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The following information was compiled from the Colorado Session Laws and other official sources at the Colorado State Archives. While we strove to be correct with this information, there may be inaccuracies. For instance, if a Lieutenant Governor was appointed instead of elected,  he may not be listed. Please contact the Colorado State Archives if you have documented corrections.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS OF COLORADO 1877-2003

1.   Lafayette Head                   (1877-1879)

2.   Horace Austin Warner Tabor       (1879-1883)

3.   William H. Meyer                 (1883-1885)

4.   Peter W. Breene                  (1885-1887)

5.   Norman H. Meldrum                (1887-1889)

6.   William Grover Smith             (1889-1891)

7.   William Story                    (1891-1893)

8.   David Hopkinson Nichols          (1893-1895)

9.   Jared L. Brush                   (1895-1899)

10.  Francis Patrick Carney           (1899-1901)

11.  David Courtney Coates            (1901-1902)

12.  Warren Armstrong Haggott         (1902-1903)

13.  Jesse F. McDonald                (1904-1905)

14.  Arthur Cornforth                 (1905)

15.  Fred W. Parks                    (1905-1907)

16.  Erastus R. Harper                (1907-1909)

17.  Stephen R. Fitzgarrald           (1909-1915)

18.  Moses E. Lewis                   (1915-1917)

19.  James A. Pulliam                 (1917-1919)

20.  George Stephan                   (1919-1921)

21.  Earl Cooley                      (1921-1923)

22.  Robert Fay Rockwell              (1923-1925)

23.  Sterling Byrd Lacy               (1925-1927)

24.  George Milton Corlett            (1927-1931)

25.  Edwin Carl Johnson               (1931-1932)

26.  Raymond Herbert Talbot           (1933-1937)

27.  Frank J. Hayes                   (1937-1939)

28.  John C. Vivian                   (1939-1943)

29.  William Eugene Higby             (1943-1947)

30.  Homer L. Pearson                 (1947-1949)

31.  Walter Walford Johnson           (1949-1950)

32.  Charles Murphy                   (1950)

33.  Gordon Llewellyn Allott          (1950-1955)

34.  Stephen L.R. McNichols           (1955-1957)

35.  Frank L. Hays                    (1957-1959)

36.  Robert Lee Knous                 (1959-1967)

37.  Mark Anthony Hogan               (1967-1971)

38.  John D. Vanderhoof               (1971-1973)

39.  Ted Strickland                   (1973-1975)

40.  George L. Brown                  (1975-1979)

41.  Nancy E. Dick                    (1979-1987)

42.  Mike Callihan                    (1987-1994)
43.  Sam Cassidy                      (1994)

44.  Gail Schoettler                  (1995-1999)

45.  Joe Rogers                       (1999-2003)
46.  Jane E. Norton		      (2003-2007) 
47.  Barbara O'Brien                  (2007-2011)	
48.  Joe Garcia			      (2011-

Profiles of the Colorado Lieutenant Governors

Head, Lafayette

Conejos County
1877-1879
Republican

Born: Head's Fort, Howard County, Missouri (April 9, 1825)
Died: Denver (March 8, 1897)
Married: Martina [or Juanita] Martinez (1851)
Children: Piedal [or Piedad], Jose Sisneros [or Cisneros]

Pioneer, colonizer, farmer, legislator, and Indian Agent. Came to southwest during Mexican War, as Major in Second Missouri Volunteers, under Colonel Sterling Price. Settled in New Mexico; became prominent in Territorial government, as deputy marshal, sheriff, member of legislature, and Indian agent. Arrived in Colorado, Nov. 24, 1854; helped found one of first permanent settlements in San Luis Valley. Elected to the Council of the Territorial legislature in 1874, and to the Constitutional Convention in 1875. Made reputation as Indian peacemaker during service as special agent for the Apaches and the Utes in 1852, and 1859-1868, and as member of commission to Washington at time of cession of Indian Lands in 1868. Contributed to development of agriculture; owned one of first large flocks of sheep in the San Luis Valley and one of earliest flour mills in state; pioneered in irrigation; helped write the articles in State Constitution on agriculture and irrigation.


Tabor, Horace Austin Warner

Denver and Leadville
1879-1883
Republican

Born: Holland, Vermont (November 26, 1830)
Died: Denver (April 10, 1899)
Married: Augusta L. Pearce (January 31, 1857)
Children: Maxcy
Married: Elizabeth (McCourt) Doe (September 30, 1882)
Children: Elizabeth Bonduel Lillie, Rose Mary Silver Dollar Echo

Miner, merchant, bonanza king. Joined gold rush to Colorado in 1859. Arrived in Denver, June 20, 1859, from Kansas. Engaged in prospecting, merchandising, and grubstaking in early mining camps and Leadville. Achieved phenomenal financial success with discovery of silver in holdings in Little Pittsburgh Mine, May 3, 1878. Became public figure, serving as first mayor of Leadville in 1878; and County Treasurer in 1880. Filled unexpired term of Henry Teller in the United States Senate, January 27 thru March 3, 1883. Later made residence in Denver; served as postmaster of Denver, January 4, 1898, until death. Took active interest in building up Leadville and Denver with gifts of land and buildings: Tabor Opera House (Leadville); Tabor Grand Opera House (Denver); site for Denver Customshouse and the Tabor Block. Played important role in determining direction of growth for the Cty of Denver.


