Robert Meyers (politician)

Robert E. Meyers (December 23, 1913 – March 26, 2007) was an American politician and judge. He served as the 26th mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, succeeding Harry W. Baals, who died in office in 1954. A reluctant mayor, he served out the term of Baals after winning a special election and declined to run for reelection, citing the fact he went to school to be a lawyer, not a politician.

Robert Meyers
26th Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana
In office
1954–1959
Preceded byHarry W. Baals
Succeeded byMike Paul Burns
Personal details
Born(1913-12-23)December 23, 1913
DiedMarch 26, 2007(2007-03-26) (aged 93)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political partyRepublican

Meyers was a leader in the city's effort to annex suburban areas surrounding Fort Wayne. Under his leadership, in his years as mayor from 1954 to 1959, the city grew from 18 square miles (47 km2) to 35 square miles (91 km2) in area.

In later life, Meyers served as an Allen County Superior Court Judge from 1971 until he retired from public life a second time, in 1985.

Legacy

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Robert E. Meyers Park, part of Fort Wayne's Harrison Square development, was dedicated in Meyers' honor on August 14, 2009. The Meyers family contributed $300,000 for completion of the park.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ "Robert E. Meyers Park". Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Retrieved 2014-06-17.
  2. ^ Leininger, Kevin (2007-12-07). "Ex-mayor's $300,000 bequest will fund park". The News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2014-06-17.
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Preceded by Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana
1954–1959
Succeeded by
Mike Paul Burns