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{{Short description|American politician and lawyer (1802–1867)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2011}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox Governor
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = John L. Helm
|image = John LaRue Helm, by Klauber.jpg
| name = John L. Helm
|caption =John L. Helm photographed by Klauber, Louisville, Kentucky, undated.
| image = John LaRue Helm, by Klauber (cropped).jpg
|order1 = 18th & 24th
| alt = Photograph of John L. Helm
| caption = Photograph by Klauber, undated
|office1 = Governor of Kentucky
| order1 = 18th & 24th
|term_start1 = September 3, 1867
| office1 = Governor of Kentucky
|term_end1 = September 8, 1867
| term_start1 = September 3, 1867
|lieutenant1 = John W. Stevenson
| term_end1 = September 8, 1867
|predecessor1= [[Thomas E. Bramlette]]
|successor1 = [[John W. Stevenson]]
| lieutenant1 = John W. Stevenson
| predecessor1 = [[Thomas E. Bramlette]]
|term_start2 = July 31, 1850
| successor1 = [[John W. Stevenson]]
|term_end2 = September 2, 1851
| term_start2 = July 31, 1850
|lieutenant2 =
| term_end2 = September 2, 1851
|predecessor2= [[John J. Crittenden]]
| lieutenant2 = ''Vacant''
|successor2 = [[Lazarus W. Powell]]
|order3 = 14th [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky]]
| predecessor2 = [[John J. Crittenden]]
| successor2 = [[Lazarus W. Powell]]
|term_start3 = September 6, 1848
| order3 = 14th [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky]]
|term_end3 = July 31, 1850
| term_start3 = September 6, 1848
|governor3 = [[John J. Crittenden]]
| term_end3 = July 31, 1850
|predecessor3= [[Archibald Dixon]]
|successor3 = [[John Burton Thompson]]
| governor3 = John J. Crittenden
|office4 = Member of the [[Kentucky Senate]]
| predecessor3 = [[Archibald Dixon]]
|term4 = 1844
| successor3 = [[John Burton Thompson]]
|office5 = Member of the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]]
| state_senate4 = Kentucky
| district4 = [[Kentucky's 14th Senate district|14th]]
|term5 = 1826–1843
| term_start4 = August 5, 1844
|birth_date = {{birth date|1802|7|4|mf=y}}
| term_end4 = August 7, 1848
|birth_place = [[Hardin County, Kentucky]]
| predecessor4 = William Conway
|death_date = {{death date and age|1867|9|8|1802|7|4|mf=y}}
| successor4 = John Cofer
|death_place = [[Elizabethtown, Kentucky]]
| office5 = Other offices
|party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]<br/>[[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]]
| subterm5 = 1826–1843
|spouse = Lucinda Barbour (Hardin) Helm
| suboffice5 = Member of the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]]
|relations = Son-in-law of [[Benjamin Hardin]]<br/>Father of [[Benjamin Hardin Helm]] and [[Lucinda Barbour Helm]]
| birth_name = John LaRue Helm
|profession = Lawyer
| birth_date = {{birth date|1802|7|4}}
|religion =
|residence = [[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]]
| birth_place = [[Hardin County, Kentucky]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1867|9|8|1802|7|4}}
|signature = John LaRue Helm Signature.svg
| death_place = [[Elizabethtown, Kentucky]], U.S.
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] (from 1865)<br/>[[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]] (1826–1865)
| spouse = {{marriage|Lucinda Barbour Hardin<br/>|1830}}
| children = 11, including [[Benjamin Hardin Helm|Benjamin]] and [[Lucinda Barbour Helm|Lucinda]]
| relations = [[Benjamin Hardin]]<br/>(Father-in-law)
| profession = {{hlist|[[Politician]]|[[lawyer]]}}
| residence = [[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]]
| signature = John LaRue Helm Signature.svg
}}
}}
'''John LaRue Helm''' (July 4, 1802 – September 8, 1867) was the [[List of Governors of Kentucky|18th and 24th governor]] of the U.S. [[Commonwealth of Kentucky]], although his service in that office totaled less than fourteen months. He also represented [[Hardin County, Kentucky|Hardin County]] in both houses of the [[Kentucky General Assembly]] and was chosen to be the [[Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives]] four times. In 1838, his sole bid for federal office ended in defeat when his opponent, [[Willis Green]], was elected to the [[U.S. House of Representatives]].


Helm was first elected to the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]] in 1826; between 1826 and 1843 he served eleven one-year terms in the state house. In 1844, he was elected to the [[Kentucky Senate|state senate]], where he served continuously until he was chosen as the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig Party]] nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky|lieutenant governor]] on a ticket with [[John J. Crittenden]], famous for the [[Crittenden Compromise]]. The Whigs won the general election and Helm was elevated to governor on July 31, 1850, when Crittenden resigned to accept an appointment as [[United States Attorney General]] in President [[Millard Fillmore]]'s cabinet. After his service as governor Helm became president of the struggling [[Louisville and Nashville Railroad]]. He invested thousands of dollars of his own money in the project and convinced residents along the line's main route to buy stock in the company. In 1859, the line was completed, but the next year Helm resigned over of differences with the board of directors regarding a proposed branch that would extend the line to [[Memphis, Tennessee]].
'''John LaRue Helm''' (July 4, 1802 – September 8, 1867) was the [[List of Governors of Kentucky|18th and 24th governor]] of the U.S. [[Commonwealth of Kentucky]], although his service in that office totaled less than fourteen months. He also represented [[Hardin County, Kentucky|Hardin County]] in both houses of the [[Kentucky General Assembly]] and was chosen to be the [[Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives]] four times. In 1838 his sole bid for federal office ended in defeat when his opponent, [[Willis Green]], was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]].


Although he openly opposed [[Secession in the United States|secession]] during the [[American Civil War]], federal military forces labeled Helm a [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] sympathizer. In September 1862, he was arrested for this alleged sympathy, but Governor [[James Fisher Robinson|James F. Robinson]] recognized him as he was being transported to a prison in [[Louisville]] and had him released. After the war Helm identified with the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], and in 1865, Hardin County voters returned him to the state senate. In 1867, he was the state's Democratic candidate for governor. Despite his failing health, Helm made a vigorous canvass of the state and won the general election. He was too weak to travel to [[Frankfort, Kentucky|Frankfort]] for his inauguration, so state officials administered the oath of office at his home on September 3, 1867. He died five days later.
Helm was first elected to the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]] in 1826; between 1826 and 1843 he served eleven one-year terms in the state house. In 1844 he was elected to the [[Kentucky Senate|state senate]], where he served continuously until he was chosen as the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig Party]] nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky|lieutenant governor]] on a ticket with [[John J. Crittenden]], famous for the [[Crittenden Compromise]]. The Whigs won the general election and Helm was elevated to governor on July 31, 1850, when Crittenden resigned to accept an appointment as [[United States Attorney General]] in President [[Millard Fillmore]]'s cabinet. After his service as governor Helm became president of the struggling [[Louisville and Nashville Railroad]]. He invested thousands of dollars of his own money in the project and convinced residents along the line's main route to buy stock in the company. In 1859 the line was completed, but the next year Helm resigned over of differences with the board of directors regarding a proposed branch that would extend the line to [[Memphis, Tennessee]].

Although he openly opposed [[Secession in the United States|secession]] during the [[American Civil War]], federal military forces labeled Helm a [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] sympathizer. In September 1862, he was arrested for this alleged sympathy, but Governor [[James Fisher Robinson|James F. Robinson]] recognized him as he was being transported to a prison in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]] and had him released. After the war Helm identified with the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], and in 1865 Hardin County voters returned him to the state senate. In 1867 he was the state's Democratic candidate for governor. Despite his failing health, Helm made a vigorous canvass of the state and won the general election. He was too weak to travel to [[Frankfort, Kentucky|Frankfort]] for his inauguration, so state officials administered the oath of office at his home on September 3, 1867. He died five days later.


==Early life==
==Early life==
In 1780 Helm's grandfather, Thomas Helm, emigrated to Kentucky from [[Prince William County, Virginia]] and founded the settlement of Helm Station near [[Elizabethtown, Kentucky]] in Hardin County, where John L. Helm was born on July 4, 1802.<ref name=powell46>Powell, p. 46</ref><ref name=allen107>Allen, p. 107</ref><ref name=nga>NGA Bio</ref> He was the eldest of nine children born to George B. Helm, a farmer and politician, and [[LaRue family|Rebecca LaRue Helm]], a descendant of a prominent local pioneer family.<ref name=allen107 /><ref name=owen68>Owen, p. 68</ref>
In 1780, Helm's grandfather, Thomas Helm, emigrated to Kentucky from [[Prince William County, Virginia]], and founded the settlement of Helm Station near [[Elizabethtown, Kentucky]], in Hardin County, where John L. Helm was born on July 4, 1802.<ref name=powell46>Powell, p. 46</ref><ref name=allen107>Allen, p. 107</ref><ref name=nga>NGA Bio</ref> He was the eldest of nine children born to George B. Helm, a farmer and politician, and [[LaRue family|Rebecca LaRue Helm]], a descendant of a prominent local pioneer family.<ref name=allen107 /><ref name=owen68>Owen, p. 68</ref>


Helm attended the area's public schools and studied with noted educator [[Duff Green]].<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 16–17</ref> When Helm was 14 his father fell on hard financial times and Helm returned to work on the family farm.<ref name=biosketch18>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 18</ref> In 1818 he took a better-paying job in the office of Samuel Haycraft, the [[circuit court]] clerk of Hardin County.<ref name=biosketch18 /> While there he [[reading law|read law]] with Haycraft, then entered the law office of Ben Tobin in 1821.<ref name=powell46 />
Helm attended the area's public schools and studied with noted educator [[Duff Green]].<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 16–17</ref> When Helm was 14 his father fell on hard financial times and Helm returned to work on the family farm.<ref name=biosketch18>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 18</ref> In 1818, he took a better-paying job in the office of Samuel Haycraft, the [[circuit court]] clerk of Hardin County.<ref name=biosketch18 /> While there he [[read law]] with Haycraft, then entered the law office of Ben Tobin in 1821.<ref name=powell46 />


At about this time Helm's father traveled to Texas to enter into business and rebuild his finances, but he died there in 1822,<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 15–16</ref> leaving Helm responsible for his mother and siblings.<ref name=allen108>Allen, p. 108</ref> He was admitted to the [[bar (law)|bar]] in 1823, the same year [[Meade County, Kentucky]] was formed.<ref name=nga /><ref name=johnson929>Johnson, p. 929</ref> There were no lawyers in the county yet, so although Helm continued living in Hardin County he was made Meade's [[county attorney]].<ref name=allen108 /> His practice grew rapidly and he was soon able to pay off his father's debts and purchase the Helm homestead.<ref name=powell46 /> Between 1832 and 1840 he built "[[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]]" on this land and it remained his home for the rest of his life.<ref name=powell46 /><ref name=coleman51>Coleman, p. 51</ref>
At about this time, Helm's father traveled to Texas to enter into business and rebuild his finances, but he died there in 1822,<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 15–16</ref> leaving Helm responsible for his mother and siblings.<ref name=allen108>Allen, p. 108</ref> He was admitted to the [[bar (law)|bar]] in 1823, the same year [[Meade County, Kentucky]], was formed.<ref name=nga /><ref name=johnson929>Johnson, p. 929</ref> There were no lawyers in the county yet, so although Helm continued living in Hardin County he was made Meade's [[county attorney]].<ref name=allen108 /> His practice grew rapidly and he was soon able to pay off his father's debts and purchase the Helm homestead.<ref name=powell46 /> Between 1832 and 1840, he built "[[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]]" on this land and it remained his home for the rest of his life.<ref name=powell46 /><ref name=coleman51>Coleman, p. 51</ref>
[[File:Brigadier General Benjamin Hardin Helm (1831-1863).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Benjamin Hardin Helm]]
[[File:Brigadier General Benjamin Hardin Helm (1831-1863).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Benjamin Hardin Helm]]
In 1823 Helm called on [[United States House of Representatives|Representative]] [[Benjamin Hardin]].<ref name=alexander18>Alexander, p. 18</ref> While Hardin and Helm discussed business, Hardin's 14-year-old daughter, Lucinda, entered the room to show her father a map she had drawn.<ref name=alexander18 /> Helm later claimed it was [[love at first sight]], and began to pursue Lucinda's affections.<ref name=alexander18 /> They [[courtship|courted]] for seven years, married in 1830 and had six daughters and five sons together.<ref name=owen68 /><ref name=biosketch23 /> One of his sons, [[Benjamin Hardin Helm]], was a [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] general in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] and was killed at the [[Battle of Chickamauga]].<ref name=powell46 />
In 1823, Helm called on [[United States House of Representatives|Representative]] [[Benjamin Hardin]].<ref name=alexander18>Alexander, p. 18</ref> While Hardin and Helm discussed business, Hardin's 14-year-old daughter, Lucinda, entered the room to show her father a map she had drawn.<ref name=alexander18 /> Helm later claimed it was [[love at first sight]], and began to pursue Lucinda's affections.<ref name=alexander18 /> They [[courted]] for seven years, married in 1830 and had six daughters and five sons together.<ref name=owen68 /><ref name=biosketch23 /> One of his sons, [[Benjamin Hardin Helm]], was a [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] general in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] and was killed at the [[Battle of Chickamauga]].<ref name=powell46 />


==Political career==
==Political career==
[[File:Helm Mansion Late 1800s.jpg|thumb|Helm Place, built by John L. Helm in 1832.]]
[[File:Helm Mansion Late 1800s.jpg|thumb|Helm Place, built by John L. Helm in 1832]]
The major political issue in Kentucky during Helm's legal training was the [[Old Court-New Court controversy]]. Reeling from the [[panic of 1819]], Kentuckians had demanded debt relief. In response, the [[Kentucky General Assembly]] passed an act that granted debtors a grace period of two years in repaying their debts unless their creditors would accept payment in the devalued notes of the Bank of the Commonwealth. The [[Kentucky Court of Appeals]] struck down the law, claiming it was in violation of the [[Contract Clause]] of the [[United States Constitution|U.S. Constitution]]. The angered legislature attempted to [[impeachment|impeach]] the justices on the Court of Appeals, but lacked the necessary [[two-thirds majority]]. Instead, they abolished the Court of Appeals and replaced it with a new court, which was stocked with more sympathetic justices by pro-relief governor [[John Adair]]. Both courts claimed to be Kentucky's court of last resort.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 21–23</ref>
The major political issue in Kentucky during Helm's legal training was the [[Old Court-New Court controversy]]. Reeling from the [[panic of 1819]], Kentuckians had demanded debt relief. In response, the [[Kentucky General Assembly]] passed an act that granted debtors a grace period of two years in repaying their debts unless their creditors would accept payment in the devalued notes of the Bank of the Commonwealth. The [[Kentucky Court of Appeals]] struck down the law, claiming it was in violation of the [[Contract Clause]] of the [[U.S. Constitution]]. The angered legislature attempted to [[impeachment in the United States|impeach]] the justices on the Court of Appeals, but lacked the necessary [[two-thirds majority]]. Instead, they abolished the Court of Appeals and replaced it with a new court, which was stocked with more sympathetic justices by pro-relief governor [[John Adair]]. Both courts claimed to be Kentucky's court of last resort.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 21–23</ref>


