John Anderson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Anderson
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| 36th Governor of Kansas | |
| In office January 9, 1961 – January 11, 1965 |
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| Lieutenant | Harold H. Chase |
| Preceded by | George Docking |
| Succeeded by | William H. Avery |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 21, 1963 – June 6, 1964 |
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| Preceded by | Albert Rosellini |
| Succeeded by | Grant Sawyer |
| 33rd Kansas Attorney General | |
| In office March 1, 1956 – January 9, 1961 |
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| Governor | George Docking |
| Preceded by | Harold Fatzer |
| Succeeded by | William M. Ferguson |
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office January 13, 1953 – March 1, 1956 |
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| Preceded by | K. U. Snyder |
| Succeeded by | James B. Pearson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 8, 1917 Olathe, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | September 15, 2014 (aged 97) Olathe, Kansas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Arlene Auchard |
| Education | Kansas State University University of Kansas (BA, LLB) |
John Anderson Jr. (born May 8, 1917 – died September 15, 2014) was an important American politician. He served as the 36th governor of Kansas from 1961 to 1965. Before that, he was the 33rd attorney general of Kansas from 1956 to 1961. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Contents
John Anderson Jr.'s Life and Career
Early Life and Education
John Anderson Jr. was born on May 8, 1917, near Olathe, Kansas. His parents were John and Ora Bookout Anderson. He finished high school in Olathe in 1935.
After high school, he went to Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. Later, he moved to the University of Kansas. He earned his degree from the University of Kansas in 1943. The next year, he graduated from the University of Kansas Law School.
During World War II, John Anderson Jr. could not join the military because of health reasons. Instead, he worked for two years (1944-1946) with Federal Judge Walter A. Huxman. In 1946, he opened his own law office in Olathe.
Starting His Political Journey
Soon after starting his law practice, Anderson decided to enter politics. He ran for county attorney of Johnson County as a Republican. A county attorney is a lawyer who works for the county government.
Anderson won this election and two more after that. He served as county attorney until 1953.
In 1952, Anderson aimed for a higher political position. He ran for a seat in the Kansas State Senate. This is a group of lawmakers who create laws for the state. He won this election too.
He held his state senate office until March 1, 1956. At that time, he was chosen to finish the term as attorney general. The attorney general is the chief legal officer for the state. Once he was in this job, Anderson won two more elections for attorney general in 1956 and 1958.
Becoming Governor of Kansas
By 1960, Anderson was ready for an even bigger role. He decided to run for governor of Kansas. He ran against the person who was already governor, George Docking, who was a Democrat.
Anderson won the election with 511,534 votes, while Docking received 402,261 votes. He was very good at winning elections. True to his pattern, Anderson also won the next election for governor in 1962.
John Anderson Jr. became the first governor of Kansas to live in Cedar Crest. This mansion had just been renovated, costing one hundred thousand dollars.
Life After Being Governor
In 1964, Anderson chose not to run for governor again. He returned to his law practice in Olathe. Even after leaving the governor's office, he stayed active in public service.
He worked as a lawyer for the Board of Healing Arts and the Kansas Turnpike Authority. He also served as the director of the Citizens' Conference on State Legislatures from 1965 to 1972.
Anderson was considered for federal judge positions several times, but he was never appointed. In 1972, he tried again to get the Republican Party nomination for governor. However, he was defeated by Morris Kay.
After his time in public office, Anderson retired to his hometown of Olathe. He passed away on September 15, 2014, at the age of 97.
Legacy
- The K-10 highway in Johnson County, Kansas, is named in honor of John Anderson Jr.
