Earl Daniel Desmond (August 26, 1895 – May 26, 1958) was a United States Democratic politician.[1]

Earl D. Desmond
Member of the California Senate
from the 19th district
In office
January 8, 1945 – May 26, 1958
Preceded byJohn Harold Swan
Succeeded byAlbert S. Rodda
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 9th district
In office
January 7, 1935 – January 8, 1945
Preceded byPercy G. West
Succeeded byDwight H. Stephenson
Personal details
Born(1895-08-26)August 26, 1895
Sacramento, California
DiedMay 26, 1958(1958-05-26) (aged 62)
Sacramento, California
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseEdna Nicolaus
Children4
Military service
Branch/service United States Army
Battles/warsWorld War I

Desmond was born in Sacramento, California, and during World War I he served in the United States Army.[2] He subsequently became a member of the California legislature for the 19th District and in 1941 was Speaker pro Tem of the California State Assembly.

Desmond is chiefly remembered for his efforts in relation to the establishment of California State University, Sacramento, in 1947.[3] Desmond convinced the Senate's finance committee to withhold funding for the University of California until he had a commitment. Eleven of his own children and grandchildren graduated from the university, which, in recognition of his contribution, named one of its halls of residence after him.[4]

Earl D. Desmond died in office at Sacramento, aged 62.[5] His son, Louis N. Desmond (1926-2012), later served as Deputy District Attorney, Sacramento County.

References edit

  1. ^ Join California: Election History for the State of California. Accessed 27 June 2013
  2. ^ Vassar, Alexander C. (2011). Legislators of California (PDF). Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Journal: Sac State Legend & Lore". Csus.edu. Archived from the original on 2013-05-27. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  4. ^ Desmond Hall. Accessed 27 June 2013
  5. ^ "Desmond, Veteran Of 24 Years in Legislature, Dies SACRAMENTO". cdnc.ucr.edu.