Throughout 1825 Helm made speeches and distributed pamphlets in Hardin and surrounding counties, espousing the Old Court position.<ref name=biosketch23>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 23</ref> In 1826 he campaigned as a [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]] for a seat in the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]].<ref name=owen69>Owen, p. 69</ref> Helm won the election, and at the age of twenty-four became one of the youngest members to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly.<ref name=johnson929 /> An Old Court majority was elected to [[bicameral legislature|both houses]] of the General Assembly in 1826, which then passed legislation abolishing the New Court.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 23–24</ref>
Throughout 1825, Helm made speeches and distributed pamphlets in Hardin and surrounding counties, espousing the Old Court position.<ref name=biosketch23>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 23</ref> In 1826, he campaigned as a [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]] for a seat in the [[Kentucky House of Representatives]].<ref name=owen69>Owen, p. 69</ref> Helm won the election, and at the age of twenty-four became one of the youngest members to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly.<ref name=johnson929 /> An Old Court majority was elected to [[bicameral legislature|both houses]] of the General Assembly in 1826, which then passed legislation abolishing the New Court.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 23–24</ref>


Helm was re-elected to the state House in 1827 and 1830, and was re-elected every year from 1833 to 1837.<ref name=nga /> He served as [[Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] in 1835 and 1836.<ref name=nga /> In 1837 there was a three-way race for speaker between Helm, [[James Turner Morehead (Kentucky)|James Turner Morehead]] and [[Robert P. Letcher]].<ref name=owen56>Owen, p. 56</ref> After nine ballots Helm withdrew, and Letcher was elected speaker.<ref name=owen56 />
Helm was re-elected to the state House in 1827 and 1830, and was re-elected every year from 1833 to 1837.<ref name=nga /> He served as [[Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] in 1835 and 1836.<ref name=nga /> In 1837, there was a three-way race for speaker between Helm, [[James Turner Morehead (Kentucky politician)|James Turner Morehead]] and [[Robert P. Letcher]].<ref name=owen56>Owen, p. 56</ref> After nine ballots, Helm withdrew and Letcher was elected speaker.<ref name=owen56 />


Helm made his only run for federal office in 1838 and was defeated by [[Willis Green]] for a seat in the [[United States House of Representatives]].<ref name=powell46 /> He returned to the Kentucky House in 1839 and was re-elected in 1842 and 1843, serving as Speaker of the House both years.<ref name=nga /> In 1843, the Kentucky General Assembly proposed to create a new county from part of Hardin County and name it Helm County in honor of John L. Helm.<ref name=nrhp10>NRHP nomination form, p. 10</ref> Because of the few dissenting votes on this question, Helm declined the honor and proposed instead that the county be called [[LaRue County, Kentucky|LaRue County]] after his mother's family, many of whom still lived in the proposed county. Helm's suggestion was unanimously adopted.<ref name=nrhp10 />
Helm made his only run for federal office in 1838 and was defeated by [[Willis Green]] for a seat in the [[United States House of Representatives]].<ref name=powell46 /> He returned to the Kentucky House in 1839 and was re-elected in 1842 and 1843, serving as Speaker of the House both years.<ref name=nga /> In 1843, the Kentucky General Assembly proposed to create a new county from part of Hardin County and name it Helm County in honor of John L. Helm.<ref name=nrhp10>NRHP nomination form, p. 10</ref> Because of the few dissenting votes on this question, Helm declined the honor and proposed instead that the county be called [[LaRue County]] after his mother's family, many of whom still lived in the proposed county. Helm's suggestion was unanimously adopted.<ref name=nrhp10 />


===Lieutenant governor and governor===
===Lieutenant governor and governor===
[[File:John J Crittenden.jpg|thumb|right|John J. Crittenden, who Helm succeeded as governor on July 31, 1850, as painted by Ferdinand G. Walke in 1909]]
[[File:John J Crittenden.jpg|thumb|right|John J. Crittenden, who Helm succeeded as governor on July 31, 1850, as painted by Ferdinand G. Walke in 1909]]
In 1844 Helm was elected to the [[Kentucky Senate]], where he served until 1848.<ref name=nga /> That year he was the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]] candidate for [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky|lieutenant governor]] on a ticket with [[John J. Crittenden]].<ref name=powell46 /> Helm defeated [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[John Preston Martin]] in the general election.<ref name=harrison422>Harrison, p. 422</ref> The major political question in the state during Helm's time as lieutenant governor was whether to adopt a new state constitution.<ref name=nrhp10 /> As a state senator in 1848, Helm had voted to allow the state's citizens to decide the matter in a referendum, but after seeing the document produced by the constitutional convention, he opposed its ratification.<ref name=nrhp10 /> In an address to the state senate in 1850 he declared, "I was for reform, and not for revolution. I was for amending the Constitution, and not for obliterating every vital principle in contained."<ref name=biosketch34>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 34</ref> He especially opposed creating an elective judiciary.<ref name=green217>Green, p. 217</ref> His antagonism to the constitution put him at odds with his father-in-law, Benjamin Hardin.<ref name=biosketch34 /> The two did not reconcile until 1852, as Hardin lay on his deathbed.<ref name=biosketch34 /> The new constitution was adopted in 1850, and in June of that year Helm encouraged the people to accept it.<ref name=nrhp11>NRHP nomination form, p. 11</ref>
In 1844, Helm was elected to the [[Kentucky Senate]], where he served until 1848.<ref name=nga /> That year he was the [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig]] candidate for [[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky|lieutenant governor]] on a ticket with [[John J. Crittenden]].<ref name=powell46 /> Helm defeated [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[John Preston Martin]] in the general election.<ref name=harrison422>Harrison, p. 422</ref> The major political question in the state during Helm's time as lieutenant governor was whether to adopt a new state constitution.<ref name=nrhp10 /> As a state senator in 1848, Helm had voted to allow the state's citizens to decide the matter in a referendum, but after seeing the document produced by the constitutional convention, he opposed its ratification.<ref name=nrhp10 /> In an address to the state senate in 1850, he declared, "I was for reform, and not for revolution. I was for amending the Constitution, and not for obliterating every vital principle in contained."<ref name=biosketch34>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 34</ref> He especially opposed creating an elective judiciary.<ref name=green217>Green, p. 217</ref> His antagonism to the constitution put him at odds with his father-in-law, Benjamin Hardin.<ref name=biosketch34 /> The two did not reconcile until 1852, as Hardin lay on his deathbed.<ref name=biosketch34 /> The new constitution was adopted in 1850 and in June of that year Helm encouraged the people to accept it.<ref name=nrhp11>NRHP nomination form, p. 11</ref>


Governor Crittenden resigned on July 31, 1850 to accept President [[Millard Fillmore]]'s appointment as [[United States Attorney General|attorney general]], and Helm ascended to the governorship.<ref name=powell46 /> As governor, Helm vetoed a legislative plan to cover deficits in the public school fund by drawing money from the state's [[sinking fund]], but the General Assembly overrode the veto.<ref name=owen69 /> He urged the legislature to fund a survey of the state's mineral reserves and a census of the state's agricultural and manufacturing resources.<ref name=owen69 /> He called for spending on [[internal improvements]] and for raising judges' salaries to attract more qualified jurists to the bench.<ref name=owen69 /><ref name=harrison422 /> He also sought a ban on the carrying of concealed deadly weapons.<ref name=owen69 /> The legislature did not act on any of these proposed reforms.<ref name=owen69 /> The only part of Helm's agenda that did progress through the General Assembly was election reform.<ref name=owen69 />
Governor Crittenden resigned on July 31, 1850, to accept President [[Millard Fillmore]]'s appointment as [[United States Attorney General|attorney general]], and Helm ascended to the governorship.<ref name=powell46 /> As governor, Helm vetoed a legislative plan to cover deficits in the public school fund by drawing money from the state's [[sinking fund]], but the General Assembly overrode the veto.<ref name=owen69 /> He urged the legislature to fund a survey of the state's mineral reserves and a census of the state's agricultural and manufacturing resources.<ref name=owen69 /> He called for spending on [[internal improvements]] and for raising judges' salaries to attract more qualified jurists to the bench.<ref name=owen69 /><ref name=harrison422 /> He also sought a ban on the carrying of concealed deadly weapons.<ref name=owen69 /> The legislature did not act on any of these proposed reforms.<ref name=owen69 /> The only part of Helm's agenda that did progress through the General Assembly was election reform.<ref name=owen69 />
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==President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad==
==President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad==
[[File:JohnLaRueHelm.jpg|thumb|right| A portrait of John L. Helm painted by his granddaughter Katherine]]
[[File:JohnLaRueHelm.jpg|thumb|right| A portrait of John L. Helm painted by his granddaughter Katherine]]
Helm was a [[United States Electoral College|presidential elector]] for [[Winfield Scott]] in the [[1852 United States presidential election|1852 presidential election]].<ref name=powell46 /> After this he took twelve years off from politics.<ref name=powell46 /> As early as 1836, Helm had advocated the construction of the [[Louisville and Nashville Railroad]].<ref>NRHP nomination form, pp. 11–12</ref> On October 2, 1854, he became the railroad's second president.<ref name=klein9>Klein, p. 9</ref> The previous president had been forced out of that position after a disagreement with Louisville's board of [[Alderman|aldermen]], and construction of the line had almost been abandoned.<ref>Klein, pp. 8–9</ref>
Helm was a [[presidential elector]] for [[Winfield Scott]] in the [[1852 presidential election]].<ref name=powell46 /> After this he took twelve years off from politics.<ref name=powell46 /> As early as 1836, Helm had advocated the construction of the [[Louisville and Nashville Railroad]].<ref>NRHP nomination form, pp. 11–12</ref> On October 2, 1854, he became the railroad's second president.<ref name=klein9>Klein, p. 9</ref> The previous president had been forced out of that position after a disagreement with Louisville's board of [[aldermen]], and construction of the line had almost been abandoned.<ref>Klein, pp. 8–9</ref>


