State Web Site

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  World War I

Honors/Awards:  Distinguished Service Cross; Croix de Guerre

ROBERT O. BLOOD, the seventy-fifth governor of New Hampshire, was born in Enfield, New Hampshire on November 10, 1887. His education was attained at Dartmouth College, where he earned both a bachelor degree, as well as a medical degree. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Medical Corps as a lieutenant, and was awarded medals from both France and Britain. After establishing a successful medical practice, Blood entered into politics. He served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1935 to 1936; and was a member of the New Hampshire State Senate from 1937 to 1940, serving as president of the senate from 1939 to 1940. Blood next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1940. He won reelection to a second term in 1942. During his tenure, World War II measures were initiated, such as the rationing of gasoline and the creation of the state council of defense. Also, a state employees' classification system was set-up; a biennial budget plan was implemented; and the state deficit was eliminated. After completing his term, Blood ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. congressional seat in 1946. He continued to stay politically active, serving as a member of the Republican National Conventions from 1944 to 1960. Governor Robert O. Blood passed away on August 3, 1975, and 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