Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Oregon Republican League: History 104 Biographies
Every Wednesday, the Oregon Republican League will post the biographies of important figures, in the League's/State of Oregon's history. Feel free to comment or share stories of your family's Republican affiliation.
Governor John H. Hall
Biographical Note
John H. Hall was governor from October 30, 1947 to January 10, 1949.
Hall was born in Portland, Oregon on February 7, 1899. During World War I he served as a medical corpsman on the troop transport Florida. He attended Oregon State College and graduated in 1923 with a degree in business administration. After a variety of jobs he attended Northwestern College of Law in Portland, Oregon and received his law degree in 1928. He was admitted to the bar in 1928.
Hall's political career began in 1932 when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. He served in the 1933, 1939, 1943, 1945, and 1947 sessions of the Legislative Assembly, and became Speaker of the House in the 1947. Due to the deaths of Governor Earl Snell, Secretary of State Robert S. Farrell Jr., and President of the Senate Marshall E. Cornett on October 28, 1947, the Speaker of the House, as required by Oregon constitution, became governor.
Governor Hall supported liberalizing the liquor trade and even provoked controversy by dismissing a member of the Liquor Control Commission who felt that there should be a limit on buying liquor. Governor Hall also asked for wage and salary adjustments for state employees due to inflation and was a strong supporter of education. He favored using the treasury surplus over budget-balancing requirements to finance buildings for higher educational and other state institutions.
After he was defeated by Douglas McKay in the 1948 primary election, John Hall returned to Lincoln County, where he practiced law, and won election to a term as District Court Judge. He died on November 14, 1970 in Newport, Oregon.
John Hall was married to Elizabeth Walch from 1926 until her death in 1937. They had two children. He married Alyce Johnson in 1941 and they had one child.
Governor John H. Hall
Biographical Note
John H. Hall was governor from October 30, 1947 to January 10, 1949.
Hall was born in Portland, Oregon on February 7, 1899. During World War I he served as a medical corpsman on the troop transport Florida. He attended Oregon State College and graduated in 1923 with a degree in business administration. After a variety of jobs he attended Northwestern College of Law in Portland, Oregon and received his law degree in 1928. He was admitted to the bar in 1928.
Hall's political career began in 1932 when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. He served in the 1933, 1939, 1943, 1945, and 1947 sessions of the Legislative Assembly, and became Speaker of the House in the 1947. Due to the deaths of Governor Earl Snell, Secretary of State Robert S. Farrell Jr., and President of the Senate Marshall E. Cornett on October 28, 1947, the Speaker of the House, as required by Oregon constitution, became governor.
Governor Hall supported liberalizing the liquor trade and even provoked controversy by dismissing a member of the Liquor Control Commission who felt that there should be a limit on buying liquor. Governor Hall also asked for wage and salary adjustments for state employees due to inflation and was a strong supporter of education. He favored using the treasury surplus over budget-balancing requirements to finance buildings for higher educational and other state institutions.
After he was defeated by Douglas McKay in the 1948 primary election, John Hall returned to Lincoln County, where he practiced law, and won election to a term as District Court Judge. He died on November 14, 1970 in Newport, Oregon.
John Hall was married to Elizabeth Walch from 1926 until her death in 1937. They had two children. He married Alyce Johnson in 1941 and they had one child.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Oregon Republican League: History 104 Biographies
Every Wednesday, the Oregon Republican League will post the biographies of important figures, in the League's/State of Oregon's history. Feel free to comment or share stories of your family's Republican affiliation.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Snell/Snelloverview.html
Governor Earl W. Snell
Biographical Note
Earl Snell was Oregon's governor from January 11, 1943 to October 28, 1947.
Earl Snell was born in Olex, Oregon on July 11, 1895. Snell served in the Army during World War I, coming back to Gilliam County at war's end. He tried the newspaper business before entering the automobile business in Arlington and Condon. From 1915 to 1945 he operated a dealership with a partner.