Helm worked diligently to convince residents along the line's main route of the economic benefits it would bring.<ref name=klein11>Klein, p. 11</ref> He persuaded many of them to help clear and grade land for the line and accept company stock as payment, and succeeded in selling stock subscriptions to people in the same area.<ref name=owen69 /><ref name=klein11 /> Rising labor costs and troubles transporting materials raised expenses far above the projected budget, and at one point Helm personally redeemed $20,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|20000|1856|r=-4}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTISOYEAR}}) of the company's bonds.<ref name=klein12>Klein, p. 12</ref> Meanwhile, some observers accused Helm of mismanaging the company.<ref name=klein12 /> The company's fortunes improved in 1857 when the city of Louisville provided $300,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|300000|1857|r=-4}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTISOYEAR}}) in financial aid and the line was completed on October 18, 1859.<ref>Klein, pp. 12, 14</ref> Due to Helm's influence, the railroad's charter required all trains traveling through Elizabethtown to stop there.<ref name=nrhp12>NRHP nomination form, p. 12</ref>
Helm worked diligently to convince residents along the line's main route of the economic benefits it would bring.<ref name=klein11>Klein, p. 11</ref> He persuaded many of them to help clear and grade land for the line and accept company stock as payment, and succeeded in selling stock subscriptions to people in the same area.<ref name=owen69 /><ref name=klein11 /> Rising labor costs and troubles transporting materials raised expenses far above the projected budget, and at one point Helm personally redeemed $20,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|20000|1856|r=-4}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTISOYEAR}}) of the company's bonds.<ref name=klein12>Klein, p. 12</ref> Meanwhile, some observers accused Helm of mismanaging the company.<ref name=klein12 /> The company's fortunes improved in 1857 when the city of Louisville provided $300,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|300000|1857|r=-4}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTISOYEAR}}) in financial aid and the line was completed on October 18, 1859.<ref>Klein, pp. 12, 14</ref> Due to Helm's influence, the railroad's charter required all trains traveling through Elizabethtown to stop there.<ref name=nrhp12>NRHP nomination form, p. 12</ref>


By the time the line was finished there were public calls from inside and outside the company for Helm to resign, mostly because of his support for a proposed [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] branch of the railroad.<ref>Herr, pp. 23, 26</ref> To complete the branch, the Louisville and Nashville would have to complete a line from [[Bowling Green, Kentucky|Bowling Green]] to [[Guthrie, Kentucky]].<ref name=klein20>Klein, p. 20</ref> There it would join a line owned by the Memphis and Ohio Railroad that began across the state line at [[Clarksville, Tennessee]] and extended to Memphis.<ref name=klein20 /> Supporters believed the branch would economically help both Louisville and Memphis and would lessen their dependence on trade along the [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]] and [[Ohio River|Ohio]] Rivers.<ref name=klein18>Klein, p. 18</ref> Opponents argued that the project was simply a ploy to whip up new support for the struggling railroad.<ref name=klein18 /> Helm endorsed the Memphis branch in his annual report in 1857.<ref name=klein20 />
By the time the line was finished, there were public calls from inside and outside the company for Helm to resign, mostly because of his support for a proposed [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] branch of the railroad.<ref>Herr, pp. 23, 26</ref> To complete the branch, the Louisville and Nashville would have to complete a line from [[Bowling Green, Kentucky|Bowling Green]] to [[Guthrie, Kentucky]].<ref name=klein20>Klein, p. 20</ref> There it would join a line owned by the Memphis and Ohio Railroad that began across the state line at [[Clarksville, Tennessee]], and extended to Memphis.<ref name=klein20 /> Supporters believed the branch would economically help both Louisville and Memphis and would lessen their dependence on trade along the [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]] and [[Ohio River|Ohio]] Rivers.<ref name=klein18>Klein, p. 18</ref> Opponents argued that the project was simply a ploy to whip up new support for the struggling railroad.<ref name=klein18 /> Helm endorsed the Memphis branch in his annual report in 1857.<ref name=klein20 />


On February 4, 1860, two members of the company's board of directors wrote a letter requesting Helm's resignation; they claimed they had voted for his re-election as president of the company with the understanding that he would resign when the main line between Louisville and Nashville was finished.<ref name=herr26>Herr, p. 26</ref> Helm maintained that he felt an obligation to the citizens of [[Logan County, Kentucky|Logan County]] – many of whom he had personally sold stock to – to remain president until the Memphis branch through their county was built.<ref name=herr26 /> The rift between Helm and the directors continued to widen, however. Helm resigned on February 21, 1860, and was replaced by [[James Guthrie (American politician)|James Guthrie]].<ref name=herr26 /> The Memphis branch was completed on September 24, 1860.<ref name=klein22>Klein, p. 22</ref>
On February 4, 1860, two members of the company's board of directors wrote a letter requesting Helm's resignation; they claimed they had voted for his re-election as president of the company with the understanding that he would resign when the main line between Louisville and Nashville was finished.<ref name=herr26>Herr, p. 26</ref> Helm maintained that he felt an obligation to the citizens of [[Logan County, Kentucky|Logan County]] – many of whom he had personally sold stock to – to remain president until the Memphis branch through their county was built.<ref name=herr26 /> The rift between Helm and the directors continued to widen, however. Helm resigned on February 21, 1860, and was replaced by [[James Guthrie (American politician)|James Guthrie]].<ref name=herr26 /> The Memphis branch was completed on September 24, 1860.<ref name=klein22>Klein, p. 22</ref>


==Civil War and second term as governor==
==Civil War and second term as governor==
[[File:John Larue Helm 2.jpg|thumb|right|Engraving of Helm in later life.]]
[[File:John Larue Helm 2.jpg|thumb|right|Engraving of Helm in later life]]
On January 8, 1861 Helm chaired a meeting in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]] that advocated for Kentucky's neutrality in the Civil War.<ref name=powell46 /><ref name=johnson929 /> Helm was an outspoken opponent of secession, but also denounced the election of [[Abraham Lincoln]] and his use of military force to subdue the southern states.<ref name=johnson929 /> Because Helm did not condemn his son, Benjamin, for joining the Confederate Army, federal authorities classified him as a southern sympathizer.<ref name=biosketch73>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 73</ref>
On January 8, 1861, Helm chaired a meeting in Louisville that advocated for Kentucky's neutrality in the Civil War.<ref name=powell46 /><ref name=johnson929 /> Helm was an outspoken opponent of secession, but also denounced the election of [[Abraham Lincoln]] and his use of military force to subdue the southern states.<ref name=johnson929 /> Because Helm did not condemn his son, Benjamin, for joining the Confederate Army, federal authorities classified him as a southern sympathizer.<ref name=biosketch73>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 73</ref>


