Kentucky. Governor (1883-1887 : Knott)

James Proctor Knott was born August 29, 1830 in Marion County, Kentucky. He moved to Scotland County, Missouri in 1850 and began the practice of law the following year. In Missouri he served in the state legislature and as attorney general. A "moderate secessionist," he refused to take the federal loyalty oath after Missouri voted not to secede. He was forced to resign, disbarred from practicing law in that state, and imprisoned for a short time. He returned to Kentucky and to the practice of law in 1863.

Knott served six terms in the United States Congress (1867-1871, 1875-1883) where he became known for his oratory. His most famous speech, which became known as his "Duluth Speech," was delivered to Congress on January 27, 1871, in which he opposed federal funding of a railroad that would end at Duluth, Minnesota.

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