Indiana Governor. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1915 and also earned his law degree in 1917. During World War I, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, overseas. After the war, he established his legal practice with his father in Columbia City, Indiana. He also was active in the American Legion, serving as commander of the Indiana Department in 1931 and was state chairman of the Republican Party, (1941-44). In 1944, he was elected as a Republican the 37th Governor of Indiana, serving until 1945. During his tenure, a public employee’s retirement pension was initiated, new state departments were instituted, which included the flood control commission, the department of veteran affairs, the department of revenue, and the traffic safety commission. After leaving office, he continued to stay active in Republican politics. He died of natural causes at age 85.

Indiana Governor. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1915 and also earned his law degree in 1917. During World War I, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, overseas. After the war, he established his legal practice with his father in Columbia City, Indiana. He also was active in the American Legion, serving as commander of the Indiana Department in 1931 and was state chairman of the Republican Party, (1941-44). In 1944, he was elected as a Republican the 37th Governor of Indiana, serving until 1945. During his tenure, a public employee’s retirement pension was initiated, new state departments were instituted, which included the flood control commission, the department of veteran affairs, the department of revenue, and the traffic safety commission. After leaving office, he continued to stay active in Republican politics. He died of natural causes at age 85.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith