Preston Elmer Peden (June 28, 1914 – June 27, 1985) was an American politician and a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma.
Preston Elmer Peden | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 7th district | |
| In office January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1949 | |
| Preceded by | Victor Wickersham |
| Succeeded by | Victor Wickersham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 28, 1914 Duke, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | June 27, 1985 (aged 70) Walnut Creek, California |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ursula Wendt Peden |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942-1946 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Bronze Star |
Early life and education
editBorn in Duke, Oklahoma, Peden moved to Altus, Oklahoma, in 1920. Following his public school education, he attended the University of Oklahoma at Norman, Oklahoma, receiving his A.B. in 1936, and from the law school of the same university, his LL.B. in 1939.
Career
editPeden was admitted to the bar in 1939 and commenced the practice of law in Altus, Oklahoma. He became the Attorney for the State Insurance Fund of the State of Oklahoma (1939–1942).
He enlisted in June 1942 as a private in the United States Army. He was promoted through the ranks to Captain, being discharged May 5, 1946, and was awarded Bronze Star. He married German nurse Ursula Wendt on December 24, 1945, in Bavaria and they had four children. His eldest was son Robert, followed by daughters Marsha & Gretchen & youngest son Thomas, who was always referred to as "stam" as in 'stampeden' .[1] While serving overseas Peden sent a notification and declaration for the office of Congressman to the election board and subsequently received the nomination.
Peden was elected as a Democrat to the 80th Congress (January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1949),[2] and was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1948. He served as staff member of the Public Lands Committee of the United States House of Representatives in May 1949. He was appointed Alaskan regional counsel, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, in 1950 and Counsel to House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs 1950-1952. He served as director of governmental affairs of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry from 1954 to 1980, while a resident of La Grange, Illinois.[3]
Death
editPeden moved to Walnut Creek, California, and lived there until his death on June 27, 1985, (age 70 years, 364 days). His burial location is unknown.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Preston E. Peden". Oklahoma Historical Society. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
- ^ "Preston E. Peden". Govtrack US Congress. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
- ^ "Preston E. Peden". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
- ^ "Preston E. Peden". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
External links
edit- United States Congress. "Preston E. Peden (id: P000182)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2008-07-31
- Preston E. Peden Collection and Photograph Collection at the Carl Albert Center