Shelby McCallum

Historical marker location:

Benton, Kentucky

( 1039 Eggners Ferry Rd., Benton)

Born in Tn. in 1917, he moved to Benton in 1939 to manage the old Benton Theater. He served in the Army during WWII, then returned home & opened several drive-in theaters. He founded WCBL AM, Dec. 1954 and operated it for the remainder of his life. He served as a State Rep., 1952-60 & 1962-68 & Speaker of the House, 1964-68.

Reverse

Later served as 1st District railroad commissioner & was member of KET Authority and Pritchard Commission of Higher Education. He was first chairman of state legislative Ethics Board, created in response to the Watergate scandal, and presided over passage of first Civil Rights Act in a southern state. He died in 1987 & is buried at Fooks Cemetery.

Civil Rights World War II