Barrett, Frank A. (Frank Aloysius), 1892-1962

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Barrett, from Lusk, Wyoming, served almost thirty years in public office in Wyoming as state senator, U.S. representative (1942-1951), governor (1951-1953), and U.S. senator (1953-1959).

From the description of Papers, 1920-1981 (bulk 1952-1958). (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 27966081

Lawyer, rancher, Wyoming state senator (1933-1936); U.S. representative and senator, member of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees, and governor of Wyoming (1951-1953).

From the description of Barrett collection, 1901-1997. (Wyoming State Archives). WorldCat record id: 70952634

Lawyer, rancher, Wyoming state senator (1933-1936); U.S. representate and senator, member of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees, and governor of Wyoming (1951-1953).

From the description of Papers, 1950-1952. (Wyoming State Archives). WorldCat record id: 71013079

Frank A. Barrett, Wyoming senator, governor, and congressman, had the distinction of being the only Wyomingite ever to serve in both houses of Congress and as governor. He was one of only six men in United States history to accomplish this. His distinguished political career lasted over twenty years.

Frank Barrett was born 19 November 1892 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Patrick and Elizabeth Barrett. After attending public schools in Omaha, he earned his B.A. and law degrees from Creighton University in 1913 and 1916, respectively. Barrett worked his way through college as a mail collector with the United States Mail Service.

With the coming of World War I, Barrett enlisted in the "Balloon Corps" of the infant air service, and served for three years. After returning home he married Alice Catherine Donoghue on 21 May 1919.

The Barretts relocated to Lusk, Wyoming, where Frank began practicing law. His temporary office was his own porch until he found a room in which he could establish his practice. Two years later the couple bought a large sheep and cattle ranch, which ignited his interest in the wool industry. Eventually he would become one of the nation's top authorities on wool and sheep. He served as Niobrara County Attorney from 1923-1932.

Frank Barrett's political career began in 1933 when he was elected to the Wyoming State Senate. In 1936 he was the Republican candidate for the United States Congress but was unsuccessful. From 1939-1945 he served as a University of Wyoming Trustee. He was then elected a United States Congressman in 1942 and served an eight-year term until 1950, when he was elected governor of Wyoming.

Only governor for two years, Barrett seized the opportunity to run for the United States Senate in 1952 and was successful. He served a six-year term in the Senate until 1958, sitting on a number of committees including the Interior and Armed Services Committees. When he was defeated by Gale McGee in 1958, Barrett attributed his loss to "vicious and unwarranted" reports by Washington columnist Drew Pearson. Pearson stated that Barrett had intervened with the Treasury Department to help former Senator E.V. Roberson (R-Wyo.) out of a tax case. The charge was later retracted.

Barrett was then appointed Chief Counsel for the United States Department of Agriculture. He made an unsuccessful comeback attempt in 1960 when Representative Keith Thomson defeated him in the Republican senatorial primary.

Barrett and his wife Alice had three children, Dr. Frank A. Barrett, Jr., James E. Barrett, and Marialyce Barrett Tobin. Alice Barrett died in 1956, and Frank married his second wife, Augusta K. Hogan, in 1959. Frank Barrett died on 30 May 1962, shortly after being diagnosed with leukemia. He is buried in Lusk.

From the guide to the Frank A. Barrett Papers, 1920-1981, 1952-1958, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Blair Moody Papers, 1928-1954, 1934-1952 Bentley Historical Library
creatorOf Frank A. Barrett Papers, 1920-1981, 1952-1958 Univerisity of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
creatorOf Barrett, Frank A. (Frank Aloysius), 1892-1962. Papers, 1950-1952. Wyoming, State Archives and Historical Department
referencedIn Champ, Frederick Percival, 1896-1976. Frederick P. Champ papers, 1930-1976. Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library
referencedIn Frederick P. Champ papers, 1896-1976 Utah State University. Merrill-Cazier Library. Special Collections and ArchivesManuscript Collection
creatorOf Barrett, Frank A. (Frank Aloysius), 1892-1962. Barrett collection, 1901-1997. Wyoming, State Archives and Historical Department
creatorOf Barrett, Frank A., 1892-. Papers, 1920-1981 (bulk 1952-1958). Univerisity of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Barrett family. family
associatedWith Barrett family. family
associatedWith Barrett family. family
associatedWith Barrett, Frank A., 1920- person
associatedWith Barrett, James E., 1922- person
correspondedWith Champ, Frederick Percival, 1896-1976. person
associatedWith Moody, Blair, 1902-1954 person
associatedWith Tobin, Marialyce. person
associatedWith United States. Congress. House. corporateBody
associatedWith United States. Congress. Senate. corporateBody
associatedWith Wyoming. Governor (1951-1953 : Barrett) corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Wyo.)
Wyoming
F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Wyo.)
United States
Wyoming
United States
Wyoming
Wyoming
Subject
Cattle trade
Cattle trade
Judges
Mines and mineral resources
Mines and mineral resources
Reclamation of land
Reclamation of land
Sheep industry
Sheep industry
Surgeons
Women lawyers
Wool trade and industry
Wool industry
Occupation
Governors
Legislators
Legislators
Legislators
Photographs
Scrapbooks
Activity

Person

Birth 1892-11-10

Death 1962-05-30

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