Ralph F. Gates Politician

Ralph Fesler Gates (February 24, 1893 - July 28, 1978) was the 37th Governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1945 to 1949. A lawyer and veteran of World War I, he is credited with returning his party to power after the Ku Klux Klan scandal in late 1920s that led to years of Democratic dominance of the state government during the Great Depression. His term in office focused primarily on encouraging economic growth as World War II ended through the improvement of the state highway system, education reform, and offering incentives for industrial growth. After leaving office he remained active as a leader in the state Republican Party until his death.

Personal facts

Birth date	February 24, 1893
Birth place	Columbia City Indiana , Indiana
Religion	Presbyterianism
Date of death	July 28, 1978
Place of death	Columbia City Indiana , Indiana
Education	University of Michigan