Meyer, William H.

Costilla County
1883-1885
Republican

Born: Hanover, Germany (April 14, 1847)
Died: Costilla County (August 22, 1923)
Married: Mary Vigil (1868)

Cattleman. Came to U.S. around 1862; lived in Kentucky, Missouri, and New Mexico, before settling in Costilla County, sometime during 1865-1867. Became a cattle baron of the region including large land holdings. Always identified with interests of southern Colorado. Took active part in Territorial and State government as: Clerk of County and District Courts, 1867-1876; member of Territorial House of Representatives, 1870 & 1874; member of Constitutional Convention of 1875; member of Senate of General Assembly, 1877-1879, 1899-1903, 1907-1911. Gave life-long support to public school legislation and the cause of education. Served as member of first board of Trustees of State Normal School 1889.


Breene, Peter W.

Leadville
1885-1887
Republican

Born: Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland (August, 1846)
Died: Leadville (December 24, 1926)
Married: Mary L. McCarthy (June 26, 1884)
Children: Peter W.
Married: Bernice Anderson (April 26, 1902)

Miner. Arrived in Clear Creek County in 1873 from the coal fields of Indiana. After brief period of mining, returned to Indiana. Came back to Colorado and moved to Leadville in 1877. Amassed a fortune in mining. Became a colorful political force among miners; travelled over State, organizing and influencing miners in presidential campaign of 1870. Elected member of House of Representatives, 1883-1885: State Treasurer, 1887-1889.


Meldrum, Norman H.

Fort Collins
1887-1889
Republican

Born: Caledonia, New York (October 11, 1841)
Died: Denver (February 11, 1920)
Married: Susannah Warren (1869)
Children: Evelyn M., Susie A., Gordon B.

Cattleman. Served in Civil War with Company G, 21st New York Cavalry. At the close of the war ordered to Colorado; mustered out with rank of Captain, July 13, 1866. Settled near Fort Collins. Encouraged settlement and farming in area, as one of founders and trustees of Fort Collins Agriculture Colony. Entered public office in Larimer County as an assessor in 1869; served in the last Territorial Legislature as member of the House, 1876, and in the first General Assembly; served as member of the Senate, 1877-1879; was Secretary of State, 1879-1883; Surveyor General of Colorado, 1883-1885; Registrar of the State Board of Land Commissioners, 1895-1897. Maintained a residence in Denver as well as in Larimer County.


Smith, William Grover

Golden
1889-1891
Republican

Born: Newton, New Jersey (April 27, 1857)
Died: Golden (November 3, 1921)
Married: Lake E. Mealy [or Mealey] (September 20, 1882)
Children: Jessie, Mary Gertrude, Frederick Pitkin, Margaret L.

Tramway official, newspaper editor, lawyer, teacher. Moved to Golden from Michigan in 1872. Taught in Golden schools briefly. Began newspaper career in office of Golden Globe in 1873; became the proprietor and editor, 1879-1900. Elected to local office as Golden City Clerk in 1880, and Superintendent of Schools, 1884-1888. Served as private secretary to Governor Pitkin in 1882; member of Board of Control of State Industrial School, 1885-1887. Elected a member of House of Representatives of General Assembly and Speaker, 1899-1901. From 1900 to 1918 was associated with Denver Tramway Company, as tax agent and traffic manager; was known as "Tramway Bill". Following retirement from Tramway Company, he practiced law; served as County Attorney, and attorney for State Board of Land Commissioners in 1921.


Story, William

Ouray
1891-1893
Republican

Born: Brookfield, Wisconsin (April 4, 1843)
Died: Los Angeles, California (June 20, 1921)
Married: Ada B. Olin (October, 1871)
Children: Ada B., William

Attorney. In 1874, resigned from Arkansas judgeship after facing impeachment proceedings due to allegations of corruption and graft. He then came to live in Colorado. Settled first in Denver; in 1877, and then moved to Ouray. Built up large law practice. During first ten years served as attorney for City and County of Denver. Other interests were in mining, banking, building of roads and railroads (Rio Grande Southern).


Nichols, David Hopkinson

Boulder
1893-1895
Republican, Populist

Born: Hardwick, Vermont (March 16, 1828)
Died: Boulder, Colorado (December 16, 1900)
Married: Elizabeth Atkinson (September 5, 1848)
Children: Eliza H., Horace A., Franc P.

1859 gold seeker, farmer, stock raiser. Before coming to Colorado, served in Mexican War, as Second Lieutenant, in Colonel George B. Wright's Ohio Brigade. Joined California gold rush in 1849. Crossed plains from Illinois to Colorado gold fields in 1859, and settled in Boulder. He was active in raising funds and helped build the first schoolhouse in Boulder. During the territorial Indian troubles of 1864, served in one-hundred-day volunteers, as Captain, Company D, 3rd Colorado Volunteer Cavalry. Elected sheriff of Boulder County, 1864; member of Territorial House of Representatives, 1865; and speaker in 1874; member of Constitutional Convention of 1865; served as State Penitentiary Commissioner, 1879-1885. Influential in keeping alive legislation to establish State University (University of Colorado).


Brush, Jared L.

Greeley
1895-1899
Republican

Born: Clermont County, Ohio (July 6, 1835)
Died: Greeley (April 24, 1913)
Married: Ada M. Maltby [Maltley or Maltbie] (October 20, 1867)
Children: Walter I., Edna M.
Married: Mary (Sterling) Doolittle (1879)
Children: Ruth G., Ada M., Mary J., Jared L., Sterling R.

Farmer, cattle raiser, banker. Arrived in Clear Creek County from Iowa farm, June 3, 1859. Engaged in prospecting, 1859-1860; ranching on Big Thompson, 1860-1870; freighting with ox teams across plains, 1861-1866; brought in one of first cattle herds in 1862; improved land and stock; developed early irrigation systems; encouraged agricultural associations. Served as Weld County Sheriff, 1871, and County Commissioner, 1874-1877. Became a representative of the General Assembly, 1879-1893. In 1896 gave up stock raising for banking. Maintained interest in agricultural progress and helped work out problems of new western lands. Gave support to education; helped secure State Normal School for Greeley; served as trustee of State Agricultural College, 1907-1913.


Carney, Francis Patrick

Ouray
1899-1901
Populist

Born: County Fermanagh, Ireland (September 20, 1846)
Died: Ouray (May 4, 1902)
Married: Mary Carley (November 21, 1869)
Children: Patrick F., Annie, Hugh J., Francis, John

Contractor and miner. Came from New York, where family immigrated in 1859, moved to Ouray in May, 1877. Learned mason's trade; long career in general contracting and mining. Entered political life as County Commissioner in 1879. Became member of House of Representatives, General Assembly, 1893-1895, and Senate, 1895-1899. In politics, always friend of labor; instrumental in organizing local labor unions of A.F.L. in Ouray.


Coates, David Courtney

Pueblo
1901-1902
Democrat

Born: Brandon, England (August 9, 1868)
Died: North Hollywood, California (January 28, 1933)
Married: Sarah B. Pearce (October 14, 1890)
Children: Hazel Marie

Labor leader and newspaper publisher. Moved to Pueblo in 1882, from Pittsburgh, a year after coming to U.S.. Learned printing business in office of Pueblo Evening Star. Founded Pueblo Press. After three years on Rocky Mountain News, became associated with publication of first socialist paper in U.S., The Coming Nation. In 1896, founded Pueblo Courier, a reputedly fair and impartial labor newspaper. Exerted respected leadership within labor group; respect of capitalists of State. Held office in Colorado Federation of Labor, secretary, 1897, and president, 1899 - 1900. Figured prominently in smelter strike of 1899, and helped bring about an amicable adjustment. Became one of Socialist leaders of Northwest, after leaving Colorado in 1904. Played role in the founding convention of International Workers of the World.


Haggott, Warren Armstrong

Idaho Springs
1902-1903
Republican

Born: Sidney, Ohio (May 18, 1864)
Died: Denver (April 29, 1958)
Married: Lou Willie Cecil (December 29, 1897)
Children: Margaret C., Warren C., John C.

Teacher, lawyer, mining engineer. In 1887 came to Colorado from Texas to teach in Gilpin County. As Superintendent of Schools, 1890-1899, established first four year high school in Idaho Springs. Turned from teaching to law in 1899. As presiding officer in Senate, 1903-1905, won esteem of both parties for non-partisanship and courage. Elected to House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, 1907-1909; served on Post Office Committee; pushed legislation benefiting postal service. Moved to Denver in 1911. Served as District Judge, 2nd Judicial District, 1921-1923. Throughout career kept in close touch with mining industry and promoted its development.


McDonald, Jesse F.

