Why was a certain politician from Kansas nicknamed "Sockless?"
Question
#120857. Asked by serpa. (Mar 24 11 7:31 PM)
deputygary
That would be Jeremiah Simpson. In 1889 he ran for Congress. His opponent was a well-to-do Republican named Col. J.R. Hallowell. Simpson denounced Hallowell as "a pampered scion of wealth whose feet were encased in fine silk hosiery". Hallowell returned the denouncement by saying "having silk socks was better than having none at all", implying that Simpson was a poor clodhopper. Simpson turned that remark into the nickname "Sockless Jerry". Simpson won the election.
"Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by
FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated
response
if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please
thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our
website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.
Sign up to see all responses!
