Nevada
Gov. Richard Kirman
- January 7, 1935 - January 3, 1939
- Democratic
- January 14, 1877
- January 19, 1959
- Nevada
- Married Mabelle Jean King; two children
About
RICHARD KIRMAN, the seventeenth governor of Nevada, was born in Virginia City, Nevada, on January 14, 1877. His early education was attained in the Nevada public schools, and later he attended Lincoln High School in San Francisco. Kirman worked in the banking industry, and eventually became president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Reno. He first entered politics as a member of the Nevada Assembly, a position he held in 1899. He also was a member of the University of Nevada Board of Regents from 1902 to 1904, and served as the mayor of Reno from 1907 to 1909. Kirman next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 6, 1934. He was sworn into office on January 7, 1935. During his tenure, the “One Sound State” policy was advanced, construction on the Hoover Dam was finished, and the State Planning Board was created. After leaving office on January 3, 1939, Kirman retired from political life. He returned to his cattle ranching business, as well as becoming active in the hardware industry. Governor Richard Kirman passed away on January 19, 1959, and was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Reno, Nevada.N
Source
Nevada State Archives: Richard Kirman 1935-1939
Nevada State Library and Archives: Nevada Governors' Biographical Information
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.