Leadville
1904-1905
Republican

Born: Ashtabula, Ohio (June 30, 1858)
Died: Denver (February 25, 1942)

Mining engineer and politician. Raised on a farm in Pennsylvania where he received a country school education. Career began in civil engineering which brought him to Colorado on a survey expedition in 1878. Prominent official in Colorado mining industry for sixty-three years. Founded the Colorado Mining Association and served as chairman of the American Mining Congress. Awarded the honorary degree of Mining Engineer in 1905 by the Colorado School of Mines. Elected as Mayor of Leadville in 1899, and Lt. Governor in 1904. Served two terms as chairman of the State Republican Central Committee, and board of directors for the Colorado State Metal Mining Board in the late 1920's.


Cornforth, Arthur

Colorado Springs
1905
Republican

Born: Smethport, Pennsylvania (February 21, 1861)
Died: Colorado Springs (August 5, 1938)
Married: Fannie Fulke (December 20, 1882)

Judge. In October 1887 left law practice in Clyde, Kansas to live in Denver. Became express agent for Denver & Rio Grande Railway until 1889. Later resumed law practice in Durango, where he served as County Attorney in 1895. Moved to Colorado Springs in January, 1896, and specialized in mining and estate cases. Served in State Senate, 1903-1905, 1911-1913, 1913-1915. Began long career on district bench in 1921, presiding Judge of Fourth Judicial District at time of death. Noted as jurist rather than politician.


Parks, Fred W.

Denver
1905-1907
Republican

Born: Genesco, NY (September 1, 1871)
Died: 1941

Lawyer. Attended New York State Normal School. Moved to Denver in 1893 and studied at the University of Denver. Received a law degree in 1895 at the State University in Boulder. Secretary of the Republican Central Committee in 1897 and elected to the Senate one year later. Appointed as Arapahoe County Public Administrator in 1901, and re-elected to the Senate in 1904. Succeeded to the office of Lt. Governor in 1905 to replace Arthur Cornforth.


Harper, Erastus

Gunnison
1907-1909
Republican

Born: Michigan (July 14, 1857)
Died: Denver (May 12, 1927)
Married: Alice Hitchcock (1882)
Children: Lena

Businessman with mining interests. In 1900, moved from Akron, Ohio, to Gunnison; became superintendent of one of leading mining properties on Western Slope. Experienced in Indian affairs, with four years as commissioner in Washington; travelled extensively throughout West on Indian matters. Recognized authority on metals; sent to South Africa during World War I to test gold quartz. Active in Colorado public life, as State Insurance Commissioner, 1915; Private Secretary to Governor Shoup, 1919; served as Director and Secretary of State Historical Society, 1925-1927; President, Colorado Prison Association, 1909-1920; State Budget and Efficiency Commissioner, 1919-1921.


Fitzgarrald, Stephen R.

Telluride
1909-1915
Democrat

Born: Centre Point, Iowa (December 25, 1854)
Died: Denver (June 2, 1926)
Married: Letha L. McConnell (March 22, 1885)
Children: Letha Amelia

Attorney and miner. Came to Colorado prospecting in 1878. After brief period of mining in Leadville, returned to Iowa to study law. In 1881, settled permanently in Colorado. First lived in Ophir; in 1883, moved to Telluride; in 1915, to the Silverton-Ouray district; later to Denver. Practiced law and developed mining interests in Leadville and Rico. Served as City, County, and Deputy District Attorney; member of House of Representatives of General Assembly, 1893-1895. Sponsored legislation of benefit to people of Colorado, dealing with deed of trust sales, attachment suits, and excessive tax penalties.


Lewis, Moses E.

Florence
1915-1917
Republican

Born: Coal Valley, Illinois (July 26, 1854)
Died: Pasadena, California (March 13, 1951)
Married: Annie Mae Atyeo (1886)
Children: seven (Lillian Lewis (Blake)
Married: Mrs. Flora K. Nelson (February 18, 1933)

Farmer and miner. No date for arrival in Colorado, prior to 1900. Settled first in Rockvale; served as Town Treasurer for two years. Made permanent home in Florence; served two terms as Mayor. Elected to Senate of Fifteenth and Sixteenth General Assemblies, 1905-1909; served as President Pro Tem, chairman of committee on rules, and member of other committees. Known as hard working legislator.


Pulliam, James A.

Durango
1917-1919
Democrat

Born: Scotland County, Missouri (October 12, 1863)
Died: Durango (September 17, 1934)
Married: Florence E. Lewis (September 24, 1890)
Children: Eulalie T., Josephine

Lawyer and miner. In spring of 1890, left law practice in Missouri to settle in Sterling. Became interested in mining, moved to Rico. Practiced law and served in Dolores County as Town and County Attorney. Made home in Durango in 1904. Served as County Attorney for La Plata County for four years, and District Attorney for Sixth Judicial District, 1903-1909. Prominent member of La Plata County bar association for years.


Stephan, George

Delta
1919-1921
Republican

Born: Cleveland, Ohio (March 30, 1862)
Died: La Jolla, California (September 9, 1944)
Married: Helen Carr (June 28, 1891)

Attorney and businessman. Came to Colorado in 1882. Settled permanently in Delta in 1890, after six years in Denver and two years in Salt Lake City. Active in local affairs as attorney for city, county, and district; member of city council; head of Town Improvement Company. Served as Registrar for the State Board of Land Commissioners, 1921-1923; U.S. Attorney, 1924-1929. After retirement continued interest in civic improvement in California, as member of San Diego Planning Commission.


Cooley, Earl

Trinidad
1921-1923
Republican

Born: Richmond, Illinois (March 27, 1880)
Died: Adams County, Fitzsimmons General Hospital (May 6, 1940)
Married: Helen West
Children: Maxine

Lawyer. Settled in southern Colorado around 1881. Served in World War I, enlisted as private in 2nd Colorado Infantry, rose to rank of major. Held no political office prior to election as Lieutenant Governor. Served as member of State Board of Land Commissioners, 1923-1927.


Rockwell, Robert Fay

Paonia
1923-1925
Republican

Born: Cortland, New York (February 11, 1886)
Died: Paonia (September 28, 1950)
Married: Aileen Miller (June 24, 1908)
Children: Wilson Miller, Robert Fay, Jr.
Married: Elizabeth Smith
Rancher, livestock and fruit grower. After a year's study at Princeton and following visit to Colorado, he settled in Paonia in 1907. Owned large ranch and cattle holdings. Furthered development of agriculture in state; interested in advanced methods of cattle raising and land improvement; active in local grange movement in 1911; served on State Board of Agriculture, 1932-1948. Placed emphasis on agricultural education; supported State College of Agriculture; started fund for dormitory for women at Fort Collins. Served in State House of Representatives, 1917-1921; State Senate, 1921-1923; 1939-1941; served four terms in U.S. Congress, 1941-1949.


Lacy, Sterling Byrd

Grand Junction
1925-1927
Democrat

Born: Fredericksburg, Virginia (May 3, 1882)
Died: Daytona Beach, Florida (May 7, 1955)
Married: Della Margaret Lumsden (February 2, 1910)
Children: William Sterling Byrd
Married: Mabel [or Allene] Linn (1937)

Banker and insurance official. Came from New Mexico to Grand Junction in 1902. For twelve years engaged in banking. After 1917, became official with Colorado Life Insurance Company; president, 1935. Served two terms in Colorado House of Representatives, 1919-1921, and 1923-1925. Held office of State Budget and Efficiency Commissioner, 1927-1929. Ability and interest in financial matters marked his public service.

 


Corlett, George Milton

Monte Vista
1927-1931
Republican

Born: Burchard, Nebraska (November 7, 1884)
Died: Phoenix, Arizona (February 16, 1955)
Married: Martha Jane [or Jean] Rupert (April 5, 1906)
Children: Charles R., Vera Hattie, Vera Mary

Lawyer. Moved to Colorado in spring of 1889. Began the practice of law in Monte Vista in 1905. First public office, Superintendent of Schools, 1905-1907; County Attorney, 1908-1912; Mayor, 1919-1921. Served in World War I; Second Lieutenant, Cavalry; First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, 65th Infantry; Lieutenant Colonel, National Guard. Regarded as authority on irrigation and water law; represented various water organizations; active in irrigation cooperatives; member of Rio Grande River Basin committee on National Resources Planning Board.


Johnson, Edwin Carl

Moffat County
1931-1932
Democrat

Born: Scandia, Kansas (January 1, 1884)
Died: Denver (May 30, 1970)
Married: Fern Clair Armitage (February 17, 1907)
Children: Gladys Dodson, Janet Grace

Railroad telegrapher, homesteader and agricultural businessman, public official. Stands out as a self-made man. Educated in public schools of Kansas; moved to Colorado 1909 for health reasons. Elected to the legislature in 1923 and served four successive terms to 1931. He was Lieutenant Governor 1931-1932; confidential secretary to Governor "Billy" Adams. Elected Governor of Colorado 1933-1936; United States Senator 1937-1954, and again Governor of Colorado 1955-1957. In 1958 he retired from elective political office but maintained an active interest in public affairs and private business pursuits.


Talbot, Raymond Herbert

Pueblo
1933-1937
Democrat

Born: Chicago, Illinois (August 19, 1896)
Died: Pueblo (January 30, 1955)
Married: Juanita [or Juneatta] L. Wilson (June 1, 1915
Children: Raymond H. Jr., Adah Mae

Power company official civic leader. Settled in Pueblo in 1897. Connected with Southern Colorado Power Company, electrical and public relations divisions, 1920-1930. Held numerous public offices; City Commissioner and Commissioner of Parks and Highways, 1932-1946; member of House of General Assembly, 1927-1929, and of State Senate, 1929-1931; President of State Fair Commission; Postmaster of Pueblo from 1946 until his death. As Lieutenant Governor, completed unexpired term of Governor Ed Johnson, January 2 - January 11, 1937. Interested in water conservation, state highways, state CCC, parks and forest improvement.


