William Amos Poynter (May 29, 1848 – April 5, 1909) was a Nebraska politician best known as the 14th Governor of Nebraska from 1899 to 1901, running under a fusion ticket between the Populist and the Democratic Party. He had previously also been elected to the former Nebraska State House of Representatives in 1885 and the State Senate in 1891.^[1]

[edit] Early life

Born at Eureka, Illinois on May 29, 1848, Poynter completed his college studies at Eureka College, graduating in 1867. He married Maria McCorkle in 1869, and the couple had two children: Josephine and Charles. Poynter worked as a merchant in Eureka, Illinois, for several years until relocating his family to Albion, Nebraska in 1879.

[edit] Political career

Poynter became active in politics shortly after his move to Nebraska. He helped organize the Farmers' Alliance and was elected to the Nebraska State Legislature in 1884.^[2] Poynter was nominated again in 1892, but he was defeated by Republican George D. Meiklejohn. He served as a member of the State Legislature for nearly two decades before being elected governor in 1898.^[3] Poynter served only one term as Governor, being defeated in 1900 by Charles H. Dietrich.

[edit] Death

William A. Poynter died suddenly on April 5, 1909, while visiting then Governor Ashton C. Shallenberger.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Find-A-Grave

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