Andrew Volstead

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Andrew John Volstead (October 31, 1860 – January 20, 1947) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota in the 58th, 59th, 60th, 61st, 62nd, 63rd, 64th, 65th, 66th, and 67th congresses, from 1903 to 1923 and a member of the United States Republican Party. His name is closely associated with the National Prohibition Act of 1919, usually called the Volstead Act. That was the enabling legislation for the enforcement of national prohibition beginning in 1920.

Volstead was born in Kenyon, Minnesota to Norwegian parents. He was educated at St. Olaf College and became a lawyer and was mayor of Granite Falls, Minnesota from 1900 to 1902.

While in Congress, he served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 1919 to 1923. Although often considered the author of the Volstead Act, he collaborated with Wayne Wheeler of the anti-Saloon League, who conceived and largely drafted the bill. However, Volstead sponsored the bill and championed, promoted and facilitated its passage. [1] He also helped author the Capper-Volstead Act, which enabled farmers to form combines without fear of prosecution under the Sherman Antitrust Act. The law is still in effect.

Volstead was defeated in his attempt to be elected to an 11th term in Congress in 1922. Shortly thereafter he was hired as legal adviser to the chief of the National Prohibition Enforcement Bureau. Upon Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Volstead returned to Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he resumed the private practice of law and died in 1947. His former home, located at 163 Ninth Avenue, Granite Falls, Minnesota is a National Historic Landmark. Volstead is buried in the Granite Falls city cemetery.

[edit] Trivia

Andrew Volstead was understandably unpopular with prohibition-era drinkers. The main character in Millers Crossing, a film about 1920's gangster activity, offers the sarcastic toast, "To Volstead!" before tossing back a drink during the shakedown of a rival gangster's club.