Hayes, Frank J.

Idaho Springs
1937-1939
Democrat

Born: Mount Olive, Illinois (May 4, 1882)
Died: Denver (June 10, 1948)

Miner and labor leader. Learned coal mining in Pennsylvania. Date of migration to Colorado not known. Settled in Idaho Springs; owned Hayes Mining Company. Active in Colorado Coal Miners Association. During Ludlow coal strike of 1913 he was chairman of policy making committee on arbitration. Held office in United Mine Workers of America; vice-president in 1912, president in 1918, when John L. Lewis was vice-president. Appointed by President Wilson as labor member of Versailles Treaty Commission in 1919; made investigations regarding conditions of miners in Europe. Noted as orator; wrote poetry for United Mine Workers Journal.


Vivian, John C.

Jefferson County
1939-1943
Republican

Born: Golden, Colorado (June 30, 1889)
Died: 1964
Married: Maude Charlotte Kleyn

Lawyer, newspaper editor, public official, with an avocation for history. Educated in public schools in Jefferson County and University of Colorado. Law degree from University of Denver Law School, 1913. Served in U.S. Marine Corps during World War I; captain U.S. Army (retired). Special counsel to Denver City Attorney 1913-1914; City Attorney for Golden 1922-1925; County Attorney (Jefferson) 1922-1932, Special assistant to Attorney General, 1925-1929. Served as Lieutenant Governor two terms and went on to be governor for two terms 1943-1947. He served in important official capacities for veterans organizations; represented Colorado's interests, implementing second Hoover Commission's report. Chairman of Commission on Uniform State Laws. Wrote and spoke extensively on Colorado history. Served as special hearing officer for U.S. Department of Justice during the early 1920's.


Higby, William Eugene

Monument
1943-1947
Republican

Born: Garden Grove, Iowa (January 26, 1884)
Died: Monument (1967)
Married: Blanche Allen David (January 22, 1910)
Children: William David, James Eugene

Merchant and rancher. In 1888, came to Colorado; settled in El Paso County; moved to Monument in 1890. Remained in family mercantile business until 1920. Turned to ranching; formed livestock company; built up profitable Hereford cattle business; served on town and school boards. As mayor, paid off debts for roads, water and electricity. Served as member of House in General Assembly, 1933-1941; as Republican floor leader and Speaker, 1939-1941; member of Senate, 1941-1943. In public office, primarily concerned with efficiency and economy, paying off debts, and keeping taxes down. In 1935, sponsored legislation refunding state bonds thus saving State approximately a million dollars in interest.


Pearson, Homer L.

Wheatridge
1947-1949
Republican

Born: Wheatridge (December 31, 1900)
Died: June 9, 1985
Married: Caroline Auger (June 7, 1922)
Children: Wayne E.

Nurseryman. Since 1929, owner of greenhouse, specializing in carnations for wholesale trade and leader in development of state carnation industry. Active in state and national florist associations; director of American Carnation Society, 1947. Elected member of Colorado House of Representatives, 1939-1947; became first Speaker to serve three terms, 1941-1947. Initiated legislation relating to county zoning, water and sanitation, and rural fire protection.


Johnson, Walter Walford

Pueblo
1949-1950
Democrat

Born: Pueblo (April 16, 1904)
Died: March 23, 1987
Married: Neva M. Morrow (April 6, 1922)
Children: Walford S., Winifred

Sales representative, educational administrator, insurance executive, state legislator. Educated in Pueblo Public Schools. Member State Legislature 1941-1949; State Senate 1951-1959. Director of School District #20, 1939-1943, Colorado Commissioner Western Interstate Compact for Higher Education. Served partial term as Lieutenant Governor in 1949, but succeeded to the office of governor when Governor W. Lee Knous accepted an appointment by President Truman to the Colorado U.S. District Judgeship. After his short term as Governor he was elected again (1951) as a State Senator.


Murphy, Charles P.

Spicer
1950
Republican

Born: Leadville (January 13, 1882)
Died: Spicer (December 25, 1953)

Cattleman, legislator. Attended rural grade school near Spicer and worked the family ranch. Briefly attended Barnes Business College in Denver and the University of Wyoming. Was a successful rancher and acquired more property in the early 1920's. Always an advocate for the livestock industry. Served as president of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, and the Colorado Stock Growers and Feeders Association. Elected as a State Representative in 1928, and served first of five terms in the Senate beginning in 1936. Succeeded to the office of Lt. Governor when Walter Johnson became Governor.


