Joe Ely
Written by Justin D. Lamb
Courtesy of Mimi Rainen
Joe Ely was born on March 4, 1892 to Pete Ely and Mary Ellen Barnes in Benton. Ely graduated from Benton High School and enrolled at Bowling Green Business University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. After graduating in 1912, Ely returned home and engaged in the cattle business in Marshall County.
Joe Ely came from a very politically active family and was drawn to politics from a very early age. His grandfather, William B. Ely, served Marshall County as Sheriff during the Civil War and as County Judge in 1878. Ely’s father, Pete Ely, also served in politics, holding the office of jailer from 1890 to 1898 and the office of sheriff from 1906 through 1910.
Joe Ely became a member of the Marshall County Democratic County Committee upon his return home from college and he soon became close friends with then United States Congressman Alben Barkley of Paducah. His friendship with Barkley impelled Ely to become an active member of the Re-Elect Woodrow Wilson for President Campaign in 1916. Ely became a strong advocate for President Wilson and following Wilson’s re-election, Ely was appointed Benton Postmaster in December 1916. During World War I, Ely served as Victory Bond Drive Coordinator in Marshall County.
In August 1918, Ely became co-owner of the Benton newspaper, the Tribune-Democrat with H.H. Lovett. Ely used to newspaper to endorse and promote Democratic candidates and he soon became a kingmaker in local politics. Ely sold his interest in the paper in 1921 when he joined Charles “Blint” Cox and George E. Long in the insurance business. The insurance firm was sold to Dwight R. Peel in 1929 and the business soon evolved into Peel and Holland Insurance.
When A.B. “Happy” Chandler announced his intention to run for Governor in 1935, Ely became an early backer and was named county chairman of his campaign in Marshall County. Chandler eventually won the Democratic Primary in a run-off and walked away with the General Election against his Republican opponent. Following Chandler’s victory, Ely was appointed a member of Chandler’s cabinet and was the contact man for state jobs in western Kentucky during the Chandler administration. When Governor Keen Johnson was elected as Chandler’s successor, Ely stayed on with his cabinet and was appointed to the Marshall County Selective Service Board during World War II. Following his stint with Governor Johnson’s administration, Ely was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue of the Western District of Kentucky.
All throughout his career, Ely remained very active in the Marshall County Democratic Party and was chosen as Chairman on several different occasions and he helped jumpstart many political careers in Marshall County including those of County Judge Java Gregory and W.J. “Toad” Brien.
At 12:45 on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24, 1950, Joe Ely suffered a fatal heart attack at his home on the corner of Main and 13th Streets. He was laid to rest in the Strow cemetery.