State Web Site

Military Service: National Guard

FRANK W. ROLLINS, the fifty-sixth governor of New Hampshire, was born in Concord, New Hampshire on February 24, 1860. His early education was attained in the Concord public schools, and later he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1881. He studied law at Harvard, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. Instead of practicing law, Rollins went to work in the family's banking firm. He eventually became the manager and vice-president of the Boston branch. Rollins also had a military career, starting in 1880 with service in the National Guard. He later served as an assistant adjutant general with the rank of lieutenant colonel, a post he held for five years. Rollins first entered politics in 1895, serving as a one-term member and president of the New Hampshire State Senate. He also was designated to give the New England delegation address to presidential nominee William McKinley. In 1898, Rollins secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the popular vote in the general election. During his tenure, the "old home week" festival was initiated; and tourism incentives were promoted. After leaving office, Rollins retired from political life. He stayed active, serving on several boards, as well as serving as trustee for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Governor Frank W. Rollins, who was the author of several books, passed away on October 27, 1915. He was buried in the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire.

Sources:

New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources

The Political Graveyard

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Wikipedia.org