Historical Marker

John Larue Helm, 1802-1867

This Hardin Co. native was one of Kentucky's most celebrated lawyers. In legislature 17 yrs.; rose to House Speaker. Elected lt. gov., he became gov. when John J. Crittenden resigned, 1850. Pres. of L&N R.R., 1854-60, when railroad completed. A harsh critic of Pres. Lincoln, Helm favored neutrality for Ky. in the Civil War. Elected gov., 1867. Died after five days in office.