Snell served on Arlington's City Council. Snell began his political career in 1927 when he was elected state representative. Snell remained in the Legislative Assembly until 1934 when he left his position as Speaker of the House to take the elected position of Secretary of State. He served as Secretary of State from 1934 to 1942, then was elected Oregon's twenty-third governor in 1942. Governor Snell was re-elected in 1946 and served until October 28, 1947, when he was killed in a plane crash in the wild terrain east of Klamath Falls along with Secretary of State Robert S. Farrell Jr., President of the Senate Marshall E. Cornett, and their pilot Cliff Hogue.
Snell was vitally interested in Oregon's forests and the problems facing the state in managing forest lands, including the effects of the 1933 Tillamook Burn, which devastated 240,000 acres. He charged a Special Forestry Committee with the responsibility of making a complete survey and analysis of Oregon's forestry program, with particular emphasis on the Tillamook burn, fire prevention, and reforestation. The lumber industry consistently occupied first or second place in the commercial activities of the state's economy and Oregon's forestry laws and policies were recognized as outstanding in the nation.
In addition to his environmental legacy, Snell also campaigned for old-age relief without increasing taxation; post-war aid in education; home ownership; and liberalization of unemployment compensation. Governor Snell placed emphasis on improving winter travel by developing and improving roads and resorts. He wanted Oregon to become the winter wonderland for vacationers, and expand tourism to become more than a summer industry. A state employees' retirement system was also adopted during Snell's tenure as governor.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Snell/Snelloverview.html
Governor Earl W. Snell
Biographical Note
Earl Snell was Oregon's governor from January 11, 1943 to October 28, 1947.
Earl Snell was born in Olex, Oregon on July 11, 1895. Snell served in the Army during World War I, coming back to Gilliam County at war's end. He tried the newspaper business before entering the automobile business in Arlington and Condon. From 1915 to 1945 he operated a dealership with a partner.
Snell served on Arlington's City Council. Snell began his political career in 1927 when he was elected state representative. Snell remained in the Legislative Assembly until 1934 when he left his position as Speaker of the House to take the elected position of Secretary of State. He served as Secretary of State from 1934 to 1942, then was elected Oregon's twenty-third governor in 1942. Governor Snell was re-elected in 1946 and served until October 28, 1947, when he was killed in a plane crash in the wild terrain east of Klamath Falls along with Secretary of State Robert S. Farrell Jr., President of the Senate Marshall E. Cornett, and their pilot Cliff Hogue.
Snell was vitally interested in Oregon's forests and the problems facing the state in managing forest lands, including the effects of the 1933 Tillamook Burn, which devastated 240,000 acres. He charged a Special Forestry Committee with the responsibility of making a complete survey and analysis of Oregon's forestry program, with particular emphasis on the Tillamook burn, fire prevention, and reforestation. The lumber industry consistently occupied first or second place in the commercial activities of the state's economy and Oregon's forestry laws and policies were recognized as outstanding in the nation.
In addition to his environmental legacy, Snell also campaigned for old-age relief without increasing taxation; post-war aid in education; home ownership; and liberalization of unemployment compensation. Governor Snell placed emphasis on improving winter travel by developing and improving roads and resorts. He wanted Oregon to become the winter wonderland for vacationers, and expand tourism to become more than a summer industry. A state employees' retirement system was also adopted during Snell's tenure as governor.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Oregon Republican League on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2244689407
The Oregon Republican League, achieving it's 1,500th member (from 34 Oregon counties), is expanding to Facebook.com. Please encourage our Republican, and Republican-leaning, colleagues to join our Facebook ranks. Please forward this to your bulletins. Thank you!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2244689407
The Oregon Republican League, achieving it's 1,500th member (from 34 Oregon counties), is expanding to Facebook.com. Please encourage our Republican, and Republican-leaning, colleagues to join our Facebook ranks. Please forward this to your bulletins. Thank you!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2244689407
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Oregon Republican League: History 104 Biographies
Every Wednesday, the Oregon Republican League will post the biographies of important figures, in the League's/State of Oregon's history. Feel free to comment or share stories of your family's Republican affiliation.
Governor Charles A. Sprague
Biographical Note
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Sprague/Spraguebiographical.html
Charles Arthur Sprague was governor from Jan. 9, 1939 to Jan. 11, 1943.
