James E. Cantrill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Edwards Cantrill
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|---|---|
| 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky | |
| In office 1879–1883 |
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| Governor | Luke P. Blackburn |
| Preceded by | John C. Underwood |
| Succeeded by | James R. Hindman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 20, 1839 Bourbon County, Kentucky |
| Died | April 5, 1908 (aged 68) Georgetown, Kentucky |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Edwards Cantrill (born June 20, 1839 – died April 5, 1908) was an important political figure in Kentucky. He served as the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky from 1879 to 1883. He also worked as a circuit court judge and later as a judge on the Court of Appeals.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James E. Cantrill was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, on June 20, 1839. He went to public school in his hometown. When he was sixteen, he enrolled at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. After graduating in 1858, he studied law. In 1859, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to practice law for a year. He then returned to Kentucky.
Cantrill was also a member of the Freemasons, a well-known social organization. He was also part of the Knights Templar, which is a part of the Freemasons.
Family Life
James Cantrill married Jennie Moore on January 5, 1869. They lived in Georgetown, Kentucky. They had one son named J. Campbell Cantrill (1870-1923). Their son later became a U.S. Representative for Kentucky. Jennie Moore Cantrill passed away in 1876.
Later, Cantrill married Mary Cecil from Boyle County, Kentucky. They had one son together, Cecil Edwards Cantrill (1883-1935).
Military and Political Career
During the American Civil War, James Cantrill served as a captain in the Confederate States Army Cavalry. He first served under Colonel D. Howard Smith. Later, he joined a group known as Morgan's Men. After the war, he became a member of the Confederate Veterans' Association of Kentucky.
Serving in the Kentucky Government
Cantrill served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1867 to 1871. This was his first step into state politics.
He later became a Circuit Judge in 1892. While he was Lieutenant Governor, a famous outlaw named Jesse James robbed a stagecoach. Cantrill offered a reward for the capture of the robbers. The reward was never officially collected by the right person.
Important Trials as a Judge
During his time as a Circuit Judge, Cantrill became well-known for his role in the trials related to Kentucky Governor William Goebel. In 1900, Governor Goebel was shot. Cantrill, as the circuit judge in Franklin County, Kentucky, swore Goebel in as governor the day after he was shot. When Governor Goebel passed away, Cantrill oversaw the trials of the people accused in the case. His actions during this time made him a respected figure in his hometown of Georgetown.
In 1904, Cantrill successfully ran for a seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. This is one of the highest courts in Kentucky. He traveled to Frankfort to be sworn in as a member of the court.
Later Years and Death
In 1904, James Cantrill suffered a stroke. He never fully recovered from it. He passed away in 1908 at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky. He and his second wife, Mary, are buried together at Georgetown Cemetery.
