Alf Landon

Date of Birth: September 9, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 12, 1987

Biography

Alfred Mossman Landon, widely known as Alf Landon, was an American politician who served as the 26th Governor of Kansas from 1933 to 1937. Born on September 9, 1887, in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, Landon moved to Kansas with his family in 1904. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1908 and subsequently engaged in the oil business, which he found to be quite lucrative. Landon gained prominence for his moderate approach to governance and his pragmatic inclination to address economic issues. In 1932, Landon was elected Governor of Kansas, where he earned a reputation for his fiscally conservative policies and support for public welfare programs, despite the Great Depression’s challenges. His tenure was marked by efforts to balance the state budget without imposing heavy taxes, and he was re-elected in 1934 by a significant margin. Landon is perhaps best remembered for his role in the 1936 Presidential Election, where he was the Republican nominee against the incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Despite running a campaign that criticized the New Deal and advocated for a more limited government, Landon suffered a landslide defeat, securing only two states. After his political career, Landon continued to be active in public discourse, often contributing to discussions on national issues. He lived a long life, passing away on October 12, 1987, just a month after his 100th birthday.

5 Interesting Facts about Alf Landon

1. Alf Landon was one of the few Republicans to be re-elected as governor during the Great Depression.

2. He was known for his moderate Republican stance, often supporting some of the New Deal’s relief measures.

3. Landon lived to be 100 years old, making him one of the longest-lived prominent American politicians.

4. Despite his defeat in the 1936 presidential election, he remained a respected figure and was often consulted by future Republican leaders.

5. Landon was a voracious reader and a lifelong advocate for education and public welfare.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alf Landon

1. “Wherever I have gone in this country, I have found Americans.”

2. “There are some smart men who claim to know all about the future, but they have no knowledge of the present.”

3. “I am not the champion of lost causes, but the champion of causes not yet won.”

4. “We must not be afraid to meet the future with hope and confidence.”

5. “I believe in a government that is lean, but not mean.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Alf Landon’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for his time, largely accrued from his successful ventures in the oil industry.

Children

Alf Landon had two children with his wife, Theo Cobb Landon. His daughter, Nancy Landon Kassebaum, followed in his political footsteps and served as a U.S. Senator from Kansas from 1978 to 1997. His son, John Cobb Landon, was less publicly known but was involved in business and public service.