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ARCHIE M. GUBBRUD was born in Lincoln County, South Dakota and attended Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota, graduating in 1929. In addition to farming, he became Clerk of Norway Township, serving from 1934 until 1950. He also served on the Alcester School Board from 1946 until 1951 and was director of the State Bank of Alcester from 1949 until 1969. He was a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives between 1950 and 1960, serving as Speaker of the House in 1957. From 1955 until 1957 he was a member of the state Legislative Research Council, serving as Secretary in 1957. In 1960 he defeated incumbent Governor Ralph Herseth, winning reelection two years later. While Gubbrud was governor, the state celebrated the centennial of the establishment of Dakota Territory. Also during Gubbrud's administration, South Dakota's welfare laws were tightened and aid to education was significantly increased. Gubbrud was not chosen by the Republican Party to run again in 1964, but served as a state delegate to the Republican National Conventions of 1964 and 1968. After leaving office, he became chairman of Beefland International and director of the South Dakota Farmers Home Administration.

Sources:

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

The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. J. New York: James T. White & Company.

South Dakota State Historical Society