Atherton, Marietta

Biography / Administrative History

Warren H. Atherton (1891-1976) was a Stockton (Calif.) attorney, judge and politician. He is perhaps best known as a former National Commander of the American Legion and "Father of the GI Bill" (1943). During this period, Atherton was consultant to the Secretary of War and envoy to Nelson Rockefeller, Coordinator of International Affairs. Admitted to the California State Bar (1913), he married Anne Holt, daughter of Benjamin Holt, developer of the Caterpillar Tractor. After service in World War I, Atherton became a Stockton city judge and President of the local Chamber of Commerce. He was concurrently involved in agriculture and in various business interests. Atherton served on the California Board of Prison Terms and Paroles (1935-1937) and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate (1957).