After learning of the arrest of former governor [[Charles S. Morehead]] by federal authorities, Helm fled to Bowling Green, fearing his own arrest. Through the intervention of [[Warner Underwood]] he was able to return home on the condition that he swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Nevertheless, federal soldiers repeatedly entered his home, encouraging his slaves to abandon him, and consuming or destroying his crops. Because the state's courts were closed on account of the war, he was unable to earn a living by practicing law. In short order his once-substantial fortune was expended, and he resorted to borrowing money to support his family.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 73–75</ref>
After learning of the arrest of former governor [[Charles S. Morehead]] by federal authorities, Helm fled to Bowling Green, fearing his own arrest. Through the intervention of [[Warner Underwood]] he was able to return home on the condition that he swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Nevertheless, federal soldiers repeatedly entered his home, encouraging his slaves to abandon him, and consuming or destroying his crops. Because the state's courts were closed on account of the war, he was unable to earn a living by practicing law. In short order, his once-substantial fortune was expended, and he resorted to borrowing money to support his family.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 73–75</ref>


In September 1862 Helm and several other citizens from Hardin County were arrested by Colonel Knox. After several days of confinement in Elizabethtown the prisoners were conducted to Louisville. By chance, Kentucky governor [[James Fisher Robinson|James F. Robinson]] recognized Helm in the group and negotiated with General [[Jeremiah Boyle]] to get him released. Shortly after returning home Helm learned of Benjamin's death at the Battle of Chickamauga.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 75–77</ref>
In September 1863, Helm and several other citizens from Hardin County were arrested by Colonel Knox. After several days of confinement in Elizabethtown the prisoners were conducted to Louisville. By chance, Kentucky governor [[James Fisher Robinson|James F. Robinson]] recognized Helm in the group and negotiated with General [[Jeremiah Boyle]] to have him released. Shortly after returning home, Helm learned of Benjamin's death at the Battle of Chickamauga.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 75–77</ref>


After the war Helm identified with the Democratic Party, and he returned to the state senate in 1865.<ref name=nga /> During his tenure he chaired the Committee on Federal Relations and fought against punitive and restrictive laws against ex-Confederates.<ref name=owen69 /> On January 22, 1866 he presented to the state senate a protest against the actions of the [[United States Congress]] during the Civil War.<ref name=biosketch79>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 79</ref> It denounced the [[Reconstruction Amendments]] on the grounds that they granted powers to the federal government that were reserved for the states, and that they were passed while many southern states were not represented in Congress.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 79–80</ref> He also decried the creation and operation of the [[Freedmen's Bureau]].<ref name=biosketch82>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 82</ref> On January 29, 1867, Helm introduced legislation to organize a meeting in Louisville to rally support for President [[Andrew Johnson]] and his efforts to restore the Union.<ref name=biosketch84>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 84</ref>
After the war Helm identified with the Democratic Party, and he returned to the state senate in 1865.<ref name=nga /> During his tenure he chaired the Committee on Federal Relations and fought against punitive and restrictive laws against ex-Confederates.<ref name=owen69 /> On January 22, 1866, he presented to the state senate a protest against the actions of the [[United States Congress]] during the Civil War.<ref name=biosketch79>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 79</ref> It denounced the [[Reconstruction Amendments]] on the grounds that they granted powers to the federal government that were reserved for the states, and that they were passed while many southern states were not represented in Congress.<ref>''Biographical Sketch'', pp. 79–80</ref> He also decried the creation and operation of the [[Freedmen's Bureau]].<ref name=biosketch82>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 82</ref> On January 29, 1867, Helm introduced legislation to organize a meeting in Louisville to rally support for President [[Andrew Johnson]] and his efforts to restore the Union.<ref name=biosketch84>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 84</ref>


The state Democratic Convention met on February 22, 1867 in [[Frankfort, Kentucky|Frankfort]] and chose Helm and [[John W. Stevenson]] as the party's candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.<ref name=biosketch84 /> Helm resigned his seat in the state senate to accept the nomination.<ref name=harrison422 /> Though his health was frail, he determined to canvass the entire state.<ref name=biosketch86>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 86</ref> He continued his call for an end to Civil War bitterness and [[proscription]]s against those who had sided with the Confederacy.<ref name=harrison422 /> He won the general election over [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Sidney Barnes and a third party candidate, Judge William B. Kinkead.<ref name=harrison422 />
The state Democratic Convention met on February 22, 1867, in [[Frankfort, Kentucky|Frankfort]] and chose Helm and [[John W. Stevenson]] as the party's candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.<ref name=biosketch84 /> Helm resigned his seat in the state senate to accept the nomination.<ref name=harrison422 /> Though his health was frail, he determined to canvass the entire state.<ref name=biosketch86>''Biographical Sketch'', p. 86</ref> He continued his call for an end to Civil War bitterness and [[proscription]]s against those who had sided with the Confederacy.<ref name=harrison422 /> He won the general election over [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Sidney Barnes and a third-party candidate, Judge William B. Kinkead.<ref name=harrison422 />


The strenuous campaign took a decisive toll on Helm's already weakened body. He was too weak to travel to Frankfort for his inauguration, so the oath of office was administered at his home on September 3, 1867.<ref name=allen107 /> Helm's [[Kentucky Secretary of State|secretary of state]] read the governor's inaugural address at the Hardin County Courthouse.<ref name=owen69 /> In it Helm repeated his intent to remove political disabilities from ex-Confederates.<ref name=owen70>Owen, p. 70</ref> He also charged that Congress was meddling in the affairs of the states.<ref name=owen70 /> Though he promised protections for blacks, he opposed the idea of black [[suffrage]].<ref name=owen70 />
The strenuous campaign took a decisive toll on Helm's already weakened body. He was too weak to travel to Frankfort for his inauguration, so the oath of office was administered at his home on September 3, 1867.<ref name=allen107 /> Helm's [[Kentucky Secretary of State|secretary of state]] read the governor's inaugural address at the Hardin County Courthouse.<ref name=owen69 /> In it, Helm repeated his intent to remove political disabilities from ex-Confederates.<ref name=owen70>Owen, p. 70</ref> He also charged that Congress was meddling in the affairs of the states.<ref name=owen70 /> Though he promised protections for blacks, he opposed the idea of black [[suffrage]].<ref name=owen70 />


