Fred C. Gilchrist

Who was Fred C. Gilchrist?

Fred Cramer Gilchrist was a seven-term Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa, from 1931 to 1945.

Born in California, Pennsylvania, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Gilchrist moved with his parents to Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1871. He attended the public schools. He graduated from State Teachers' College, Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1886. From 1886 to 1890, he was a teacher and superintendent of two school districts in Pocahontas County, Iowa — Laurens, Iowa and Rolfe, Iowa. From 1890 to 1892 he served as that County's superintendent of schools. Leaving school administration for law school, he graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law at Iowa City in 1893, and was admitted to the bar that year. He then returned home and commenced private practice in Laurens.

He served as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives for one term, in 1902-1904. He also served as president of the board of education of Laurens from 1905 to 1928. Returning to legislative service, he served the Iowa Senate from 1923 to 1931.

Between 1930 and 1944, Gilchrist served seven terms as a Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa.