Kansas. Governor (1955-1957 : Hall)

Frederick Lee Hall was born On July 24, 1916, in Dodge City, Kansas. While a student at Dodge City High School he distinguished himself on the school's debate team. His debating skills and academic performance earned him a four year scholarship, which he applied at the University of Southern California. By 1941 Hall had earned a law degree from U.S.C. When the U.S. entered WWII Hall attempted to enlist in the armed services but could not pass the physical exam. Instead, he worked for the Combined Production and Resources Board in Washington, D.C. In 1946 he returned to Dodge City and established a private law practice. Hall first entered politics in 1950 when he successfully ran for the office of lieutenant governor. Once in office he developed a reputation for being tough, aggressive, pugnacious, ambitious and fiercely independent. In 1954 he won his bid for governor. When he failed to be re-elected, he took advantage of the retirement of a state supreme court judge by resigning from the governor's office so the lieutenant governor could appoint him to fill the vacant supreme court seat. Though legal, this maneuver was controversial. Later, Hall moved a number of times, once to California, then back to Kansas, where he usually practiced law privately. Fred Hall died on March 18, 1950, and is buried in Dodge City.