Warren Jay Terhune was a United States Navy Commander, and the governor of American Samoa.
25 Facts About Warren Terhune
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Warren Terhune was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1889 and graduated as a lieutenant in 1899.
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Warren Terhune was stationed on numerous ships and held command of various ships and stations throughout his career.
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On June 10,1919, Warren Terhune became the Governor of American Samoa; his governorship was wrought with problems and controversy.
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Warren Terhune took a number of steps to limit the power of the indigenous Samoans, believing they were not fit to govern themselves.
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Warren Terhune removed several local leaders from power and outlawed marriages between United States Navy sailors and Samoan women.
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Warren Terhune's actions helped lead to the anti-imperialistic Mau movement, stemming from perceived racism and a belief that the marriage law promoted anti-Christian promiscuity.
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An inquiry was launched to the island, but before it could get there, Warren Terhune, plagued with depression and health problems, killed himself by a gunshot through the heart on November 3,1920, at noon.
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Warren Terhune was the first Governor of American Samoa to die in office.
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Warren Terhune was born in Midland Park, New Jersey on May 3,1869.
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Warren Terhune lived in Hackensack, New Jersey, and graduated from Hackensack High School in 1885.
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Warren Terhune was a vice-president of the Holland Society of New York.
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Warren Terhune received the Order of the Bust of Bolivar from Venezuela in 1909.
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Warren Terhune entered the United States Naval Academy on May 19,1885.
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Warren Terhune commanded the Seventh Naval District until October 1917, when he became the Commandant of Dunwoody Naval Training School in Minneapolis.
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Warren Terhune first landed a force of 365 men for the initial police action.
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Warren Terhune was appointed Governor of American Samoa on March 18,1919, and took office on June 10,1919.
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Warren Terhune faced many issues during his term, many involving economic issues like tax revenue.
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Warren Terhune took further action against the native people of the islands by stripping a number of tribal leaders of power.
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Terhune's executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Creed H Boucher sided with the Mau, so Terhune had him replaced.
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Kail, likewise proved not to work well with Warren Terhune, and supported the Mau cause.
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Warren Terhune established the sixth American Samoan government department on November 15,1919, with the establishment of the American Samoa Department of Public Works.
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However, later reports suggested that Warren Terhune had been suffering from severe depression and heart problems.
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Warren Terhune's body was found by the cook, Felisiano Debid Ah-Chica.
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Warren Terhune's suicide makes him the only American Samoan governor to die in office, and his ghost is rumored to wander the grounds of the Government House.