Forrest Smith

Forrest Smith (born February 14, 1886 in Ray County , Missouri , † March 8, 1962 in Gulfport , Mississippi ) was an American politician and from 1949 to 1953 the 42nd governor of Missouri.

Early years and political advancement

Smith attended the Woodson Institute in Richmond and Westminster College in Fulton . He then began a public service career. Initially, he was employed by the Ray County Administration for twelve years in various positions. Between 1925 and 1932 he was a member of the State Tax Commission. From 1933 to 1949 he was State Auditor for the State of Missouri. On November 2, 1948, he was elected as the new governor of his state as a candidate from his Democratic Party . He became the successor of Phil Donnelly , who could not run for re-election directly because of a constitutional clause.

Missouri governor

Forrest Smith began his four-year term on January 10, 1949. During this time, an organized gambling investigation was opened in Missouri and a Union Curb Law was abolished. When the Korean War broke out, soldiers from Missouri were again mustered and made available to the armed forces. At that time there was also a flood disaster, the consequences of which the governor and his government had to deal with.

After his tenure ended in January 1953, Smith retired from politics and devoted himself to his private affairs. He died on March 8, 1962 and was buried in Richmond. Forrest Smith was married to Mildred William, with whom he had two children.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME	Smith, Forrest
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	February 14, 1886
PLACE OF BIRTH	Ray County , Missouri
DATE OF DEATH	March 8, 1962
Place of death	Gulfport , Mississippi