Gruening, Ernest, 1887-1974

Ernest Henry Gruening (February 6, 1887 – June 26, 1974) was an American journalist and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, Gruening was the Governor of the Alaska Territory from 1939 until 1953 and a United States Senator from Alaska from 1959 until 1969.

Born in New York City, Gruening attended The Hotchkiss School, and he graduated from Harvard University in 1907 and from Harvard Medical School in 1912. After completing his studies, he forsook medicine, instead pursuing a career in journalism. Initially a reporter for the Boston American in 1912, he went on to become copy desk editor and rewrite man for the Boston Evening Herald and, from 1912 to 1913, an editorial writer. He also worked for the Boston Herald and the Boston Journal at various points. For four years, Gruening was, consecutively, managing editor of the Boston Evening Traveller and the New York Tribune. After serving in World War I, Gruening became the editor of The Nation from 1920 to 1923 and the editor of the New York Post for four months in 1934. During his time in New York, he also worked for the Spanish-language publication La Prensa. Throughout his journalism career, Gruening fought for the cause of labor and for minorities. Eventually, his crusade began to include fighting for rights for territories and possessions of the United States.

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