Powers, Caleb, 1869-1932

Congressman, legislator, statesman.

Caleb Powers was born near Williamsburg in Whitley County, Kentucky, on February 1, 1869. He attended several public schools in Kentucky, including Union College in Barbourville, the University of Kentucky in Lexington, and Centre College in Danville. He eventually graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. After attending West Point from 1890-1891, Powers studied law and was admitted to the Bar in 1894. He served as superintendent of public schools in Knox County from 1894-1899 and was elected secretary of state on the Republican ticket in 1899. The results of the 1899 election were contested by the Democrats and when the legislature convened in January 1900, Democratic candidate William Goebel was declared elected governor over William S. Taylor, Republican incumbent. Goebel was shot outside of the old State Capitol building in Frankfort on January 30 and died four days later on February 3.

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