These 8 Famous People Died In Kentucky... And Exactly Where It Happened
By Jenn Shockley|Published August 18, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
There are some famous people who have moved on to the afterlife in Kentucky, though not in recent times. Leaving this beautiful state can be a challenge once you get settled in. Several of these celebrities of their era were not born here, but fell in love with our beautiful state once they got settled in.
Here are 8 famous people who passed away in Kentucky:
He was nicknamed the Lion of White Hall and though born into a slave owning family, became active in the abolition of slavery. He was a minister to Russia under the cabinet of Abe Lincoln and is credited with gaining Russian support during the time. His anti-slavery views were not smiled upon during those days, and he ended up being labeled insane shortly before his death in Richmond. His family home, White Hall, still stands today.
This educated man was active in US race relations. He was also the first black president of a university, which he took the title of at Fisk in 1946. He passed on in Louisville of natural causes.
This gentlemen’s name is known for waging war across several states to expand US territory. He had his hand in a lot of things around Louisville and died in the area. He is honored forever via the beautiful George Rogers Clark Park.
He was born in Frankfort and grew up to be a jockey. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1884, 1890, and 1891. His racing days ended in 1895 due to intoxication, when he rode off into the afterlife in Lexington.
This is the former editor of the Baltimore Sun and the La Times, which while under his control won 13 Pulitzer Prizes. This world renowned editor retired to Kentucky, and died quietly at his home in Lexington in June at the age of 73.
In 1878, this man accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing one of his hogs, and started a feud that lasted for decades, the Hatfields and McCoys. The feud itself didn’t kill him and he died at his home in Pike County.
This was the ninth Vice President of the United States, and quite the free thinker on some levels. He passed away after a long political career in Frankfort.
Kentucky is a beautiful place to call home, even in the afterlife. There are military celebrities buried throughout the state as well. Many people fought to make our great state what it is. Each of these individuals did something that added to our history. If you know of any famous people that passed on in our state please comment.
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