John McGraw (governor)

John McGraw
McGraw circa 1890
2nd governor of Washington
In office January 11, 1893 – January 13, 1897
Lieutenant	F. H. Luce
Preceded by	Elisha P. Ferry
Succeeded by	John Rankin Rogers
Personal details
Born	John Harte McGraw (1850-10-04)October 4, 1850 Penobscot County, Maine, U.S.
Died	June 23, 1910(1910-06-23) (aged 59) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Signature

John Harte McGraw (October 4, 1850 – June 23, 1910) was an American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as the second governor of Washington from 1893 to 1897.

Biography

McGraw was born in Penobscot County, Maine. He served as Republican governor January 9, 1893 - January 11, 1897. Previously he was chief of the Seattle Police Department and was also 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 from typhoid fever in Seattle on June 23, 1910.

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

References

• 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