Kansas Governor, Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He attended the Lebanon Business University, worked various jobs and became president-owner of the First National Bank of Neodesha, Kansas. During World War I, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Tank Corps. After the war, he was elected department commander of the Kansas State American Legion in 1928. In 1930, he was elected as a Democrat the 25th Governor of Kansas, serving until 1933. During his term, the state's crumbling finances were dealt with, utility rates were cut, a separated labor department was created, tax relief was endorsed, driver's licenses became mandatory for all motor vehicle operators and a permanent crippled children's commission was formed. After leaving office, he was the U.S. Assistant Secretary of War, (1933-36) and in 1936, he was appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 53rd U.S. Secretary of War, serving until he resigned in 1940. After two unsuccessful attempts for reelection to be Kansas Governor, he lived in retirement until his death from a stroke.
Kansas Governor, Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He attended the Lebanon Business University, worked various jobs and became president-owner of the First National Bank of Neodesha, Kansas. During World War I, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Tank Corps. After the war, he was elected department commander of the Kansas State American Legion in 1928. In 1930, he was elected as a Democrat the 25th Governor of Kansas, serving until 1933. During his term, the state's crumbling finances were dealt with, utility rates were cut, a separated labor department was created, tax relief was endorsed, driver's licenses became mandatory for all motor vehicle operators and a permanent crippled children's commission was formed. After leaving office, he was the U.S. Assistant Secretary of War, (1933-36) and in 1936, he was appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 53rd U.S. Secretary of War, serving until he resigned in 1940. After two unsuccessful attempts for reelection to be Kansas Governor, he lived in retirement until his death from a stroke.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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