Vera C. Bushfield
USA- Early Life and Education
- Marriage and Family
- Harlan Bushfield's Political Career
- Vera Bushfield's Appointment to the Senate
- Resignation and Later Life
Early Life and Education
Vera Bushfield (née Callahan) was born on September 8, 1889, in Miller, South Dakota. Her parents, Maurice F. and Mary E. C. Callahan, were farmers who had recently relocated from Iowa. Vera had two sisters and a brother. She graduated from Stout Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin, in 1912, majoring in domestic science. She later pursued further studies at Dakota Wesleyan University and the University of Minnesota.
Marriage and Family
On April 15, 1912, Vera Callahan married Harlan Bushfield, an attorney born and raised in Miller. Upon her marriage, Vera adopted the Bushfield surname. The couple had three children: Mary, John, and Harlan Jr.
Harlan Bushfield's Political Career
Harlan Bushfield became involved in state politics and eventually headed the Republican Party in South Dakota. He served as Governor of South Dakota from 1939 to 1943, during which time Vera was the state's First Lady. When Harlan was elected to the United States Senate in November 1942, he served on the Rules and Finance Committees, as well as the District of Columbia, Agriculture and Forestry, and Indian Affairs Committees. Bushfield earned a reputation as a leading isolationist and outspoken opponent of Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
Vera Bushfield's Appointment to the Senate
In early 1948, Harlan Bushfield announced that he would not seek reelection due to poor health. He passed away on September 27, 1948. On October 6, South Dakota Governor George Mickelson appointed Vera Bushfield to fill her husband's unexpired term "to permit the machinery of the late Harlan Bushfield's office to function regularly and without interruption." He also noted that the appointment was made "with the understanding that [Vera Bushfield] will resign shortly prior to the reconvening of the 80th Congress."
Resignation and Later Life
Bushfield resigned from the Senate on December 26, 1948, without seeking reelection. She was succeeded by Karl Mundt.
