Harlan Mathews facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harlan Mathews
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| United States Senator from Tennessee |
|
| In office January 2, 1993 – December 1, 1994 |
|
| Appointed by | Ned McWherter |
| Preceded by | Al Gore |
| Succeeded by | Fred Thompson |
| 38th Tennessee State Treasurer | |
| In office March 31, 1974 – January 17, 1987 |
|
| Governor | Winfield Dunn Ray Blanton Lamar Alexander |
| Preceded by | Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Steve Adams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 17, 1927 Sumiton, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | May 9, 2014 (aged 87) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Resting place | Harpeth Hills Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Pat Jones |
| Children | Stanley Mathews Lester Mathews Richard Mathews |
| Alma mater | Jacksonville State University Vanderbilt University |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 |
Harlan Mathews (born January 17, 1927 – died May 9, 2014) was an important American politician. He was a Democratic United States Senator for Tennessee from 1993 to 1994. Before becoming a senator, he worked in Tennessee's state government for over 40 years.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Harlan Mathews was born on January 17, 1927, in Sumiton, Alabama. His parents were John William Mathews and Lillian (Young) Mathews.
In 1944, after finishing high school, Harlan joined the United States Navy. He served his country until 1946.
College Years
After his time in the Navy, he returned to Alabama. In 1949, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Jacksonville State College. Today, this school is known as Jacksonville State University.
Further Studies and Law Degree
Harlan continued his education. In 1950, he received a master's degree in public administration from Vanderbilt University. He also studied law at the YMCA Night Law School, which is now called Nashville School of Law. He completed his law degree in 1962.
Early Political Career
Harlan Mathews began his career in government in 1950. He worked for several governors of Tennessee. These included Gordon Browning, Frank G. Clement, and Buford Ellington.
Commissioner of Finance
From 1961 to 1971, Harlan served as the commissioner of finance and administration. In this role, he helped manage the state's money and operations.
State Treasurer
In 1974, Harlan was elected as the state treasurer by the Tennessee General Assembly. He served in this important position until January 1987. As treasurer, he was in charge of the state's funds.
Deputy to the Governor
After being state treasurer, Harlan became the deputy to Governor Ned McWherter. This meant he was a top advisor and assistant to the governor.
U.S. Senate Service
In 1993, a big opportunity came for Harlan Mathews. The current U.S. Senator from Tennessee, Al Gore, resigned from his position. Al Gore left to become the Vice President of the United States.
Appointed Senator
Governor Ned McWherter chose Harlan Mathews to fill the empty Senate seat. Governor McWherter announced that Harlan would serve as a "caretaker" senator. This meant Harlan would not run for election himself. Instead, he would hold the seat temporarily. This gave other politicians time to prepare their campaigns for the next election.
Leaving Office
Harlan Mathews served in the U.S. Senate until December 1994. After leaving the Senate, he returned to Nashville, Tennessee. He continued his work as a lawyer.
Later Life and Passing
Harlan Mathews passed away on May 9, 2014. He was 87 years old. He died from brain cancer at a hospice in Nashville. He was survived by his wife, Pat, and two of his sons. His third son, Richard, had passed away before him.
