James T. Blair

James Thomas Blair (born March 15, 1902 in Maysville , DeKalb County , Missouri , † July 12, 1962 in Jefferson City , Missouri) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and from 1957 to 1961 the 44th governor of Missouri.

Early years and political advancement

Blair attended Southwest Missouri State College and the University of Missouri . He then studied law at Cumberland University in Tennessee . After graduating from the bar and admitted to the bar in 1924, he began practicing law in Jefferson City. In 1925 he became the town's legal advisor. During World War II he served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army.

Blair was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1928 and 1930 and became Mayor of Jefferson City in 1947. From 1948 to 1956 he was Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. On November 6, 1956, he was elected the new governor of his state.

Missouri governor

Blair took up his new office on January 14, 1957. During his four-year tenure, the motorway police were reinforced. At the same time, general speed limits were introduced on the motorways. At that time, a committee for the control of water protection was established. A new pension law came into force for employees in the public sector.

Another résumé

After his tenure ended in January 1961, Blair retired from politics. He and his wife Emilie, with whom he had two children, died on July 12, 1962, of poisoning caused by exhaust fumes from a running engine. The exhaust gases had entered the house from the garage via the air conditioning.

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

• James Blair in the National Governors Association (English)

• James T. Blair in the database of Find a Grave (English)