Florida Governor, U.S. Senator. He graduated from Emory University in 1912, earned a law degree from the University of Florida, in 1916 and during World War I, served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps in France and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor. After the war, be practiced law in Bartow, Florida and was the Polk County prosecuting attorney, in 1919. He served as a judge in Polk County, (1920-29) and was a member of the Florida State Senate, (1932-40). In 1941, he was elected as a Democrat the 28th Governor of Florida, serving until 1945. During his term, the Everglades National Park and the Game and Fresh Water Commission were created, the state’s tax system was reformed and a teacher’s retirement program was initiated. Also, he organized the state’s defense effort, at the start of World War II, military bases were established in the state and the home front was organized. After leaving office, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate and was elected to four six-year terms, serving (1946-71). Shortly after leaving the Senate, he died of a heart attack.

Florida Governor, U.S. Senator. He graduated from Emory University in 1912, earned a law degree from the University of Florida, in 1916 and during World War I, served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps in France and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor. After the war, be practiced law in Bartow, Florida and was the Polk County prosecuting attorney, in 1919. He served as a judge in Polk County, (1920-29) and was a member of the Florida State Senate, (1932-40). In 1941, he was elected as a Democrat the 28th Governor of Florida, serving until 1945. During his term, the Everglades National Park and the Game and Fresh Water Commission were created, the state’s tax system was reformed and a teacher’s retirement program was initiated. Also, he organized the state’s defense effort, at the start of World War II, military bases were established in the state and the home front was organized. After leaving office, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate and was elected to four six-year terms, serving (1946-71). Shortly after leaving the Senate, he died of a heart attack.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith