State Web Site

WALTER R. STUBBS, the eighteenth governor of Kansas, was born near Richmond, Indiana on November 7, 1858. His early education was attained in the Kansas public school system. He also attended Kansas University, but did not graduate. He then went on to establish very lucrative businesses in the contracting and banking industries. Stubbs entered politics in 1902, serving as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, a position he held for five years. He also served as speaker in his second legislative term, and was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee from 1904 to 1908. Stubbs won the 1908 Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was sworn into the governorship on January 11, 1909, becoming the first governor nominated by the newly passed direct primary law. Stubbs was reelected to a second term in 1910. During his tenure, a public utilities commission was authorized; policies of state charities were improved, and restrictions were tighten on insurance companies. Also, railroad rates were controlled, farm organizations were established, and a campaign expense law and a bank guarantee law were sanctioned. Stubbs did not seek a third term, but instead ran for election to the U.S. Senate. He won the primary in 1912, but was defeated in the general election. He also was unsuccessful in his 1918 senatorial bid, as well as his 1922 and 1924 gubernatorial bids. After suffering from heart problems, Governor Walter R. Stubbs passed away on March 25, 1929. He was buried at the Lawrence Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.

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.

The KSGenWeb Project

The Political Graveyard