Helm died on September 8, 1867, just five days after his inauguration.<ref name=nga /> He was buried in a family graveyard at [[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]].<ref name=nga /> Helm Place was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on November 9, 1976.<ref name=nrhp1>NRHP nomination form, p. 1</ref>
Helm died on September 8, 1867, just five days after his inauguration.<ref name=nga /> He was buried in a family graveyard at [[Helm Place (Elizabethtown, Kentucky)|Helm Place]].<ref name=nga /> Helm Place was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on November 9, 1976.<ref name=nrhp1>NRHP nomination form, p. 1</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last=Alexander |first=Arabel Wilbur |title=The life and work of Lucinda B. Helm, founder of the Woman's parsonage and Home mission society of the M.E. church, South |publisher=Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal church, South |location=Nashville, Tennessee |year=1898 |url=http://digilib.bu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/2144/692/thelifeandworkof00alexuoft.pdf?sequence=2 |format=PDF |accessdate=February 23, 2009}}
*{{cite book |last=Alexander |first=Arabel Wilbur |title=The life and work of Lucinda B. Helm, founder of the Woman's parsonage and Home mission society of the M.E. church, South |publisher=Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal church, South |location=Nashville, Tennessee |year=1898 |url=http://digilib.bu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/2144/692/thelifeandworkof00alexuoft.pdf?sequence=2 |format=PDF |access-date=February 23, 2009}}
*{{cite book |last=Allen |first=William B. |title=A History of Kentucky: Embracing Gleanings, Reminiscences, Antiquities, Natural Curiosities, Statistics, and Biographical Sketches of Pioneers, Soldiers, Jurists, Lawyers, Statesmen, Divines, Mechanics, Farmers, Merchants, and Other Leading Men, of All Occupations and Pursuits |publisher=Bradley & Gilbert |year=1872 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=s_wTAAAAYAAJ |accessdate=November 10, 2008}}
*{{cite book |last=Allen |first=William B. |title=A History of Kentucky: Embracing Gleanings, Reminiscences, Antiquities, Natural Curiosities, Statistics, and Biographical Sketches of Pioneers, Soldiers, Jurists, Lawyers, Statesmen, Divines, Mechanics, Farmers, Merchants, and Other Leading Men, of All Occupations and Pursuits |publisher=Bradley & Gilbert |year=1872 |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_s_wTAAAAYAAJ |access-date=November 10, 2008}}
*{{cite book |title=Biographical sketch of the Hon. John L. Helm, late governor of Kentucky |others=published by direction of the General Assembly of Kentucky |publisher=Kentucky Yeoman Office |location=Frankfort, Kentucky |year=1868 |url=http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=kyetexts;cc=kyetexts;sid=cc112e98c3e2397c62623370f2184627;idno=b92-63-27078882;view=toc |accessdate=February 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308114924/http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=kyetexts |archivedate=March 8, 2005 |df=mdy-all }}
*{{cite book |title=Biographical sketch of the Hon. John L. Helm, late governor of Kentucky |others=published by direction of the General Assembly of Kentucky |publisher=Kentucky Yeoman Office |location=Frankfort, Kentucky |year=1868 |url=http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=kyetexts;cc=kyetexts;sid=cc112e98c3e2397c62623370f2184627;idno=b92-63-27078882;view=toc |access-date=February 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308114924/http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=kyetexts |archive-date=March 8, 2005 }}
*{{cite book |last=Coleman |first=John Winston |title=Historic Kentucky |publisher=Henry Clay Press |year=1968 |isbn=0-87642-000-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Coleman |first=John Winston |title=Historic Kentucky |publisher=Henry Clay Press |year=1968 |isbn=0-87642-000-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Green |first=Thomas Marshall |title=Historic Families of Kentucky |publisher=R. Clark and Company |year=1889 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=tNwBAAAAMAAJ |accessdate=February 16, 2009}}
*{{cite book |last=Green |first=Thomas Marshall |title=Historic Families of Kentucky |publisher=R. Clark and Company |year=1889 |url=https://archive.org/details/historicfamilie00greegoog |access-date=February 16, 2009}}
*{{cite book |last=Harrison |first=Lowell H. |authorlink=Lowell H. Harrison |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: [[Thomas D. Clark]], [[Lowell H. Harrison]], and James C. Klotter |title=The Kentucky Encyclopedia |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |isbn=0-8131-1772-0}}
*{{cite book |last=Harrison |first=Lowell H. |author-link=Lowell H. Harrison |editor=Kleber, John E. |others=Associate editors: [[Thomas D. Clark]], [[Lowell H. Harrison]], and James C. Klotter |title=The Kentucky Encyclopedia |year=1992 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |isbn=0-8131-1772-0}}
*{{cite book |last=Herr |first=Kincaid A. |title=The Louisville and Nashville Railroad 1850–1963 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |year=2000 |isbn=0-8131-2184-1}}
*{{cite book |last=Herr |first=Kincaid A. |title=The Louisville and Nashville Railroad 1850–1963 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |year=2000 |isbn=0-8131-2184-1}}
*{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=E. Polk |title=A History of Kentucky and Kentuckians: The Leaders and Representative Men in Commerce, Industry and Modern Activities |publisher=Lewis Publishing Company |year=1912 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=FXQUAAAAYAAJ |accessdate=November 10, 2008}}
*{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=E. Polk |title=A History of Kentucky and Kentuckians: The Leaders and Representative Men in Commerce, Industry and Modern Activities |publisher=Lewis Publishing Company |year=1912 |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_FXQUAAAAYAAJ |access-date=November 10, 2008}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_kentucky/col2-content/main-content-list/title_helm_john.html |title=Kentucky Governor John Larue Helm |publisher=National Governors Association |accessdate=April 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117201308/http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_kentucky/col2-content/main-content-list/title_helm_john.html |archive-date=January 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_kentucky/col2-content/main-content-list/title_helm_john.html |title=Kentucky Governor John Larue Helm |publisher=National Governors Association |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117201308/http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_kentucky/col2-content/main-content-list/title_helm_john.html |archive-date=January 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
*{{cite book |last=Klein |first=Maury |title=History of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad |year=2002 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |isbn=0-8131-2263-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Klein |first=Maury |title=History of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad |year=2002 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |isbn=0-8131-2263-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Owen |first=Tom |title=Kentucky's Governors |editor=[[Lowell H. Harrison]] |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |year=2004 |isbn=0-8131-2326-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Owen |first=Tom |title=Kentucky's Governors |editor=Lowell H. Harrison |editor-link=Lowell H. Harrison |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |year=2004 |isbn=0-8131-2326-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Powell |first=Robert A. |title=Kentucky Governors |publisher=Kentucky Images |location=Frankfort, Kentucky |year=1976 |oclc=2690774}}
*{{cite book |last=Powell |first=Robert A. |title=Kentucky Governors |publisher=Kentucky Images |location=Frankfort, Kentucky |year=1976 |oclc=2690774}}
*{{cite web |last=Terry |first=Mrs. Wilbur |author2=Mrs. Edmund S. Richerson |title=NRHP Nomination Form |year=1976 |format=PDF |url={{NRHP url|id=76000895}} |accessdate=February 12, 2009}}
*{{cite web |last=Terry |first=Mrs. Wilbur |author2=Mrs. Edmund S. Richerson |title=NRHP Nomination Form |year=1976 |format=PDF |url={{NRHP url|id=76000895}} |access-date=February 12, 2009}}
{{refend}}
{{Refend}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
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==External links==
==External links==
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* {{Cite Appletons'|wstitle=Helm, John Larue|year=1892 |short=x |notaref=x}}
* {{Cite Appletons'|wstitle=Helm, John Larue|year=1892 |short=x |notaref=x}}


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{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[Governor of Kentucky]]|years=[[1867 Kentucky gubernatorial election|1867]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[John W. Stevenson]]}}
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{{succession box|title=[[Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky]]| before=[[Archibald Dixon]]| after=[[John Burton Thompson]]|years=1848–1850}}
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[[Category:Kentucky state senators]]
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[[Category:Kentucky Whigs]]
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[[Category:Lieutenant Governors of Kentucky]]
[[Category:Lieutenant governors of Kentucky]]
[[Category:Louisville and Nashville Railroad people]]
[[Category:Louisville and Nashville Railroad people]]
[[Category:19th-century American railroad executives]]
[[Category:19th-century American railroad executives]]
[[Category:People of Kentucky in the American Civil War]]
[[Category:People of Kentucky in the American Civil War]]
[[Category:People from Hardin County, Kentucky]]
[[Category:People from Hardin County, Kentucky]]
[[Category:People who died in office]]
[[Category:Politicians from Louisville, Kentucky]]
[[Category:Politicians from Louisville, Kentucky]]
[[Category:Speakers of the Kentucky House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Speakers of the Kentucky House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Democratic Party members of the Kentucky House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Whig Party state governors of the United States]]
[[Category:Whig Party state governors of the United States]]
[[Category:19th-century American politicians]]
[[Category:19th-century Kentucky politicians]]
[[Category:Democratic Party state governors of the United States]]
[[Category:Democratic Party governors of Kentucky]]
[[Category:LaRue family]]
[[Category:LaRue family]]
[[Category:American lawyers admitted to the practice of law by reading law]]
[[Category:American lawyers admitted to the practice of law by reading law]]
[[Category:19th-century American lawyers]]

