40th Arkansas Governor. Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, he graduated from pharmacy school and joined the United States Army Medical Corps during World War I, where he reached the rank of Captain. After the war he returned to his native state and was elected sheriff of Pulaski County. Nine years later he became a statewide leader for Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaign. He was then rewarded by President Roosevelt, who appointed him Internal Revenue Collector. He used this position to develop a powerful political base and made a successful run for Arkansas Governor, serving from 1941 to 1945. His friendship with President Roosevelt became invaluable to the state, as his New Deal ties led to the Federal government purchasing over one hundred million dollars of bonds for new roads and during World War II some three hundred million dollars worth of defense plants were located in Arkansas. The state's surplus more than doubled during his administration. He stepped down as Governor to run for the United States Senate but lost the election to Senator J. William Fulbright,
40th Arkansas Governor. Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, he graduated from pharmacy school and joined the United States Army Medical Corps during World War I, where he reached the rank of Captain. After the war he returned to his native state and was elected sheriff of Pulaski County. Nine years later he became a statewide leader for Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaign. He was then rewarded by President Roosevelt, who appointed him Internal Revenue Collector. He used this position to develop a powerful political base and made a successful run for Arkansas Governor, serving from 1941 to 1945. His friendship with President Roosevelt became invaluable to the state, as his New Deal ties led to the Federal government purchasing over one hundred million dollars of bonds for new roads and during World War II some three hundred million dollars worth of defense plants were located in Arkansas. The state's surplus more than doubled during his administration. He stepped down as Governor to run for the United States Senate but lost the election to Senator J. William Fulbright,
Bio by: Bigwoo
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