Albert H. Losche

(Jan. 6, 1891-Nov. 22, 1966). The grandson of German immigrants, Losche was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis. Upon graduating from Manual High School he worked his way through college, first attending Butler University and then graduating from Hanover College. He later attended Indiana University Law School, receiving an LL.B. in 1944.

Losche was the founder of the Albert H. Losche Insurance Agency and president of the Grower’s Automobile Insurance Company. He also served as the secretary-treasurer of the Losche Securities Company.

Losche entered politics in 1922 by winning the election as county clerk but later lost his bid for reelection. In 1930, he joined city government as the city purchasing agent. He held this position for a total of 21 years, serving under every Democratic mayor from 1930 to 1958. After unsuccessful races for county clerk (1950) and Marion County Council (1954), he was appointed city controller in 1959.

Following the resignation of Mayor Charles H. Boswell, Losche was appointed mayor of Indianapolis on August 7, 1962. The next year he announced plans to seek nomination as mayor in the Democratic primary to earn a full term in office but quickly withdrew in February 1963. This decision followed his defeat against an oppositional group led by Democrat Judson F. Haggerty and after allegations (which he denied) of Ku Klux Klan membership in the 1920s.

Under his successor, John J. Barton, Losche served as annexation director until his retirement in October 1966.

Outside of politics, Losche served on the board of directors of the General Protestant Orphans Home, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO), Indianapolis Athletic Club, Athenaeum, and the 500 Festival.

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