 Campaigning on a platform of progressive reforms , McCreary defeated Republican Edward C. O 'Rear in the general election . During this second term , he became the first inhabitant of the state 's second ( and current ) governor 's mansion ; he is also the only governor to have inhabited both the old and new mansions . During his second term , he succeeded in convincing the legislature to make women eligible to vote in school board elections , to mandate direct primary elections , to create a state public utilities commission , and to allow the state 's counties to hold local option elections to decide whether or not to adopt prohibition . He also realized substantial increases in education spending and won passage of reforms such as a mandatory school attendance law , but was unable to secure passage of laws restricting lobbying in the legislative chambers and providing for a workers ' compensation program . McCreary was one of five commissioners charged with overseeing construction of the new governor 's mansion and exerted considerable influence on the construction plans . His term expired in 1915 , and he died three years later . McCreary County was formed during McCreary 's second term in office and was named in his honor . 
