Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-08

1ority of between 1900 and 1900, the
nomination for attorney general going to
John NJ. Hendricks.
Although Senator McCreary carried Louis
Vile by 1921. Gov. Beckham ran so we'll
in the country that he overcame this lead
and last night had about 1000 votes to
spare. The complexion of Kentucky's rep
resentation In Congress shows some change,
the republicans gaining two representatives,
giving them total OF four The repubii-
can members are DR.. A. D. James of the
/ third, John w. Langley, in the tenth; Don
7. Edwards. in the eleventh. and Joseph
b. Bennett. in the ninth district Edwards
and Bennett were reelected.
John Crepps Beckham, whose nomination
In succession to United States Senator Nc
Creary is equivalent to an election, enjoys
the distinction of having been the youngest
governor in the United States at the time
of his election. He was then only thirty
years old. When he takes his seat in the
Senate he will be the youngest member
of that body. 80
Ran With Goebel.
He was speaker of the Kentucky house of
representatives in 1893 In 1899 he was nom
mated for lieutenant governor on the tick
ct with William Goebel. On the face of the
returns he was defeated by John Marshal
of Louisville. Hec contested the election.
Il.
Goebel was assassinated. Mr.. Beckham
was thereupon inaugurated governor. In
1900 he defeated John w. Yerkes for gov
ernor and in 1903 he defeated Col. M B.
Belknap of Louisville.
More than ordinary interest is taken In
the brilliant career of the youthful execu-
tive by Maryland folk and IN Washington.
because he has a sister and an aunt living
in that state and has many friends here.
His sister Is Mrs. w. B. Wyse, wife of a
prominent physician of Pike sville His
aunt is Mrs. Merrick, widow Of Mr.. Will
liam NJ Merrick. lately Of the Supreme
Court Of the District of Columbia, who
lives with Dr. and Mrs. Wyse.
Gov. Beckham has been breaking records
all along in his short but brilliant career
so far.
Youngest Speaker.
He was a colonel Of militia at the age of
nine years, which is rather amazing even
in Kentucky, where colonies abound.
At the age Of twenty-one. having passed
an examination for the bar without at
tending any law school. Mr. Beckham was
nominated for the legislature b. the demo-
Gratis and elected without any opposition,
both parties voting for him. He was the
youngest man elected speaker Of the Ken
lucky house Of representatives since the
civil war. the youngest lieutenant govern
or and the youngest governor.
More particularly Gov. Beckham's career
is briefly as follows: Born of an old Ken
lucky family, which, like SO many others
in the south, had been reduced in circum-
stances by the civil war, Mr.. Beckham
became page in the Kentucky legisla-
ture at the age of nine years. and became
such a favorite that Gov. Blackburn ap-
pointed him on his staff, with the rank of
colonel.
His birthplace was wickland. Bards-
town, KY. His parents were the late Will
liam N. and Julia CWickliffe) Beckham.
Studied Law Alone.
After his service as page In the legisla-
ture, young Beckham went to the Central
University at Richmond, KY, but was
compelled to give up his studies and go to
teaching. While thus engaged he studied
law alone, was admitted to the bar when
twenty-one and, as stated, chosen to the
legislature without opposition. This was
in 1893
He was reelected in 1896 and 1897 and
was chosen speaker in 1898
his famous ride in behalf OF his friend,
Senator Joseph Blackburn. He had been
elected to fill an uneXpired term, but the
republican officials of Nelson county, in
order to aid William ]. Deboe, republican,
in his contest for senator against Black
burn, withheld Beckham's certificate until
the last train had left for Frankfort. Every
vote was of great Importance, as there was
a tie in the house.
II Beckham was not present the republi-
cans might organize the house and secure
control.
He received his certificate after dark on
q cold. stormy night, but, nothing daunted,
night, arriving at the capitol In time for
the opening of the house. much to the cha
grin and surprise of the republicans.