The Galloping Swede |
From Södra Säm in Sweden to Governor in Montana USA
J.Hugo Aronson in my Family Tree The Galloping SwedeJ. Hugo Aronson, also known as "The Galloping Swede" — of Montana. His education was limited and attained in the public schools of his native country. In 1911 he immigrated to the United States, where he traveled to numerous states, working various odd jobs. He eventually settled in Sunburst, Montana and became established in the oil rigging business. Aronson first entered politics as alderman of the Cut Bank City Council, a position he held from 1934 to 1938.
He also served as a member of the Montana House of Representatives from 1939 to 1944, and was a member of the Montana State Senate from 1945 to 1952. Aronson next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 4, 1952.
After completing his term, Aronson stayed active in Republican politics. In 1968, he served as the honorary state campaign chairman for Richard Nixon's presidential race.
Sources:Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols. The photographs are taken from the book The Galloping Swede
Scool photo from Södra Säm, Sweden 1907. Hugo Aronson's brother Eric (born 1897) in the circle. Click to enlarge. |
The Galloping Swede storyJ. Hugo Aronson was born Sept. 1 1891 in a small soldier croft Kullen, in Navstocka, Södra Säm. |
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The picture show an similar soldier croft in Getavad. |
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J. Hugo Aronson's parents, Aron and Fredrika Johansson |
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1. Hugo was born in the soldier croft Kullen. Map from Häradsekonomiska kartan printed around 1890-1897. |
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Poster from Hugo Aronon's governor campaign. Hugo's nickname was The Galloping Swede. |
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Hugo invented a method to move the oil drilling platforms without having to dismantle them. |
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J Hugo Aronson was a big friend of indians. |
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August 1955 " I started to run that Catepillar tractor around the clock - breaking up the soil with that 16 foot Noble blade. Most of the time I ran an eight hour shift myself and for two and a half mounths I don't think the motor on the Catepillar was cold." |