S. I. M. Major

Samuel Ire Monger Major Jr. (September 14, 1830 – June 21, 1886) was an American politician and newspaper editor from Kentucky. He served in the Kentucky House of Representatives and as mayor of Frankfort, Kentucky.

Early life Samuel Ire Monger Major Jr. was born on September 14, 1830, near Frankfort, Kentucky, to Martha (née Bohannan) and S. I. M. Major Sr. He attended the Frankfort Academy and was taught by B. B. Sayre. He attended a collegiate course and knew French. In 1852, Major became affiliated with William Tanner and the Frankfort Yeoman, a newspaper based on St. Clair Street in Frankfort. He became editor of the paper in 1853. He was later pardoned from his duel challenge by Magoffin in 1862. In 1863, he resumed the publication and editing of the Yeoman. In the same year, he was elected as mayor of Frankfort and served four terms from 1867 to 1871. In his tenure, the public school system was established and the fire department and some public works projects were modernized. He also served as mayor from 1879 to 1881. In the legislature, he was chairman of the committee on public offices. He also served in the federal relations and management of the penitentiary committees. He introduced a bill for new Capitol buildings and he wrote a bill to establish a state house of correction for juveniles. They had several children, including one son S. I. M. Major III. His wife died in 1885.

Major died on June 21, 1886, at his home on Ann Street in Frankfort.

Legacy In 1869, Major Hall was built on Main Street in Frankfort, where City Hall would later stand. It was used as a restaurant and clubroom. It burned down on November 11, 1882.