Frank Swett Black

Republican Representative of New York's 19th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

March 8, 1853 (60 years old)

Birthday

March 22, 1913

Death

Was a newspaper editor, lawyer, and politician.
Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1895 to 1897.
Served as the 32nd governor of New York from 1897 to 1898.
Graduated from Dartmouth College in 1875.
Became involved in politics by giving speeches for Republican candidates and serving as chairman of the Republican Party in Rensselaer County.
Resigned from the House of Representatives to assume the governorship of New York.
Advocated for conservation efforts, including the establishment of the New York State College of Forestry and the consolidation of the boroughs into New York City.
Oversaw New York’s participation in the Spanish–American War, raising, training, and equipping 16,000 soldiers.
Supported election reforms allowing soldiers to vote while out of state or outside the United States.
Controversially appointed a widely regarded corrupt associate as state insurance superintendent, causing a rift within his party.
Was not re-nominated for governor in 1898, being replaced by Theodore Roosevelt.
Resumed his law practice after leaving office and remained active in politics, including supporting Charles Evans Hughes for president in 1908.
Died from heart disease in 1913 and was cremated, with his ashes buried at his summer home in Freedom, New Hampshire.
Married Lois B. Hamlin in 1879, with whom he had one son.
Received an honorary degree of LL.D. from Dartmouth College in 1898.