G.O.P. Leader, Great Orator
'Roy' Wilhoit, 83, Lawyer, Civic Leader Dies in Fla.
A Carter County native, James Wilhoit, known by friends and associates as 'Roy' who achieved wide recognition as a lawyer, orator and stalwart in the Republican party, died Monday in Fort Myers, Fla.
A heart attack snuffed out the life of the 83 year old statesman, who had been in ill health for many years, forcing his retirement.
Born June 15, 1883 at Willard in Carter County, son of the late Judge James B. and **Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit, the highlights of a successful career are recorded as follows:
* Family moved in early life to Grayson, where his father practiced law, being recognized as one of the outstanding attorney's in Kentucky.
* Graduated from high school at Las Vegas, N.M. (The family moved from Grayson to New Mexico when President McKinley appointed his father to Prosecutor for the Department of the Interior).
* Studied law at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and New York University, being admitted to bar.
* Soon, a successful lawyer in his own right Mr. (Roy) Wilhoit was named Secretary of the Kentucky Railroad Commission by Governor Bradley, then considered one of the top appointive posts in state government as railroads were operating at capacity and many communities depended on rail carriers for their existence and economy.
* From 1940 to 1946, he was Commonwealth Attorney for the old 32nd Judicial District, Greenup and Lewis counties.
* Successfully practiced law in Catiettsburg until ill health forced retirement. (His career as our active Attorney covered 53 years).
Mr. Wilhoit was a member of and held policy offices, in many judicial and civic groups.
Cognizant of the growing crime rate among juveniles, Mr. Wilhoit was bitally interested in establishment of the Boyd County Boys Camp, an even after retirement to Fort Myers, continued to work, and correspond on this project.
Ohio River flood walls at Ashland and Catiettsburg can be attributed, in part, to Mr. Wilhoit. He testified many times in Washington for these appropriations, and lived to see them completed.
He, and his wife, Sally Wilhoit, who was executive secretary of the Boyd County chapter of the American Red Cross, moved to Vanceburg
(a G.O.P. stronghold) before he was elected Commonwealth Attorney.
Mr. Wilhoit helped found the Republican Club of Kentucky, served on many Kentucky G.O.P. committees; and received a Senior Counselor honor from State Bar Association, the award being conferred by former Gov. Simeon Willis, a life-long friend. (Mr. Wilhoit was most active in helping Willis get elected Governor in a close statewide race against Lyter Donaldson in 1940).
Private funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at Fort Myers. The remains will then be brought to Ashland for interment.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mr. Wilhoit has several relatives in Carter County, but the only close survivor is his wife.
** the Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit mentioned was actually Callie (Boldman) Wilhoit.
'Roy' Wilhoit, 83, Lawyer, Civic Leader Dies in Fla.
A Carter County native, James Wilhoit, known by friends and associates as 'Roy' who achieved wide recognition as a lawyer, orator and stalwart in the Republican party, died Monday in Fort Myers, Fla.
A heart attack snuffed out the life of the 83 year old statesman, who had been in ill health for many years, forcing his retirement.
Born June 15, 1883 at Willard in Carter County, son of the late Judge James B. and **Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit, the highlights of a successful career are recorded as follows:
* Family moved in early life to Grayson, where his father practiced law, being recognized as one of the outstanding attorney's in Kentucky.
* Graduated from high school at Las Vegas, N.M. (The family moved from Grayson to New Mexico when President McKinley appointed his father to Prosecutor for the Department of the Interior).
* Studied law at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and New York University, being admitted to bar.
* Soon, a successful lawyer in his own right Mr. (Roy) Wilhoit was named Secretary of the Kentucky Railroad Commission by Governor Bradley, then considered one of the top appointive posts in state government as railroads were operating at capacity and many communities depended on rail carriers for their existence and economy.
* From 1940 to 1946, he was Commonwealth Attorney for the old 32nd Judicial District, Greenup and Lewis counties.
* Successfully practiced law in Catiettsburg until ill health forced retirement. (His career as our active Attorney covered 53 years).
Mr. Wilhoit was a member of and held policy offices, in many judicial and civic groups.
Cognizant of the growing crime rate among juveniles, Mr. Wilhoit was bitally interested in establishment of the Boyd County Boys Camp, an even after retirement to Fort Myers, continued to work, and correspond on this project.
Ohio River flood walls at Ashland and Catiettsburg can be attributed, in part, to Mr. Wilhoit. He testified many times in Washington for these appropriations, and lived to see them completed.
He, and his wife, Sally Wilhoit, who was executive secretary of the Boyd County chapter of the American Red Cross, moved to Vanceburg
(a G.O.P. stronghold) before he was elected Commonwealth Attorney.
Mr. Wilhoit helped found the Republican Club of Kentucky, served on many Kentucky G.O.P. committees; and received a Senior Counselor honor from State Bar Association, the award being conferred by former Gov. Simeon Willis, a life-long friend. (Mr. Wilhoit was most active in helping Willis get elected Governor in a close statewide race against Lyter Donaldson in 1940).
Private funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at Fort Myers. The remains will then be brought to Ashland for interment.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mr. Wilhoit has several relatives in Carter County, but the only close survivor is his wife.
