Eugene Siler, a life revisited (part one)

This past summer, I spent a great deal of time combing through the old Whitley Republican archives in search of coverage dedicated to one of this county’s most famous sons – Eugene Siler, Sr. There was no shortage of material to look at.

Truthfully, the story of Siler’s life should be the topic of a book. I actually tricked myself into thinking that maybe I could be the one to take on such a project, but I quickly found out that, between a demanding work schedule and a typically hectic family life at home, I simply was not able to dedicate the adequate amount of time and energy to such an undertaking.

So, I began to brainstorm on other ways that I could share all of this information with the public. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that a series of columns here in the News Journal would, in theory, be very much do-able. My original intention was to kick the series off in January, but I think that right now might be better. This first entry can serve as a sort of introduction for anyone who isn’t already familiar with Siler’s life and many contributions, as well as a preview of what I hope will be future monthly installments throughout the course of 2024.

Where to begin?

Well, before I dive in I would like to go ahead and remind folks of the fact that the Whitley County Historical and Genealogical Society has in its possession a very nice collection of old “Heads or Tales” columns, which were written by Siler and submitted to the Whitley Republican for publication from the mid-sixties all the way through the early eighties. The columns were compiled by Siler’s daughter, Carolyn, and were donated to the Genealogical Society back in June by his son, Eugene Siler, Jr. I wrote a column about the occasion in our June 21, 2023 edition if anyone cares to go back and check that out.

I will probably make mention of the fact that these columns are available at the Genealogical Society with each new installment in this series, just to make sure that folks know they are down there. After that many years, the number of Heads or Tales columns written by Siler would require a considerable amount of reading in order to get through in its entirety. I highly suggest that anyone interested in local history, or history in general, dedicate some time to this effort, though. There is truly a wealth of knowledge to be found in those old columns.

Anyone wishing to contact to Whitley County Historical and Genealogical Society can do so by calling (606) 549-7089. You can also find them on Facebook, or when they are open, drop by for a visit at 529 Main Street in Williamsburg (the old train depot building).

Now, let’s dig in to the whole purpose behind this writing – answering the questions “who was Eugene Siler, Sr. and why was he so important?”

I’ll let his obituary story from the front page of the December, 10 1987 Whitley Republican answer that. It read, “Former U.S. Congressman Eugene Siler, Sr. died Saturday at age 87. The Williamsburg native represented Southeastern Kentucky from 1954 to 1964, bringing to Washington D.C. his staunch Baptist background and independent thinking.”

“Siler also ran for governor in 1951, but was defeated 346,345 to 288,014,” the story went on to say. “[He] was well-known for his strong Baptist beliefs, openly opposing the use of alcohol, profanity and cigarettes, and in his law practice never took cases involving alcohol or divorce.”

Before I proceed any further, let me just go ahead and point out that the main objective behind writing these columns is not to force Siler’s religious or political beliefs on anyone. He had some very strong beliefs, and he was not shy about voicing his opinions, as you will see, but what I think made him so great was the fact that he genuinely seemed to care about his fellow Whitley Countians, regardless of any differences or divides. Being from this county meant being a part of a truly special brother-and-sister-hood to him, I think.

Going back to the obit story, it continued, saying, “He (Siler) served as moderator of the General Association of Baptists in 1952 and 1954, and was a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.”

“Siler retired in 1964, remaining in Williamsburg until his death and continuing to serve the people he loved, and who loved him.”

Siler was buried at Highland Cemetery in Williamsburg.

What you have just read is a very brief overview of the many, many accomplishments of Eugene Siler, Sr. Hopefully, as the following year progresses, we will get the chance to flesh out some of his most important, and most notable, contributions to the people Whitley County. I hope that you will follow along.