John McGraw (governor)

John Harte McGraw (October 4, 1850 – June 23, 1910) was the second Governor of Washington state.

John McGraw
McGraw circa 1890
2nd Governor of Washington
In office January 9, 1893 – January 11, 1897
Lieutenant	F. H. Luce
Preceded by	Elisha P. Ferry
Succeeded by	John Rankin Rogers
Personal details
Born	October 4, 1850 Penobscot County, Maine
Died	June 23, 1910 (aged 59)
Political party	Republican

Biography

McGraw was born in Penobscot County, Maine. He served as Republican Governor January 9, 1893 - January 11, 1897. Previously he was Sheriff of King County, Washington during the Seattle riot of 1886.

McGraw, a law graduate, had also been President of Seattle First National Bank and Seattle Chamber of Commerce. After leaving office, he made money during the Klondike Gold Rush, much needed since he had to repay the State $10,000 following an investigation into his term of office.

He died on June 23, 1910 from scarlet fever.

A bronze statue of McGraw sculpted by Richard E. Brooks in 1913 stands at McGraw Square in Seattle.[1]

References

1. Gilmore, Susan (February 9, 2011). "Downtown park, statue honor man who stood up to a mob". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 6, 2015.

• National Governors Association

Further reading

• Meany, Edmond S (1915). Governors of Washington : territorial and state. University of Washington.Available online through the Washington State Library's Classics in Washington History collection