William M. Ketchum

William Matthew Ketchum (September 2, 1921 – June 24, 1978) was an American businessman and Republican Party politician who was a member of the California State Assembly from 1967 to 1973 and a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1973 until his death.

Early life Ketchum was born on September 2, 1921, in Los Angeles, California. He was educated at schools in Los Angeles County and military school in North Hollywood, California, before attending the Colorado School of Mines from 1939 to 1940, and the University of Southern California from 1940 to 1942.

Military He entered the United States Army in 1942 and served in the Pacific before his discharge in 1946. Ketchum was recalled into service during the Korean War and served from 1950 to 1953.

Career Ketchum owned and operated a hardware and auto-supply store from 1946 to 1950, and worked as a salesman from 1953 to 1957. He engaged in cattle ranching and farming, and was a member of the Republican State Central committee from 1964 to 1966.

He served in the California Assembly from 1967 to 1973, and as a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention.

Congress In 1972, he was elected to the first of three consecutive terms in Congress, defeating his Democratic opponent Timothy Lemucci by 12 percentage points. He was reelected twice but died in office before completing his third term.

Death On June 24, 1978, Ketchum had a heart attack at his home in Bakersfield, California, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Kern Medical Center, aged 56.

Electoral history