Gordon Weaver Browning

Democrat Representative of Tennessee's 7th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

November 22, 1889 (86 years old)

Birthday

May 23, 1976

Death

Served as the 38th governor of Tennessee for two non-consecutive terms (1937-1939 and 1949-1953)
Served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1923-1935)
Was Chancellor of Tennessee’s Eighth Chancery District in the 1940s
As governor, worked on stabilizing state finances, doubling the state’s paved roads, and enacting anti-voter fraud legislation
Played a role in diminishing the power of Memphis political boss E. H. Crump
Served in the Allied occupational government in Germany post-World War II and was a civil affairs advisor to General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Born and raised in Tennessee, educated at Valparaiso University and Cumberland School of Law
Served as a 2nd lieutenant and later captain in the Tennessee National Guard during World War I, cited for gallantry
Attempted to run for the U.S. Senate in 1934 but was defeated
Implemented significant reforms during his gubernatorial terms, including debt reduction, conservation efforts, and civil service merit system
Faced and overcame opposition from political machines, notably in his second gubernatorial term
Increased funding for rural schools and higher education, established a teacher retirement system and minimum salaries, and expanded the state’s road system during his second term as governor
Married Ida Leach in 1920, with no children
Legacy includes a museum in McKenzie, Tennessee, and buildings named in his honor at several Tennessee universities