Pearl Frances Runyon was born in 1913, in
Belfry, Kentucky. She first became involved in politics at the age of 8, when her father, a merchant, lumber dealer, and building contractor who was active in politics, arranged for her to
babysit the children of voters. In 1931, she graduated at the top of class at
Belfry High School, and went on to graduate from a business school in
Charleston, West Virginia. Runyon began her career in politics in 1934, when she was elected deputy
Pike County court clerk, a position she held for 14 years. In 1947, governor
Earle Clements appointed her assistant secretary of state of Kentucky. In 1949,
Edward F. Seiller died, leaving the office of treasurer vacant, she was appointed by governor Clements to fill the vacancy. In 1952, she was elected treasurer for a second term, becoming the second woman to be elected to the office. == Death ==