State Web Site

Military Service: Navy

War(s) Served:  World War II

NILS ANDREAS BOE was born in Baltic, South Dakota. He received both his B.A. and LL.B. degrees from the University of Wisconsin, after which he began the practice of law in Sioux Falls. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, returning to his law practice when the war ended. He was a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1950 to 1958, serving for a time as both Speaker Pro Tem and Speaker. He was then Lieutenant Governor for two years (1962-1964) before being elected governor. During Boe’s two terms as governor, state aid to schools was substantially increased, a retirement program for state employees was enacted, and a worker training program was begun in an effort to attract new industry to South Dakota. The legislature also passed laws prohibiting employment discrimination against women and guaranteeing women equal wages for equal work. After leaving office, Boe served as director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Executive Office of the President of the United States from 1969 to 1971, and in 1971 he became Chief Judge of the U.S. Customs Court, New York City.

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.

South Dakota State Historical Society

Who Was Who in America, Vol. XI. New Providence, NJ: Marquis Who's Who.

The Political Graveyard

Portraits of Previous South Dakota Governors