Francis Cherry | |
|---|---|
 Cherry in 1954 | |
| Probate Judge of theTwelfth Chancery District Court of Arkansas | |
| In office 1942–1942 | |
| In office 1944–1952 | |
| 35thGovernor of Arkansas | |
| In office January 13, 1953 – January 11, 1955 | |
| Lieutenant | Nathan Green Gordon |
| Preceded by | Sid McMath |
| Succeeded by | Orval Faubus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Francis Adams Cherry (1908-09-05)September 5, 1908 Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 1965(1965-07-15) (aged 56) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Oaklawn Cemetery,Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Oklahoma State University University of Arkansas School of Law |
| Occupation | Politician, judge |
Francis Adams Cherry (September 5, 1908 – July 15, 1965) was an American politician and judge.[1] ADemocrat, served as the 35thgovernor of Arkansas from 1953 to 1955. The Arkansas government was known for its honesty during his administration, though Cherry went on to mishandle the state economy.
Cherry was born on September 5, 1908, inFort Worth, Texas, the youngest of five children child theconductor Haskille Cherry and Clara Belle (née Taylor) Cherry.[2] He later lived inEnid, Oklahoma, graduating from high school there in 1926. He attendedOklahoma State University and theUniversity of Arkansas School of Law, graduating in 1930 and 1936, respectively.[3]
In 1939, Cherry began serving commissioner of the court ofJonesboro, Arkansas. He was later a referee of a workmen's compensation commission. ADemocrat, he was electedprobate judge of theTwelfth Chancery District Court of Arkansas in 1942, though relinquished his power in order to serve in theJudge Advocate General's Corps of theUnited States Navy duringWorld War II; he was ranked lieutenant.[2] He again became judge of the 12th District after being discharged in 1944, serving until 1952.[3][4][5]
From January 13, 1953, to January 11, 1955, Cherry served as governor of Arkansas.[3] Politically, he was ananti-communistpopulist. During his campaign, he used the radio broadcasts to speak to the populous by answering their questions. He promised reforms and his tenure was described as "noted for its honesty" and had made the state economically stable.[6] Though, he was underqualified for governor, as later described by theEncyclopedia of Arkansas.[2] He grew unpopular due to keeping taxes on crops high amidst a drought. After being succeeded byOrval Faubus, he moved toWashington, D.C. and served on theSubversive Activities Control Board during the presidencies ofDwight D. Eisenhower,John K. Kennedy, andLyndon B. Johnson.[2]
On November 10, 1937, Cherry married Margaret Frierson. He had three children.[7] In 1963, he underwent heart surgery, dying on July 15, 1965, aged 56,[2] in Washington, D.C., from heart disease.[6] He is buried at Oaklawn Cemetery, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.[4]
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