Revision as of 16:45, 2 November 2024

John L. Helm
Photograph of John L. Helm
Photograph by Klauber, undated
18th & 24th Governor of Kentucky
In office
September 3, 1867 – September 8, 1867
LieutenantJohn W. Stevenson
Preceded byThomas E. Bramlette
Succeeded byJohn W. Stevenson
In office
July 31, 1850 – September 2, 1851
LieutenantVacant
Preceded byJohn J. Crittenden
Succeeded byLazarus W. Powell
14th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
In office
September 6, 1848 – July 31, 1850
GovernorJohn J. Crittenden
Preceded byArchibald Dixon
Succeeded byJohn Burton Thompson
Member of the Kentucky Senate
from the 14th district
In office
August 5, 1844 – August 7, 1848
Preceded byWilliam Conway
Succeeded byJohn Cofer
Other offices
1826–1843Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
Personal details
Born
John LaRue Helm

(1802-07-04)July 4, 1802
Hardin County, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedSeptember 8, 1867(1867-09-08) (aged 65)
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, U.S.
Political partyDemocrat (from 1865)
Whig (1826–1865)
Spouse
Lucinda Barbour Hardin
(m. 1830)
RelationsBenjamin Hardin
(Father-in-law)
Children11, including Benjamin and Lucinda
ResidenceHelm Place
Profession
Signature

John LaRue Helm (July 4, 1802 – September 8, 1867) was the 18th and 24th governor of the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky, although his service in that office totaled less than fourteen months. He also represented Hardin County in both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly and was chosen to be the Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives four times. In 1838, his sole bid for federal office ended in defeat when his opponent, Willis Green, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Helm was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1826; between 1826 and 1843 he served eleven one-year terms in the state house. In 1844, he was elected to the state senate, where he served continuously until he was chosen as the Whig Party nominee for lieutenant governor on a ticket with John J. Crittenden, famous for the Crittenden Compromise. The Whigs won the general election and Helm was elevated to governor on July 31, 1850, when Crittenden resigned to accept an appointment as United States Attorney General in President Millard Fillmore's cabinet. After his service as governor Helm became president of the struggling Louisville and Nashville Railroad. He invested thousands of dollars of his own money in the project and convinced residents along the line's main route to buy stock in the company. In 1859, the line was completed, but the next year Helm resigned over of differences with the board of directors regarding a proposed branch that would extend the line to Memphis, Tennessee.

Although he openly opposed secession during the American Civil War, federal military forces labeled Helm a Confederate sympathizer. In September 1862, he was arrested for this alleged sympathy, but Governor James F. Robinson recognized him as he was being transported to a prison in Louisville and had him released. After the war Helm identified with the Democratic Party, and in 1865, Hardin County voters returned him to the state senate. In 1867, he was the state's Democratic candidate for governor. Despite his failing health, Helm made a vigorous canvass of the state and won the general election. He was too weak to travel to Frankfort for his inauguration, so state officials administered the oath of office at his home on September 3, 1867. He died five days later.

Early life

In 1780, Helm's grandfather, Thomas Helm, emigrated to Kentucky from Prince William County, Virginia, and founded the settlement of Helm Station near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, in Hardin County, where John L. Helm was born on July 4, 1802.[1][2][3] He was the eldest of nine children born to George B. Helm, a farmer and politician, and Rebecca LaRue Helm, a descendant of a prominent local pioneer family.[2][4]

Helm attended the area's public schools and studied with noted educator Duff Green.[5] When Helm was 14 his father fell on hard financial times and Helm returned to work on the family farm.[6] In 1818, he took a better-paying job in the office of Samuel Haycraft, the circuit court clerk of Hardin County.[6] While there he read law with Haycraft, then entered the law office of Ben Tobin in 1821.[1]

At about this time, Helm's father traveled to Texas to enter into business and rebuild his finances, but he died there in 1822,[7] leaving Helm responsible for his mother and siblings.[8] He was admitted to the bar in 1823, the same year Meade County, Kentucky, was formed.[3][9] There were no lawyers in the county yet, so although Helm continued living in Hardin County he was made Meade's county attorney.[8] His practice grew rapidly and he was soon able to pay off his father's debts and purchase the Helm homestead.[1] Between 1832 and 1840, he built "Helm Place" on this land and it remained his home for the rest of his life.[1][10]

Benjamin Hardin Helm

In 1823, Helm called on Representative Benjamin Hardin.[11] While Hardin and Helm discussed business, Hardin's 14-year-old daughter, Lucinda, entered the room to show her father a map she had drawn.[11] Helm later claimed it was love at first sight, and began to pursue Lucinda's affections.[11] They courted for seven years, married in 1830 and had six daughters and five sons together.[4][12] One of his sons, Benjamin Hardin Helm, was a Confederate general in the Civil War and was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga.[1]

Political career

Helm Place, built by John L. Helm in 1832

The major political issue in Kentucky during Helm's legal training was the Old Court-New Court controversy. Reeling from the panic of 1819, Kentuckians had demanded debt relief. In response, the Kentucky General Assembly passed an act that granted debtors a grace period of two years in repaying their debts unless their creditors would accept payment in the devalued notes of the Bank of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Court of Appeals struck down the law, claiming it was in violation of the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The angered legislature attempted to impeach the justices on the Court of Appeals, but lacked the necessary two-thirds majority. Instead, they abolished the Court of Appeals and replaced it with a new court, which was stocked with more sympathetic justices by pro-relief governor John Adair. Both courts claimed to be Kentucky's court of last resort.[13]

Throughout 1825, Helm made speeches and distributed pamphlets in Hardin and surrounding counties, espousing the Old Court position.[12] In 1826, he campaigned as a Whig for a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives.[14] Helm won the election, and at the age of twenty-four became one of the youngest members to serve in the Kentucky General Assembly.[9] An Old Court majority was elected to both houses of the General Assembly in 1826, which then passed legislation abolishing the New Court.[15]

Helm was re-elected to the state House in 1827 and 1830, and was re-elected every year from 1833 to 1837.[3] He served as Speaker of the House in 1835 and 1836.[3] In 1837, there was a three-way race for speaker between Helm, James Turner Morehead and Robert P. Letcher.[16] After nine ballots, Helm withdrew and Letcher was elected speaker.[16]

Helm made his only run for federal office in 1838 and was defeated by Willis Green for a seat in the United States House of Representatives.[1] He returned to the Kentucky House in 1839 and was re-elected in 1842 and 1843, serving as Speaker of the House both years.[3] In 1843, the Kentucky General Assembly proposed to create a new county from part of Hardin County and name it Helm County in honor of John L. Helm.[17] Because of the few dissenting votes on this question, Helm declined the honor and proposed instead that the county be called LaRue County after his mother's family, many of whom still lived in the proposed county. Helm's suggestion was unanimously adopted.[17]

Lieutenant governor and governor

John J. Crittenden, who Helm succeeded as governor on July 31, 1850, as painted by Ferdinand G. Walke in 1909

In 1844, Helm was elected to the Kentucky Senate, where he served until 1848.[3] That year he was the Whig candidate for lieutenant governor on a ticket with John J. Crittenden.[1] Helm defeated Democrat John Preston Martin in the general election.[18] The major political question in the state during Helm's time as lieutenant governor was whether to adopt a new state constitution.[17] As a state senator in 1848, Helm had voted to allow the state's citizens to decide the matter in a referendum, but after seeing the document produced by the constitutional convention, he opposed its ratification.[17] In an address to the state senate in 1850, he declared, "I was for reform, and not for revolution. I was for amending the Constitution, and not for obliterating every vital principle in contained."[19] He especially opposed creating an elective judiciary.[20] His antagonism to the constitution put him at odds with his father-in-law, Benjamin Hardin.[19] The two did not reconcile until 1852, as Hardin lay on his deathbed.[19] The new constitution was adopted in 1850 and in June of that year Helm encouraged the people to accept it.[21]

