Frederick D. Gardner

Frederick D. Gardner (1916)

Frederick Dozier Gardner (born November 6, 1869 in Hickman , Fulton County , Kentucky , † December 18, 1933 in St. Louis , Missouri ) was an American politician and from 1917 to 1921 the 34th governor of Missouri.

Early years and advancement

Frederick Gardner attended elementary schools in Tennessee and then Harvard University . After moving to St. Louis, he began a successful career as a funeral director. His business had branches in Texas and Tennessee. Through his profession he gained a great reputation. Therefore, on November 7, 1916, he was elected as the candidate of the Democratic Party for the new governor of his state. This was the only political office Gardner ever held.

Missouri governor

Gardner took office on January 8, 1917. During this time, road construction in Missouri was advanced. Women were given the right to vote, a tax commission was set up, the capitol in the capital was completed, and state recreation parks were planned. The American entry into the First World War also fell during his term of office . As in the other US states, the economy in Missouri had to be converted to arms production. Soldiers also had to be recruited for the armed forces. After the end of the war in November 1918, the economy had to be reduced to normal requirements and the returning soldiers had to be reintegrated into society.

Another résumé

After the end of his tenure, Gardner withdrew from politics and returned to his private business interests. He died on December 18, 1933 and was buried in St. Louis. Frederick Gardner was married to Jeanette Vosburgh, with whom he had three children.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Frederick Gardner in the National Governors Association (English)
• Frederick D. Gardner in the database of Find a Grave (English)