Forrest H. Anderson

Forrest Howard Anderson (born January 30, 1913 in Helena , Montana , † July 20, 1989 ibid) was an American lawyer and politician of the Democratic Party . From 1969 to 1973 he was governor of the state of Montana.

Early years and political advancement

Forrest Anderson attended Helena High School and then the University of Montana , where he studied law. In 1938 he graduated from the Law School of the Catholic University in Washington . After being admitted to the bar, he began practicing in Helena.

Between 1943 and 1944, Anderson was a member of the Montana House of Representatives ; from 1945 to 1947 he was a prosecutor in Lewis and Clark County . He was advisor to a government commission until 1949, before becoming a judge on the Montana Supreme Court between 1953 and 1956 . In 1957 he took over the office of Attorney General of Montana, which he held for twelve years until 1969. In 1968 he was elected the new governor of Montana, with 54.1 percent of the vote against the Republican incumbent Tim M. Babcock .

Governor of Montana

Anderson's four-year term began on January 6, 1969. During this time, he reformed the government apparatus. The more than 100 different authorities have been merged into 19 ministries. This has significantly improved the efficiency of the government. In 1972 a new constitution for Montana was drafted and put into effect by the governor. Due to his poor health, Anderson decided not to run again in 1972. He left his post on January 1, 1973.

In the following years, Anderson withdrew into private life. His health got worse and worse. At the age of 76, Anderson committed suicide with a firearm. He left behind his wife Evelyn, two daughters and a son.

Web links

• Forrest Anderson in the National Governors Association (English)
• Of Governors of Montana short biographies (English)
• Forrest H. Anderson in the database of Find a Grave (English)