Hjalmar Petersen

Hjalmar Petersen ( January 2, 1890 in Eskildstrup, Denmark, † March 29, 1968 in Columbus, Ohio ) was an American politician and 1936-1937 Governor of the State of Minnesota.

Early years and political rise

Peterson attended the public schools in Denmark and after the emigration of the family in Minnesota. At 14 he left school and began working in the newspaper industry. In 1914 he founded the newspaper " Askov American ," whose owner he should remain until his death.

Petersen was initially employed in the administration of the city Askov and then became mayor of this municipality. Between 1930 and 1934 he was a delegate in the House of Representatives from Minnesota. Politically, he was a member of the Farmer-Labor Party, which mainly in Minnesota was active 1918-1944, and then merged with the Democratic Party for Democratic - Farmer-Labor Party. Between 1934 and 1936, Petersen was Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. In this capacity he had to take over his office on August 22, 1936 and terminate the current until January 4, 1937 term of office after the death of Governor Floyd B. Olson.

Governor of Minnesota and other CV

In his short time the law came into force for the nationwide introduction of unemployment. In addition, the governor had to deal with some labor disputes and occupy some new judgeships. After his brief governorship Petersen was a member of the railroad committee of his state. This office he held until 1966. During the following years he ran several times unsuccessfully for its own term as governor of Minnesota. Also remained unsuccessful in 1958 his candidacy for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Petersen was also president of the American Publishing Company. He died in 1968. From his two marriages he had two children.