Governor Thomas Jewett Mabry

THOMAS J. MABRY was born in Carlisle County, Kentucky, on October 17, 1884. His education was attained at the University of Oklahoma, and then at the University of New Mexico, where he studied law. He established his legal career in New Mexico, as well as founding and publishing the Journal in Clovis. Mabry first entered politics as a member of the 1910 New Mexico State Constitutional Convention. From 1912 to 1917 he served in the New Mexico State Senate and from 1926 to 1927 was a member of the Albuquerque City Commission. He also served as district attorney of Albuquerque from 1932 to 1936; was a district judge from 1937 to 1939; and served as chief justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court from 1939 to 1946. Mabry next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by popular vote on November 5, 1946. He was reelected to a second term in 1948. During his tenure, an alcoholism commission, civil air patrol department, fair employment practice commission, and fire safety committee were established. After completing his term, Mabry retired from politics. Governor Thomas J. Mabry passed away on December 23, 1962, and was buried somewhere in Albuquerque, New Mexico.