Clarence Norman Brunsdale

Clarence Norman Brunsdale (July 9, 1891 – January 27, 1978) was the 24th Governor of North Dakota and United States Senator of the state of North Dakota.

Biography

Clarence Norman Brunsdale was born in Sherbrooke, Steele County, North Dakota. He was educated in public schools and the Bruflat Academy at Portland, North Dakota. In 1913, he graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He returned to Portland, teaching at Bruflat Academy and worked the family farm operations in Traill and Steele counties.^[1]

Brunsdale served in the North Dakota State Senate, as Governor of North Dakota from 1951 to 1957 and as U.S. Senator from November 19, 1959 to August 7, 1960. As governor, Brunsdale was an avid supporter of water development projects. During his administration Garrison Dam was completed and the Legislature established the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. The early 1950s also saw the establishment of the Highway Department and the passage of major highway legislation. Education, agriculture, and mental health issues were also important to Governor Brunsdale.

In 1959, Brunsdale was appointed to the United States Senate upon the death of Senator William Langer.^[2] Quentin N. Burdick was narrowly elected to the seat in a 1960 special election.

Brunsdale died at Mayville, North Dakota in 1978.^[3] He was buried in Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, Traill County, North Dakota.^[4]

Notes

External links

• Clarence Norman Brunsdale at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress