Franklin Korell

Franklin Frederick Korell was an American attorney, military veteran, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district from 1927 to 1931. A member of the Republican Party, Korell's political career was marked by his election to Congress during a tumultuous period in American history, which included the onset of the Great Depression. His background as a World War I veteran and his legal expertise shaped his approach to public service and legislative responsibilities.

Early life and career

Franklin Korell was born on July 23, 1889, in Portland, Oregon. He was the son of Charles H. Korell, a Danish immigrant, and Frances Barrol Korell. Growing up in Portland, he received his education in the local public school system, which laid the foundation for his future academic and professional pursuits. He attended the Bishop Scott Academy in Portland, an institution known for its rigorous academic standards.

In 1910, Korell graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Oregon, marking the beginning of his legal career. That same year, he was admitted to the Oregon State Bar, allowing him to practice law in the state. Seeking to further his education, he attended Yale Law School from 1911 to 1912. After completing his studies at Yale, he returned to Portland, where he established his law practice, contributing to the legal community in Oregon.

Korell's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with distinction as a first lieutenant and later as a captain in the 12th Infantry Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division and the 16th Infantry Division. His military service lasted from August 1917 until March 1919, during which he gained valuable leadership experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by servicemen and their families.

Following the war, Korell returned to his law practice in Portland, where he continued to build his reputation as a skilled attorney. In 1921, he entered the political arena by winning a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. He served a single two-year term, which provided him with important insights into the legislative process and the needs of his constituents.

House tenure

Korell's congressional career began in 1927 when he successfully ran for the United States House of Representatives. He was elected to fill a vacancy created by the suicide of Maurice E. Crumpacker, a fellow Republican. In a special election, Korell defeated Democrat Elton Watkins, marking his entry into national politics. His victory was indicative of the Republican strength in Oregon at the time, as he was able to secure a significant number of votes.

Following his initial election, Korell sought re-election in 1928 and was successful in securing a full term in office. He faced William C. Culbertson, another Democrat, and emerged victorious, reinforcing his position as a prominent figure within the Oregon Republican Party. His tenure in the House of Representatives was characterized by the challenges of the late 1920s, a period that would soon be overshadowed by the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.

In 1930, Korell sought re-election for a second full term. However, he encountered significant obstacles that would ultimately lead to his defeat. The Wall Street crash of 1929 had a profound impact on the political landscape, creating a challenging environment for incumbents, particularly those from the Republican Party. In Oregon, the Republican Party was experiencing internal strife, exacerbated by the death of George W. Joseph, a popular gubernatorial candidate who had championed a progressive platform focused on public development of hydroelectric power along the Columbia River.

Following Joseph's death, the party's leadership chose Phil Metschan, Jr., who opposed the public power initiatives that had garnered support from many voters. This decision created a rift within the party, allowing independent candidate Julius Meier, who aligned with Joseph's platform, to gain traction. The split in the Republican vote significantly affected Korell's chances for re-election. Ultimately, he lost to Democrat Charles H. Martin, who received a substantial majority of the votes.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Korell was involved in various legislative matters that reflected the interests and needs of his constituents in Oregon. While specific details of the bills he sponsored or supported are not provided, it is known that his background as an attorney and military veteran influenced his legislative priorities. His legal expertise likely informed his understanding of issues related to civil rights, veterans' affairs, and economic policies, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the Great Depression.

Korell's service in the House of Representatives coincided with a period of significant change in American society and politics. The late 1920s and early 1930s were marked by economic instability, and many legislators were grappling with the implications of the stock market crash and its aftermath. As a member of the Republican Party during this time, Korell would have been part of the broader discussions about government intervention in the economy and the role of federal policies in addressing the needs of struggling Americans.

After his congressional tenure, Korell continued to serve the public in various capacities. He worked as a special assistant to the general counsel of the United States Treasury Department from 1931 to 1943. This role allowed him to apply his legal knowledge in a federal context, contributing to the administration of financial policies during a critical period in American history. Following his time at the Treasury Department, he served in the chief counsel's office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Service from 1943 until 1959, further solidifying his career in public service.

In 1932, Korell married Caroline Stoddard, who was previously married to Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, a notable figure in military aviation. Their marriage marked a personal milestone in Korell's life as he transitioned from his political career to a more private existence.

Franklin Korell passed away on June 7, 1965, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, a testament to his service to the nation both in military and public office. His life and career reflect the complexities of American political history during the early 20th century, highlighting the interplay between local and national issues and the challenges faced by elected officials during times of economic and social change.