One-time teacher John Morehead also once served as the Governor of Nebraska. Photo Credit: Public Domain
Many excellent educators have also succeeded in political office. One of these is John Morehead, a country school teacher in Nebraska who also once served as the state’s governor.
John was born on Dec. 3, 1861, in Columbia, Iowa. As a boy, he was raised on an Iowa farm owned by his parents, who were pioneers, and he attended public schools. Later he attended the Shenandoah Business College. In 1884, when he was 22 years old, he moved to Nebraska, where he initially worked as a farmer. He also secured a teaching certificate and became a teacher in a local country school. He taught there for two years. Eventually, John changed careers when he established a mercantile business.
The former teacher inaugurated his career in politics when he was selected Treasurer for Nebraska’s Richardson County. He held this position from 1896 to 1899. He also served as Mayor of Falls City in 1900. Next he was elected a member, and later President, of the Nebraska State Senate, where he served from 1910 to 1912. As Senate President, John succeeded to the office of Lieutenant Governor, where he served from 1911 to 1912.
For his exemplary work as a politician, John earned the gubernatorial nomination of the Democratic Party. He was elected the 18th governor of the state in Nov., 1912. He was re-elected in 1914. During John’s tenure, a workmen’s compensation law was enacted; the state deficit was reduced; the “blue sky” act was authorized; several appointments were made to the first Board of Control; and the first state budget was instituted.
After completing his term, John left office, but he continued to stay active in politics. He served as a member of the US House of Representatives, where he represented Nebraska’s 1st District from 1923 to 1935, a total of six terms. In 1940, he was selected to be a delegate to the 1940 Democratic National Convention.
Governor John Morehead passed away on May 30, 1942, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was 80 years old. He was buried in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Nebraska. Read more about this amazing Chalkboard Champion and politician at National Governors Association.
