Maysville Police Chief Kent Butcher is seeking the public’s help in piecing together the history of the Maysville Police Department and leaders who have come before him in an attempt to regain historical insight into the department.
Through an ongoing personal project undertaken by Butche, he has managed to obtain photographs and biographical information on eight subjects who have served in the Maysville Police Department’s top position which dates back to 1894.
According to information compiled by Charlie Brodt, a Maysville native, there have been 18 people who have served as chief of MPD. Spurred on by this initial compilation of information, Butcher found himself astonished at the lack of biographical and pictorial information regarding these individuals and decided to research the project himself.
“We currently are establishing a historical wall in remembrance of these men who served the community through their position as chief of police for the Maysville Police Department,” Butcher said.
The wall includes pictures and biographical information on eight of these men including Butcher, and former chiefs Van L. Ingram, Douglas Culp, James Everman, Horace Botkins, Howard Muse, R. L. Rosser and Harry Stewart.
“A community’s historical data is very important to preserve for members of that community and future residents,” Butcher said, explaining his interest in the project. “Historical evidence in the form of information on police chiefs offers a different insight into the history of a community. A chief of police is an integral part of the community and usually can offer a unique insight into what was going on within a community at the time they served. These men, and the position they obtained within our community certainly saw and heard a lot of information that we should diligently try and preserve. It certainly constitutes a unique point of view.”
“I know the history of Maysville in my eyes is different than many others,” Butcher said. “My tenure has lasted 31 years with the force in general. That time has shown me a multitude of changes through how a town evolves and changes with the times. Few people get to see the progression like police officers do.”
“I would even go so far as to say that my insights into Maysville’s history certainly differ from the perspective of a lifelong resident versus from the perspective of my tenure on the police force,” said Butcher. “I’m certainly proud of how Maysville has grown and transgressed through the years.”
“I feel biographical information on these men with an eye towards historical references to Maysville during their tenure would only be an asset to the community, and one that we should strive to preserve,” said Butcher.
Butcher is looking for biographical and historical information, including photos, on the following MPD chiefs: D.P. Ort, 1894 to 1897; William Stallcup, 1897 to 1898; M.J. Donovan, 1898 to 1907; Harry A. Ort, 1907 to 1915; James Mackey, 1915 to 1919; Harry A. Ort, 1919 to 1924; James Roberson, 1924 to 1933; Mack Anderson, 1933 to 1936; Joseph Lykins, 1936 to 1939; and Leslie Walker, 1967.
Any information pertaining to these men, or any other relevant Maysville Police Department photographs can be sent to Butcher at 212 Government Street in Maysville, or anyone with information can contact him at 606-564-9411.
“If anyone has pictures of these men, naturally we only want to copy them and will give the originals back,” said Butcher. “We could really use the public’s assistance in this matter and I personally feel this project is worthwhile enough that it should be diligently followed through with. The information these men have is invaluable with the historical insights they have on Maysville, and we must do everything we can to reconstruct and save it.”
Contact Owen McNeill at owen.mcneill@lee.net or call 606-564-9091 ext 272.
