George M. Leader facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George M. Leader
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Leader's official photo, circa 1959. Used for display in state buildings and for other purposes.
|
|
| 36th Governor of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 18, 1955 – January 20, 1959 |
|
| Lieutenant | Roy Furman |
| Preceded by | John Fine |
| Succeeded by | David Lawrence |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 28th district |
|
| In office January 2, 1951 – November 30, 1954 |
|
| Preceded by | Guy Leader |
| Succeeded by | Harry E. Seyler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Michael Leader
January 17, 1918 York, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 9, 2013 (aged 95) Hershey, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Jane Strickler |
| Alma mater | Gettysburg College University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Chicken hatchery operator |
George Michael Leader (January 17, 1918 – May 9, 2013) was an American politician. He served as the 36th governor of Pennsylvania from January 18, 1955, until January 20, 1959. He was a member of the Democratic Party. George Leader was born in York County, Pennsylvania. He was the only person from that county elected governor until Tom Wolf in 2014.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Leader was the third child of Guy and Beulah Leader. He grew up on his family's chicken farm in York County. He went to a one-room schoolhouse. Later, he graduated from York High School.
He then attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. There, he earned his first college degree. He also studied advanced topics like philosophy, politics, and economics. He received a special master's degree from the Fels Institute of Government.
In 1939, George married Mary Jane Strickler. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. He was on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean.
Political Career
After the war, Leader started a family business. It was a chicken hatchery. He also became a leader in the Democratic Party in York County.
State Senate and Treasurer
In 1950, he successfully ran for the Pennsylvania State Senate. He won the seat for the 28th district. This seat was previously held by his father, Guy Leader. In 1952, he ran for State Treasurer of Pennsylvania. He lost that election by a small number of votes. However, this race helped him become well-known across the state.
Becoming Governor of Pennsylvania
George Leader used his name recognition to run for governor in 1954. At that time, the Republicans had many more registered voters in Pennsylvania. No Democrat had been elected governor since 1934.
Despite these challenges, Leader gained strong support. He was backed by workers and farmers. He defeated the Republican candidate, Lt. Governor Lloyd Wood, by 280,000 votes. He was sworn in as governor on January 18, 1955. He was just 37 years old, making him the second youngest person ever elected to the position.
Governor Leader's Administration
During his time as governor, Leader started new programs. These programs aimed to improve Pennsylvania's economy. He also worked to fix the state's large budget deficit.
In June 1955, he signed a law to build a research facility. This facility was for Curtiss-Wright in Quehanna. He also increased money for education. He led a big effort to improve Pennsylvania's state mental hospitals.
Leader also worked to protect the civil rights of African-Americans and other minorities. He appointed Andrew M. Bradley. Bradley was the first African American to serve in a Cabinet-level job in Pennsylvania. As governor, Leader tried to create a graduated income tax, but it was not successful.
.jpg)
Leader could not run for re-election in 1958. The Pennsylvania Constitution at that time limited governors to one four-year term. Instead, he ran for a seat in the United States Senate. He lost this race to Republican Congressman Hugh Scott.
Later Life and Legacy
After his 1958 defeat, George Leader did not run for elected office again. However, he remained active in Democratic politics. He often spoke out on important issues.
In the 1980s and 90s, he and his family started retirement communities. These were called Country Meadows and Providence Place Retirement Communities. He lived in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Leader continued to work with the non-profit Providence Place Retirement Communities. His family managed the Country Meadows facilities.
George Leader's wife, Mary Jane Leader, passed away on March 15, 2011. She died from a lung disease.
After former Delaware governor Elbert N. Carvel died in 2005, Leader became the oldest living former U.S. governor. He held this title until his own death.
George Leader died on May 9, 2013. He was 95 years old. He passed away in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Country Meadows Retirement Community he founded.
