Robert B. Crosby | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Robert Crosby, c. 1953 | |
| 27th Governor of Nebraska | |
| In office January 8, 1953 – January 6, 1955 | |
| Lieutenant | Charles J. Warner |
| Preceded by | Val Peterson |
| Succeeded by | Victor Emanuel Anderson |
| 24thLieutenant Governor of Nebraska | |
| In office January 9, 1947 – January 6, 1949 | |
| Governor | Val Peterson |
| Preceded by | Roy W. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Charles J. Warner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1911-03-26)March 26, 1911 North Platte, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 2000(2000-01-07) (aged 88) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Hastings College,University of Minnesota,Harvard Law School |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Robert Berkey Crosby (March 26, 1911 – January 7, 2000) was an AmericanRepublican politician who served as the27th governor of Nebraska from 1953 to 1955.
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Crosby was born inNorth Platte, Nebraska. After attendingHastings College, Crosby transferred to theUniversity of Minnesota. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1931 and an LL.B. degree fromHarvard Law School in 1935.
Crosby served in theNebraska Legislature from 1941 to 1945.[1] He was chosen speaker of the Unicameral in 1943 and, at 31, was the youngest person ever to hold that position. After volunteering for two years in theUnited States Navy, Crosby served as Nebraska's 24thlieutenant governor, from 1947 to 1949. While Lieutenant Governor, Crosby wrote "Why I Want to Get Rid of My Job."
Governor Crosby, who was known as "The Boy Governor from North Platte," was particularly proud that he was a great-grandson ofJohn Holbrook Powers. "Honest John" Powers ran for governor of Nebraska as apopulist in1890.
In April 1954, Governor Crosby appointedEva Bowring to theU.S. Senate to fill out the term of the lateDwight Griswold. In July 1954, Governor Crosby appointedSamuel Williams Reynolds to theU.S. Senate to fill out the term of the lateHugh A. Butler.
Crosby was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the Republican primary in 1954, but was defeated byCarl T. Curtis. U.S. SenatorHazel H. Abel, who had been elected to serve the last two months of the term of the lateDwight Griswold, resigned a few days before the end of her term, and Governor Crosby appointed Curtis to serve the remainder of her term. That gave Senator Curtis slightly more seniority than other senators elected at the same time.
Gov. Crosby was also known for his speaking ability. He had the ability to adapt to his audience. His style of logical, ethical and emotional appeal was used both in political speeches and in his law practice. One of the most public aspects of his legal work was the defense of Duane Pope for murder. Crosby's speaking style using combinations of support (logical, ethical and emotional) helped distinguish him from his colleagues.[2]
Crosby called, in 1953, for the closure of theMilford Industrial Home, one of the few homes in the nation for unwed mothers: "I do not think that Nebraska taxpayers are so affluent that they should indulge themselves in this exceptional activity". It closed later that year.[3]
Following his service as governor, Crosby practiced law inLincoln, Nebraska, until shortly before his death in 2000. In 1971, he marriedLaVon Crosby, a Nebraska state senator from 1989 to 2000. He is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln.
| Nebraska Legislature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Charles R. Herrick | Member of theNebraska Legislature from the 38th district 1941–1945 | Succeeded by Harry L. Pizer |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Republican nominee forGovernor of Nebraska 1952 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature 1943–1944 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska 1947–1949 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Governor of Nebraska 1953–1955 | Succeeded by |
| Territorial(1854–1867) |  | |
|---|---|---|
| State(since 1867) | ||
Italics indicate acting governors | ||
