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LOUIS J. BRANN, the fifty-sixth governor of Maine, was born in Madison, Maine on July 6, 1876. His education was attained in the Gardiner public schools, and at the University of Maine, where he graduated in 1898. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1902, and established a successful career as a trial lawyer. Brann entered politics in 1906, serving as the city solicitor of Lewiston. He served as the tax collector of Lewiston in 1908, was the register of probate from 1909 to 1913, and served for two years as a Municipal Court judge in Lewiston. He also served as the mayor of Lewiston from 1915 to 1916 and again from 1922 to 1924, and was the chairman of the Maine Democratic Party. In 1932, Brann won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the general election by a popular vote. He was reelected to a second term in 1934. During his tenure, a constitutional amendment was sanctioned that secured $2 million in state bonds for emergency relief. Also, summer tourism within the state was promoted, and extensive federal funds were granted. After completing his term, Brann left office on January 6, 1937. Brann ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1936 and 1938, and was defeated in his 1938 reelection bid for the governor's office. Governor Louis J. Brann passed away on February 3, 1948, and was buried at the Riverside Cemetery in Lewiston, 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.

Maine.com

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