Ralph F. Gates
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| Ralph Fesler Gates | |
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37th Governor of Indiana
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| In office January 8, 1945 – January 10, 1949 |
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| Preceded by | Henry F. Schricker |
| Succeeded by | Henry F. Schricker |
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| Born | February 24, 1893 Columbia City, Indiana |
| Died | July 28, 1978 Columbia City, Indiana |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Helene Edwards[1] |
| Religion | Presbyterian[2] |
Ralph Fesler Gates (February 24, 1893 - July 28, 1978) was governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1945 to 1949.
[edit] Biography
Gates was born in Columbia City, Indiana on February 24, 1893. He attended the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1915. He earned a law degree from the same college in 1917. During World War I he served as an ensign in the pay corps and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. He spent about a year overseas.
After returning home from the war Gates reopened his law practice in Columbia City. He was also active in the American Legion and was the Indiana Commander in 1931.
Gates first entered politics in 1941 serving the the chairman of the state's Republican Party. He served there until his nomination to be candidate for governor in 1944. He won the election and was inaugurated on January 8, 1945. His tenure saw the creation of several new agencies including the flood control commission, the department of veteran affairs, the department of revenue, and the traffic safety commission. He left office on January 10, 1949, not seeking reelection.
He retired from public office but remained active in Republican causes. He was a member of the Republican National Committee between 1947 to 1961. He died on July 28, 1978, and was buried in the Greenhill Cemetery in Columbia City, Indiana.
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| Preceded by Henry F. Schricker |
Governor of Indiana January 8, 1945 - January 10, 1949 |
Succeeded by Henry F. Schricker |
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