State Web Site

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  World War I

CHARLES M. DALE, the seventy-sixth governor of New Hampshire, was born in Browns Valley, Minnesota on March 8, 1893. His education was attained at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor degree in 1915, and a law degree in 1917. During World War I, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army's Artillery Coast Corps. After establishing his legal career in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dale entered into politics. He won election in 1921, serving as the city solicitor for Portsmouth, a position he held two years. He served as mayor of Portsmouth from 1926 to 1928 and 1943 to 1944; and was a member of the New Hampshire State Senate from 1933 to 1937 and 1938 to 1939. He also served as senate president from 1935 to 1937; and was a member of the Governor's Council from 1937 to 1938. Dale next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1944. He won reelection to a second term in 1946. During his tenure, a state employees' retirement plan was created; tourism and the state's industry were both promoted; and the deficit was reduced. After completing his term, Dale retired from political life. He stayed active, working in the banking industry, as well as owning and operating the WHEB radio station. Governor Charles M. Dale passed away on September 28, 1978, and was buried in the Valley View Cemetery in Browns Valley, 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