Who was Illinois Governor in 1958?

Answer 1

William Grant Stratton

Born: February 26, 1914

Died: March 2, 2001

Birth State: Illinois

Party: Republican

Family: Married Shirley Breckenridge; three children

Religion: Methodist

School(s): University of Arizona

Periods in Office: From: January 12, 1953 To: January 9, 1961

Higher Office(s) Served: Representative Military Service: Navy War(s) Served: World War II WILLIAM G. STRATTON, Illinois' thirty-fourth governor, was born in Ingleside, Illinois, on February 26, 1914. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1934, Stratton established a career in public service. His first election was to the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held from 1941 to 1943, and again from 1947 to 1949. He was the state treasurer of Illinois, serving from 1943 to 1944 and 1950 to 1952. World War II temporarily interrupted Stratton's political course. He joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a lieutenant from 1944 to 1946. After his military service, Stratton returned to politics, serving as a delegate to the 1952, 1956, 1960 and 1976 Republican National Conventions. He won the 1952 Republican gubernatorial nomination and was sworn into the Illinois governorship on January 12, 1953. He was reelected to a second term in 1956. During his tenure, state hospital reforms were instituted that included beds for inmates, a bond issue was approved that funded the state's expressway system, the first woman was chosen in a cabinet level status, and an improved state sales tax was initiated and used in school programs. After running unsuccessfully for a third term, Stratton left office on January 9, 1961. Stratton retired from politics after a failed 1968 gubernatorial nomination. Governor William G. Stratton died on March 2, 2001, and was buried at the Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. Sources: Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.