This Minnesota Historical Society publication provides biographical chapters on all Minnesota's territorial and state governors from Alexander Ramsey through John Albert Johnson. The author, James Baker, was a former Secretary of State who played an active role in state politics for many years. Nevertheless, he claims to have written his entries in a non-partisan spirit and brings his years of experience to bear upon the careers and the times he describes. There is a full-page photograph of each governor, and an extensive index.
An entertaining personal history of the state, told by one of its leading citizens For an insider's take on the last eighty years in Minnesota history, sit down with Tom H. Swain's memoir. It is a personal look at the people and events that shaped the state's history, written by a civic and business leader--and a true public servant--with a genuine knack for telling a story. From business to athletics, politics to education, Swain is a key player. He's been a mayor, a University of Minnesota vice president, a chief of staff to former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen, and a member and chair of numerous nonprofit and civic boards. In Citizen Swain: Tales from a Minnesota Life, he brings his vibrant presence and meaningful contributions to life eloquently, giving readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of institutions and their leaders. Swain was more than a witness to state history. He helped make it happen. Readers learn what it was like to be a part of Governor Andersen's administration--including details about the dramatic vote recount that ended his term. Swain's dedication to education and sports shine through as he speaks of his service at the University of Minnesota. Over the years in positions ranging from ticket manager in the athletic department to vice president, Swain got to know Gopher coach Bernie Bierman and three University of Minnesota presidents--Nils Hasselmo, Mark Yudof, and Robert Bruininks. Twenty-three years at the St. Paul Companies gave him profound insight into the state's oldest corporation. Whether he's describing the hard work behind the scenes of the massive civic celebration of the state's centennial or growing up in 1930s and 1940s Minneapolis, Swain's passion for making Minnesota a better place comes through in these remembrances, told with warmth, respect, and not a small amount of wit. Citizen Swain will be an inspiration to anyone seeking to make positive change through active citizenship.
The first native-born governor of Minnesota, and the only Democrat to have been elected to that office three times, was also the first Minnesotan to have a presidential nomination within his grasp. This study of a man who was, perhaps, the state?s most b.
John A. Johnson was first published in 1949. Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible, and are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions. The first native-born governor of Minnesota, and the only Democrat to have been elected to that office three times, was also the first Minnesotan to have a presidential nomination within his grasp. This study of a man who was, perhaps, the state's most beloved chief executive is a warm, fast-moving personal biography and an engrossing piece of political history. The issues, personalities, shifting political currents, and party cleavages, state and national, of the early 1900s live again in the full recounting of the political campaigns of that era. One chapter is devoted to the 1908 Democratic National Convention at which Johnson's name was place in nomination for the presidency—the convention which chose William Jennings Bryan as its standard-bearer for the third and last time. Johnson was a man of buoyant spirit and great personal charm, and the story of his life again dramatizes the American tradition that by force of character a man can lift himself from the humblest beginnings. At the time of his death in 1909 the warships in New York harbor dropped their flags to half-mast, and hundreds of memorial services were held throughout the nation. Many believed that, had he lived, Johnson would have won the presidential nomination and election in 1912.
