Illinois. Governor (1961-1968 : Kerner)

Otto Kerner (1908-1975), Democratic Governor of Illinois (1961-1968), was born in Chicago on Sept. 15, 1908. Kerner attended Brown University, Trinity College, Cambridge University (Eng.) and graduated from Northwestern Law School (1934). After Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was assassinated, Kerner married his daughter Helena. While starting his law practice, Kerner joined the Illinois National Guard Black Horse Troop, being promoted to Captain before WWII duty with field artillery regiments in Africa and Sicily. Lt. Col. Kerner returned to Chicago, reorganized the 33rd Division, leaving the Guard a Major General. Back in civilian life, Kerner became U. S. Attorney for the Northern Illinois District; Cook County Judge (1954-1960); and Governor (1960 and 1964). President Johnson appointed Kerner chairman of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (1967) and to the Court of Appeals (1968). After being found guilty of race track stock trading conspiracy, income tax evasion and mail fraud (1974), Kerner entered the Federal Reformatory at Lexington, Ky., serving 20 months before he was released on emergency parole. He died in Chicago of lung cancer on May 9, 1975.

From the description of Otto Kerner correspondence, 1961-1968. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 35786833