Herbert E. Hitchcock

Herbert E. Hitchcock
United States Senator from South Dakota
In office December 29, 1936 – November 8, 1938
Preceded by	Peter Norbeck
Succeeded by	Gladys Pyle
Member of the South Dakota Senate
In office 1909 1911 1929
Personal details
Born	Herbert Emery Hitchcock (1867-08-22)August 22, 1867 Maquoketa, Iowa
Died	February 17, 1958(1958-02-17) (aged 90) Mitchell, South Dakota
Political party	Democratic

Herbert Emery Hitchcock (August 22, 1867 – February 17, 1958) was a United States Senator from South Dakota.

Life and career

Hitchcock was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Harriet M. (Lumley) and Milando Lansing Hitchcock. He attended public schools in Iowa and San Jose, California, a business college at Davenport, Iowa, Iowa State College at Ames, and the University of Chicago Law School.

He moved to Mitchell, South Dakota in 1884, where he attended school and worked as a stenographer; he was admitted to the South Dakota bar in 1896 and commenced practice in Mitchell. He also engaged in banking, and was clerk of the South Dakota State Senate in 1896. He was elected as a State’s attorney in 1904 and 1906, and was elected to the State Senate in 1909, 1911, and 1929. Hitchcock was a trustee of Yankton College in 1936 and was president of Mitchell school board from 1924 to 1934.

On December 29, 1936, he was appointed as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Peter Norbeck and served from 1936 until November 8, 1938, when a successor was elected. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the nomination to fill the vacancy in 1938. He was defeated by former Governor Tom Berry in the Democratic Primary Election.

He resumed the practice of law until his death in Mitchell, South Dakota. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

Hitchcock ran in the South Dakota primary during the 1948 Republican Party presidential contest. As the only candidate, he garnered 100% of the vote. Not a serious candidate for president, he was running as a favorite son to in order to lead the state delegation at the convention.

References

• United States Congress. "Herbert E. Hitchcock (id: H000646)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.