Benham in Harlan County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Joseph Alexander Matthews

(1902 - 1970)

Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016

1. Joseph Alexander Matthews Marker

Inscription. Principal of the East Benham High School, 1934-60. Matthews taught math and coached ball teams. The students were children of employees of Wisconsin Steel Company. Joseph Matthews and his wife Ruth were leaders in black community and bought food, clothes, and supplies for the needy.

Presented by Students, Faculty, and Friends and the Ky. African American Heritage Commission

Erected 1997 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1995.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 36° 57.904′ N, 82° 56.626′ W. Marker is in Benham, Kentucky, in Harlan County. Marker is on State Highway 6, 0.3 miles east of Maggard Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Benham KY 40807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. To Honor the Black Coal Miners (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lynch Colored High School - West Main High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); City Water Plant

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(approx. 1.3 miles away); Coal Tipple (approx. 1.3 miles away); Power House (approx. 1.4 miles away); Winifrede Mine Conveyor (approx. 1.4 miles away); History of Lynch (approx. 1.4 miles away); No. 31 Mine Shop (approx. 1.4 miles away).

Photographed By gerald Castellow, October 30, 2021

2. Joseph Alexander Matthews Marker

View to East Along State Highway 6 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016

3. View to East Along State Highway 6

The marker is on the right (south) side of highway.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 22, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2. submitted on December 6, 2021, by Gerald Castellow of Lexington, Kentucky. 3. submitted on August 22, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.