Capehart, Homer E. (Homer Earl), 1897-1979

A native of Algiers, Pike Co., Ind., Capehart engaged in farming, business, and manufacturing, and served three terms in the U.S. Senate. After retiring from politics, he returned to farming and manufacturing, and resided in Indianapolis, Ind. until his death.

From the description of Autograph. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 36506698

Homer E. Capehart was born 6 June 1897 in Jefferson Township, Pike County, Indiana. He enlisted in the army in April 1917 and was discharged in 1919. He married Viola Mueller, a Wisconsin teacher in Green Bay on 19 January 1922. The couple had three children; Homer Earl, Jr., Patricia Louise, and Thomas. Capehart held a variety of jobs in business, farming and manufacturing during the 1920s and 30s and the family moved frequently during that time. He became interested in politics in the late 1930s, was elected to the United States Senate in 1944, and served three terms until 1962 when he lost the election to Birch Bayh. After his retirement from politics he moved to Indianapolis and returned to business and farming. He died on 3 September 1979, and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.

From the description of Papers, 1938-1962. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 56814270

Homer Earl Capehart was a businessman and senator from Indiana.

Indiana businessman Capehart helped organize the Cornfield Conference for 10,000 Republicans in 1938 and began to speak at rallies. He was selected as the party chairman in 1940. Four years later, Capehart won a Senate seat against the incumbant governor, Harry Shricker. Capehart allied himself with the moderate wing of the party led by President Dwight Eisenhower, but was critical about how Eisenhower conducted foreign affairs. He remained a senator for eighteen years until he was defeated in the 1962 campaign by Birch Bayh. Capehart then moved to Indianapolis to return to business affairs and farming. He died on September 3, 1979.

From the description of Oral history interviews of the Biography: Homer E. Capehart Oral History Project, 1969-1973. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 50500071