John H. Morehead


John Henry Morehead was an American politician and the 17th Governor of Nebraska.

Early life

Born on a farm in Lucas County, Iowa, Morehead attended business college and moved to Nebraska in 1884 settling in Richardson County, Nebraska. There he taught school, farmed and banked, and eventually opened his own mercantile business. He married Minnie Weisenreder on February 14, 1885 and they had two children.

Career

Morehead moved to Falls City, Nebraska where he became first the treasurer of Richardson County from 1896 to 1899; and then the mayor of the city in 1900. He was elected member of the Nebraska state senate in 1910 to 1912 serving as the president pro tempore. When Lieutenant Governor Hopewell died, he was elevated to the position of lieutenant governor as provided by the State constitution. He was elected governor from 1913 to 1917. During his term he was a delegate to Democratic National Convention.
Morehead ran and lost in a bid for the Nebraska senate seat in 1918 and for governor in 1920. During his tenure, the state deficit was reduced and a workman's compensation law was sanctioned. He was elected to the 68th congress and reelected five more times. He chaired the Committee on Memorials in the 72nd and 73rd congresses. He didn't stand for reelection in 1934, and returned to farming and sell real estate. He was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1940.

Death

Morehead died in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1942. He is interred in Steele Cemetery, Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska.