Fred B. Balzar

Frederick Bennett "Fred" Balzar (born June 15, 1880 in Virginia City , Nevada , † March 11, 1934 in Carson City , Nevada) was an American politician and from 1927 to 1934 governor of the state of Nevada.

Early years and political advancement

Frederick Balzar first attended the public schools in his home country and then the Polytechnic High School in San Francisco, California . In the following years he worked as a stagecoach driver, ranch worker and miner. He also worked for the railroad as a conductor and at times ran a butcher's shop. Balzar became a member of the Republican Party . Between 1905 and 1906 he was a member of the Nevada House of Representatives ; from 1909 to 1916 he was a member of the State Senate . From 1917 to 1926 Balzar worked as a sheriff and administrative employee ( County Assessor ) in Mineral County . He was also Chairman of the Republicans in Nevada in 1924 and 1925. As their candidate, he was elected the new governor of his state in November 1926.

Governor of Nevada

Balzar took up his new office on January 3, 1927 and was re-elected in 1930. During his tenure, funding for the Hoover Dam was secured and construction began, which was completed in 1935. Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931. In addition, a new divorce law was passed and the National Guard reformed. His second term in office was overshadowed by the events of the Great Depression. Governor Balzar did not live to see the end of his second term. He died on March 11, 1934 in his official residence in Carson City. He was married to Idelle Edna Sinnamon, with whom he had a child.

Web links

• Fred Balzar in the National Governors Association (English)
• The Political Graveyard (English)
• Fred B. Balzar in the database of Find a Grave (English)
• The governors of Nevada