48. Stolen Image - by John O’Rear (Son of EC O’Rear II)
An interesting family tidbit which I have retold with considerable delight to my fellow coworkers at Kentucky Fried Chicken's corporate headquarters:
Back in the late 30's, my father used to travel with his grandfather, Judge Edward O'Rear of Mount Sterling, Ky who was a federal jurist and character extraordinaire, on trip around Kentucky. The Judge was as much a politician and showman as he was a jurist, and was well known for his manner of dress: goatee, black string tie, and occasionally a white suit, as would befit any self respecting Southern gentleman. In their travels around the state to pursue court affairs and business interests, my father and the Judge would stop in at a roadhouse in Corbin, to indulge in some delightfully spicy fried chicken. Years later, this little roadhouse went out of business when a major highway drew traffic away, and business dwindled. So, the undaunted entrepreneur, Harlan Sanders, hit the road with his Social Security check, his recipe for spicy fried chicken, and precious little else. One of Sanders' first partners suggested that in the interests of promotion, he should market himself as a Kentucky Colonel, to add to his product's image. To complete the image as distinguished Southern Gentleman, Harlan Sanders turned to the most distinguished gentleman he knew of, a colorful federal judge who patronized his roadhouse years ago, and adopted Judge O'Rear's appearance right down to the goatee. If you encounter photos of the Judge, your first impression is that he's a dead ringer for Colonel Sanders. The truth is, it's the other way around.
So, as you drive past KFC restaurants, remember that it isn't just Harlan Sanders gazing down at you, it is Judge Edward O'Rear as well.
The Judge also performed an act which is particularly well remembered in Kentucky: he saved the racehorse industry. Right after the first World War, the prohibitionists, fresh from their victory over alcohol, set their sights on gambling, particularly horse racing. In due time, they concocted a law banning horse racing, and in due time said law was put to effect. In due time, it came up for a court test in the 6th circuit, which Judge O'Rear was a part of. As the Judge tells the story, no matter which way the decision went, you were going to offend a powerful group. So, none really wanted to write the decision. They drew straws, and the Judge pulled the short one. Now, horse racing was banned on the grounds that it served 'no morally acceptable purpose', or words to that effect. Based on this, Judge O'Rear made the landmark decision in 1925, which still stands today, that horse racing was for the betterment of the breed, and therefore the ban was overturned. Well, give the decision to a man from Mt. Sterling, and what did you expect? We were fortunate that the Judge was eloquent enough to make it stick.
Last Revised: 08/01/2002 13:12:00
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