Linwood Holton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linwood Holton
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| United States Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs | |
| In office February 28, 1974 – January 31, 1975 |
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| President | Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Marshall Wright |
| Succeeded by | Robert J. McCloskey |
| 61st Governor of Virginia | |
| In office January 17, 1970 – January 12, 1974 |
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| Lieutenant | Sargeant Reynolds Henry Howell |
| Preceded by | Mills Godwin |
| Succeeded by | Mills Godwin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Abner Linwood Holton Jr.
September 21, 1923 Big Stone Gap, Virginia U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 2021 (aged 98) Kilmarnock, Virginia U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jinks Rogers
(m. 1953) |
| Children | 4; including Anne, Woody, and Dwight |
| Education | Washington and Lee University (BS) Harvard University (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1969 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Abner Linwood Holton Jr. (September 21, 1923 – October 28, 2021) was an American politician and lawyer. He served as the 61st Governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974. He was the first Republican governor of Virginia elected in the 20th century. Holton was known for supporting civil rights, integration, and investing in public services.
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Early Life and Education
Abner Linwood Holton Jr. was born on September 21, 1923, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. His mother, Edith, was a homemaker. His father, Abner Linwood Holton, was an executive for a small railroad company.
Holton often thought about becoming the Governor of Virginia, even from a young age. A childhood friend once joked that he had wanted the job since the 4th grade.
In 1941, Holton started college at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the United States Navy in 1942. He graduated in 1944 with a science degree. He served in the submarine service during World War II. He also stayed in the Navy reserves for over 20 years.
After the war, he went to Harvard Law School and graduated in 1949. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer in Roanoke, Virginia.
Political Career in Virginia
Holton was very active in the Republican Party in Virginia. At that time, the party was not very strong in the state. He was a leader among Republicans who challenged the powerful "Byrd Organization." This group had controlled Virginia politics for about 30 years.
Running for Governor
In 1965, Holton first ran for governor as a Republican. He lost that election to Democrat Mills E. Godwin Jr.. However, in 1969, Holton ran again and won with 52.51% of the votes. He defeated Democrat William C. Battle and other candidates. This made him the first Republican governor of Virginia since 1869.
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Actions as Governor
As governor, Linwood Holton made important changes. In 1970, when school desegregation was a big issue, he took a bold step. He voluntarily enrolled his own children, including his daughter Anne, in mostly-black Richmond Public Schools. This action showed his strong support for integration.
Holton also worked to increase opportunities for people. He hired more Black people and women to work in state government. In 1973, he created the Virginia Governor's Schools Program. This program helps talented students get special education. He also provided the first state money for community mental health centers. Additionally, he supported efforts to protect the environment.
Holton was a moderate Republican. He did not want to welcome very conservative Democrats into the Virginia Republican Party. As the Republican Party became more conservative, it moved away from Holton's views.
Virginia law does not allow governors to serve two terms in a row. So, Holton could not run for re-election in 1973. That year, Mills Godwin, who had been a conservative Democrat, became the Republican nominee for governor.
Life After Governorship
After being governor, Holton worked for one year in the Nixon Administration. He was the Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations. Later, he returned to practicing law.
In 1978, Holton tried to get the Republican nomination for the United States Senate. He finished third in that race.
Under Governor Gerald Baliles (1987–1991), Holton served as the temporary president of the Center for Innovative Technology. He helped guide the center through some management challenges.
In his later years, Holton continued to support moderate Republicans. However, as the Virginia Republican Party became more conservative, he often found himself agreeing more with the state Democratic Party. He supported several Democrats for state offices. This included his son-in-law, Governor Tim Kaine. Holton also supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
Holton's Family
Linwood and his wife, Jinks, had four children: Tayloe, Anne, Woody, and Dwight.
- Anne Holton is married to U.S. Senator and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. She was the first First Lady of Virginia to live in the Governor's Mansion as both a child and an adult. She also served as Virginia's Secretary of Education.
- Woody Holton (Abner Linwood Holton III) is a successful author. He has written several books, including one that was a finalist for the National Book Award. Another book won the Bancroft Prize.
- Dwight Holton served as the acting U.S. Attorney for Oregon.
In 1999, Linwood Holton Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia, was named in his honor.
In 2008, the University of Virginia Press published his memoir, Opportunity Time. In 2017, the City of Roanoke named a plaza after him.
Personal Life
Holton married Virginia "Jinks" Rogers on January 10, 1953. She worked as an intelligence analyst for the CIA. Her father was a prominent Democratic Party figure in Roanoke, Virginia. They had four children together.
Death and Legacy
Linwood Holton passed away from natural causes at his home in Kilmarnock, Virginia, on October 28, 2021. He was 98 years old.
A memorial service was held for Holton in December 2021. Many people spoke about his strong belief in civil rights and school desegregation. Several governors, past and present, attended the service.
Holton's time as governor marked a new period in Virginia politics. Since he took office, seven Republican governors have been elected, along with seven Democratic governors.
See also
In Spanish: Linwood Holton para niños
