Samuel Wilber Hager

Samuel Wilber Hager (December 19, 1858 – December 27, 1918) was an American politician who served as the 14th Kentucky State Treasurer from 1900 to 1904, and Kentucky State Auditor from 1904 to 1908. He was the Democratic party's nominee for governor of Kentucky in 1907, but lost the race. He subsequently owned a newspaper while remaining involved in politics. Hager died in 1918.

Early life and education Samuel Wilber Hager was born to William James and Phoebe Ann Hager on December 19, 1858. The Hagers were farmers near the village of Gallipolis in Gallia County, Ohio. As a child, his parents moved their family to Salyersville, Kentucky, where his father found work in the lumber business. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, he and a brother became engaged in mercantile work. On June 30, 1885, he married Elizabeth Woods White, sister of John D. White, a Kentucky congressman. and went on to face Louisville attorney Augustus E. Willson as his Republican opponent. Willson then counterattacked, claiming that the tobacco company had contributed US$15,000 towards Hagers 1903 state auditor campaign.

The prevailing theme of Willson's campaign was public morality. The Willson campaign condemned Hager as representing the political machine. Hager carried the stigma of being the hand-picked candidate of Governor Beckham, whose tenure had resulted in unpopularity due to inaction in the face of the violence during his administration. Strong support from urban areas such as Jefferson County swung the election for Willson.

Later life and death Hager purchased the Owensboro Inquirer (now called the Messenger-Inquirer) in 1909. He would continue to manage and issue the newspaper until his death. In 1915, he was deeply involved in Augustus O. Stanley's campaign for governor.

Electoral history