The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1919-09-18
LOOKING BACKWARD
Compiled by Judge b. I. Davis

II
Ar present when by amendment 20
the Constitution of the United States
women are TO vote In all elections IL
Is interesting 20 follow the development
Of the Union. There has never been
any property qualifications required Of
voter In Kentucky. Voters are re-
quired 10 be property owners in many
countries at this date. Only I'm recent
years has the right 10 vote been given
TO every resident over 81 years OF age.
without regard 20 sex, In some OF the
States.
IL must be remembered that an cleo
ton at the time Kentucky became n
state was quite an ovation upon the
existing order. The government Of the
United States had been recently form
ed. Previous 20 the Revolutionary
War. all Officers were filed by appoint
ment by the King or Governor OF the
Colonies whom he had appointed. The
elections I'm England. previous 70 the
Independence Of the United States.
were confined 10 members OF the House
of Commons am Of the opinion that
10 this date I'm England only the mem
bers OF the House of Commons are
elected. This corresponds 20 the House
Of Representatives.
when Kentucky was admitted into
the Union as a State 10 was a new idea
for the people 10 have any choice IN
the selection OF their officers. except
that they might recommend the APP
pOintment OF individuals. IL was APP
pretended that the people could not
select a suitable officer and that ef-
ficient administra ton OF the public az
fairs could be had only by the appoint
meut of men % serve In such capacity
during good behavior.
Under the first Constitution Of the
State OF Kentucky there were but
three offices which were filed by eleC-
ton by vote OF the people one OF these
was the members OF the House OF Rep
resentatives or the Lower House Al
the same time OF election OF the Rep
resentatives from the District or tn.
state there were elected another class
OF men. known as Electors. IL was the
duty OF these electors 20 meet at the
State Capital and vote for and elect
the Governor and Lieutenant Governor
and also 70 elect the State Senators
The sheriff was elected By vote OF the
people.
The Representative and Electors f0-
their expenses going 10 and returning
from the State Capital were allowed
each the sum OF six shillings a day and
each representative and senator and
sheriff. before he could be permitted
10 act as such was required % take an
oath or affirmation that he had not
directly or Indirectly given or promised
any bride or treat 70 procure his cleo
ton 20 said office and every person
was disqualified from service as sen
a. lie. - -
term for which he was elected, who
should be convicted OF having given
or offered any bride or treat or even
canvassed for the office Under this
method OF election. Isaac Shelby was
elected first Governor Of Kentucky.
The first Constitution lasted only %
e6e-yfar 1-OO. Then the election laws
were changed and the office OF Elec-
| tors abandoned and the people voted
directly for Governor and Lieutenant
Governor. State Senators and Repre-
sentatives. All other offices were FIJI
ed by appointment. This second Con-
stitution continued in force until 1850.
Under IL Isaac shelby was again elect
ed Governor In 1872. All OF the judges
OF the courts were appointed by the
Governor and held office during good
behavior. but could be removed from
the office by impeachment
Under this law many men held Of
fee for many years. Joe Allen was
clerk Of the Breckenridge County
Court for "a years. On January II.
1875 In McCracken County, BraxtOn
Small became clerk for the county court
and filled that office until the change
In the constitution In 1850. He served
two terms by election 10 1855 After
wards he was Circuit Clerk until his
death IN 1865.