Francis Cherry (governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Adams Cherry
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Cherry in 1954
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| 35th Governor of Arkansas | |
| In office January 13, 1953 – January 11, 1955 |
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| Lieutenant | Nathan Green Gordon |
| Preceded by | Sid McMath |
| Succeeded by | Orval Faubus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 5, 1908 Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 1965 (aged 56) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Oklahoma State University University of Arkansas |
Francis Adams Cherry (born September 5, 1908 – died July 15, 1965) was an important American politician. He served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1953 to 1955. He also held other important government jobs during his career.
Contents
About Francis Cherry
Early Life and Education
Francis Cherry was born in Fort Worth, Texas. He went to college at Oklahoma State University. Later, he studied law at the University of Arkansas Law School.
Starting His Career
After finishing law school, Cherry worked as a lawyer from 1936 to 1937. He then became a U.S. Commissioner in a town called Jonesboro. In 1942, he was elected as a judge for the 12th Chancery District Court of Arkansas.
Cherry also served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was in the Navy from 1942 to 1944.
Becoming Governor of Arkansas
In 1952, Francis Cherry ran for Governor of Arkansas. He won the election, defeating the current governor, Sid McMath. Governor McMath was trying to get elected for a third time. Even President Harry Truman supported McMath, but Cherry still won the election.
Cherry served as governor from January 13, 1953, to January 11, 1955. When he ran for re-election, he was defeated by Orval Faubus. At that time, he was only the second Arkansas Governor in 100 years to lose a re-election bid.
Later Government Service
After his time as governor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Cherry to a special government group. This group was called the Federal Subversive Activities Control Board. Its job was to look into groups that might be trying to harm the U.S. government.
Cherry was appointed to this board in 1955. He was appointed for a second term in 1960. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy made Cherry the chairman of this board.
His Passing
Francis Cherry passed away on July 15, 1965. He was 56 years old. He died at his home in Washington, D.C., from a heart problem. At the time of his death, he was still the Chairman of the Federal Subversive Activities Control Board.
