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.

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).

6 linear feet

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Collection open for research.