Completely Kentucky Wiki
Register
Advertisement

James Edwards Cantrill (June 20, 1839April 5, 1908) was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky. He was elected the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky serving from 1879 to 1883 under Governor Luke P. Blackburn.

In the American Civil War he served as a Captain in the Confederate States Army Cavalry as a portion of Morgan's Men.

During his time as Lieutenant Governor, Jesse James robbed a stagecoach in Cave City, Kentucky, stealing a gold watch from Judge R.H. Roundtree, and a diamond ring from his daughter. Cantrill offered a reward of $1,500 for the arrest and conviction of the robbers. This reward was never collected for the proper criminal, as James was shot by a member of his own gang, but his guilt was shown by the possession of Judge Roundtree's gold watch.

Cantrill was married to Mary Cecil. Cantrill died April 5, 1908 in Georgetown, Kentucky. He and his wife are buried at Georgetown Cemetery in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Advertisement