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FREDERICK L. HALL, the thirty-third governor of Kansas, was born in Dodge City, Kansas on July 24, 1916. He was educated at Dodge City High School, where through his academic achievements and his participation on debate team, he earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California. While attending U.S.C., he served as a member of the International Debating Team. He finished his B.A. degree in 1938, and then stayed on, earning his law degree. During World War II, Hall enlisted, but was rejected, when he failed to pass the physical. From 1942 to 1944, he served as an assistant director of the Combined Production and Resources Board for the Combined Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, he established his legal career in Topeka and Dodge City, serving as the Ford County attorney from 1947 to 1949. Hall entered politics in 1950, serving as the lieutenant governor of Kansas, a position he held for four years. He won the 1954 Republican gubernatorial nomination and was sworn into the governorship on January 10, 1955. During his tenure, a water resource commission was organized, a small loan law was sanctioned, the director of the state purchasing agency was fired, a high school aid law was authorized, a "right to work" bill was vetoed, and higher truck license fees were approved. After losing the Republican gubernatorial primary, and with only eleven days left in his term, Hall abruptly resigned from office. Lieutenant Governor John McCuish then assumed the duties of the governorship. His first act as governor was to immediately appoint Hall to a seat on the Kansas Supreme Court. This move created quite a controversy, which was perceived as highly unethical, however, it proved to be completely legal. Hall served on the Supreme Court bench until the spring of 1958, when he resigned to run again for the governorship. He was defeated in his bid, and retired from politics. He moved to California, and worked as an executive in the Management Control of the Aerojet General Corporation. He later returned to Kansas and reestablished his legal practice. Governor Fred L. Hall passed away on March 18, 1970, and was buried at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City, Kansas.  
 
Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Kansas State Historical Society

The Political Graveyard