- Name
- Joseph Hermann
- Hometown (Last School)
- Newport, KY
- Ht
- 6'2"
- Wt
- 190
- Seasons
- 1905-06
- Birthday
- April 13, 1886
Joseph Hermann was born Joseph George Hermann on April 13, 1886, in Newport, Kentucky, to Joseph Strobel Hermann and Caroline (Carrie) Blesch Hermann. He was the seventh born of nine children.
Hermann enrolled at Kentucky in 1903 and graduated with a bachelor of civil engineering degree in 1907. While at Kentucky, Hermann played basketball during the 1905-06 season. He was also a member of the Patterson Literary Society, the YMCA, and the Brooks Civil Engineering Society. He was the senior class grumbler.
He married Beatrice Bluebell Bayland in 1914.
Herman became a prominent political figure in Newport, Kentucky, serving as the city’s commissioner beginning in 1916 and as mayor during two pivotal periods: from 1920 to 1924 and again from 1936 to 1940.
During his first term (1920–1924), Hermann’s administration faced challenges related to labor disputes, notably the 1921–1928 Newport steel strike. As tensions escalated between striking workers and industrial interests, Hermann, along with other local officials, was involved in efforts to maintain order. In 1922, amidst allegations of Prohibition violations, Hermann was among several officials arrested by the Kentucky National Guard during a crackdown on illicit activities in the city .
Returning to office in 1936, Hermann’s second term was marked by the catastrophic Ohio River Flood of 1937. On January 25, 1937, as floodwaters inundated Newport, affecting over 100 city blocks and displacing thousands, Mayor Hermann declared a state of emergency to coordinate relief efforts and manage the crisis.
Between terms as mayor, he served as city commissioner for five terms. His career was in civil engineering. He was city engineer for numerous Kenton County cities, including South Ft. Mitchell, Erlanger, Elsmere and most recently Lake. He lived his entire life in Newport.
Hermann passed away on November 26, 1965, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to his community. His contributions to Newport, both as a mayor and a civil engineer, are remembered as pivotal in the city’s history.
