Wherry, Kenneth Spicer, 1892-1951

<p>Kenneth Spicer Wherry (February 28, 1892 – November 29, 1951) was an American businessman, attorney, and politician.[1] A member of the Republican Party, he served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska from 1943 until his death in 1951; he was the minority leader for the last two years.</p>

<p>Wherry was born in Liberty, Nebraska, to David Emery and Jessie (née Comstock) Wherry. He received his early education at public schools in Pawnee City, and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity) in 1914. From 1915 to 1916, he studied business administration at Harvard Business School. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Navy Flying Corps (1917–18).</p>

<p>Following his military service, Wherry began a business career selling automobiles, furniture, and livestock; he was also a licensed undertaker with offices in Nebraska and Kansas. He also studied law and, after being admitted to the bar, entered private practice in Pawnee City.</p>

<p>Wherry entered politics as a member of Pawnee City's city council, serving in 1927 and 1929. He was the mayor from 1929 to 1931, simultaneously serving as a member of the state senate from 1929 to 1932. Wherry was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for governor in 1932 and for U.S. Senator in 1934.</p>

<p>In 1938, Wherry was again elected mayor of Pawnee City, serving until he left for Washington and the U.S. Senate. He was chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party from 1939 to 1942, and Western Director for the Republican National Committee from 1941 to 1942.</p>

<p>WHERRY, KENNETH SPICER, a Senator from Nebraska; born in Liberty, Gage County, Nebr., February 28, 1892; attended the public schools and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1914; attended Harvard University in 1915 and 1916; during the First World War served in the United States Navy Flying Corps in 1917 and 1918; engaged in the sale of automobiles, furniture, and in livestock farming; studied law; admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Pawnee City, Nebr.; member of the Pawnee City council in 1927 and 1929; mayor of Pawnee City 1929-1931, 1938-1943; member, State senate 1929-1932; unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1932; unsuccessful candidate for nomination for United States Senator in 1934; western director for the Republican National Committee 1941-1942; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 1942; reelected in 1948 and served from January 3, 1943, until his death; Republican whip 1944-1949; minority leader 1949-1951; chairman, Special Committee on Problems of Small Business (Eightieth Congress); died in Washington, D.C., November 29, 1951; interment in Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebr.</p>