Governor Bert Manfred Fernald

BERT M. FERNALD, the forty-seventh governor of Maine, was born in West Poland, Maine on April 3, 1858. His education was attained at the Hebron Academy, and at a Boston business school. Before entering into politics, he established careers in the farming and the corn packing industries. In 1897, Fernald won his first election, becoming a member of the Maine House of Representatives, a position he held until 1899. He also served as a member of the Maine State Senate from 1900 to 1901. In 1908, he won the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the general election by a popular vote. During his tenure, the first conservation commission was initiated which authorized the protection of the state’s water supply and forests. Also, the new state capitol building was built in Augusta. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Fernald left office on January 4, 1911. He later served as a member of the U.S. Senate, an office he held from 1916 to 1926. Governor Bert M. Fernald passed away on August 23, 1926, and was buried in the Highland Cemetery in West Poland, Maine.