Project Summary

This project focuses on James W. Gardner, the vice chairman of the Kentucky Service Commission. After earning his JD from the University of Kentucky College of Law, Gardner became partner at the Henry Watz Gardner and Sellars PLLC law firm. He also belongs to the Fayette County Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association, and has taught courses at the UK College of Law in legal writing and international business law. This project is a collection of interviews with Gardner, conducted shortly after his election to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council in 1882. He talks about his education, work, and coworkers, as well as his decision to run for the council. Other topics include Gardner's campaign strategies, supporters, and political opponents.