Anton J. Rockne

Anton J. Rockne
Rockne in 1935
28th Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
In office
1909–1911
Preceded by Lawrence H. Johnson
Succeeded by Howard H. Dunn
Minnesota State Representative
In office
1903–1915
Minnesota State Senator
In office
1915–1947
Personal details
Born December 19, 1868(1868-12-19)(?)
Harmony, Minnesota
Died May 2, 1950(1950-05-02) (aged 81)
Political party Republican
Nonpartisan (Conservative Caucus)
Spouse(s) Susie Albertson
Children Melroy, Elnor, Ariel
Residence Zumbrota, Minnesota
Alma mater University of Minnesota
Profession Lawyer
Religion Lutheran

Anton Julius "A.J." Rockne[1] (December 19, 1868 or 1869 – May 2, 1950) was a Minnesota Republican politician, and the longest-serving legislator and state senator in the history of Minnesota.[2]

Contents

Background

Rockne was born in Harmony, Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents. Rockne graduated from Decorah Institute, in Decorah, Iowa. Rockne received a degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1894. He was admitted to the Bar on June 7, 1894 and practiced as an attorney.[3]

He was married to Susie Albertson on December 10, 1899 and had three children. Anton J. Rockne was a director and charter member of the Norwegian fraternal organization, Vosselag, at its founding in 1909.[4]

Career

He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1902. In 1909 he was selected to serve as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, a position he held for two years. In 1910, Rockne was elected to the Minnesota Senate. He would hold the seat for 36 years, longer than any senator in state history. Rockne served as chairman of the powerful finance committee for from 1915 to 1947. His 44 combined years of legislative service tie him with Carl M. Iverson for the greatest length of legislative service in state history.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Rockne, Anton Julius "A.J.", Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, Accessed November 28, 2010.
  2. ^ Minnesota House of Representatives Majority and Minority Leaders, 1901–present
  3. ^ A Voice of Protest: Norwegians in American Politics, 1890–1917 (Jon M. Wefald. Northfield, Norwegian-American Historical Association, 1971)
  4. ^ Avisen, v. 13, no. 1, May 2005

Other sources

External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Lawrence H. Johnson		 Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
1909–1911		 Succeeded by
Howard H. Dunn
Speakers of the Minnesota House of Representatives
Territorial (1849–1858)
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