Sprague was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 12, 1887. In 1910, he received a degree in education from Monmouth College in Illinois. He then moved to the state of Washington where he eventually became assistant superintendent of public instruction. In 1915, he left the education field and turned to journalism, buying part interest in the Ritzville Journal Times. Coming to Oregon in 1925, Sprague assisted in the publishing of the Corvallis Gazette-Times and in 1929, became editor and manager of the Oregon Statesman in Salem. Sprague continued to publish the paper during his tenure as Governor. He served as a trustee of Albany College in 1937 and Willamette University in 1939.
Sprague was elected governor in 1938 and served only one term. During Governor Sprague's administration, Oregon became the first state to initiate control over logging operations to insure enforcement of progressive forest practices. These practices included reasonable protection of trees from slash burns, not harvesting immature trees during cutting operations, and retaining some mature trees for seeding purposes. In addition, a state forestry research program was adopted. Governor Sprague also dealt with labor disputes initiated by strong-willed labor leaders, and closely followed Oregon's participation in World War II.
Additional resources
McKay, Floyd J. An Editor for Oregon: Charles A. Sprague and the Politics of Change. Oregon State University Press, 1998.
Governor Charles A. Sprague
Biographical Note
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Sprague/Spraguebiographical.html
Charles Arthur Sprague was governor from Jan. 9, 1939 to Jan. 11, 1943.
Sprague was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 12, 1887. In 1910, he received a degree in education from Monmouth College in Illinois. He then moved to the state of Washington where he eventually became assistant superintendent of public instruction. In 1915, he left the education field and turned to journalism, buying part interest in the Ritzville Journal Times. Coming to Oregon in 1925, Sprague assisted in the publishing of the Corvallis Gazette-Times and in 1929, became editor and manager of the Oregon Statesman in Salem. Sprague continued to publish the paper during his tenure as Governor. He served as a trustee of Albany College in 1937 and Willamette University in 1939.
Sprague was elected governor in 1938 and served only one term. During Governor Sprague's administration, Oregon became the first state to initiate control over logging operations to insure enforcement of progressive forest practices. These practices included reasonable protection of trees from slash burns, not harvesting immature trees during cutting operations, and retaining some mature trees for seeding purposes. In addition, a state forestry research program was adopted. Governor Sprague also dealt with labor disputes initiated by strong-willed labor leaders, and closely followed Oregon's participation in World War II.
Additional resources
McKay, Floyd J. An Editor for Oregon: Charles A. Sprague and the Politics of Change. Oregon State University Press, 1998.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Oregon Republican League: Honoring our Republican Fallen
Frances Forbes STATESMAN JOURNAL
June 25, 1915 - May 28, 2001
SALEM (MARION CO.)- Frances Forbes, Salem resident since 1957, died May 28, at her winter home in Mesa, Ariz.
She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Lawrence of Denver, Colo., and Patricia Shinn of Beaverton; two grand daughters, Julee Shinn of Portland, and Leanne Shinn of Seattle, Wash.
Frances was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salem, serving as a past president of the First Methodist United Women and a long time choir member. Being the wife of former State legislator, Clinton Forbes, provided her with many opportunities to take leadership roles in Republican Women and Women Lions Club International. She believed in working hard for the community in which she lived and also enjoyed serving as an active volunteer to Salem Hospital.
Memorial services are pending at First United Methodist Church. At this time the family request memorial contributions to Citadel Activity Fund, 5121 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85206 Attn: Linda Petty. Arrangements by Mesa Heritage Mortuary in Arizona.
**************************
The Hood River News, Hood River, OR., March 30, 1935, page 7
“Residents Go To Rewards”
FRANCIS HANSEN BLAGG
Funeral services, attended by many pioneer friends, were held for Francis Hansen Blagg, 74, a native of Ohio, were held at the Christian church, yesterday, the Rev. O.D. Harris officiating, with interment at Idlewild cemetery. Mr. Blagg, who had lived in Hood River more than 38 years, had been sexton at the cemetery since it was founded. He was prominent in county Republican affairs and was formerly a justice of the peace. A man of kindly disposition, he had made many friends. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Cora Blagg; a son, Henry Blagg, of San Francisco; and daughters, Mrs. Ruth Murray, of Hood River; Mrs. Etta Demmon, Parkdale; Mrs. Beryl Hagemann, San Francisco; Margaret Lytle, Prineville and Mrs. R. Peugh, Parkdale.
