From Political Legacy to the Grateful Dead: Meet the Stanley’s
Photo credits: AO Stanley: Bain News Service, publisher - Library of Congress Catalog: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014686164. Owsley Stanley III aka “Bear” ALVAN MEYEROWITZ/GETTY
The Stanley family of Kentucky was one of the most prominent political families in the state during the 20th century. The most well-known member, A.O. Stanley, spent 20 years serving in politics at both the federal and state levels. A champion of progressive causes, he was a charismatic leader who was able to connect with the common people and advocate for their interests. His time in politics was spent working to improve education, public health, and welfare in the state.
A.O. Stanley grew up in Shelbyville, KY and after graduating high school attended what is now known as the University of Kentucky and law school at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. After being admitted to the bar, Stanley worked in private practice before later becoming involved in local politics. In 1903, he was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives and throughout his six terms gained a reputation of being a man for the people, championing the causes of tobacco farmers and opposing prohibition (he loved his bourbon!).
In addition to his progressive agenda, Stanley was well-known for his stage presence, quick wit, and charisma. His race for governor in 1915 (which he won by less than 500 votes!) was the closest in state history and has been called by some the most entertaining in Kentucky’s history as well. He and his opponent, Edwin P. Morrow, attacked each other viciously on the campaign trail, often calling each other names and slinging insults. During one rally, after consuming a little too much bourbon while Morrow was speaking, Stanley vomited on stage and then took the mic to mention how listening to Morrow “made him sick to his stomach.” Despite the feisty campaign, the two men were actually very good friends and often spent time together when not throwing mud during the campaign.
Having a larger-than-life personality must have been a family trait because A.O’s grandson, Owsley Stanley III (Bear) was quite the character himself. Rather than politics, Bear was well known for his role in the San Francisco Bay Area hippie movement and his ties to The Grateful Dead. He was the band’s sound engineer and designed their famous lightning bolt/skull logo, Steal Your Face. And while his grandfather preferred bourbon, Bear was somewhat of a clandestine chemist–creating LSD for some of the era’s most famous celebrities including The Beatles. Despite the two men pursuing very different life paths, both were known for their eccentric personalities.
The election might have been the closest gubernatorial contest in state history, however A.O. Stanley saw success as governor. During his tenure, the state’s first budget program was initiated, the corrupt practice act was improved, the state’s first workmens’ compensation law was sanctioned, antitrust measures were authorized, a convict labor law was instituted, and prohibition was defeated. In 1919, Stanley left the governor’s office for the US Senate. He served until 1925, and during that time continued to be an effective speaker and advocate for the common people. He supported legislation such as the Child Labor Amendment and the Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Protection Act. Stanley’s political career came to an end when he was defeated in a bid for reelection. He returned to his private life in the capital, where he lived until his death in 1958. To this day, A.O. Stanley remains an important figure in Kentucky politics whose legacy lives on.