Allott, Gordon Llewellyn

Lamar
1950-1955
Republican

Born: Pueblo (January 2, 1907)
Died: January 17, 1989
Married: Welda O. Hall (May 15, 1934)
Children: Roger, Gordon L.

Lawyer. Since 1930, practiced law in Lamar, specializing in irrigation, trial, and probate law. For fourteen years, represented Amity Mutual Irrigation Company, one of largest systems in state. Held office of County Attorney, 1934, 1941-1946; City Attorney, 1937-1941; District Attorney, 1946-1949. Began service in U.S. Senate in 1955. Served in South Pacific, as Major with 39th Fighter Squadron, U.S. Army Air Force, World War II. Prominent in Young Republicans; First Chairman, Young Republicans League of Colorado, 1935-1938; Chairman, Young Republicans National Federation, 1941-1946. Conservative in political philosophy, with reputation for courage in party struggles.


McNichols, Stephen L. R.

Denver
1955-1957
Democrat

Born: Denver (March 7, 1914)
Died: Denver (November 25, 1997)
Married: Marjory Roberts Hart (June 27, 1942)
Children: Stephen L. R., Robert, William, Mary Elizabeth, Marjory

Lawyer, government service, public official. Educated in Denver Public Schools, Regis College; Catholic University School of Law. Three years military service during World War II in U.S. Amphibious Forces of the U.S. Naval Services in both European and Pacific Theaters. F.B.I. Academy, 1939; U.S. Department of Justice, 1941; Deputy District Attorney, Denver; Special Assistant Attorney General United States Department of Justice, 1942-1948; State Senator 1948-1954; Lieutenant Governor 1954-1956; and Governor of Colorado, 1957-1963.


Hays, Frank L.

Denver
1957-1959
Republican

Born: Denver (January 6, 1922)
Married: Virginia Lou Hilton (August 11, 1948)
Children: Frank, Lori

Lawyer. Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force, World War II. Following war service, studied law and entered Denver law firm. Elected to three terms in State House of Representatives, 1951-1957; served as majority floor leader in 40th General Assembly, 1955-1957; member of legislative committees on public affairs and aviation, state affairs, rules, judiciary, education, insurance, and railroads.


Knous, Robert Lee

Denver
1959-1967
Democrat

Born: Ouray (November 1, 1917)
Married: Elizabeth Lou Austin (September 26, 1942)
Children: Kristine, Kathleen, Robert Lee, William A., Jack

Lawyer. Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Air Corps, World War II. Following service in Pacific, studied law in Denver, served as confidential secretary to father, Governor William Lee Knous. Deputy District Attorney, 1947-1950, and member of State Senate, 1953-1957. As legislator, well-informed on proposed legislation. Performed significant service in 1955, as chairman of commission, which revised Colorado Old Age pension system to one of most advanced in United States. In 1960, appointed chairman, Governor's Commission for White House Conference on Aging.


Hogan, Mark Anthony

Denver
1967-1971
Democrat

Born: Chicago, Illinois (January 27, 1931)
Married: Nancy Stevenson (February 1954)
Children: Carey, Mark Jr, Lisa, Matthew, Michael

Realtor. Governor's 1956 Committee on Reapportionment. Distinguished service award in 1961. Served two terms in the legislature. Attended Georgetown University 1952. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1954, Executive Office Training Ship. Associations include past President of Jaycees, Denver Board of Realtors, United Fund, Catholic Charities, Loretta Heights Ambassador. Colorado Young Man of the Year Award in 1961.


Vanderhoof, John D.

Glenwood Springs
1971-1973
Republican

Born: Rocky Ford (May 27, 1922)
Married: Mary F. Junkin (February 21, 1973)
Children: Bruce, Linda, Cherelyn, Chris

Banker. Served in Naval Aviation during World War II, and received two purple hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1950, and served twenty years until 1970. Former chairman of Game and Fish Committee, and Business Affairs Committee of the House. Minority floor leader during 43rd General Assembly and elected Speaker of the House for the 44th, 46th, and 47th General Assemblies. Graduated from Glendale College in California in 1942. First Lt. Governor elected under new constitutional provision calling for joint election of Governor and Lt. Governor.


Strickland, Ted L.

Westminster
1973-1975
Republican

Born: Austin, Texas (September 17, 1932)

Petroleum information specialist and politician. Educated in Oklahoma before serving in the U.S. Army for 2 years. Active in Geology and Petroleum Associations and served as Director for Denver Rescue Mission, Colorado Humane Society and President of Young Republicans. Elected as a Representative in 1966 and as a Senator in 1968. Served as Lieutenant Governor for one and one half years when John Vanderhoof succeeded Governor John Love. Vanderhoof and Strickland were unsuccessful in the next election, but Strickland continued to represent Adams County in the Senate until 1992 and served as President of the Senate from 1983-1992. Now serving as County Commissioner in Adams County.