**********************
News-Times, Newport, OR January 29, 2003 A-5
Helen Pingrey
Helen Jane Pingrey, 85, of Beaverton died Jan. 19, 2003 of natural causes.
She was born Oct. 22, 1916 in Telluride, Colo., to Ida Mabel (Hughes) and Philip C. "P.C." Schools.
She graduated in 1938 from Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colo., and was a registered nurse.
She was a private duty nurse. During World War II, she was employed at the hospital in Amache, Colo., a Japanese Relocation Camp.
She married Dr. Fergus R. Pingrey, M.D. in 1950.
She was office nurse in Durango, Colo., at her husband's medical practice. She was also office nurse at the medical practice they opened when they moved to Newport in 1952. In addition to his private practice, her husband was one of the first doctors at the hospital in Newport. (Lincoln Co.)
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and was active in the activities of the Republican Party.
She enjoyed music of all kinds, and traveling.
Survivors include two daughters, Kathryn Jean Fanslan of Grand Junction, Colo. and Pepi Pingrey of Beaverton; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth A. Pingrey Clark; a sister, Phyllis Jean Case of Albany; a niece, Jeannie A. Rust Mitchell of Grand Junction, Colo.; and six grandchildren, Toli Galanopoulos, Philip Galanopoulos, Morgana Spake, Rowan Spake, Samantha Black, and Tiffany Clark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fergus, in September 1979; and by a stepdaughter, Suzanne Pingrey Riemer, in 1991.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
***********************
Alvadore - The funeral will be May 15 for SheldonD. Jones of Alvadore, who died May 10 of emphysema. He was 73. Jones was born June 19, 1924, in Maryville, MO to John and Sally Rose Jones. During WWII, he served in the Navy. He moved to the Eden/Twin Falls, ID area in 1940. Jones married Charlotte Lanhorn in Twin Falls on April 20, 1946. She died November 19, 1997. In 1955, Jones moved to Boise. He moved to the Eugene area in 1963. He worked as a mechanic and welder. He retired in 1989 after working 19 years at Wildish, Co. His interests included hunting and gardening. He belonged to the River Road Church of Christ in Eugene and was a member of the Teamsters and machinists unions. Jones also was a Republican party precinct committee memeber. Survivors include three sons, David of Alvadore, Steve of Battelground, WA and Don of Spokane; a daughter, Linda Flanders of Bakersfield, CA; a brother, Cyrus of Tarkio, MO; a sister, Roberta Duzic of Salesville, AR, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 1pm to 7pm Thursday and from 9am to noon Friday at Musgrove FAmily Mortuary in Eugene. Friday's service is at 2pm also at the funeral home. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to River Road Church of Christ.
June 25, 1915 - May 28, 2001
SALEM (MARION CO.)- Frances Forbes, Salem resident since 1957, died May 28, at her winter home in Mesa, Ariz.
She is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Lawrence of Denver, Colo., and Patricia Shinn of Beaverton; two grand daughters, Julee Shinn of Portland, and Leanne Shinn of Seattle, Wash.
Frances was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salem, serving as a past president of the First Methodist United Women and a long time choir member. Being the wife of former State legislator, Clinton Forbes, provided her with many opportunities to take leadership roles in Republican Women and Women Lions Club International. She believed in working hard for the community in which she lived and also enjoyed serving as an active volunteer to Salem Hospital.
Memorial services are pending at First United Methodist Church. At this time the family request memorial contributions to Citadel Activity Fund, 5121 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ 85206 Attn: Linda Petty. Arrangements by Mesa Heritage Mortuary in Arizona.
