William Tudor Gardiner

William Tudor Gardiner (June 12, 1892 – August 3, 1953) was an American politician and the 55th Governor of Maine.

Early life

Gardiner was born in Newton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1892. He studied at the Groton School. He went to Harvard University for his higher studies and completed his law degree in 1917.

First World War

During First World War, Gardiner served in the army. He later became the first lieutenant of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. He served outside the United States and participated in the operation that attained the Italian Armistice. After his military service, he established his law career in Portland, Maine.

Politics

Gardiner was elected as a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1920. He held that position for six years. In 1928, he was nominated by the Republican Party for the governorship of Maine. He won the general election by a popular vote. He was successful in his re-election bid in 1930. During his administration, when the stock market crashed, the crippling economic problems were dealt with. He left office on January 4, 1933. Gardiner was later killed in a plane crash.

Personal life

Gardiner married Margaret Thomas and they had four children. He was an Episcopalian. His son, Tudor (a lawyer), was married to Tenley Albright, a distinguished figure skaer, and later a surgeon.

Sources

• Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2