News and Headlines

Actions

Five Hoosiers have been elected vice president

Could Mike Pence be next?
Posted
and last updated

INDIANAPOLIS -- Some historians have called Indiana the 'mother of all vice presidents.'

Dan Quayle was the most recent Hoosier to serve as vice president, but a total of five have held the office. Three are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Thomas Hendricks grew up in Shelbyville and served as the vice president under President Grover Cleveland.

He was only in office for one year. Hendricks died from pneumonia in 1885, but the beloved politician had a fond farewell.

"It is estimated that about 100,000 people lined the streets from the church downtown up to here. 7,000 people were standing within the cemetery when he was lowered into the ground," said Tom Davis, Crown Hill Cemetery tour guide.

Next was Schulyer Colfax. The Republican from South Bend isn't buried at Crown Hill.

He served from 1868 to 1872 when civil war hero Ulysses S. Grant was president.

Charles Warren Fairbanks is buried not far from Thomas Hendricks. He served as vice president for Teddy Roosevelt from 1905 to 1909.

Fairbanks was on a Senate committee that help decide the border of Alaska. A city there now bears his name.

Thomas Marshall is the final VP at Crown Hill. He was the running mate of Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921.

Marshall was known for his humor, and famously said, "What this country needs is a good 5-cent cigar."

President Wilson was debilitated by a stroke during his term, but Marshall declined suggestions that he ascend to the presidency.

The 25th Amendment, with a defined order of succession, did not exist at the time.

At 41-years-old, Dan Quayle, who is from Huntington, was a young, staunchly conservative addition to the George H.W. Bush ticket.

That was a winning combination in 1988, but they lost in 1992.

Now comes Governor Mike Pence to perhaps join the Hoosier VP party.

"You only go around once. This is something that is never gonna happen to you again your lifetime, why not go along for the ride, enjoy it for the thrill, and the opportunity to be successful flow from it," said Dr. George Geib, Butler Univ. professor emeritus.

RELATED | Trump introduces 'small-town boy' Mike Pence | Pence thanks friends, family, supporters at 'Welcome Home' rally|  With Mike Pence out, what's next for the Indiana governor's race?10 Republicans who could take Pence's spot in the governor's race