president. During the financial stringency of 1893, when financial institutions throughout the country were threatened with disaster, Mr. Mickey's bank survived the storm and was the means of assisting many of the business houses and farmers of Polk county in maintaining such credit as enabled them to survive during the depressed times. Political career Even though his father was a Stephen A. Douglas Democrat, he always identified as a Republican. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, when he was only nineteen years old, the State of Iowa having passed a special act enabling all soldiers to vote irrespective of age. Shortly after settling in Nebraska, Mickey was elected treasurer of Polk County. After 10 years as treasurer, he served two terms in the Nebraska House of Representatives. He was elected governor of Nebraska in 1902 and re-elected in 1904. His failed attempt to arbitrate strikes in Omaha between Gurdon Wattles's Omaha Traction Company and union organizers in 1903 marked the rest of his administration. During his tenure as governor, numerous pardons were granted; an improved state auditing system was initiated; and a direct primary law was promoted. Post career After retiring as governor, John Mickey returned to Osceola, Nebraska. He was an active member of the Osceola Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years was a trustee of his church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a lifelong supporter of the Temperance movement, and served as president of the Board of Trustees of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Death He died at his home in Osceola on June 2, 1910, and was buried in the Osceola Cemetery. References 1845 births 1910 deaths Republican Party governors of Nebraska Iowa Wesleyan University alumni Politicians from Burlington, Iowa People from Louisa County, Iowa People of Iowa in the American Civil War Republican Party members of the Nebraska House of Representatives 19th-century American politicians People from Osceola, Nebraska