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ALBERT WILLS MCINTIRE, Colorado's first governor to be elected in which women were allowed to vote, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1853. He attended Newell Institute, graduated from Yale University in 1873, and earned a LL.B. degree from Yale Law School two years later. In 1876 McIntire moved to Colorado, where he opened a law practice, and began a successful cattle-raising business. He entered into politics as county judge of Conejos County, a position he held from 1883 to 1886. Two years later, Governor Routt appointed him judge of the Twelfth Judicial District. On November 6, 1894, McIntire was elected Colorado's ninth governor. During his term, the State Insane Asylum expanded, the State Bureau of Mines was established, and a state commission was authorized to advance the consistency of legislation among the states of the Union. McIntire advocated the need for the state to safeguard its natural resources, he authorized increased spending to improve the state's highways, and he called for legislation to restrict gambling and ensure equal suffrage. He contended with the Walsenburg lynching, which was an international dispute that was settled in a way acceptable to both the Italian government and the U.S. Secretary of State. He dealt successfully with the Leadville strike troubles in 1896 -- McIntire sent the militia out to help protect life and property and consequently ended further occurrences of violence. He left office on January 12, 1897, and returned to his law practice and ranching business. Governor Albert McIntire died on January 31, 1935, and he is buried at the La Jara Cemetery in Conejos County.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 1, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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