Elmer Geran

Elmer Geran was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district from 1923 to 1925. A member of the Democratic Party, Geran's political career spanned various roles in state and federal government, as well as in the legal and business sectors. He was noted for his involvement in election reform legislation during his earlier political career and his subsequent contributions to the sand and gravel industry.

Early life and career

Elmer Hendrickson Geran was born on October 24, 1875, in Matawan, New Jersey. He received his early education in the local public schools before attending the Glenwood Military Academy in Matawan. Geran graduated from Peddie Institute in Hightstown, New Jersey, in 1895, and went on to earn a degree from Princeton University in 1899. He later attended New York Law School, where he completed his legal education in 1901.

After being admitted to the New Jersey bar in the same year, Geran began practicing law in Jersey City, New Jersey. His legal career included a notable tenure as the attorney for Matawan Borough. Geran was recognized for his public speaking, particularly on banking issues, and he presented at the Annual Convention of the New Jersey Banking Association in 1911.

Geran's political ambitions began to take shape in 1911 when he initially sought a seat in the New Jersey State Senate. However, he withdrew from that race and instead ran for a position in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he served in 1911 and 1912. His political involvement continued as he was appointed to the New Jersey State Water Supply Commission from 1912 to 1915. He later held the position of assistant prosecutor of the pleas for Monmouth County from 1915 to 1917 and returned to the Assembly in 1916 and 1917, where he served as the minority leader.

In 1917, Geran was elected Sheriff of Monmouth County, a role he held until 1920. His tenure as sheriff included a unique incident involving the sale of liquor during Prohibition. Following a court order, he was required to liquidate the assets of a bar, which included various intoxicating beverages. Geran successfully obtained federal permission to conduct this sale legally, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex legal situations.

In 1920, Geran was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by President Woodrow Wilson. His tenure in this role included involvement in enforcing federal laws related to the dissemination of motion pictures, notably concerning the Dempsey-Carpenter fight in Jersey City in July 1921. However, his time as U.S. Attorney was cut short when he was asked to resign later that year, as the Attorney General sought to appoint a Republican to the position. Following his resignation, Geran returned to the practice of law in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

House tenure

Geran's congressional career began when he was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-eighth Congress, serving from March 4, 1923, until March 3, 1925. During his time in the House of Representatives, he participated in various legislative activities and was a delegate to the 1924 Democratic National Convention. However, his bid for re-election to the Sixty-ninth Congress in 1924 was unsuccessful, marking the end of his term in the U.S. House.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his political career, Geran was involved in significant legislative efforts, particularly in the realm of election reform. He played a crucial role in drafting a series of laws in 1911 aimed at transforming the electoral process in New Jersey. These reforms were largely seen as measures to combat corruption in voting and were integral to Governor Woodrow Wilson's broader agenda. One of the key provisions of this legislation mandated that county clerks mail sample ballots to voters prior to elections, enhancing voter awareness and participation.

In addition to his legislative work, Geran's career included various business interests. He was involved in the incorporation of several companies, including The Western Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Vandalia Coal Company. His business ventures extended to real estate and investment, as he founded the Bankers Organization and Asset Realization Company in 1910. Geran also held directorial positions in companies such as the Hudson County Water Company, although he resigned from this role to avoid potential conflicts of interest while serving in the Assembly.

After leaving Congress, Geran continued to practice law until 1927, when he became Vice President of the New Jersey Gravel & Sand Company. He was an advocate for the use of local materials in state highway construction and was instrumental in forming the New Jersey Sand and Gravel Producers Association in 1933. His involvement in the industry persisted, as he was identified as a manager of a sand and gravel plant in Marlboro, New Jersey, according to the 1940 Federal Census.

Elmer Geran passed away on January 12, 1954, at his home, Glen Geran Farm, located in the Morganville section of Marlboro Township, New Jersey. He was interred at Old Tennent Cemetery in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. His legacy includes his contributions to both the political landscape of New Jersey and the development of the sand and gravel industry in the state.