Description
The Atherton Papers consist of correspondence
pertaining to the GI Bill, the American Legion, Holt Family matters and the
Jedediah Smith Society. The Papers also contain clippings, scrapbooks,
photographs and memorabilia relevant to the public and family life of Warren H.
Atherton.
Background
Warren H. Atherton (1891-1976) was a Stockton (Calif.) attorney, judge
and politician. He is perhaps best known as a former National Commander of the
American Legion and "Father of the GI Bill" (1943). During this period,
Atherton was consultant to the Secretary of War and envoy to Nelson
Rockefeller, Coordinator of International Affairs. Admitted to the California
State Bar (1913), he married Anne Holt, daughter of Benjamin Holt, developer of
the Caterpillar Tractor. After service in World War I, Atherton became a
Stockton city judge and President of the local Chamber of Commerce. He was
concurrently involved in agriculture and in various business interests.
Atherton served on the California Board of Prison Terms and Paroles (1935-1937)
and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate (1957).
Restrictions
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as
the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the
researcher.
Availability
Collection open for research.