J.C.W. Beckham (1869-1940) - Find a Grave Memorial

35th Kentucky Governor, US Senator. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1889, he studied law, was admitted to the Kentucky State Bar Association, and proceeded to practice law in Bardstown, Kentucky. Entering politics, he served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 1899, he was elected as a Democrat as Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor. When Governor William Goebel was assassinated in 1900 (an act stemming from a bitter and disputed gubernatorial election), J.C.W. Beckham was appointed as Governor of Kentucky, and served until 1907. After leaving office, he was nominated for the United State Senate, but lost the election. He went back to practicing law, then was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate, serving from 1915 to 1921. Following his Senate term, he again resumed legal practice until his death at age 70. Beckham County in Oklahoma was named for him.

Bio by: RPD2