**************************
The Hood River News, Hood River, OR., March 30, 1935, page 7
“Residents Go To Rewards”
FRANCIS HANSEN BLAGG
Funeral services, attended by many pioneer friends, were held for Francis Hansen Blagg, 74, a native of Ohio, were held at the Christian church, yesterday, the Rev. O.D. Harris officiating, with interment at Idlewild cemetery. Mr. Blagg, who had lived in Hood River more than 38 years, had been sexton at the cemetery since it was founded. He was prominent in county Republican affairs and was formerly a justice of the peace. A man of kindly disposition, he had made many friends. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Cora Blagg; a son, Henry Blagg, of San Francisco; and daughters, Mrs. Ruth Murray, of Hood River; Mrs. Etta Demmon, Parkdale; Mrs. Beryl Hagemann, San Francisco; Margaret Lytle, Prineville and Mrs. R. Peugh, Parkdale.
**********************
News-Times, Newport, OR January 29, 2003 A-5
Helen Pingrey
Helen Jane Pingrey, 85, of Beaverton died Jan. 19, 2003 of natural causes.
She was born Oct. 22, 1916 in Telluride, Colo., to Ida Mabel (Hughes) and Philip C. "P.C." Schools.
She graduated in 1938 from Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colo., and was a registered nurse.
She was a private duty nurse. During World War II, she was employed at the hospital in Amache, Colo., a Japanese Relocation Camp.
She married Dr. Fergus R. Pingrey, M.D. in 1950.
She was office nurse in Durango, Colo., at her husband's medical practice. She was also office nurse at the medical practice they opened when they moved to Newport in 1952. In addition to his private practice, her husband was one of the first doctors at the hospital in Newport. (Lincoln Co.)
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and was active in the activities of the Republican Party.
She enjoyed music of all kinds, and traveling.
Survivors include two daughters, Kathryn Jean Fanslan of Grand Junction, Colo. and Pepi Pingrey of Beaverton; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth A. Pingrey Clark; a sister, Phyllis Jean Case of Albany; a niece, Jeannie A. Rust Mitchell of Grand Junction, Colo.; and six grandchildren, Toli Galanopoulos, Philip Galanopoulos, Morgana Spake, Rowan Spake, Samantha Black, and Tiffany Clark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fergus, in September 1979; and by a stepdaughter, Suzanne Pingrey Riemer, in 1991.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
***********************
Alvadore - The funeral will be May 15 for SheldonD. Jones of Alvadore, who died May 10 of emphysema. He was 73. Jones was born June 19, 1924, in Maryville, MO to John and Sally Rose Jones. During WWII, he served in the Navy. He moved to the Eden/Twin Falls, ID area in 1940. Jones married Charlotte Lanhorn in Twin Falls on April 20, 1946. She died November 19, 1997. In 1955, Jones moved to Boise. He moved to the Eugene area in 1963. He worked as a mechanic and welder. He retired in 1989 after working 19 years at Wildish, Co. His interests included hunting and gardening. He belonged to the River Road Church of Christ in Eugene and was a member of the Teamsters and machinists unions. Jones also was a Republican party precinct committee memeber. Survivors include three sons, David of Alvadore, Steve of Battelground, WA and Don of Spokane; a daughter, Linda Flanders of Bakersfield, CA; a brother, Cyrus of Tarkio, MO; a sister, Roberta Duzic of Salesville, AR, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 1pm to 7pm Thursday and from 9am to noon Friday at Musgrove FAmily Mortuary in Eugene. Friday's service is at 2pm also at the funeral home. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to River Road Church of Christ.
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Dorchester Conference: 2007 March 2nd – 4th, Seaside Oregon Convention Center
Where Politics is Fun
Every year, Republicans in Oregon gather together for a one-of-a-kind grassroots political conference – Dorchester. This year's conference, the 43rd, is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend filled with debate and camaraderie blended together in the unique way only found at Dorchester.
The 2007 conference will give Oregon Republicans a chance to gather together just months after the recent election to reflect, discuss and unite. The Dorchester Board believes that now, more than ever, Oregon Republicans need to come together – across various philosophies and ideologies – to debate, dialogue and HAVE FUN!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT DORCHESTER…
As always, Dorchester will be filled with lively discussion among delegates on a variety of current issues facing our state and nation. Meant to encourage dialogue across political ideology, issue debates at Dorchester give delegates the chance to learn from one another and vote as a conference on whether or not to support proposed resolutions. Sometimes the votes are close, sometimes they're lopsided…but the debate is never dull.
