Endicott Peabody
Endicott Howard Peabody (February 15, 1920 – December 2, 1997) was an American politician from Massachusetts. A Democrat, he served a single two-year term as the 62nd Governor of Massachusetts, from 1963 to 1965. His tenure is probably best known for his categorical opposition to the death penalty and for signing into law the bill establishing the University of Massachusetts Boston. After losing the 1964 Democratic gubernatorial primary, Peabody made several more failed bids for office in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including failed campaigns for the U.S. Senate in 1966 and 1986.
Endicott Peabody | |
|---|---|
Peabody, circa 1969–1971 | |
| 62nd Governor of Massachusetts | |
| In office January 3, 1963 – January 7, 1965 | |
| Lieutenant | Francis Bellotti |
| Preceded by | John A. Volpe |
| Succeeded by | John A. Volpe |
| Member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council from the 3rd district | |
| In office 1955–1957 | |
| Preceded by | David B. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Christian A. Herter, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1920 Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | December 2, 1997 (aged 77) Hollis, New Hampshire, U.S |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Barbara Welch Gibbons
(m. 1944) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Malcolm E. Peabody Mary E. Peabody |
| Relatives | John Endecott (ancestor) Endicott Peabody (educator) (grandfather) Marietta Peabody Tree (sister) Desmond FitzGerald (former brother-in-law) Ronald Tree (brother-in-law) Frances FitzGerald (journalist) (niece) Penelope Tree (niece) |
| Education | Harvard University (AB, JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Silver Star |
Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts to a family with deep colonial roots, Peabody played college football at Harvard University, where he earned honors as an All-American lineman. He served in the United States Navy in World War II before embarking on a political career noted more for its failures than its successes. He made multiple unsuccessful attempts to win the position of Massachusetts Attorney General, and for the United States Senate representing both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and ran for United States Vice President in 1972.