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Military Service: National Guard

War(s) Served:  Civil War

JOHN H. MICKEY, the fourteenth governor of Nebraska, was born near Burlington, Iowa, on September 30, 1845. His early education was attained in the Iowa public school system, and later he attended Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant. During the Civil War he enlisted and served in Company D of the 8^th Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. After his military service, he moved to Osceola, Nebraska, where he worked as a farmer, rancher, and banker. Mickey first entered politics in 1870, serving as the Polk County treasurer, a position he held ten years. He also served as a member of the Nebraska House of Representatives from 1881 to 1882, and was instrumental in founding the first bank in Osceola in 1879. Mickey next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1902. He was reelected to a second term in 1904. During his tenure, numerous pardons were granted; an improved state auditing system was initiated; and a direct primary law was promoted. After completing his term, Mickey left office on January 3, 1907, and retired from political life. Governor John H. Mickey passed away on June 2, 1910, and was buried in the Osceola Cemetery in Osceola, 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.

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