The Focus and UT Press host book launch at ETHC
By Pete Gawda
The first book to be written about longtime Tennessee Senator Kenneth McKellar was unveiled Thursday evening at the East Tennessee Historical Center. The book, “Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee,” was written by Knoxville Focus columnist Ray Hill. Coincidentally, Hill’s first Focus column, published on July 10, 2010, was about McKellar.
The University of Tennessee Press published the book, which is the first penned by the local historian, former state representative and county commissioner.
“I’m excited to read it,” said Knox County Commissioner Kim Frazier, who was in attendance.
“There is a lot in there folks should know,” stated Hill. He told The Focus he has been interested in McKellar since he was in his 20s. He said he knew the senator’s sister-in-law and some of the senator’s staff.
McKellar was the first U.S. Senator from Tennessee to be elected by popular vote. Prior to 1916, senators were appointed by state legislatures. The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1913, provided for the election of senators by popular vote. McKellar served the state of Tennessee as a U.S. Representative from 1911 to 1917 and as a U.S. Senator from 1917 until 1953.
“Presidents came and went, but McKellar stayed,” Hill stated. “McKellar served his country during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and on into the Atomic Age.”
According to Hill, McKellar persuaded President Woodrow Wilson to spend federal money on highways, something that had not been done before.
“He was, without a doubt, the most memorable man in politics,” said Hill. He was so popular, according to Hill, that one of his opponents said that running against McKellar was like killing Santa Claus at Christmas time.
One of Hill’s favorite McKellar stories concerns Oak Ridge. One day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called McKellar into his office and asked him if he could hide $2 billion in the federal budget. McKellar replied, “Well, of course I can, Mr. President. Where in Tennessee do you want me to hide it?” The money was hidden in Oak Ridge and it started the Manhattan Project.
“The rich uncle of the TVA,” is how Hill described McKellar. He said the Senate would not act until McKellar convinced them that the TVA was essential to the war effort.
Hill said McKellar was very plainspoken and probably wouldn’t get elected today. He said every letter the senator received was answered the same day it landed on his desk.
In her introductory remarks, Kate Hannah, director of the UT Press, said Hill has a profound understanding of history.
Mia Prince, representing U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, presented Hill with a letter of congratulations from Blackburn.
Hill has another book coming out soon from the UT Press about another Tennessee political legend: Cordell Hull, congressman, senator and secretary of state under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee” is available for purchase at utpress.org and wherever books are sold.
