On the day of his inauguration as 51st governor of Kentucky, Edward T. “Ned” Breathitt spoke about the challenges and opportunities before him and all Kentuckians. Breathitt, a Hopkinsville attorney, had turned 39 in between his election and the day he took office on Dec. 10, 1963. The country was still mourning the death of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on Nov. 22 in Dallas.
“Let us today in this historic and splendid commonwealth, troubled with unhappy divisions, afflicted with grave difficulties, blessed with great resources and challenged by unimagined opportunities, undergo a humble and hopeful baptism in that spirit of concern — that spirit of detachment, that spirit of courage,” Breathitt said in his inaugural speech. “Let the pulse of our confidence quicken from the strong, steady, calming leadership, which President Lyndon B. Johnson has given to all of America in an hour of tragedy and trial. At this time, grateful for your honor you have done me and the kindness you have bestowed upon me and my family, I ask for your help, your prayers and your understanding during the four years ahead.”
The late governor’s daughter, Linda Breathitt, of Lexington, read from the speech Monday morning during the dedication of her father’s bronze statue in front of the Christian County Courthouse. Several dozen family friends, old colleagues and supporters gathered for the dedication and a reception that followed in the Alhambra Theatre.
Breathitt’s son, Edward T. Breathitt III, a sculptor who lives in India, created the life-size statue. It depicts his father seated on a bench. He’s wearing a suit and wingtip shoes, appearing as he did when he practiced law in Hopkinsville. His office was a block up Main Street from the courthouse.
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam and Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. delivered brief remarks and thanked supporters of the project, including their predecessors, former Judge-Executive Steve Tribble and Mayor Wendell Lynch.
Christian County Historian Willian T. Turner said Breathitt was a “progressive, modern” governor who ushered in a new wave of reforms. His legacy included adoption of the first civil rights legislation by a southern state.
“Gov. Breahtitt was a campaign of civil rights for all and worked tirelessly with African Americans, with the clergy, with community leaders and legislators to enhance the lives of all Kentuckians,” said Turner.
Breathitt was born on Nov. 26, 1924, and graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and served until 1945. Following his military service, he enrolled at the University of Kentucky. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1948 and his law degree in 1950.
A Democrat, he served as a state representative for three terms before running for governor. He was backed by his predecessor, Gov. Bert T. Combs.
In the primary race, Breathitt defeated the former governor, A.B. “Happy” Chandler, for his party’s nomination. In the general election, Breathitt beat Republican nominee Louie B. Nunn by approximately 13,000 votes.
Mike Foster, the former Christian County attorney, also gave remarks at Monday’s dedication and spoke about Breathitt’s influence in his life. He worked in Breathitt’s Hopkinsville firm after graduating from law school. Although Foster had been thinking of going to Washington, D.C., to begin his career after college, Breathitt convinced him he needed to come back to Hopkinsville if he wanted to learn how to practice law.
Also present for the dedication were two of the last surviving members of Breathitt’s staff — his press secretary, Don Mills, and his administrative assistant, Barbara Nash. She worked in Breathitt’s offices in Hopkinsville and Frankfort.
“They were trusted staff and I continue to lean on them for advice and knowledge of Dad’s administration,” said Linda Breathitt.
Members of the committee who helped lead the statue project and were present for the dedication included Foster, David Collins, Janice Bruce and Bill Nichol. The Pennyroyal Arts Council provided administrative help with the project, which raised approximately $115,000 for the statue.
Linda Breathitt said her brother donated most of his time on the project. The donations mainly covered materials and the cost of casting and installing the statue, she said.
“Edward worked several years on this labor of love, which we are all so grateful for,” she said during the dedication ceremony. “It’s a beautiful memorial that will stand the test of time. Edward, you nailed it. It captures so much of our father.”
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
