, Judge	Succeeded to office upon Clements' resignation, then elected to a full term. Supported and desegregated public schools, began Bookmobile program, encouraged tourism, built hospitals, created Department of Mental Health. Passed a "sin tax" to raise revenues. Papers at University of Kentucky
A. B. (Happy) CHANDLER	1955 - 1959	Henderson	Woodford	Democrat	Lawyer	Passed bond issue to fund federal and state highways, enforced desegregation. Prominent role in establishing medical school and hospital at University of Kentucky. Papers at University of Kentucky
BERT T. COMBS	1959 - 1963	Clay	Floyd	Democrat	Lawyer	Passed sales tax to fund improvements in education, parks, and highways; created Commission on Human Rights; desegregated all public accommodations; established statutory merit system for state government.
EDWARD (Ned) T. BREATHITT	1963 - 1967	Christian	Christian	Democrat	Lawyer	Passed civil rights bill, strip mining regulations, increased budget for education. Kentucky Educational Television created. Strengthened campaign financing laws. Passed bond issue to fund capital improvements.
LOUIE B. NUNN	1967 - 1971	Barren	Barren	Republican	Lawyer	Worked with Democratic General Assembly to achieve most of his goals, including increased funding for colleges and universities, mental health facilities, and state parks. Sent National Guard to Louisville and Lexington in response to civil rights and anti-war disturbances.
WENDELL H. FORD	1971 - 1974	Daviess	Daviess	Democrat	Businessman	Successfully advocated reorganization of state government, passage of severance tax on coal, and creation of an environmental protection agency. Supported Equal Rights Amendment. Resigned upon winning election to U.S. Senate.
JULIAN M. CARROLL	1974 - 1979	McCracken	McCracken	Democrat	Lawyer	Succeeded to office when Ford resigned, then elected to a full term. Increased funding for primary and secondary schools, created Dept. of Energy, advocated use of coal to offset energy crisis. Chairman of National Governors Association in 1978.
JOHN YOUNG BROWN, JR.	1979 - 1983	Fayette	Fayette	Democrat	Businessman	A millionaire businessman, he brought other business leaders into his administration. Cut state workforce, but raised salaries. Reformed process of awarding road contracts. Balanced budget despite reduction of federal funds.
MARTHA LAYNE (HALL) COLLINS	1983 - 1987	Shelby	Woodford	Democrat	Teacher	First woman to be elected Governor of Kentucky. Advocated educational reform, but unable to fully fund proposals. Through bond issues and tax incentives, brought a major Toyota automotive plant to the state. Chaired Democratic National Convention in 1984.
WALLACE WILKINSON	1987 - 1991	Casey	Fayette	Democrat	Businessman	Supported passage of Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and creation of a state lottery; advocated economic development in rural areas through the use of bonds and incentives.
BRERETON CHANDLER JONES	1991 - 1995	Ohio (state)	Woodford	Democrat	Businessman	Successfully advocated health care reform legislation, as well as ethics and election laws. Downsized state government and left office with budget surplus.
PAUL EDWARD PATTON	1995 -	Lawrence	Pike	Democrat	Engineer, Businessman	Created EMPOWER program to increase efficiency of state government. Proposed revisions in juvenile justice system and in higher education. Governor's Web Page