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Membership is not required to establish a Kentucky Colonel Branch or to be listed in the Kentucky Colonel Registry
The tradition of appointing civilian "colonels" to a governor's staff, while prevalent in many states, holds a unique significance in Kentucky. The roots of this tradition trace back to the very founding of the "Colony of Transylvania" in 1775 and can be found throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The state however did not start awarding commissions honorifically until 1875. The first landmark newspaper article about colonels appeared Louisville Post in 1889, the article was syndicated across the United States.
The Kentucky Colonels
How It Happens They are so Numerous In the Blue Grass State The Kentucky Colonels
From the Louisville Post, September 1889 (Published in over 80 Newspapers Coast to Coast and in Canada)
It is somewhat hard for an outside barbarian to understand why "colonels" are so plentiful in Kentucky.
In the first place Kentucky furnished a great many soldiers, both to the northern and to the southern armies, during the war and naturally some of these soldiers are sure enough colonels by rank and service. Others, who were minor officers or perhaps high privates, are now dubbed colonels by way of courtesy. Then we have a very few colonels who hold over from the Mexican war, and there are other colonels of militia, like the Louisville Legion, who come by their titles honestly. The governor of Kentucky has the privilege of appointing persons on his staff with the rank of colonel. These colonels are expected to look pretty and martial at the governor's ball and to ride horseback when the governor heads a procession. The last duty frequently gives them great pain and anxiety.
There are scores and scores of these governor-staff colonels in this proud old commonwealth. Some executives have been more lavish than others in the distribution of these gilded honors. That kindly old gentleman, Gov. Luke Blackburn. M.D., was fond of creating colonels. During his term he made some sixty colonels in the city of Louisville alone, if I remember the figures correctly. There are various reasons which entitles a man to this gubernatorial compliment. Col. Will Hays is a colonel because he is such a gifted poet, while Col. Albert Dietzman was given his title by Lt. Gov. Knott because he was the greatest business manager on earth.
I trust these facts will make it somewhat clearer to the wondering northerner why colonels are so plentiful in Kentucky. But there are other reasons. Many prominent citizens are honored with this complimentary title simply as a recognition of their merit by the community. Thus every man who conducts a large distillery is ipso facto a colonel; for instance, Col. John M. Atherton, or Col. Tom Sherley. Every prominent railroad official is also a colonel; for instance, Col. Milton H Smith. Every Congressman is a colonel, as Col. Asher G. Caruth. Every man with a government office is a colonel; as Col. George Du Belle. Every great editor is a colonel, like Col. Henry Watterson. The chief of the police department is a de facto colonel, as Col. Wood. Then there are other gentlemen who are colonels because no other title fits them. But the law on the subject is a little vague and has never been formulated by the legislature.
If a man has been a captain in the war never call him captain; call him colonel. He is entitled to this promotion twenty-four years after the war closed. The only men proud to be called captain are the commanders of steamboats. The captains of fire companies, the conductors of railroad trains, and the officers in a Salvation Army. The title of major is comparatively rare, and. therefore, is really more of a distinction than colonel. Only prominent people who have seen actual service wear the for instance. Major Ed. Hughes and Major J. Washington Wann. But still if you call a major a colonel he is not likely to get mad at you. By the observance of these few rules I have jotted down the stranger can get along in Kentucky without committing any serious breach of etiquette.
The Kentucky "Colonel"
The Kentucky "Colonel"
Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, March 02, 1900
Some reminiscent time — long before Opie Read apostrophized that peculiar product of a sister state, the "Kentucky Colonel" was revered and honored, not for a knight of arms, but the milder attribute of manhood, genuine courtesy. It is true that he drank, but he never made a distillery of himself. He imbibed like a gentleman. He was not quarrelsome; he was gallant. To have been a Kentucky colonel In those old-fashioned times of chivalry was like as to be a Roman in Caesar's day. He was as fragrant then as the blue grass that now nods over the graves of the victims of his vulgar prototype today. The original Kentucky colonel has passed away, but he has imitators.
The Kentucky Colonel of today is in a class by himself. He has lost the courtesy of his forebears. and assimilated the contamination of the times. Hereafter he must be designated as a belted cruiser, carrying so many guns. In certain situations he may be likened, to a torpedo boat. In others he assumes the terrifying and destructive qualities of the battleship of so many distillery gallons displacement.
Col. Jack Chinn of Kentucky
Col. Jack Chinn of Kentucky
The Age-Herald, February 05, 1900
Colonel Jack Chinn, who so valiantly stood by Governor Goebel when the latter fell a victim to an assassin's bullet last Tuesday, is perhaps the most widely known person on the American turf. He is also well known in Kentucky politics.
Colonel Chinn is a typical Kentucky colonel of the old School, which of course means 'that he has an eye for the beautiful, a lover of fine horseflesh, is a judge of good "spirits” and also carries a gun.
Colonel Chinn’s home is at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, where 'he for a long time conducted a stock farm. It was a splendid blue grass farm, and his home was for years a rendezvous for prominent turfmen and Kentucky politicians, and the host had few equals ad no superiors as an entertainer in the whole broad land of Kentucky. He has left his mark in the turf world, and has developed some of the greatest race horses of this day.
