U.S. Senator. Governor of South Dakota. Born in Atlantic, Iowa, Harlan John Bushfield moved to South Dakota as an infant. He received his education at the Dakota Wesleyan University, and later earned a law degree from the University of Minnesota. He practiced law in Miller, South Dakota. He was elected States Attorney for Hand County in 1906. He also served on the local school board and Selective Service Board during World War I. In 1938 Bushfield was elected to the first of two terms as Governor of South Dakota, and he served from January 3, 1939 until January 3, 1943. While Governor, Bushfield instituted a number of fiscal reforms mean to reduce the cost of state government. Bushfield consolidated departments, cut state jobs, and reduced spending. He decreased the state sales tax and eliminated the state property tax. In 1942 Bushfield was elected to the U.S. Senate, and he served from January 3, 1943 until his death on September 27, 1948. Vera Bushfield, the Senator’s wife, was appointed to the remainder of his term.

U.S. Senator. Governor of South Dakota. Born in Atlantic, Iowa, Harlan John Bushfield moved to South Dakota as an infant. He received his education at the Dakota Wesleyan University, and later earned a law degree from the University of Minnesota. He practiced law in Miller, South Dakota. He was elected States Attorney for Hand County in 1906. He also served on the local school board and Selective Service Board during World War I. In 1938 Bushfield was elected to the first of two terms as Governor of South Dakota, and he served from January 3, 1939 until January 3, 1943. While Governor, Bushfield instituted a number of fiscal reforms mean to reduce the cost of state government. Bushfield consolidated departments, cut state jobs, and reduced spending. He decreased the state sales tax and eliminated the state property tax. In 1942 Bushfield was elected to the U.S. Senate, and he served from January 3, 1943 until his death on September 27, 1948. Vera Bushfield, the Senator’s wife, was appointed to the remainder of his term.

Bio by: Ernest