Paducahans In History

Excerpt from Peducahans in History The history of Paducah links itself with the lives of its native or adopted sons and daughters whose names shine upon the local, State and National page. As soldier, statesman and author their work grows brighter with the years, inspiring the young and stimulating the old. On the battle field they gave themselves, as statesmen they were the people's tribunes, as authors they con tributed richly to the treasure-house of literature. Unostentatiously they shared honors with the greatest, drank freely from the cup of success; then the Chaplet of laurel was thrown aside, the trump of fame disregarded. In all that was done they reckoned themselves as secondary in the achievement of a purpose, and this self effacement prompted in no small measure the investigations revealed by these sidelights. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Peducahans in History The history of Paducah links itself with the lives of its native or adopted sons and daughters whose names shine upon the local, State and National page. As soldier, statesman and author their work grows brighter with the years, inspiring the young and stimulating the old. On the battle field they gave themselves, as statesmen they were the people's tribunes, as authors they contributed richly to the treasure-house of literature. Unostentatiously they shared honors with the greatest, drank freely from the cup of success; then the chaplet of laurel was thrown aside, the trump of fame disregarded. In all that was done they reckoned themselves as secondary in the achievement of a purpose, and this self-effacement prompted in no small measure the investigations revealed by these sidelights. More than a hundred friends are due thanks for courtesies extended while the chapters were in preparation. Dr. E. B. Curd of Hazel, and Captain William T. Rigby of the Vicksburg National Military Park Commission were exceedingly kind in supplying valuable data. Captain T. P.. Fauntleroy of Kevil, and Captain Edwin P. Farley of Paducah answered inquiries that resulted in the presentation of new matter. Miss Harriett Boswell of the Paducah Carnegie Library, and the assistant librarians, very generously offered the volumes of that institution for research. Judge E. W. Bagby of Paducah was frequently consulted, his wide reading and personal knowledge of the subjects discussed proving exceptionally advantageous. Mr. W. G. McFadden of Paducah made possible the reproduction of several rare pictures which had never been in print. Particular thanks are due Mr. V. Blaine Russell for reading manuscript and proof, and offering suggestions. Without his sympathetic assistance the pen portraits would have lacked far less color and the events of their time lost much of the interest they might possibly contain. The preparation of the book has been a pleasure and if by it the life or deeds of any subject are illumined the writing has not been in vain. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Despite Kentucky's aim to keep a neutral position in the Civil War and Paducah's Confederate tendencies, the Union captured the town soon after Confederate troops occupied Columbus. As a result, the Tennessee River and the Cumberland River became permeable entry points for infiltrating farther south and maintaining supply lines deep into Confederate states. That strategic advantage was halted when Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest invaded the town during the Battle of Paducah. Ultimately, a combination of guerrilla warfare tactics and General Eleazer Paine's Reign of Terror contributed to the Union's final victory over Paducah. Historian John Cashon recounts the tumultuous struggle for Paducah during the War Between the States.

Established in 1830 and named by the famed pioneer William Clark, the city of Paducah thrived as a result of its position along the waterways. From its beginnings as a rural western outpost to its status today as a UNESCO-designated City of Crafts and Folk Arts, the tenacity of Paducah's people has sustained the city throughout remarkable challenges and changes. After enduring a brief Civil War battle, several catastrophic floods and a stint as an "atomic city," Paducah has bloomed into a flourishing arts community. The City of Murals, the Quilt Museum and many other unique jewels attract visitors from around the world. Join historian John E.L. Robertson as he reveals the stories behind how this enduring river and rail town came to be the innovative, creative city it is today.

The story of Irvin S. Cobb is a fascinating one for many reasons. His life was not unusual at the time: a Horatio Alger rise from poor boy to world authority through hard work. Associate of celebrities of all kinds for two decades, he died in Hollywood virtually forgotten, having outlived the world he grew up in and which appreciated him.