His "strings” from time to time have contained such noted performers as Leonatus, I.ouise, Ingomar and Lissak. The first-named was a winner of the Kentucky Derby and also gained fame as a sire. Lissak s career on the race course was of suoh a creditable nature that he was purchased by W. C. Whitney for a big round sum, and is now In the stud of this New York capitalist and thoroughbred breeder.
The colonel, in addition to being a stable owner, has often acted in an official capacity at various tracks in this country. His prominence on the turf was not attained solely, though, as an owner of fine horse flesh and as a starter of races. Being a "scrapper” and a disturber of national repute has won for him as much notice as his career in the more legitimate roles.
Colonel Chinn may not be wholly to blame for his record In this line, for it is said that his fighting nature, like that of the notorious Jones boys, was propagated by forces which he did not control. His first trouble of any note was with John Dowling at Chicago. Chinn and his brother-in law went to Chicago and opened a swell gambling house. The firm flourished and Dowling grew jealous and used his "hammer” to such good effect, that the Kentuckian was closed up.
The firm changed their base of operation to Minneapolis, where they again made a successful start. It Is related that Dowling pursued them and caused Chinn and Mason to be barred out of the Minnesota city.
It is claimed that this alleged persecution brought Dowling and Chinn together in the betting ring at Latonia during a race meeting late in the 1880s. Of the several thousand betters who were in the ring at the time only the principals and one peacemaker stayed in the game. Plungers, pikers, bookmakers and all sports and sportsmen left the betting quarters in pell mell fashion. Bob Tucker stayed with the colonel, and 'the latter’s cool-headedness put a check on the Kentuckian’s onslaught. Chinn and Dowling met again on Michigan avenue, in Chicago, to balance accounts, but the second meeting also resulted in a fluke.
Chinn next got into a difficulty at the East St. Louis track. He attacked Captain St. Clair, but was again checked by the Chlef of police. The Kentucky colonel was shot by the police officer before he got in his work on the St. Louis man.
The colonel’s career in politics has also been quite checkered. He gained celebrity in the political world by barring the legislative hall at Frankfort during the red-hot political fight four years ego. He was aided in this move by Colonel Jim Williams, also a Kentucky colonel. The noted turfman and politician next sprang Into prominence in polities on account of the part he played in aiding- in the election of his friend, Senator Clark, out In Montana.
A more recent political fight in which Colonel Chinn figured was his encounter with State Senator Bronson, at Phoenix hotel, at Lexington. Bronson left the battleground to get his artillery, but was prevented from appearing by the interference of friends. The disturbance was also settled without bloodshed.
In appearance Colonel Chinn is a remarkably fine-looking man. He "sizes up” well. He has dark, flowing hair and very dark eyes, which flash like electric sparks when he is warmed up. The colonel was never known to fail a friend in danger or misfortune, and with all of his reputation as a man ever ready with his gun, he is one of the most companionable of men. He is a good yarn-spinner and has a fund of good Jokes, which, if strung out, would reach from Hell’s Gate reef to the Golden Gate.
Colonel Chinn has three sons, all of whom are well known here in Memphis. Christopher Chinn, familiarly known as "Kit,” has acted as starter at Montgomery Park during several meetings. His other two sons, Phil and Morgan, are also well known turfmen. The former is publisher of the Thoroughbred Record, at Lexington, one of the 'best turf journals in the country.
The Evolution of the "Colonel" Title: From Colonial Leadership to State Honor
The Evolution of the "Colonel" Title: From Colonial Leadership to State Honor
The tradition of appointing civilian "colonels" to a governor's staff, while prevalent in many states, holds a unique significance in Kentucky. The roots of this tradition trace back to the very founding of the "Colony of Transylvania" in 1775. Visionaries like Colonel Richard Henderson, Colonel Daniel Boone, and Colonel John Bowman, among others, embodied the spirit of leadership and self-governance that would shape the future state. These early colonels, instrumental in drafting the Kentucky Magna Charta, established a precedent for civilian authority and community building that continues to resonate today.
By the late 18th century, the title "colonel" had evolved beyond its purely military connotations. It became a mark of distinction, bestowed upon individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to their communities. This tradition flourished in Kentucky, where the title "Kentucky Colonel" became synonymous with honor, hospitality, and a deep connection to the state's heritage.
The early 19th century saw a further transformation of the "colonel" title. With the formalization of the U.S. Army in 1802, the rank of colonel acquired a distinct military meaning. However, the tradition of appointing civilian colonels persisted in many states, including Kentucky. These honorary colonels, often distinguished from their military counterparts, continued to play a vital role in civic life, contributing to the development of their communities and upholding the values of their states.
While the practice of appointing honorary colonels was widespread across the United States, it held a special place in Kentucky. The "Kentucky Colonel" became an integral part of the state's cultural fabric, representing its unique blend of frontier spirit, Southern hospitality, and civic pride.
The historical newspaper articles presented in this website offer a glimpse into the diverse roles and perceptions of Kentucky Colonels throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They highlight the title's association with leadership, community service, and a deep sense of connection to the Commonwealth.
Today, the Kentucky Colonel remains a cherished symbol of the state's heritage. It serves as a reminder of the pioneering spirit, resilience, and commitment to community that have shaped Kentucky's identity. By understanding the historical context and evolving meaning of the "Kentucky Colonel" title, we can appreciate its enduring significance and ensure that its legacy continues to inspire future generations.
References:
References:
1775–1861 See the Bibliography
1870–1899 See the Bibliography, News Articles
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