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Gordon Bushnell

Sessions Served    Other Information

Senate 1947-50 (District 54)

Party when first elected:  Nonpartisan Election

Counties Served:  Aitkin, Carlton

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth: ??/??/1900
Birth Place: Jackson, Minnesota
Birth County:
Birth Country: United States
Date of Death: 6/28/1982
Gender: Male
Religion:
Reported Minority: None Reported
Other Names:
City of Residence (when first elected): Tamarack
Occupation (when first elected): Farmer, Owner and Operator

EDUCATION

Jackson Public Schools; At Least Elementary School;

OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Military: 4th District, Minnesota (Chief Observer of the Airplane Spotting System); 19?? to 19?? [Appointed]
Municipal Government: Minnesota (Township Fire Warden); 19?? to 19??
Municipal Government: Minnesota (Township Health Officer); 19?? to 19??
Municipal Board/Commission: Haugen, Minnesota (Town Board, 12 years); 193? to 19??

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Spouse: Clara
Children: Two children: Larry and Dennis (sons)
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:

GENERAL NOTES

He worked on road construction from 1918-1927. After he left office he attempted to single handedly build a road from Duluth, Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota.

In October 1981 he suffered a heart attack and stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He moved to a nursing home where he died. His funeral was held at the Northland Chapel in Tamarack, Minnesota. He was buried in Wright Cemetery in Wright, Minnesota.

Most recent term photo
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Total Days Served: 1456

SESSIONS SERVED

56th Legislative Session (1949-1950) (second half of Senate term)

  Session Details   Convened Date: 1/4/1949
Body: Senate
District: 54
Elected: 11/5/1946
Residence: Tamarack
Term of Office: 1/6/1947 to 12/31/1950
Oath Date: 1/7/1947
Counties Represented: Aitkin, Carlton
Occupation: Farmer, 200 Acres
Party: Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
  • Banks and Banking
  • Dairy Products and Live Stock
  • Finance
  • Game and Fish
  • Military Affairs
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Towns and Counties
term photo
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55th Legislative Session (1947-1948)

  Session Details   Convened Date: 1/7/1947
Body: Senate
District: 54
Elected: 11/5/1946
Residence: Tamarack
Term of Office: 1/6/1947 to 12/31/1950
Oath Date: 1/7/1947
Counties Represented: Aitkin, Carlton
Occupation: Farmer, Owner and Operator
Party: Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
  • Banks and Banking
  • Dairy Products and Live Stock
  • Game and Fish
  • Military Affairs
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Towns and Counties

OTHER INFORMATION

Articles & Books About

  • "Gordon Bushnell Dies Before Dream of New Road Realized." Floodwood Forum, July 7, 1982.
  • "Dream of Highway Dies With Farmer." Fargo-Moorhead Forum, July 2, 1982.
  • Gardner, Bill. "Death Leaves Bushnell the Builder of Road to Nowhere (Obituary)." St. Paul Pioneer Press, July 2, 1982.
  • Coyle, Pamela. "Road-Builder Dies, But His Dream May Be Given New Life." Duluth News-Tribune, June 30, 1982, p. 1A, 5A

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