Linwood Holton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linwood Holton
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Holton, circa 1970
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| 13th 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 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Abner Linwood Holton Jr. (born September 21, 1923 – died October 28, 2021) was an important American politician and lawyer. He served as the 61st governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974. He was the first Republican governor of Virginia in a very long time, since the period after the Civil War. Governor Holton was known for his strong support of civil rights, which means fair treatment for all people. He also worked to bring people together in schools and communities and invested in public projects like roads and buildings.
Early Life and Education
Linwood Holton was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, on September 21, 1923. His mother, Edith, was a homemaker. His father, Abner Linwood Holton, managed a small railroad that carried coal. From a young age, Linwood dreamed of becoming the governor of Virginia.
He started college at Washington and Lee University in 1941. After the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the United States Navy in 1942. He served in submarines during World War II and continued in the Navy Reserve for over twenty years. After the war, he earned a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1949. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer in Roanoke, Virginia.
Political Career
Linwood Holton was active in the Republican Party when it was not very strong in Virginia. He worked hard to challenge the powerful political group known as the Byrd Organization.
In 1965, Holton ran for governor but did not win. However, in 1969, he ran again and won the election! He became the first Republican governor of Virginia since 1869, which was a big achievement.
One of Governor Holton's most famous actions happened in 1970. At that time, there were efforts to bring students of different racial backgrounds together in schools. To show his support for this important change, Governor Holton bravely enrolled his own children, including his daughter Anne, in mostly-black public schools in Richmond. This decision received a lot of attention and showed his commitment to equality.
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As governor, Linwood Holton made many positive changes.
- He increased job opportunities for Black people and women in state government.
- He started the Virginia Governor's Schools Program in 1973, which helps talented students get special education.
- He provided the first state money for community mental health centers, helping people with mental health needs.
- He also supported efforts to protect the environment.
Holton was a moderate Republican. He believed in working across different viewpoints. He did not want his party to become too focused on one type of thinking.
Virginia law does not allow governors to serve two terms in a row. So, Holton could not run for re-election in 1973.
Later Life and Family
After his time as governor, Linwood Holton worked for a year in Washington D.C. as an Assistant Secretary of State. He then returned to practicing law.
He continued to be involved in politics, supporting moderate Republicans. As the Republican Party in Virginia changed, he found himself agreeing more with the Democratic Party on some issues. He even supported several Democrats for state offices, including his son-in-law, Tim Kaine, who later became governor. Holton also supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
Linwood Holton and his wife, Virginia "Jinks" Rogers, were married in 1953. They had four children: Tayloe, Anne, Woody, and Dwight.
- Their daughter, Anne Holton, is married to U.S. Senator and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Anne was the first First Lady of Virginia to have lived in the Governor's Mansion both as a child and as a First Lady. In 2014, she became Virginia's Secretary of Education.
- Their son, Woody Holton, is a successful author and historian. He has written several award-winning books about American history.
- Their son, Dwight Holton, served as a U.S. Attorney for Oregon.
In 1999, an elementary school in Richmond, Virginia, was named Linwood Holton Elementary School in his honor. In 2017, the City of Roanoke also dedicated a plaza in his name.
In January 2018, on the day of Governor Ralph Northam's inauguration, Linwood Holton was present. He joined Northam and nine other former governors of Virginia for a special photograph, showing the history of leadership in the state.
Death and Legacy
Linwood Holton passed away peacefully at his home in Kilmarnock, Virginia, on October 28, 2021, at the age of 98. His memorial service celebrated his strong belief in civil rights and bringing people together in schools. Many important leaders, including Governor Ralph Northam and several former governors, attended to honor his memory.
Holton's time as governor marked a new period in Virginia politics. He helped pave the way for more Republicans to be elected to the state's highest office. He is remembered as a leader who worked for fairness, education, and progress for all Virginians.
See also
In Spanish: Linwood Holton para niños
