Joseph Peter Hershberger, III

Biographical Information

Rep. Thomas Goodwin resigned May 27, 1972 to run for the county Board of Supervisors and was replaced by J. Peter Hershberger who was appointed June 14, 1972 as Representative for District 13.  Since the regular session had ended, Rep. Hershberger does not appear to have participated in any sessions. ("Marana resident named to vacant legislature post."  Tucson Daily Citizen, June 6, 1972 p. 15: resigned "to become a candidate for supervisor"; Journal of the House of Representatives, 30th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session, 1972, pp. 1720, 1722).  The following was written on the back of his November 30, 1972 Arizona Legislative Biography sheet:

J. Peter Hershberger

Born June 7, 1920, in Columbus Ohio.  Graduate of Upper Arlington Public Schools and the Ohio State University with B.S. in Business Administration, 1942.  Member Ohol State University Football Team 1939-40-41.  Entered World War II in February 1943, serving in the Pacific Theatre as a Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, until 1946.  Married Freddy Payne, February 2, 1946, in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Two daughters:  Leslie, 26, and Natalie, 10; two sons: Peter, 23 and Christy K, 22.

Following Naval service, took Graduate work in Accounting at Ohio State until January 1947 when moved to Denver, Colorado.  Employed by Arrolite Manufacturing Company. From Denver moved to Tucson, Arizona, in March of 1951.  Has been farming as farm manager and farming for self since that time.  Interested in politics since the late 1950's as Republican party worker and Precinct Committeeman. In June 1972, appointed to old Legislative District 13 vacancy by Pima County Board of Supervisors.

Has served on Board of Directors of Samalayuca Improvement Association, two terms as President; Board of Arizona Cotton Growers Association; Pima County Soil Conservation District. Currently, Vice President, Cortaro Water Users Association and Board member, Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District.

"Joseph Peter Hershberger III."  The Arizona Daily Star, April 25, 2007, p. B7:

... At "The Ohio State University" Pete ran hurdles with teammate, Jessie Owens and capped his extensive athletic career playing football in 1939 and 1940 under the legendary coach, Paul Brown....  After Pete and Freddy were married, they came to Tucson in 1951 where Pete farmed cotton in Marana for 32 years....  Pete served for five years in the Arizona Legislature and as a Rotarian, he achieved 25 years of perfect attendance.

Kimberly Matas.  "He worked hard cultivating cotton and steadfast role in Ariz. politics."  The Arizona Daily Star, April 28, 2007, p. B 1: 

...In 1972, the elder Hershberger was tapped to fill a vacant seat in the state House. His willingness was at least partly due to frustration with government officials.

"He had a lot of pride and belief in things, and he had a lot of trouble with government involvement with farmers," said Pete.  "At one point, he had some government official from one agency telling him one thing and another government official come to his office on the farm and tell him the opposite.  He threw the second official out of his office."...

After his appointed term ended, Hershberger successfully ran for a full term, but lost his bid for re-election in 1974....

Hershberger III lost the 1976 race, but that didn't sour him on politics.  He was appointed to a four-year term on the Pima County Planning and Zoning Commission and again was elected to the House in 1982....

Military Experience

U.S. Navy, World War II veteran:  "Entered World War II in February 1943, serving in the Pacific Theatre as a Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, until 1946."  (Arizona Legislative Biography sheet)

Additional Information

LEGISLATIVE FAMILY (Yellow Sheet Report (Arizona Capitol Times), May 25, 2011):  husband of Rep. Winifred "Freddy" (Payne) Hershberger and they are the parents of Rep. J. Peter Hershberger, IV

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth: Arizona Legislative Biography sheet "J. Peter Hershberger" parents:  Joseph P. and Hilda (Kyle) Hershberger; Death: date:  obituaries:   "Joseph Peter Hershberger III."  The Arizona Daily Star, April 25, 2007, p. B7 and Kimberly Matas.  "He worked hard cultivating cotton and steadfast role in Ariz. politics."  The Arizona Daily Star, April 28, 2007, p. B 1, location based on last residence in SSDI