Once again the conference will include U.S. Senator Gordon Smith and Congressman Greg Walden, as well as many elected legislators and local officials. The speeches given by these leaders are always insightful, and the ability to interact with them in a casual atmosphere is an opportunity not often available outside of Dorchester, but at the conference, delegates can share their thoughts and ideas directly with political leaders.
And there is the infamous - and sometimes irreverent - Tent Show, which follows the Saturday evening banquet and festivities. For years, the Tent Show has kept Dorchester delegates laughing, and sometimes groaning, at jokes pointing fun at notable events from the past year and all sides of the political spectrum.
Delegates can expect a conference that will provoke thought, provide opportunities for networking, introduce them to new friends and reacquaint them with old friends, allow for some quality time on the scenic Oregon Coast, and make all who attend think about the future of Oregon politics and how Oregon can move forward.
Visit www.dorchester.org for more information.
HOW DO YOU REGISTER?
It's easy! You can register online at www.dorchester.org (you can submit the form electronically and pay with a credit card or you can print the form and mail it with a check). If you don't have web access, Dorchester can mail you a registration form. Those will be going out to past delegates by mid-January and the Board is always happy to add new, interested folks to their mailing list.
STUDENTS WELCOME!
There are discounted rates for students as well as internship (free registration in exchange for help at the conference) and scholarship opportunities.
Don't miss this great weekend - See you in Seaside!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Oregon Republican League: History 104 Biographies
Every Wednesday, the Oregon Republican League will post the biographies of important figures, in the League's/State of Oregon's history. Feel free to comment or share stories of your family's Republican affiliation.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/benson/bio.html
Governor Frank W. Benson
Biographical Note
Source: Text courtesy of the Oregon State Library.
Born on March 20. 1858 in San Jose, California, son of Henry Clarke Benson, a minister sent to California in 1852 by the Methodist Episcopal Church with his wife, Matilda M. (Williamson) Benson and his three children. Married to Harriet Ruth Benjamin on November 4, 1883; father of two sons, Clifford and Wallace. Moved to Portland in 1864 when his father became editor of the Pacific Christian Accord; attended the Portland Academy, then returned to California to study at the College of the Pacific, receiving his A.B. degree in 1877 and later his A.M. degree.
In 1880 assumed charge of the Umpqua Academy, a Methodist school in Wilbur, Oregon. Elected County Superintendent of Schools in 1882, serving in that capacity until 1886, when he became President of a Normal School in Drain, Oregon. In 1892 Benson was elected Douglas County Clerk; reelected to that office in 1896, and admitted to the Oregon Bar in the same year. From 1898 until assuming the office of Secretary of State, Benson practiced law in Roseburg. He conducted a vigorous campaign for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in the 1906 primary election, winning both the primary and general elections.
He became Governor after the resignation of George Earle Chamberlain, who had been elected to the United States Senate. Benson was sworn in as governor on March 1, 1909, and retained the office of Secretary of State as well, receiving salaries for both positions. Shortly after becoming Secretary of State, Benson became ill; however by the time he took on the governor's office, he had almost regained his normal vigor. As Secretary of State and Governor, Benson held considerable appointive power, but he did not effect a wholesale removal of Chamberlain appointees. One of his first official acts was to call a special session of the State Legislature to remedy defects in laws passed by the previous session of that body. A two-day special session provided funding for building improvements and for some new facilities at state institutions, including the penitentiary, insane asylum, reform school, and retired soldiers' home. He cooperated with the governor of the State of Washington in an effort to solve a boundary dispute between Oregon and Washington, but was forced to relinquish his office before the issue was settled.
Having gone to California for extended treatment of a recurring illness, Benson telephoned C. N. McArthur, his private secretary. on June 15, 1910, directing that Jay Bowerman, President of the Senate, should "assume the duties of the governorship." Bowerman came to Salem and was sworn in on Thursday, June 16, as Acting Governor. Benson soon reported improving health and indicated his intention to return about July 20, 1910, to resume the duties of the office of governor. He did not do so, and did not run for reelection as governor, although he successfully ran for reelection as Secretary of State in 1910. Benson's health continued to fail and he died in Redlands, California on April 14, 1911.
