William S. Jacobsen

Who was William S. Jacobsen?

William Sebastian Jacobsen was a Democratic U.S. Representative from Iowa's 2nd congressional district who served three terms from 1937 to 1942. He was the son of his predecessor, Bernhard M. Jacobsen who held the same congressional seat for three previous terms.

Born in Clinton, Iowa, Jacobsen attended the public schools and the Normal College of American Gymnastics Union, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served as director of physical education of the Turner Society and Y.M.C.A., in Clinton, from 1910 to 1915. he was a manager and part owner of his family's department store in Clinton from 1915 to 1927. He then became secretary, treasurer, manager, and organizer of Clinton Thrift Co. from 1927 until after his election to Congress. He also managed business property and farm interests.

He served as delegate to Democratic State Conventions from 1932 to 1944, and the Democratic National Conventions in 1936 and 1944.

In June 1936, Jacobsen's father was a candidate for a fourth term in Congress, and had just won the Democratic primary when he became ill and died. On August 5, 1936, William Jacobsen was chosen by a special nominating convention as his father's replacement on the ballot.