McMaster, Andrew

RESUME OF THE LIFE OF ANDREW McMASTER

I was born at St. Paul, Nebr. Aug. 19, 1896. I came to Western Nebraska with my folks when I was seven years old, where I grew up. I enlisted in World War I at Casper, Wyo. and served 13 months in the service, including 10 months overseas and 14 days on the front line in Meuse Argone Offensive. I was discharged at Fort D. A. Russell in Cheyenne July 1, 1919.

I came to Van Tassell, Wyo. in 1920 and married Genevieve McCabe Dec. 13, 1920.I started ranching seven miles south of Van Tassell and my son, Jack and his wife Marge still operate this ranch.

I served on the Board of Agriculture during Governor Smith's term as governor of Wyoming. I became interested in politics and with the encouragement of the Hon. Frank Barrett, and I resigned from the Board of Agriculture and filed for the office in the House of Representatives in 1942. I was elected and served as representative from Niobrara County until 1955. I was majority leader for Frank Mockler in the House of Representatives in 1951. I was elected to the Senate in 1957 and I served as majority leader in the Senate for Charles Irwin in 1963, and was President of the Senate in 1965.  Under the one person, one vote doctrine the courts terminated all senators' terms that did not expire in 1965 and my term ran until 1969.     The courts also combined Niobrara and Converse counties, as they did several others. It is not manda­tory, but tradition, that once you are speaker of the House of Representatives or president of the Senate, you give some other person a chance to serve.This is not the case in many other states, though.

I became interested in the Stockman’s National Bank when they received their charter. I have served on the Board of Directors as well as becoming its president until 1970. I am now serving as Chairman of the Board.

On June 8, 1966, I married Leona Anderson, and we have made our home in Lusk ever since.

I have served as chairman of the Farm Bureau of the northeast district which is Niobrara, Goshen, Weston and Crook Counties.

I have served as Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers. I have also served on the Revision Commission from 1965 to 1971.

I served on the Council of State Government of the 13 western states and on the Van Tassell School Board for 20 years.

I have been Adjutant and Commander of American Legion Post No. 1 and I served on the ration board in World War II.

I am the only person from Niobrara County to serve as President of the Senate of the Wyoming Legislature. I am the only person from Niobrara County to serve as Majority Leader in the House of Representatives and in the State Senate.

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