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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative, Senator

Military Service: Army, National Guard

RALPH O. BREWSTER, the fifty-fourth governor of Maine, was born in Dexter, Maine on February 22, 1888. His education was attained at Bowdoin College, where he graduated in 1909, and at Harvard University, where he earned his law degree in 1913. After establishing his legal career in Portland, Brewster entered into politics. From 1917 to 1918, he served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives; however, he resigned before finishing his term, to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served as a private in the 3rd Infantry, Maine National Guard, and attained the rank of captain in 1818. After his military service, Brewster returned to his political career. He served again in the Maine House of Representatives from 1921 to 1923, and was a member of the Maine State Senate from 1923 to 1925. Brewster won the 1924 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the general election by a popular vote. He was reelected to a second term in 1926. During his tenure, an extensive highway program was initiated, a state development commission was created, the New England Council was established in 1925, and electric power was instituted. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Brewster left office on January 2, 1929. He later served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1935 to 1941. He also served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1941 to 1952. Governor Ralph O. Brewster passed away on December 25, 1961, and was buried at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter, Maine.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Bowdoin College