Brown, George L.

Denver
1975-1979
Democrat

Born: Lawrence, Kansas (July 1, 1926)
Married: Modeen Broughton (August 19, 1978)
Children: Gail, Cynthia, Kim, Laura

Journalist. Graduated high school in 1944 and served in pilot training at Tuskegee Air Force Base during World War II. Received his B.A. degree in journalism at the University of Kansas in 1950. Distinguished career in journalism and government. Named a King Fellow to the Colorado University School of Journalism in 1959, and in 1962 was one of four American journalists selected to tour Europe and Africa for the U.S. State Department. Assistant Executive Director of the Denver Housing Authority in 1965, and was the first Executive Director for the Metro Denver Urban Coalition in 1969. Elected in 1956 to serve in the Senate, and was in his fifth term when he became Lieutenant Governor.


Dick, Nancy E.

Aspen
1979-1987
Democrat

Born: Detroit, Michigan (July 22, 1930)
Married: Dr. Stephen Barnett (June 21, 1979)
Children: Margot, Timber, Justin

Stateswoman. Received B.A. degree in 1951 and attended University of Denver Law School. Served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives before being the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor in Colorado's history. Emphasis as Lt. Governor was on rural economic development, public and private sector partnerships; cultural and trade exchanges; rural needs for health facilities and manpower, and citizen participation in state government. Was responsible for the Citizens Advocate Office, Commission of Indian Affairs and led successful trade missions to West Germany and China.


Callihan, Mike

Gunnison
1987-1994
Democrat

Born: Spokane, Washington (August 7, 1947)
Married: Debra McDonald Callihan

Businessman and politician. Graduated from Regis High School in Denver, and Western State College in Gunnison. Served in the U.S. Navy. Entrepreneur in Western Colorado, elected Gunnison County Assessor in 1974; elected to serve in the House in 1978 and the Senate in 1982. Introduced innovative bills to help children and teenagers with drug and alcohol problems. Served on the Governor's Commission on Public Telecommunications; and on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy, Business Affairs, Labor, and Local Government Committees in the Senate. As Lieutenant Governor he fostered the ABC-Always Buy Colorado program which created many jobs by making the public aware of ABC. Callihan also was founding chairman of the Aerospace States Association which promotes the commercial use of space and encourages the study of science. His "Adopt a Ruin" program worked with corporations, foundations, private citizens, and the Ute Mountain Indian Tribe to stabilize and partially restore, stabilize and preserve 4 major ruins.


Cassidy, Samuel H.

Pagosa Springs
1994 - 1995
Democrat

Born: Shreveport, LA (January 16, 1950)
Children: Rachel, Sarah and Samuel

Businessman, attorney and photographer. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and from the University of Tulsa with his Juris Doctorate. Elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1990, representing District 6, comprised of nine counties in southwestern Colorado. Served on 12 separate committees and was lauded for legislative excellence by organizations including the Colorado Banker's Association, Colorado Counties and the American Civil Liberties Union. Recipient of the Gates Foundation Fellowship to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Senate Minority leader 1993-1994. Appointed in 1994 by Governor Romer to replace Lieutenant Governor Mike Callihan. As a senator he sponsored legislation to strengthen the civil rights of Native Americans, support welfare services for at risk youth, reform and reduce the capital gains tax and provide for background checks as gun ownership is transferred. As Lieutenant Governor, he led efforts with Governor Romer to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure in Colorado. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Cassidy served as the President and CEO of the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, where he formed new partnerships with local chambers of commerce and developed legislative measures that positively affect Colorado business. Mr. Cassidy is currently a clinical professor at the Daniels College of Business within the Department of Legal Studies.


Schoettler, Gail S.

Parker
1995-1999
Democrat

Married: Donald L. Stevens

Businesswoman and politician. Graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Economics, and from University of California at Santa Barbara with a M.A. and Ph.D. in History. Key organizer of the Women's Bank in 1978. Helped start the Denver Children's Museum. Elected to Douglas County Board of Education in 1979 and served until 1987. Also a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Northern Colorado from 1981 to 1987. Was appointed Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Personnel before serving two terms as State Treasurer from 1987 to 1994. Elected Lieutenant Governor in 1994. Co-chaired the "Summit of the Eight." Negotiated clean-up agreements for toxic waste at Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Rocky Flats. Started the "Great Colorado Payback." Served as a trustee of the Public Employees Retirment Association. Driving force behind the Colorado School-to-Career Partnership. Chairperson of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.


Rogers, Joe

1999-2003
Republican

Norton, Jane E.

2003-2007
Republican


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Last modified January 14, 2003