Victor Emanuel Anderson Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Victor Emanuel Anderson passes away 1962.

Victor Emanuel Anderson was an American politician.

Anderson was born in Havelock, Nebraska which became incorporated in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on March 30th, 1902. In 1920 he graduated from Havelock High School. He attended the University of Nebraska. He left school after 2 and a half years to join his fathers plumbing and hardware business.

In 1936, Anderson was appointed to the position of trustee of Lancaster County. He was elected three more times to the position.

In 1948, Anderson was elected to the Nebraska Legislature. He only served one year of the term beginning in 1949. In 1950 he resigned his seat when the Lincoln city council elected him unanimously to fill the vacant office of the Mayor. He ran for reelection as Mayor in 1951, winning by a wide margin. During his time as Mayor, Lincoln Air Force Base was reactivated and the city streets were resurfaced for the first time in 15 years.

In 1949, Anderson bought the controlling interest in the Havelock bank. He was named president and held the position until his passing.

Anderson ran for Governor in 1952 unsuccessfully. In 1954 he ran again, this successfully. He served two terms. During his time in office he reduced taxes and expenditures and improved the state mental health system. In 1958 he ran for his third term, losing in what was then the closest race in Nebraska history.

In 1959, Dwight D. Eisenhower chose Anderson as a delegate to the NATO sponsored Atlantic Congress in London, England.

On August 15th, 1962, Anderson passed away from a heart attack.

Anderson was a member of George Washington Lodge No. 250 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was raised in 1928.