| Kenneth Spicer Wherry | |
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| United States Senator from Nebraska |
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| In office January 3, 1943 – November 29, 1951 |
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| Preceded by | George W. Norris |
| Succeeded by | Fred A. Seaton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 28, 1892 Liberty, Nebraska |
| Died | November 29, 1951 (aged 59) Washington, D.C. |
| Political party | Republican |
Kenneth Spicer Wherry (February 28, 1892 – November 29, 1951) was an American businessman, attorney, and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska from 1943 to 1951. He was Senate Minority Leader from 1949 to 1951.
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Wherry was born in Liberty, Nebraska, to David Emery and Jessie (née Comstock) Wherry.[1] He received his early education at public schools in Pawnee City, and graduated from the University of Nebraska (where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi) in 1914.[2] From 1915 to 1916, he studied business administration at Harvard University.[1] During World War I, he served in the U.S. Navy Flying Corps (1917-18).[3]
Following his military service, Wherry began a business career selling automobiles, furniture, and livestock; he was also a licensed undertaker with offices in Nebraska and Kansas.[1] He also studied law and, after being admitted to the bar, entered private practice in Pawnee City.[3]
Wherry entered politics as a member of the Pawnee city council, serving in 1927 and 1929.[2] He was mayor of Pawnee City from 1929 to 1931, simultaneously serving as a member of the Nebraska State Senate from 1929 to 1932.[2] He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor in 1932 and for U.S. Senator in 1934.[1]
In 1938, Wherry was again elected mayor of Pawnee City, serving until 1943.[2] He was chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party from 1939 to 1942, and Western Director for the Republican National Committee from 1941 to 1942.[3]
In 1942, Wherry was elected to the U.S. Senate after defeating incumbent George W. Norris. He was reelected in 1948 and served until his death. He served as Republican whip from 1944 to 1949 and Senate Minority Leader from 1949 to 1951. In 1949 he secured an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy for John A. Eddy, who went on the make significant contributions in the fields of solar astronomy and astrophysics. He was also one of the few postwar politicos to see the plight of the defeated Germans. "The American people should know once and for all that as a result of this government’s official policy they are being made...accomplices in the crime of mass starvation...Germany is the only nation subjected to a deliberate starvation policy..."
He died in Washington, D.C. on November 29, 1951, while serving as Republican Floor Leader.
Wherry and fellow U.S. Senator Homer Capehart are best remembered as ardent supporters of improved military family housing.
| United States Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by George William Norris |
United States Senator (Class 2) from Nebraska 1943-1951 Served alongside: Hugh A. Butler |
Succeeded by Fred Andrew Seaton |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Felix Hebert Rhode Island (Position vacant 1935 - 1944) |
Senate Republican Whip 1944 - 1949 |
Succeeded by Leverett Saltonstall Massachusetts |
| Preceded by Wallace H. White Jr. Maine |
Senate Republican Leader 1949 - 1951 |
Succeeded by Styles Bridges New Hampshire |
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