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Higher Office(s) Served: Senator

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served:  Mexican border conflict, World War I

DWIGHT P. GRISWOLD, the twenty-sixth governor of Nebraska, was born in Harrison, Nebraska, on November 27, 1893. His education was attained at Kearny Military Academy, at Nebraska Wesleyan University, and at the University of Nebraska, where he graduated in 1914. Griswold served as a sergeant in the 4th Nebraska Infantry during the Mexican border conflict. He also served during World War I as first lieutenant of artillery, and later was promoted to the rank of captain. Before entering into politics, Griswold established a successful career as a banker and publisher. He won his election to the Nebraska House of Representatives in 1920. He also served as a member of the Nebraska State Senate from 1925 to 1929. Griswold next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1940. He was reelected to a second term in 1942, and to a third term in 1944. During his tenure World War II issues were managed; a state workmen's compensation law was improved; a state hiring merit system was initiated; and the state's legal interest rate was significantly reduced. After leaving the governorship, Griswold served as director of the Division of Internal Affairs and Communications, Military Government of Germany. From 1947 to 1948, he served as chief of the American Mission Aid to Greece, and from 1950 to 1954 he served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He also served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1952 to 1954. Governor Dwight P. Griswold passed away on April 12, 1954, and was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Sources:

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.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

The Harry S. Truman Library

The Political Graveyard