** the Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit mentioned was actually Callie (Boldman) Wilhoit.
G.O.P. Leader, Great Orator
'Roy' Wilhoit, 83, Lawyer, Civic Leader Dies in Fla.
A Carter County native, James Wilhoit, known by friends and associates as 'Roy' who achieved wide recognition as a lawyer, orator and stalwart in the Republican party, died Monday in Fort Myers, Fla.
A heart attack snuffed out the life of the 83 year old statesman, who had been in ill health for many years, forcing his retirement.
Born June 15, 1883 at Willard in Carter County, son of the late Judge James B. and **Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit, the highlights of a successful career are recorded as follows:
* Family moved in early life to Grayson, where his father practiced law, being recognized as one of the outstanding attorney's in Kentucky.
* Graduated from high school at Las Vegas, N.M. (The family moved from Grayson to New Mexico when President McKinley appointed his father to Prosecutor for the Department of the Interior).
* Studied law at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and New York University, being admitted to bar.
* Soon, a successful lawyer in his own right Mr. (Roy) Wilhoit was named Secretary of the Kentucky Railroad Commission by Governor Bradley, then considered one of the top appointive posts in state government as railroads were operating at capacity and many communities depended on rail carriers for their existence and economy.
* From 1940 to 1946, he was Commonwealth Attorney for the old 32nd Judicial District, Greenup and Lewis counties.
* Successfully practiced law in Catiettsburg until ill health forced retirement. (His career as our active Attorney covered 53 years).
Mr. Wilhoit was a member of and held policy offices, in many judicial and civic groups.
Cognizant of the growing crime rate among juveniles, Mr. Wilhoit was bitally interested in establishment of the Boyd County Boys Camp, an even after retirement to Fort Myers, continued to work, and correspond on this project.
Ohio River flood walls at Ashland and Catiettsburg can be attributed, in part, to Mr. Wilhoit. He testified many times in Washington for these appropriations, and lived to see them completed.
He, and his wife, Sally Wilhoit, who was executive secretary of the Boyd County chapter of the American Red Cross, moved to Vanceburg
(a G.O.P. stronghold) before he was elected Commonwealth Attorney.
Mr. Wilhoit helped found the Republican Club of Kentucky, served on many Kentucky G.O.P. committees; and received a Senior Counselor honor from State Bar Association, the award being conferred by former Gov. Simeon Willis, a life-long friend. (Mr. Wilhoit was most active in helping Willis get elected Governor in a close statewide race against Lyter Donaldson in 1940).
Private funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at Fort Myers. The remains will then be brought to Ashland for interment.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mr. Wilhoit has several relatives in Carter County, but the only close survivor is his wife.
** the Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit mentioned was actually Callie (Boldman) Wilhoit.
'Roy' Wilhoit, 83, Lawyer, Civic Leader Dies in Fla.
A Carter County native, James Wilhoit, known by friends and associates as 'Roy' who achieved wide recognition as a lawyer, orator and stalwart in the Republican party, died Monday in Fort Myers, Fla.
A heart attack snuffed out the life of the 83 year old statesman, who had been in ill health for many years, forcing his retirement.
Born June 15, 1883 at Willard in Carter County, son of the late Judge James B. and **Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit, the highlights of a successful career are recorded as follows:
* Family moved in early life to Grayson, where his father practiced law, being recognized as one of the outstanding attorney's in Kentucky.
* Graduated from high school at Las Vegas, N.M. (The family moved from Grayson to New Mexico when President McKinley appointed his father to Prosecutor for the Department of the Interior).
* Studied law at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and New York University, being admitted to bar.
* Soon, a successful lawyer in his own right Mr. (Roy) Wilhoit was named Secretary of the Kentucky Railroad Commission by Governor Bradley, then considered one of the top appointive posts in state government as railroads were operating at capacity and many communities depended on rail carriers for their existence and economy.
* From 1940 to 1946, he was Commonwealth Attorney for the old 32nd Judicial District, Greenup and Lewis counties.
* Successfully practiced law in Catiettsburg until ill health forced retirement. (His career as our active Attorney covered 53 years).
Mr. Wilhoit was a member of and held policy offices, in many judicial and civic groups.
Cognizant of the growing crime rate among juveniles, Mr. Wilhoit was bitally interested in establishment of the Boyd County Boys Camp, an even after retirement to Fort Myers, continued to work, and correspond on this project.
Ohio River flood walls at Ashland and Catiettsburg can be attributed, in part, to Mr. Wilhoit. He testified many times in Washington for these appropriations, and lived to see them completed.
He, and his wife, Sally Wilhoit, who was executive secretary of the Boyd County chapter of the American Red Cross, moved to Vanceburg
(a G.O.P. stronghold) before he was elected Commonwealth Attorney.
Mr. Wilhoit helped found the Republican Club of Kentucky, served on many Kentucky G.O.P. committees; and received a Senior Counselor honor from State Bar Association, the award being conferred by former Gov. Simeon Willis, a life-long friend. (Mr. Wilhoit was most active in helping Willis get elected Governor in a close statewide race against Lyter Donaldson in 1940).
Private funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at Fort Myers. The remains will then be brought to Ashland for interment.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mr. Wilhoit has several relatives in Carter County, but the only close survivor is his wife.
** the Calley (Rowman) Wilhoit mentioned was actually Callie (Boldman) Wilhoit.
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