Fred P. Cone

Fred P. Cone

Frederick Preston Cone (born September 28, 1871 in Benton , Florida , † July 28, 1948 in Lake City , Florida) was an American politician and the 27th governor of Florida from 1937 to 1941  .

Early years and political advancement

Frederick Cone attended Florida Agricultural College and Jasper Normal College. After completing a law degree, he was admitted to the bar in 1892. In Lake City, Cone soon made a career as a lawyer, banker, and mayor. Between 1907 and 1913 he was a member of the Florida Senate and in 1911 its President (Speaker). In 1924, 1928 and 1932 he was a delegate at the federal party congresses of the Democratic Party and in 1932 its session president when Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for the presidential candidate.

Florida governor

In 1936, Cone managed to secure his party's nomination as the top candidate for gubernatorial elections. After the subsequent election victory, he took up his new office on January 5, 1937. During his four-year tenure, he spoke out against new taxes. On the other hand, a fee for driving licenses was introduced. The proceeds were to be used to finance the Highway Patrol. The governor supported Florida's efforts to get a good stand at the World's Fair in New York City . The show was a huge success for Florida.

Further life

After the end of his term of office, Cone could not be directly re-elected due to a clause in the state constitution. Therefore, he resigned on January 7, 1941 from his office. He then applied unsuccessfully for a seat in the US Senate , after which he withdrew from politics. He spent his twilight years in Lake City.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 1, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Frederick Cone in the National Governor Association (English)
• Florida Governor Portraits (English)
• Fred P. Cone in the database of Find a Grave (English)