Ashton C. Shallenberger

Ashton Cokayne Shallenberger ( born December 23, 1862 in Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, † February 22, 1938 in Franklin, Nebraska ) was an American politician and 1909-1911 the 16th Governor of the State of Nebraska.

Early years and political rise

Ashton Shallenberger attended the local schools of his home in Illinois. He then studied at the University of Illinois in Urbana. In 1881 he moved to Osceola in Polk County, Nebraska. There he worked as a clerk, banker and rancher.

Shallenberger was a member of the Democratic Party. Between 1901 and 1903 he was a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington. In 1906, he competed unsuccessfully for the office of Governor of Nebraska. He was defeated in the elections this year, the Republican George L. Sheldon. Two years later it came again to this duel, and this time won Shallenberger.

Governor of Nebraska

Shallenbergers two-year term began on January 7, 1909. During this time, a law was passed that the opening and serving of alcoholic beverages in economies before dusk regulated ( Daylight Saloon Law ). The selection rules for U.S. senators have changed. From now on, the senators were to be appointed by the people and not by the state legislature. In 1913 was the general by U.S. First Amendment right in all parts of the United States. 1910 Shallenberger applied unsuccessfully for a second term.

Another Journey

After the end of his term as governor still followed a long career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Between 1915 and 1935 he worked with some interruptions there as a deputy. In between and after the end of his time in Congress, he was still active in banking and as a rancher. Ashton Shallenbberger died in February 1938 and was buried in Alma, Nebraska. He was married to Eliza Zilg, with whom he had three children.