John Chenoweth (Colorado politician)

John Edgar Chenoweth (August 17, 1897 – January 2, 1986) was a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Colorado, serving as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as a state judge.

Chenoweth's parents were Thomas Beaseman Chenoweth and Esther Rebecca Chenoweth (née Shamberger). Chenoweth was born in Trinidad, Colorado, and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder.^[1] From 1916–1925, he worked on railroads and as a trader. In 1925, he was admitted to the bar and began to practice as a lawyer.^[1]

He married Ruth Olivia Crews on December 25, 1919. The couple had five children.

From 1929-33, he served as assistant district attorney; following this, he worked as a county judge for Las Animas County, serving until 1941. In 1940, he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House, and he was re-elected three times, serving until he was defeated in the 1948 election.^[1]

In 1950, however, he won back his old seat, and served there until he was again defeated in the 1964 elections.

During his tenure, Chenoweth voted in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957,^[2] 1960,^[3] and 1964,^[4] as well as the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.^[5]

After leaving Congress, he returned to Trinidad, Colorado, and once again took up law. He lived there until his death.^[1]

• United States Congress. "John Chenoweth (id: C000346)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.