Governor Crittenden resigned on July 31, 1850, to accept President Millard Fillmore's appointment as attorney general, and Helm ascended to the governorship.[1] As governor, Helm vetoed a legislative plan to cover deficits in the public school fund by drawing money from the state's sinking fund, but the General Assembly overrode the veto.[14] He urged the legislature to fund a survey of the state's mineral reserves and a census of the state's agricultural and manufacturing resources.[14] He called for spending on internal improvements and for raising judges' salaries to attract more qualified jurists to the bench.[14][18] He also sought a ban on the carrying of concealed deadly weapons.[14] The legislature did not act on any of these proposed reforms.[14] The only part of Helm's agenda that did progress through the General Assembly was election reform.[14]

President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad

A portrait of John L. Helm painted by his granddaughter Katherine

Helm was a presidential elector for Winfield Scott in the 1852 presidential election.[1] After this he took twelve years off from politics.[1] As early as 1836, Helm had advocated the construction of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.[22] On October 2, 1854, he became the railroad's second president.[23] The previous president had been forced out of that position after a disagreement with Louisville's board of aldermen, and construction of the line had almost been abandoned.[24]

Helm worked diligently to convince residents along the line's main route of the economic benefits it would bring.[25] He persuaded many of them to help clear and grade land for the line and accept company stock as payment, and succeeded in selling stock subscriptions to people in the same area.[14][25] Rising labor costs and troubles transporting materials raised expenses far above the projected budget, and at one point Helm personally redeemed $20,000 ($680,000 as of 2024) of the company's bonds.[26] Meanwhile, some observers accused Helm of mismanaging the company.[26] The company's fortunes improved in 1857 when the city of Louisville provided $300,000 ($9.81 million as of 2024) in financial aid and the line was completed on October 18, 1859.[27] Due to Helm's influence, the railroad's charter required all trains traveling through Elizabethtown to stop there.[28]

By the time the line was finished, there were public calls from inside and outside the company for Helm to resign, mostly because of his support for a proposed Memphis branch of the railroad.[29] To complete the branch, the Louisville and Nashville would have to complete a line from Bowling Green to Guthrie, Kentucky.[30] There it would join a line owned by the Memphis and Ohio Railroad that began across the state line at Clarksville, Tennessee, and extended to Memphis.[30] Supporters believed the branch would economically help both Louisville and Memphis and would lessen their dependence on trade along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.[31] Opponents argued that the project was simply a ploy to whip up new support for the struggling railroad.[31] Helm endorsed the Memphis branch in his annual report in 1857.[30]

On February 4, 1860, two members of the company's board of directors wrote a letter requesting Helm's resignation; they claimed they had voted for his re-election as president of the company with the understanding that he would resign when the main line between Louisville and Nashville was finished.[32] Helm maintained that he felt an obligation to the citizens of Logan County – many of whom he had personally sold stock to – to remain president until the Memphis branch through their county was built.[32] The rift between Helm and the directors continued to widen, however. Helm resigned on February 21, 1860, and was replaced by James Guthrie.[32] The Memphis branch was completed on September 24, 1860.[33]

Civil War and second term as governor

Engraving of Helm in later life

On January 8, 1861, Helm chaired a meeting in Louisville that advocated for Kentucky's neutrality in the Civil War.[1][9] Helm was an outspoken opponent of secession, but also denounced the election of Abraham Lincoln and his use of military force to subdue the southern states.[9] Because Helm did not condemn his son, Benjamin, for joining the Confederate Army, federal authorities classified him as a southern sympathizer.[34]

After learning of the arrest of former governor Charles S. Morehead by federal authorities, Helm fled to Bowling Green, fearing his own arrest. Through the intervention of Warner Underwood he was able to return home on the condition that he swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. Nevertheless, federal soldiers repeatedly entered his home, encouraging his slaves to abandon him, and consuming or destroying his crops. Because the state's courts were closed on account of the war, he was unable to earn a living by practicing law. In short order, his once-substantial fortune was expended, and he resorted to borrowing money to support his family.[35]

In September 1863, Helm and several other citizens from Hardin County were arrested by Colonel Knox. After several days of confinement in Elizabethtown the prisoners were conducted to Louisville. By chance, Kentucky governor James F. Robinson recognized Helm in the group and negotiated with General Jeremiah Boyle to have him released. Shortly after returning home, Helm learned of Benjamin's death at the Battle of Chickamauga.[36]

After the war Helm identified with the Democratic Party, and he returned to the state senate in 1865.[3] During his tenure he chaired the Committee on Federal Relations and fought against punitive and restrictive laws against ex-Confederates.[14] On January 22, 1866, he presented to the state senate a protest against the actions of the United States Congress during the Civil War.[37] It denounced the Reconstruction Amendments on the grounds that they granted powers to the federal government that were reserved for the states, and that they were passed while many southern states were not represented in Congress.[38] He also decried the creation and operation of the Freedmen's Bureau.[39] On January 29, 1867, Helm introduced legislation to organize a meeting in Louisville to rally support for President Andrew Johnson and his efforts to restore the Union.[40]

The state Democratic Convention met on February 22, 1867, in Frankfort and chose Helm and John W. Stevenson as the party's candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.[40] Helm resigned his seat in the state senate to accept the nomination.[18] Though his health was frail, he determined to canvass the entire state.[41] He continued his call for an end to Civil War bitterness and proscriptions against those who had sided with the Confederacy.[18] He won the general election over Republican Sidney Barnes and a third-party candidate, Judge William B. Kinkead.[18]

The strenuous campaign took a decisive toll on Helm's already weakened body. He was too weak to travel to Frankfort for his inauguration, so the oath of office was administered at his home on September 3, 1867.[2] Helm's secretary of state read the governor's inaugural address at the Hardin County Courthouse.[14] In it, Helm repeated his intent to remove political disabilities from ex-Confederates.[42] He also charged that Congress was meddling in the affairs of the states.[42] Though he promised protections for blacks, he opposed the idea of black suffrage.[42]

Helm died on September 8, 1867, just five days after his inauguration.[3] He was buried in a family graveyard at Helm Place.[3] Helm Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 9, 1976.[43]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Powell, p. 46
  2. ^ a b c Allen, p. 107
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i NGA Bio
  4. ^ a b Owen, p. 68
  5. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 16–17
  6. ^ a b Biographical Sketch, p. 18
  7. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 15–16
  8. ^ a b Allen, p. 108
  9. ^ a b c d Johnson, p. 929
  10. ^ Coleman, p. 51
  11. ^ a b c Alexander, p. 18
  12. ^ a b Biographical Sketch, p. 23
  13. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 21–23
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Owen, p. 69
  15. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 23–24
  16. ^ a b Owen, p. 56
  17. ^ a b c d NRHP nomination form, p. 10
  18. ^ a b c d e Harrison, p. 422
  19. ^ a b c Biographical Sketch, p. 34
  20. ^ Green, p. 217
  21. ^ NRHP nomination form, p. 11
  22. ^ NRHP nomination form, pp. 11–12
  23. ^ Klein, p. 9
  24. ^ Klein, pp. 8–9
  25. ^ a b Klein, p. 11
  26. ^ a b Klein, p. 12
  27. ^ Klein, pp. 12, 14
  28. ^ NRHP nomination form, p. 12
  29. ^ Herr, pp. 23, 26
  30. ^ a b c Klein, p. 20
  31. ^ a b Klein, p. 18
  32. ^ a b c Herr, p. 26
  33. ^ Klein, p. 22
  34. ^ Biographical Sketch, p. 73
  35. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 73–75
  36. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 75–77
  37. ^ Biographical Sketch, p. 79
  38. ^ Biographical Sketch, pp. 79–80
  39. ^ Biographical Sketch, p. 82
  40. ^ a b Biographical Sketch, p. 84
  41. ^ Biographical Sketch, p. 86
  42. ^ a b c Owen, p. 70
  43. ^ NRHP nomination form, p. 1

Bibliography

Further reading

  • Morton, Jennie Chinn (September 1905). "Sketch of Governor John L. Helm". The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society. 3: 11–14.
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Kentucky
1867
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
1848–1850
Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Kentucky
1850–1851
Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Kentucky
1867
Succeeded by