Governor Lynn Joseph Frazier

LYNN J. FRAZIER, the twelfth governor of North Dakota, was born in Steele County, Minnesota on December 21, 1874. His education was attained at Mayville Normal School, and at the University of North Dakota, where he graduated in 1901. Before entering into politics, he worked as a teacher and farmer. Frazier first entered politics as the Nonpartisan League gubernatorial candidate in the Republican Primary and won the 1916 general election. He went on to win reelection in 1918 and 1920. During his tenure, women were granted the right to vote; a state bank and a state industrial commission were established; a graduated income tax was initiated; and the state’s land registration code was revised. In October 1921 a recall election was held that resulted in Frazier losing to Independent Republican Ragnvald Nestos. After leaving office, Frazier won election to the U.S. Senate, an office he held from 1923 to 1941. Governor Lynn J. Frazier passed away on January 11, 1947, and was buried in the Park Cemetery in Hoople, North Dakota.