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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

JOHN H. MOREHEAD, the eighteenth governor of Nebraska, was born in Columbia, Iowa, on December 3, 1861. His early education was attained in the Iowa public schools, and later he attended the Shenandoah Business College. After moving to Nebraska in 1884, Morehead worked as a teacher and farmer, and eventually established his own mercantile business. He first entered politics as the Richardson County treasurer, a position he held from 1896 to 1899. He also served as mayor of Falls City in 1900, and was a member and president of the Nebraska State Senate from 1910 to 1912. As senate president, Morehead succeeded to the office of lieutenant governor, where he served from 1911 to 1912. He next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1912. He was reelected to a second term in 1914. During his tenure, a workmen's compensation law was sanctioned; the state deficit was reduced; the "blue sky" act was authorized; several appointments were made to the first board of control; and the first state budget was instituted. After completing his term, Morehead left office, but continued to stay active in politics. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1923 to 1935, and was a delegate to the 1940 Democratic National Convention. Governor John H. Morehead passed away on May 30, 1942, and was buried in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Nebraska.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

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