Montana Governor. Immigrating to the United States in 1911, he established an oil rigging business in Montana and discovered an oil field in Toole County, in 1922, which became the state’s richest natural gas and oil fields. He also had a successful trucking business advertised as, "The Galloping Swede". Entering politics, he was as an alderman of the Cut Bank City Council, (1934-38), a member of the Montana State House of Representatives, in 1938 and a member of the Montana State Senate, in 1944. In 1953, he was elected as a Republican the 14th Governor of Montana, serving until 1961. While he was in office, the state forestry office was restructured, a gasoline tax was initiated which funded the highway department, prison reform programs were instituted and a legislative council was founded. After completing his final term, he remained active in Republican politics until his death at age 86.
Montana Governor. Immigrating to the United States in 1911, he established an oil rigging business in Montana and discovered an oil field in Toole County, in 1922, which became the state’s richest natural gas and oil fields. He also had a successful trucking business advertised as, "The Galloping Swede". Entering politics, he was as an alderman of the Cut Bank City Council, (1934-38), a member of the Montana State House of Representatives, in 1938 and a member of the Montana State Senate, in 1944. In 1953, he was elected as a Republican the 14th Governor of Montana, serving until 1961. While he was in office, the state forestry office was restructured, a gasoline tax was initiated which funded the highway department, prison reform programs were instituted and a legislative council was founded. After completing his final term, he remained active in Republican politics until his death at age 86.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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