John Koontz

John Koontz
11th Secretary of State of Nevada
In office 1947–1973
Governor	Vail Pittman Charles H. Russell Grant Sawyer Paul Laxalt Mike O'Callaghan
Preceded by	Malcolm McEachin
Succeeded by	William D. Swackhamer
Personal details
Born	(1902-10-19)October 19, 1902 Goldfield, Nevada
Died	March 21, 1995(1995-03-21) (aged 92)
Political party	Democratic

John Koontz (October 19, 1902 – March 21, 1995) was an American politician who served as the Secretary of State of Nevada from 1947 to 1973.^[1][2] He was the longest-serving politician to hold this office, winning 7 successive elections.^[3] During his tenure, he established state archives and preserved all the valuable records.^[2]

Koontz was born on October 19, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada, to Louis Kossuth and Ada Mae Koontz. He worked as a miner, a cowpuncher, and a grocery store clerk.^[4] He entered politics in 1934 when he was elected county recorder of Esmeralda County.^[4]

From 1958 to 1959, Koontz served as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. He worked as a campaign manager for Mary Gojack and Harry Reid.^[5]

In 1973, he resigned from the office.^[2]

Koontz died on March 21, 1995.^[5]

References

1. "Previous Secretaries of State". nvsos.gov. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
2. "Former secretary of state likes Nevada 'the way it used to be'". ProQuest. ProQuest 259829166.
3. Heller, Dean (2006). Political History of Nevada (PDF) (11th ed.). Carson City, Nevada: State Printing Office. pp. 6, 190. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 6, 2024.
4. "SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION--Memorializing former Secretary of State, John Koontz". Nevada State Legislature. June 6, 1995. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
5. "Milestones from Friday 7th March 24, 1995". Reno Gazette-Journal. March 24, 1995. Retrieved February 6, 2024.