Governor Frank Swett Black

FRANK S. BLACK, the thirty-fifth governor of New York, was born near Limington, Maine on March 8, 1853. His education was attained at Lebanon Academy, and at Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1875. While studying law, he worked as an editor for the Johnstown, New York Journal. After establishing his legal career in Troy, New York, Black entered into politics. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1895 to 1897. Black next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 3, 1896. During his tenure, election reform laws were lobbied for; the Spanish-American War was endorsed; and costly improvements were carried out on the Erie Canal. After completing his term, Black retired from political life. He stayed active in his New York City law practice. Governor Frank S. Black passed away on March 22, 1913 and his cremated remains were placed in a sepulcher on his farm near Freedom, New Hampshire.