Bibliography:
1. Statesman [Salem ] (April 15, 1911);
2. Oregonian [Portland] (April 19, 1911);
3. History of the Bench and Bar of Oregon (Portland. 1910).
4. The Papers of Frank W. Benson are in the library of the Oregon Historical Society, Portland.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/benson/bio.html
Governor Frank W. Benson
Biographical Note
Source: Text courtesy of the Oregon State Library.
Born on March 20. 1858 in San Jose, California, son of Henry Clarke Benson, a minister sent to California in 1852 by the Methodist Episcopal Church with his wife, Matilda M. (Williamson) Benson and his three children. Married to Harriet Ruth Benjamin on November 4, 1883; father of two sons, Clifford and Wallace. Moved to Portland in 1864 when his father became editor of the Pacific Christian Accord; attended the Portland Academy, then returned to California to study at the College of the Pacific, receiving his A.B. degree in 1877 and later his A.M. degree.
In 1880 assumed charge of the Umpqua Academy, a Methodist school in Wilbur, Oregon. Elected County Superintendent of Schools in 1882, serving in that capacity until 1886, when he became President of a Normal School in Drain, Oregon. In 1892 Benson was elected Douglas County Clerk; reelected to that office in 1896, and admitted to the Oregon Bar in the same year. From 1898 until assuming the office of Secretary of State, Benson practiced law in Roseburg. He conducted a vigorous campaign for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in the 1906 primary election, winning both the primary and general elections.
He became Governor after the resignation of George Earle Chamberlain, who had been elected to the United States Senate. Benson was sworn in as governor on March 1, 1909, and retained the office of Secretary of State as well, receiving salaries for both positions. Shortly after becoming Secretary of State, Benson became ill; however by the time he took on the governor's office, he had almost regained his normal vigor. As Secretary of State and Governor, Benson held considerable appointive power, but he did not effect a wholesale removal of Chamberlain appointees. One of his first official acts was to call a special session of the State Legislature to remedy defects in laws passed by the previous session of that body. A two-day special session provided funding for building improvements and for some new facilities at state institutions, including the penitentiary, insane asylum, reform school, and retired soldiers' home. He cooperated with the governor of the State of Washington in an effort to solve a boundary dispute between Oregon and Washington, but was forced to relinquish his office before the issue was settled.
Having gone to California for extended treatment of a recurring illness, Benson telephoned C. N. McArthur, his private secretary. on June 15, 1910, directing that Jay Bowerman, President of the Senate, should "assume the duties of the governorship." Bowerman came to Salem and was sworn in on Thursday, June 16, as Acting Governor. Benson soon reported improving health and indicated his intention to return about July 20, 1910, to resume the duties of the office of governor. He did not do so, and did not run for reelection as governor, although he successfully ran for reelection as Secretary of State in 1910. Benson's health continued to fail and he died in Redlands, California on April 14, 1911.
Bibliography:
1. Statesman [Salem ] (April 15, 1911);
2. Oregonian [Portland] (April 19, 1911);
3. History of the Bench and Bar of Oregon (Portland. 1910).
4. The Papers of Frank W. Benson are in the library of the Oregon Historical Society, Portland.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Thank you, Mr. President. & Happy Birthday
Ronald Wilson Reagan
February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004
At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism."
On February 6, 1911, Ronald Wilson Reagan was born to Nelle and John Reagan in Tampico, Illinois. He attended high school in nearby Dixon and then worked his way through Eureka College. There, he studied economics and sociology, played on the football team, and acted in school plays. Upon graduation, he became a radio sports announcer. A screen test in 1937 won him a contract in Hollywood. During the next two decades he appeared in 53 films.
From his first marriage to actress Jane Wyman, he had two children, Maureen and Michael. Maureen passed away in 2001. In 1952 he married Nancy Davis, who was also an actress, and they had two children, Patricia Ann and Ronald Prescott.
As president of the Screen Actors Guild, Reagan became embroiled in disputes over the issue of Communism in the film industry; his political views shifted from liberal to conservative. He toured the country as a television host, becoming a spokesman for conservatism. In 1966 he was elected Governor of California by a margin of a million votes; he was re-elected in 1970.
