Kenneth A. Schmied
American politician (1911–1973)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenneth Albert Schmied (July 18, 1911 – April 5, 1973)[a] was an American politician in Kentucky. He served as the mayor of Louisville from 1965 until 1969.[3] He remains the most recent member of the Republican Party to have held the office.
Kenneth A. Schmied | |
|---|---|
| 50th Mayor of Louisville | |
| In office 1965–1969 | |
| Preceded by | William O. Cowger |
| Succeeded by | Frank W. Burke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 18, 1911 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | April 5, 1973 (aged 61) Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Resting place | Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
Career
A native of Louisville,[1] Schmied was elected to the city's board of aldermen in 1961 and served as the board's president.[2] He was later "hand picked" by then-mayor William O. Cowger to be his successor.[2] During Schmied's tenure as mayor, a $29.8 million bond issue was used for public works projects including expansion of the city's public library, a site for Jefferson Community College, and medical and dental facilities at the University of Louisville.[2] The city's 1969 mayoral elections saw Democrat Frank W. Burke win the office.[4]
Schmied served in the U.S. Army during World War II, having enlisted in May 1943.[5] He died of a heart attack in 1973 at age 61 while attending a political meeting in Louisville.[6] Schmied is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.[6]