Governor Ralph Gilmour Brooks

RALPH G. BROOKS, the thirtieth governor of Nebraska, was born in Eustis, Nebraska, on July 6, 1898. His education was attained at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 1925, and at the University of Nebraska, where he earned a law degree in 1926 and a M.A. in school administration in 1932. Brooks had a successful career in education, teaching at several schools in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as serving as the superintendent of schools in McCook, Nebraska. He first entered politics as an unsuccessful congressional candidate in 1942. Brooks next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in November 1958. During his tenure, a comprehensive traffic safety program was endorsed and industrial growth was promoted. Before finishing his term, Brooks passed away on September 9, 1960. Governor Ralph G. Brooks was buried in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.