Governor Charles William Tobey

CHARLES W. TOBEY, the seventy-first governor of New Hampshire, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on July 22, 1880. His early education was attained in the Boston public school system, and later he attended the Roxbury Latin School. Tobey became a successful businessman, with holdings in the banking, manufacturing, and insurance industries. He first entered politics as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, a position he held three terms, serving from 1915 to 1916, 1919 to 1920, and 1923 to 1924. He also served as speaker of the house from 1919 to 1920; and was a member and president of the New Hampshire State Senate from 1925 to 1926. Tobey next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1928. During his tenure, bonds were issued for the advancement of highways; youth correctional facilities were improved; and for the first time ever roads were plowed in the winter. After declining to run for reelection, Tobey returned to his business interests. After a short hiatus, he returned to his political career. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1933 to 1939, as well as serving as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1939 to 1953. Governor Charles W. Tobey passed away on July 24, 1953, and was buried in the Miller Cemetery in Temple, New Hampshire.