Ronald Reagan won the Republican Presidential nomination in 1980 and chose as his running mate former Texas Congressman and United Nations Ambassador George Bush. Voters troubled by inflation and by the year-long confinement of Americans in Iran swept the Republican ticket into office. Reagan won 489 electoral votes to 49 for President Jimmy Carter.
On January 20, 1981, Reagan took office. Only 69 days later he was shot by a would-be assassin, but quickly recovered and returned to duty. His grace and wit during the dangerous incident caused his popularity to soar.
Dealing skillfully with Congress, Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen national defense. He embarked upon a course of cutting taxes and Government expenditures, refusing to deviate from it when the strengthening of defense forces led to a large deficit.
A renewal of national self-confidence by 1984 helped Reagan and Bush win a second term with an unprecedented number of electoral votes. Their victory turned away Democratic challengers Walter F. Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.
In 1986 Reagan obtained an overhaul of the income tax code, which eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. At the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression.
In foreign policy, Reagan sought to achieve "peace through strength." During his two terms he increased defense spending 35 percent, but sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union. In dramatic meetings with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, he negotiated a treaty that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Reagan declared war against international terrorism, sending American bombers against Libya after evidence came out that Libya was involved in an attack on American soldiers in a West Berlin nightclub.
By ordering naval escorts in the Persian Gulf, he maintained the free flow of oil during the Iran-Iraq war. In keeping with the Reagan Doctrine, he gave support to anti-Communist insurgencies in Central America, Asia, and Africa.
Overall, the Reagan years saw a restoration of prosperity, and the goal of peace through strength seemed to be within grasp.
Friday, February 02, 2007
DORCHESTER: March 2-4, SEASIDE OREGON
The Dorchester Conference: 2007 March 2nd – 4th, Seaside Oregon Convention Center
Where Politics is Fun
Every year, Republicans in Oregon gather together for a one-of-a-kind grassroots political conference – Dorchester. This year's conference, the 43rd, is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend filled with debate and camaraderie blended together in the unique way only found at Dorchester.
The 2007 conference will give Oregon Republicans a chance to gather together just months after the recent election to reflect, discuss and unite. The Dorchester Board believes that now, more than ever, Oregon Republicans need to come together – across various philosophies and ideologies – to debate, dialogue and HAVE FUN!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT DORCHESTER…
As always, Dorchester will be filled with lively discussion among delegates on a variety of current issues facing our state and nation. Meant to encourage dialogue across political ideology, issue debates at Dorchester give delegates the chance to learn from one another and vote as a conference on whether or not to support proposed resolutions. Sometimes the votes are close, sometimes they're lopsided…but the debate is never dull.
Once again the conference will include U.S. Senator Gordon Smith and Congressman Greg Walden, as well as many elected legislators and local officials. The speeches given by these leaders are always insightful, and the ability to interact with them in a casual atmosphere is an opportunity not often available outside of Dorchester, but at the conference, delegates can share their thoughts and ideas directly with political leaders.
And there is the infamous - and sometimes irreverent - Tent Show, which follows the Saturday evening banquet and festivities. For years, the Tent Show has kept Dorchester delegates laughing, and sometimes groaning, at jokes pointing fun at notable events from the past year and all sides of the political spectrum.
Delegates can expect a conference that will provoke thought, provide opportunities for networking, introduce them to new friends and reacquaint them with old friends, allow for some quality time on the scenic Oregon Coast, and make all who attend think about the future of Oregon politics and how Oregon can move forward.
Visit www.dorchester.org for more information.
HOW DO YOU REGISTER?
It's easy! You can register online at www.dorchester.org (you can submit the form electronically and pay with a credit card or you can print the form and mail it with a check). If you don't have web access, Dorchester can mail you a registration form. Those will be going out to past delegates by mid-January and the Board is always happy to add new, interested folks to their mailing list.
STUDENTS WELCOME!
There are discounted rates for students as well as internship (free registration in exchange for help at the conference) and scholarship opportunities.
Don't miss this great weekend - See you in Seaside!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
