History of John Dean in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 5, 2025

John Wesley Dean III, a former White House Counsel for President Richard Nixon, played a significant role in the Watergate scandal cover-up. Serving from July 1970 to April 1973, Dean's involvement led to his guilty plea to a felony charge. However, his cooperation with the prosecution as a key witness resulted in a reduced sentence, served at Fort Holabird. Following his guilty plea, Dean was disbarred. His testimony to Congress proved crucial in unraveling the scandal.

October 14, 1938: Birth of John Wesley Dean III

John Wesley Dean III was born on October 14, 1938.

1961: Dean Graduates from College of Wooster

John Dean graduated from the College of Wooster with a B.A. in 1961.

February 4, 1962: Dean Marries Karla Ann Hennings

John Dean married Karla Ann Hennings on February 4, 1962.

1965: Dean Receives Juris Doctor from Georgetown

John Dean received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center in 1965.

1966: Dean Becomes Chief Minority Counsel

In 1966, John Dean became chief minority counsel to the Republicans on the United States House Committee on the Judiciary.

1967: Dean's Role as Chief Minority Counsel Ends

John Dean's time as chief minority counsel concluded in 1967.

1968: Dean Volunteers for Nixon Campaign

John Dean volunteered to write position papers on crime for Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in 1968.

July 1970: Dean Becomes White House Counsel

In July 1970, John Dean became White House Counsel to President Richard Nixon.

July 1970: Dean Appointed Counsel to the President

John Dean was appointed counsel to President Nixon in July 1970.

1970: Dean Divorces Karla Ann Hennings

John Dean and Karla Ann Hennings divorced in 1970.

January 27, 1972: Dean Meets with Magruder, Mitchell, and Liddy

On January 27, 1972, John Dean met with Jeb Magruder, John Mitchell, and G. Gordon Liddy to discuss intelligence-gathering plans for the upcoming campaign.

October 13, 1972: Dean Marries Maureen Kane

John Dean married Maureen (Mo) Kane on October 13, 1972.

February 28, 1973: Gray Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

On February 28, 1973, Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealing Dean's involvement in the Watergate cover-up.