Elmer H. WENE, Congress, NJ (1892-1957)

WENE, Elmer H., a Representative from New Jersey; born on a farm near Pittstown, Hunterdon County, N.J., May 1, 1892; attended the public schools and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.; in 1918 engaged in agricultural pursuits near Vineland, N.J.; served on the New Jersey State board of agriculture 1925-1934; elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-fifth Congress (January 3, 1937-January 3, 1939); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1938 to the Seventy-sixth Congress; member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Cumberland County, N.J., 1939-1941; again elected to the Seventy-seventh and Seventy-eighth Congresses (January 3, 1941-January 3, 1945); was not a candidate for renomination in 1944, but was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the United States Senate; resumed agricultural pursuits and poultry raising; also president and owner of two radio stations in New Jersey; in 1945 was adviser to the Secretary of Agriculture; elected to the State senate in 1946; delegate to the New Jersey State constitutional convention in 1947; on June 26, 1948, was given a recess appointment by President Truman as Under Secretary of Agriculture; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of New Jersey in 1949; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1950 to the Eighty-second Congress; was unsuccessful for the gubernatorial nomination in 1953; died in Philadelphia, Pa., on January 25, 1957; interment in Locust Grove Cemetery, Quakertown, Pa.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present