Born November 24, 1901, raised on the family homestead in Holmes County, Ohio
He worked on the family farm from his earliest years through college. He embodied the work ethic of his pioneer ancestors. His family stood firmly as abolitionists prior to the Civil War.

Educated in the local public schools, the College of Wooster, Ohio, and was graduated from the Ohio State University College of Law
He literally represents a self-made man who rose from the constraints of small rural schools to graduation from the Ohio State University College of Law in 1925. McCulloch took his education very seriously and was an outstanding student and scholar without ever leaving the State of Ohio. He gave back to Ohio's schools after graduation by teaching for one year in the Holmes County system.

Law practice established in Piqua, Ohio with George Berry in 1928
McCulloch completed his legal education in Columbus and moved to Florida and hung out his law shingle. It was his time in Florida that exposed him to the racial issues and ignited his fervor for constitutional rights. But his heart was in Ohio and he returned to his small town rural roots to establish a local law practice in Piqua, Ohio.

Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1932
In his first election, McCulloch ran against three other candidates including the incumbent and the son of the county Republican Central Committee chairman. This was his first political victory and set the stage for his remarkable record of never losing an election from 1932 until his retirement from public service in 1973. He served in the Ohio House for six terms.

Minority leader in the Ohio House from 1936 to 1939
His ability to deal with the leadership of both parties led him to be called "the red headed lion". Speaker of the Ohio House for three terms from 1939 to 1943 McCulloch was the first Speaker in the modern era to be elected to an unprecedented third term. He was one of the most influential politicians in the state following the Great Depression and the first years of World War II. During his tenure as Speaker, the Ohio legislature passed balanced budgets in 1939 and 1941, an almost impossible task during those depression years. He worked to improve conditions around the state, but never forgot his home constituency. He made an almost daily commute from Piqua to Columbus

Service in the U.S. Military from 1943 to 1945
In a decision indicative of his character, he left the center of political power in Columbus to serve his country by enlisting in the army in 1943. He served twenty months in the European theater of operations during World War II. Prior to his active duty service McCulloch served in the Piqua unit of the Ohio State Guard.

Local Civil Rights activist in 1946-1947
Returning from his military service in Europe, McCulloch came back to Piqua and supported the local NAACP Chapter in its drive to end segregated seating in local restaurants. One of the earliest sit-ins in the area held at the Union Bus terminal lunch counter was the beginning of the end for segregated accommodations in the Piqua area. This was a politically risky stand to take in this rural and conservative stronghold.

Elected to the Ohio Fourth Congressional seat in the 80'" Congress in 1947
He was the "farm boy" who came from modest beginnings to serve in the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. McCulloch was re-elected and served 12 successive terms in Congress, a record unmatched in the history of the Fourth Congressional District. He served on many committees, including the select committee on small business and the joint committee on atomic energy. He sponsored legislation consistent with the needs and concerns of his district including small business and anti-crime bills. His passion and philosophy, however, concerned issues affecting the entire nation, those involving civil rights legislation.

Ranking Republican member House Judiciary Committee in 1959
McCulloch was at the forefront of Congress in the area of civil rights legislation. He had a steadfast belief in the Constitution of the United States and the rights that it guarantees to all of its citizens. His conviction allowed him to rise in the ranks of the Judiciary Committee, becoming its ranking Republican member at a time when the most important civil rights issues of our nation were being debated.

Pivotal figure in the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Bill of 1964
The Kennedy administration sent one of its top Assistant Attorneys General, Burke Marshall, to Piqua, Ohio in July of 1963 to meet personally with McCulloch to discuss strategies for supporting the civil rights bill. President Kennedy stated that "Without him it can't be done". His support of the bill insured the essential votes of the Republican leadership in the House and led the Senate Republicans to break the filibuster to pave the way for its passage.

Recognition by the ALF-CIO for his work in Civil Rights presented by union president Walter Reuther in 1964
This award highlights McCulloch's ability to reach out to all segments of the American political spectrum. This came about despite the fact that he was often opposed by district candidates who used strong union contributions to run against him. McCulloch was a man of principles who used consensus and persuasion rather than partisan pressure.

Led the passage of the Voting Rights act of 1965
McCulloch fought vigorously and tirelessly for an effective Voting Rights Act and regarded that piece of legislation as one of his most significant legislative achievements.

American Bar Association honored McCulloch in 1966 for his work in assuring the passage of the 25th Amendment to the Unites States Constitution
The award was presented to the four members of Congress deemed most responsible for the 1965 legislation that led to the formal adoption of the 25th Amendment. This amendment dealt with the potential disability/vacancy of the president and the filling of a vacancy in the office of the vice president.

Appointed to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders in 1967
President Johnson appointed McCulloch to serve on this commission following the riots in Detroit and Newark. The "Kerner Commission" findings were among the most significant by a presidential commission in the 20th century.

Appointed to the National Commission on Causes and Prevention of Violence in 1968
The Congressman was appointed to the commission by President Johnson after the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy rocked the nation

Recognition by the 60th Annual Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1969
Roy Wilkins, executive director of the NAACP, sent McCulloch a telegram announcing this honor. He stated that the convention appreciated his firm support on extending the key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 despite strong pressures from the Nixon administration that would have weakened it. Wilkins stated that "Once again you have demonstrated your long standing commitment to the cause of equal justice under the law".

The Centennial Award and the Governor's Award for the Advancement of the Prestige of Ohio in 1970-1971
McCulloch received The Ohio State University's Centennial Award for Distinguished Achievements and Notable Service to the University in December, 1970; and he was honored with the Governor's Award for the advancement of the prestige of Ohio by John J. Gilligan, Governor, in February, 1971 for his integrity, honesty, and outstanding work ethic.

Distinguished Ohioan Award in May, 1972
The diversity of awards presented to McCulloch is truly staggering. They include this award in recognition of his leadership and accomplishments on behalf of Ohio, its business and all its citizens presented by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Distinguished Alumnus Award from The Ohio State University College of Law in October, 1972
Presented by the Dean of the College of Law, this award was presented to McCulloch in appreciation of "his service to his profession, his State and his Nation; for his rare combination of qualities of intellect, statesmanship and unselfish service, and for the honor and pride he has brought to The Oho State University College of Law".

United States, Judicial Conference Award in 1972 for valuable contributions to the Federal Judicial Branch
This award was presented to the Congressman by Chief Justice of the United States Warren Burger. It was presented in part for his work and support for the 24th (poll taxes) and 25th (presidential and vice presidential vacancies) Amendments to the United States Constitution.

Retired from public service in January of 1973 due to ill health

Congressman McCulloch died Feb 22, 1980 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.