William Kettner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Kettner
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 11th district |
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| In office March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1921 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Phil Swing |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 20, 1864 Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Died | November 11, 1930 (aged 65) San Diego, California |
| Political party | Democratic |
William "Bill" Kettner (born November 20, 1864 – died November 11, 1930) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party from San Diego, California. Bill Kettner served four terms in the U.S. Congress from 1913 to 1921. He is famous for helping to bring many U.S. Navy bases and facilities to San Diego.
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Who Was William Kettner?
William Kettner was born in 1864 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His parents, John F. and Frederika Kettner, were immigrants from Germany. In 1873, his family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota.
When he was 13, his father passed away. William had to leave school to work and help his family. He worked as a bellboy and later drove a delivery horse.
Kettner's Early Life and Business
At age 21, Kettner moved to San Diego, California. This was during a time when San Diego was growing very fast. He took on many different jobs across the state.
In 1893, he married Ida B. Griffs in Visalia, California. There, he started a business in real estate and insurance. The couple later divorced in 1904.
Kettner married Marion Morgan in 1905. They lived in Visalia before moving to San Diego in 1907. In San Diego, William Kettner opened his own insurance business. He also became involved in real estate and banking.
How Kettner Helped San Diego
In 1908, the Great White Fleet of the U.S. Navy visited San Diego. This was a group of U.S. Navy battleships on a trip around the world. Kettner was very impressed by this visit. He volunteered to help organize the city's welcome events for the fleet.
After this, he became a member of the board for the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. He worked as a director there, helping to promote the city's businesses.
Kettner's Time in Congress
William Kettner was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1912. This was a big deal because his district usually voted for Republicans. However, many Republicans supported him because he was popular with the Chamber of Commerce.
He won his first election by 3,500 votes. He was re-elected three more times:
- In 1914, he won by 24,000 votes.
- In 1916, he won by 9,000 votes.
- In 1918, he ran for election without anyone running against him.
Kettner decided to step down from Congress in 1920. This was due to his health and problems with his insurance business.
During his time in Congress (1913–1921), Kettner worked very hard. His main goal was to bring U.S. Naval bases to San Diego. Even before he officially started as a congressman, he helped get money from the government. This money was used to make San Diego Bay deeper. This allowed large Navy ships to enter the bay.
He continued to promote San Diego and Southern California. His congressional district covered ten counties at that time.
"Brother Bill" and His Friends
Kettner was known for his friendly personality. He often called his colleagues "brother," which earned him the nickname "Brother Bill." He was very good at convincing other congressmen and officials. He would invite them to dinner and give them gifts like California oranges and wine.
He became good friends with Franklin D. Roosevelt. At that time, Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt visited San Diego during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. He was very impressed with San Diego's potential for Navy bases. As Assistant Naval Secretary and later as President, Roosevelt helped Kettner's efforts to establish bases in San Diego.
By the time Kettner left Congress in 1921, he had helped establish many important Naval bases in San Diego. These included:
- Camp Kearny (now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar)
- The Broadway Naval Supply Depot
- The 32nd Street Naval Station
- San Diego Naval Hospital
- Naval Training Center San Diego
- Naval Air Station North Island
Because of his success in bringing these bases, Kettner was nicknamed the "Million Dollar Congressman." For a long time, the military became the largest employer in San Diego County.
Kettner's Later Life and Legacy
William Kettner passed away in San Diego in 1930. He is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park.
His contributions to San Diego were remembered in several ways:
- In 1919, a fireboat was named the Bill Kettner in his honor. It was used until 1961.
- In 1930, Arctic Street in San Diego was renamed Kettner Boulevard to honor him.
Images for kids
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William Kettner, a U.S. Congressman from San Diego.
