Governor of Nebraska. Born on his parent’s farm in Nehawka, Cass County, Nebraska, George Lawson Sheldon obtain his primary education in the local schools prior to attending both the University of Nebraska and Harvard University. Always interested in military pursuits, Sheldon joined the University of Nebraska’s Cadet Battalion (later known as the Pershing Rifles) becoming their Captain during his senior year. He was chosen for this honor by John J. Pershing who was then the Commandant of Cadets. This military training served him well. Sheldon volunteered for duty during the Spanish American War; he served as the Captain of Company B, 3rd Nebraska Infantry, under the command of William Jennings Bryan As his regiment traveled to Cuba via Mississippi, Sheldon became interested in the state, eventually purchasing a 1200 acre plantation near Greenville. Returning from the war, Sheldon moved into politics and in 1902 was elected to the first of two terms in the Nebraska State Senate. Sheldon identified with the Progressive Republicans, who supported the reforms initiated by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1906 Sheldon was elected as Governor of Nebraska. He was the first native Nebraskan elected to the office, and served from January 3, 1907 until January 7, 1909. Sheldon’s administration brought about many important and lasting improvements to Nebraska. A direct primary law was enacted. Statutes banning politicians from accepting free gifts from the railroads were created. A State Railroad Commission was formed to protect the citizens from many abuses imposed by the railroads. Laws banning child labor and discrimination were put in place. A Board of Pardons was created. An Agricultural Bureau was created to assist farmers. In spite of his popularity, Sheldon lost his bid for re-election to a candidate backed by the railroad interests. He moved to his plantation in Mississippi, and became active in politics there. He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1921 to 1925, and later ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1947. Sheldon died in Mississippi on April 4, 1960.