Marion E. Hay, Governor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_E._Hay

Marion E. Hay (December 9, 1865 – November 21, 1933) was the seventh Governor of the U.S. state of Washington.

Biography

Born in Adams County, Wisconsin, Hay attended the Bayless Commercial Business College in Dubuque, Iowa. He married Lizzie L. Muir in Jackson on January 16, 1887, and they had six children, Raymond M., Moon M., Edward M., Bruce M., Rance M., Katherine J., and Margaret E.

Career

Hay moved to Washington Territory, in 1888, where he open a store in Davenport, Washington and owned wheat ranches in eastern Washington and Canada. He also served two terms as mayor of Wilbur, Washington from 1898 to 1902, as well as chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party, and was an alternate to the Republican National Convention in 1900.

In 1909, Hay was elected as Lieutenant Governor of Washington, and he became Governor upon the death of Samuel G. Cosgrove, after only about 2 months in office in 1909. He served the remainder of Cosgrove's unexpired term and left office in 1913. Focusing on corruption in state government, he called a special session of the legislature to investigate and impeach dishonest state officials. During his administration, the Workman's Compensation law and women's sufferage were enacted.

Defeated for re-election in 1912, he returned to manage his personal business interests and property holdings; and was chairman of the 12th District Regional Agricultural Credit Corporation.

Death

Hay died on November 21, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, and is interred at the mausoleum at Riverside Memorial Park, Spokane, Washington.