J. Hugo Aronson
| J. Hugo Aronson | |
|---|---|
| 14th Governor of Montana | |
| In office January 5, 1953 – January 2, 1961 |
|
| Lieutenant | George Gosman (1953-1957)<br[Paul Cannon (1957-1961) |
| Preceded by | John W. Bonner |
| Succeeded by | Donald G. Nutter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 1, 1891 Gällstad, Västergötland, Sweden |
| Died | February 25, 1978 (aged 86) Columbia Falls, Montana, United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Matilda Langane (1919-1936) Rose McClure (1944-1968) |
| Occupation | Oil-field worker, businessman |
| Religion | Lutheran |
John Hugo Aronson (September 1, 1891 – February 25, 1978) was an American politician from the Republican Party and the 14th Governor of the State of Montana.[1]
Contents |
Biography [edit]
John Hugo Aronson was born in Gällstad, in Ulricehamn Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden. He was one of five children born to Aron Johanson (1856–1927) and Rika Ryding Johannsen (1857–1940). His education was limited and attained in the public schools of his native country. In 1911 he immigrated to the United States, where he traveled to numerous states, working various odd jobs, arriving in Montana during 1914. Aronson was married twice, to Matilda Langane and then to Rose McClure.[2]
Career [edit]
In 1915 Aronson filed for a 320-acre (1.3 km2) homestead in Elk Basin, Montana. He eventually settled in Sunburst, Montana and became established in the oil rigging business. In 1922 oil was discovered in the Kevin Sunburst Oil Field in Toole County, among the richest Montana's natural gas and oil fields. Aronson operated his own rig-building outfit. He soon added a trucking business to the rig-building company and started advertising as "The Galloping Swede".[3][4][5] Aronson first entered politics as alderman of the Cut Bank, Montana City Council, a position he held from 1934 to 1938. He served as a member of Montana House of Representatives in 1938 and the Montana Senate in 1944. He served two terms as the fourteenth Governor of Montana, serving from 1953-61.[6] Aronson was elected governor by a popular vote on November 4, 1952. He was re-elected to a second term in 1956. During his tenure, the state forestry office was restructured; a gasoline tax was initiated that funded the highway department; prison reform programs were instituted; a legislative council was founded. Aronson authorized the exclusive revenue for the state Highway Department with the creation of state gasoline user taxes. Governor Aronson also authorized the creation of the Legislative Council to assist the legislative branch in the creation of necessary law.[7]
Death [edit]
After completing his term, Aronson stayed active in Republican politics. In 1968, he served as the honorary state campaign chairman for the presidential race of Richard Nixon. Aronson died in the Veterans Hospital at Columbia Falls, Montana, exactly ten years after his wife's death. He was buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mondovi, Lincoln County, Washington.[8]
Further reading [edit]
- Aronson, J. Hugo and L.O. Brockmann. The Galloping Swede. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1970
References [edit]
- ^ J. Hugo Aronson (Soylent Communications)
- ^ "J. Hugo Aronson". National Governors Association. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
- ^ Guide to J. Hugo Aronson papers 1924-1968 (Montana Historical Society Research Center Archives)
- ^ The Kevin Sunburst oil fields (Montana Travel & Tourism Information)
- ^ Tribune Staff. "125 Montana Newsmakers: J. Hugo Aronson". Great Falls Tribune. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
- ^ "J. Hugo Aronson". Montana Historical Society. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
- ^ Montana Governor John Hugo Aronson (National Governors Association)
- ^ "J. Hugo Aronson". Find A Grave. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: J. Hugo Aronson |
- Biography and Papers of Aronson from the Northwest Digital Archives
- Profile page for John Hugo Aronson on the Find-A-Grave web site
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