Henry F. Schricker: Our Hometown Governor

Henry F. Schricker, a prominent figure in Indiana's political history, served as the state's governor from 1941 to 1945 and from 1949 to 1953. He was the 36th and 38th Governor of Indiana and is the only Indiana governor elected to two non-consecutive terms. Through his visionary leadership and tireless efforts, Governor Schricker left an indelible mark on Indiana, shaping its trajectory and laying the foundation for future progress.

Life in North Judson

Henry Schricker was born in North Judson, Indiana, on August 30, 1883, to Bavarian immigrants. He lived with his family for 22 years at 112 Lane Street in North Judson. After attending a Lutheran parochial school in North Judson, he attended public school and graduated the eighth grade. After school, he began working in his family grocery store in North Judson, eventually attending South Bend Business College.

Practicing Law in Knox

The future governor began practicing law in the early 1900s after working for and studying under the Adrian Cartright and James C. Fletcher who were attorneys in nearby Knox. He began working for them in 1905 and was able to pass the bar exam in 1906.

Banker and Newspaper Publisher

Henry Schricker was not one to stay idle. Having worked as a lawyer in Knox, Henry went on to work as a cashier at the Hamlet Bank in 1907. Then in 1908 he purchased the Starke County Newspaper where he was the publisher and editor. He returned to banking in 1919 and was the cashier of the First National Bank of Knox until 1932.

Early Political Career

Schricker first ran as a Democrat for the Indiana Senate in 1924, but lost in that election. He ran again in 1932 and won the election. He served as a state senator for LaPorte and Starke Counties until 1936. He was nominated to run again as a state senator in 1936, but he turned down the nomination after Governor Paul V. McNutt arranged for Schricker to be nominated as Lieutenant Governor on a ticket with M. Clifford Townsend. Townsend and Schricker won the election and took office in January 1937.

Governor of Indiana

Henry Schricker was elected as Indiana's 36th governor in 1940. He took office in January 1941 and was involved in a number political wranglings with the Indiana General Assembly, which was then controlled by the Republican party. Towards the end of his first term as governor, it was mentioned that he could be nominated as Vice President of the United States, but that never came to fruition. Instead, he was nominated as a United States Senator, but lost that race in 1944.

Schricker returned to banking in 1945 at the American Fletcher National Bank and Trust Company in Indianapolis. It wasn't long before Schricker was called back into politics and ran for governor again in 1948. At the time, the Indiana Constitution prevented a governor from succeeding himself after a four year term. He won the election and once again became Indiana's governor on January 10, 1949. He ran for U.S. Senate again in 1952, but lost in that race. He served as the 38th governor of Indiana until January 12, 1953.

After Leaving Office

Henry Schricker remained a popular figure in Indiana politics after his two terms as governor. He spent his later years giving speeches and supporting other Democratic politicians. He founded the Wabash Pike and Casualty Insurance Company of Indianapolis where he worked until he retired in 1960. He moved back home to Starke County and lived in Knox until his death on December 28, 1966.

The Schricker Desk

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is home of the Schricker Desk, which can be seen in the North Judson Depot. The roll top desk was one used by the former governor and was donated to the museum by the Menis family in memory of Jim Menis. Governor Schricker's legacy serves as an inspiration for current and future leaders, reminding us of the transformative power of visionary leadership and the importance of pursuing policies that uplift and empower communities.