Master Surname Index




William Egan

Ancestry of
William Egan

1st Governor of Alaska


    William Allen Egan

    View famous kin of William Allen Egan

    • 1st Generation
    • Ahnentafel No:
    • Birth Date:
    • 8 Oct 1914 
    • Birth Location:
    • Valdez, Chugach Census Area, Alaska 
    • Christening Date:
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    • Christening Location:
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    • Death Date:
    • 6 May 1984 
    • Death Location:
    • Anchorage, Alaska 
    • Burial Date:
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    • Burial Location:
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    • Notes: 
    • 1st Governor of Alaska

      William A. Egan, born on October 8, 1914, in Valdez, Alaska, was a pioneering political figure and the first Governor of the State of Alaska. Raised in the rugged and beautiful landscapes that would later become the 49th state, Egan developed a deep connection to the region and its people.

      Egan's political career took root in territorial Alaska, where he served as the Mayor of Valdez, a member of the Alaska Territorial Senate, and as a U. S. Shadow Senator from the Alaska Territory. His dedication to public service and his advocacy for Alaska's interests became evident during these formative years. As the push for statehood gained momentum, Egan played a crucial role in the constitutional convention that laid the groundwork for Alaska's statehood.

      In 1959, Alaska officially became a state, and Egan made history by being elected as its first governor. He served two terms from 1959 to 1966, overseeing the early years of statehood and grappling with the challenges and opportunities that came with Alaska's new status. Egan's leadership was characterized by a commitment to economic development, infrastructure improvement, and the protection of Alaska's unique environment.

      After a brief hiatus from the governorship, Egan returned to office for an additional term from 1970 to 1974. During this period, he continued his efforts to shape Alaska's future, focusing on issues such as land management, Native rights, and the development of the state's natural resources.

  • Marriages for William Allen Egan


    • Spouse:
    • Neva McKittrick

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