George E. Akerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George E. Akerson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1st White House Press Secretary |
|
| In office March 4, 1929 – March 16, 1931 |
|
| President | Herbert Hoover |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Theodore Joslin |
| White House Appointments Secretary | |
| In office March 4, 1929 – March 16, 1931 |
|
| President | Herbert Hoover |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Theodore Joslin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Edward Akerson
September 5, 1889 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | December 21, 1937 (aged 48) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Minnesota Allegheny College Harvard University (BA) |
George Edward Akerson (born September 5, 1889 – died December 21, 1937) was an American journalist. He made history as the very first official White House Press Secretary. This important job involves speaking for the President to news reporters.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Akerson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He went to college at the University of Minnesota and Allegheny College. Later, he studied at Harvard University and earned a degree in Political Science in 1912.
He married Harriet Blake in 1915. She was also a college graduate. They had three sons together.
Starting His Career in News
While still in college, Akerson worked during the summers at the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper. After finishing Harvard, he worked there full-time as a reporter. One of his first big assignments was covering the 1912 Democratic National Convention.
In 1921, the Tribune sent Akerson to Washington, D.C. to be their correspondent. This meant he reported on news from the nation's capital.
Working with President Hoover
In the 1920s, Akerson gave advice to the Republican Party. He helped them understand how to deal with new political groups. His work caught the attention of Herbert Hoover. At that time, Hoover was the Secretary of Commerce.
Hoover then hired Akerson as his private secretary. This was a very close and important role.
First White House Press Secretary
When Herbert Hoover became President, Akerson took on a new role. From 1929 to 1931, he served as the White House Press Secretary. He was the first person to officially hold this title. His job was to share information from the White House with news reporters.
During his time, it became harder for the White House to work with the press.
On January 2, 1931, Akerson left his job. He took an executive position at Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, a big movie company. Theodore Joslin took over his role as Press Secretary.
Later Years and Passing
Akerson worked at Paramount for two years. After that, he became an executive secretary for a paper distributing trade group.
Sadly, George Akerson developed kidney disease and passed away in 1937. He was only in his 40s.
