William S. Beardsley

William Shane Beardsley ( born May 13, 1901 in Beacon, Mahaska County, Iowa, † November 21, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa ) was an American politician ( Republican) and 1949-1954 31 Governor of the State of Iowa.

Early years and political rise

As the son of a pharmacist and William Beardsley attended an appropriate school. In his case it was the Bowen Institute of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1921. Then he opened even in the New Virginia pharmacy.

Between 1933 and 1941 Beardsley was a member of the Senate of Iowa, from 1947 to 1948 he was a member of the House of Representatives of the State. Besides, he was also ranchers on his farm in New Virginia. In the House, he ran a intra-party opposition against the incumbent Governor Robert Blue, which he then beat in the gubernatorial primaries in 1948 also. Subsequently, he was also elected governor of his state.

Governor of Iowa

William Beardsley took up his new post on 13 January 1949. In the years 1950 and 1952 he was confirmed in each case in his office. During his tenure, the accident compensation was increased for workers. The highway patrol was reinforced gambling were banned and encouraged the schools and road improvements. The war veterans were given a special bonus. Beardsley said early on that he would not run again in 1954. Even before the expiration of his term of office, the governor died on November 21, 1954 in a car accident near Des Moines. With his wife Charlotte Manning had five children.