John Ely (Iowa politician)

John M. Ely Jr.
Born	(1919-02-17) February 17, 1919 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.
Died	March 30, 2007(2007-03-30) (aged 88) Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, procurement specialist, civil rights advocate
Years active	1961–1969 (political career)
Known for	Ending capital punishment in Iowa; civil rights legislation

John Montague Ely Jr. (February 17, 1919 – March 30, 2007) was an American Democratic leader, procurement specialist, and advocate for civil rights who served two terms in both the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa State Senate between 1961 and 1969. Ely was instrumental in ending capital punishment in Iowa.

Early years and education

A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ely completed his studies at Franklin High School before attending Coe College, the University of Iowa, and Princeton University, where he graduated in 1941. From 1942 until 1945, he held the position of purser in the United States Merchant Marine.

Political career

Ely served Linn County’s 48th District in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1961 to 1965. Subsequently, he represented the 20th District (Polk County) and later the 24th District (Linn County) in the Iowa State Senate from 1965 to 1969.

Among his significant legislative achievements were the abolition of Iowa’s death penalty in 1965, co-sponsorship of the Fair Housing Bill of Iowa, and promoting civil rights through the creation of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, as well as passing both the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 and the Open Housing Law of 1967.

Opposition to capital punishment

Ely’s stance against capital punishment was profoundly influenced after witnessing the execution of Victor Feguer on March 15, 1963—the last execution carried out in Iowa and the final federal execution until 2001. He later shared with The New York Times how Feguer seemed to inhale at the moment of hanging, an experience that solidified Ely’s opposition to the death penalty.

With backing from Governor Harold Hughes, Ely played a leading role in efforts that led to Iowa abolishing its death penalty in 1965. During the 1990s, when attempts were made unsuccessfully to reinstate capital punishment in Iowa, Ely provided counsel to legislators resisting these efforts.

Later years

Ely remained employed by the Quaker Oats Company until his retirement in 1984. Following retirement, he became active as a "citizen-lobbyist," championing causes such as micro-enterprise development, universal primary education in developing nations, and support for the Global Health Fund targeting HIV/AIDS. Additionally, he mentored numerous emerging community leaders and activists within Cedar Rapids.

Personal life, death, and legacy

On June 20, 1942, Ely married Polly (Shirley Ward) Ely; together they had three children. He was involved with organizations including the NAACP, ACLU, and Planned Parenthood, and identified with the Unitarian Universalist faith.

Ely passed away at age 88 due to complications following surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids on March 30, 2007. His cremated remains were placed at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In recognition of his work, Polly Ely accepted on his behalf the Iowans Against The Death Penalty Gov. Harold E. Hughes Award in 2007. She died on May 15, 2008, also aged 88. Ely’s memory was honored during a joint memorial service for twenty-five former Iowa legislators held at the State Senate in 2009.