Gov. Frederick Bartlett Fancher

FREDERICK BARTLETT FANCHER, the seventh governor of North Dakota, was born in Kenyonville, New York on April 2, 1852. His early education was attained in the public schools of New York and Michigan. He later attended the State Normal School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Before entering into politics, Fancher worked in the insurance industry in Illinois and North Dakota. He first entered politics in 1889, serving as president of the North Dakota Constitutional Convention. He also served as the state insurance commissioner from 1895 to 1899; and was a trustee board member for the State Hospital for the Insane. Fancher next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 8, 1898. During his tenure, railroad construction was advanced; a state board of pardons was formed; and a twine plant was established at the state penitentiary. After completing his term, Fancher retired from political life. He later moved to Sacramento, California, where he established a wholesale and retail grocery business. Governor Frederick B. Fancher passed away in Los Angeles on January 10, 1944.