Goebel family papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Goebel family papers
- Date
- 1865-1942 (inclusive)
- Extent
- 0.1 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Assassination.
- Business records -- Kentucky.
- Railroads -- Taxation.
- Governors -- Kentucky.
- Preferred Citation
- M-121: [identification of item], Goebel family papers, 1865-1942, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Politicians. William Goebel was born near Pennsylvania, but grew up in Covington, Ky. He attended a Cincinnati law school. He established a successful practice in Covington and fought many lawsuits against the railroads, particularly the Louisville and Nashville line. Goebel built a large following based on his opposition to the railroad interests and image as a "friend to the common man." After sponsoring a controversial elections bill that left ultimate decisions in closely contested races to the Democratic- controlled legislature, Goebel ran for governor in 1899. His Republican opponent, William S. Taylor, was certified the winner in the close race. The Democrats appealed it to the General Assembly. Goebel was shot in front of the state capitol before a decision had been reached. Knowing that a victory by his opponent was imminent, Governor Taylor ordered the legislature to adjourn and meet in London, Ky.
- He further sought to prevent the Democratic members from assembling elsewhere in Frankfort. Nevertheless, the Democratic majority did meet and declare Goebel the winner. The dying man was sworn in, along with his lieutenant governor, J. C. W. Beckham. When Goebel died four days later, Beckham succeeded him.
- Scope and Content
- The Goebel family papers (dated 1865-1942; 0.1 cubic feet; 2 reels) consist of a microfilm copy of William Goebel's letters to his brothers, Arthur and Justus. They discuss the 1899 elections (primary and general), political issues of the 1890's and family news. Other materials include letters to William from his constituents, clippings about the assassination, letters of condolence sent to the family, and announcements for monument fundraisers.
- There are also materials relating to family business, including Lowry and Goebel and the Cincinnati Ice Company. The collection also has copies of the letters exchanged by Justus Goebel and James Garrett, Kentucky Attorney General, over the question of railroad tax assessments.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
