Historical Marker

Distinguished Naval Officers - Alumni of Kavanaugh


Class of

  • ADMIRAL Edmund Tyler Wooldridge - 1920

  • VICE ADM Charles K. Duncan - 1933

  • REAR ADM (Ret) John Huston Brady - 1923

  • REAR ADM (Ret) Rhodam Yarrott McElroy - 1935

  • REAR ADM (Ret) Andrew Irwin McKee - 1917

  • REAR ADM (Ret) Logan McKee - 1921

  • REAR ADM (Ret) Elliott West Shanklin - 1924

  • CAPT J. Wade Adams, Jr. - 1924

  • CAPT (Ret) Warfield Clay Bennett, Jr. - 1936

  • CAPT Fred "Buzz" Borries, Jr. - 1935

  • CAPT (Ret) James Beattie Denny - 1933

  • CAPT (Ret) Hugh Murrey Durham - 1942

  • CAPT (Ret) James Gilbert Franklin - 1933

  • CAPT (Ret) Joseph Howard Gibbons, Jr. - 1924

  • CAPT (Ret) George Russell Lee - 1935

  • CAPT (Ret) Percy Anthony Lilly, Jr. - 1941

  • CAPT (Ret) Malcolm Wood Pemberton - 1922

  • CAPT (Ret) Hugh Trent MacKay - 1930

  • CAPT (Ret) William S. Manning - 1939

  • CAPT (Ret) Frank Smith - 1935

  • CAPT (Ret) Ronald Francis Stultz - 1939

Reverse

Distinguished Army Officers - Alumni of Kavanaugh Graduates of U.S. Military Academy, West Point Class of

Class of

MAJ GEN William Mattingly Breckinridge 1928
BRIG GEN William Robards Buster 1939
COL (Ret) Robert Pepper Clay 1925
COL John Hiley Cobb, Jr. 1943
COL (Ret) John Richard Knight 1940
COL (Ret) Thomas Washington Woodyard 1935

(Graduates of Kavanaugh often remarked that the academic courses and the physical discipline at this school were more strenuous than at the service academies.)

Kavanaugh School

Rhoda C. Kavanaugh founded school on Woodford Street which became known as "Little Annapolis." First boarding student came to prepare for Naval Academy in 1914. From then until 1945, Mrs. Kavanaugh launched 150 future Navy officers from her "dry-land harbor." She also instructed students for West Point. Fifteen later became Army officers. Success of the school was due to her superior teaching methods. Students also received rigorous physical training coupled with stern but impartial discipline. Kavanaugh School merged with city schools in 1949

West Point
The largest non-nuclear explosion in US history occurred in 1958 in Fleming County, Kentucky, when a natural gas storage cavern exploded, killing several people and destroying nearby homes.
Kentucky random facts
Anderson County, Kentucky has a rich and interesting history that stretches back to the early 18th century. The area was initially settled by pioneers in the mid-1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources. The county was officially established in 1827 and named after Richard Clough Anderson Jr., a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

During the early years of Anderson County, agriculture played a vital role in its economy. Farmers relied heavily on tobacco, hemp, and livestock production to support their families and contribute to the local economy. The county also had a significant iron industry, with several iron furnaces established during the 1800s.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Anderson County, as it experienced both Confederate and Union occupation. The Battle of Lawrenceburg, which took place in the county in 1862, was a significant event during the war. The county was home to both Confederate and Union sympathizers, which led to tensions and conflicts throughout the war.

In the late 19th century, Anderson County underwent significant economic and industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to larger cities and markets. This led to the growth of businesses and the creation of new jobs. The county also saw the rise of tobacco warehouses and distilleries, which became crucial industries. Today, Anderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture and small businesses, while also embracing its historical roots.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Anderson County, Kentucky.

  • 1827 - Anderson County is established as the 62nd county in Kentucky.
  • 1840-1850 - Anderson County experiences a population boom due to the growth of the railroad industry.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Anderson County, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1882 - Lawrenceburg becomes the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1904 - The Louisville and Nashville Railroad extends its line through Anderson County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardship in Anderson County as agriculture prices plummet.
  • 1950s-1960s - Anderson County experiences suburbanization, with an increase in residential development and a decline in agriculture.
  • 1980s - The opening of the Bluegrass Parkway brings increased tourism and economic opportunities to Anderson County.
  • 2004 - The Wild Turkey Distillery opens in Lawrenceburg, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • Present - Anderson County continues to be a blend of rural landscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and growing commerce.