Oklahoma Governor. He graduated from Southeastern State College, taught school, (1928-32) and was the Superintendent of Schools for Marshall County, Oklahoma. He also was the proprietor of the Gary Furniture Manufacturing Company and later became President of Sooner Oil Company. Entering politics, he was a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, (1940-54). In 1955, he was elected as a Democrat the 15th Governor of Oklahoma, serving until 1959. While as Governor, he worked toward the elimination of other racial restrictions in the state, the state's public schools were integrated and a constitutional amendment was adopted abolishing state financing of segregated schools and more than 3,500 miles of new highways were constructed. After leaving office, he returned to his oil and business interests.
Oklahoma Governor. He graduated from Southeastern State College, taught school, (1928-32) and was the Superintendent of Schools for Marshall County, Oklahoma. He also was the proprietor of the Gary Furniture Manufacturing Company and later became President of Sooner Oil Company. Entering politics, he was a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, (1940-54). In 1955, he was elected as a Democrat the 15th Governor of Oklahoma, serving until 1959. While as Governor, he worked toward the elimination of other racial restrictions in the state, the state's public schools were integrated and a constitutional amendment was adopted abolishing state financing of segregated schools and more than 3,500 miles of new highways were constructed. After leaving office, he returned to his oil and business interests.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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