Ralph F. Gates

Ralph Fesler Gates
37th Governor of Indiana
In office January 8, 1945 – January 10, 1949
Lieutenant	Richard T. James
Preceded by	Henry F. Schricker
Succeeded by	Henry F. Schricker
Personal details
Born	February 24, 1893 Columbia City, Indiana, U.S.
Died	July 28, 1978(1978-07-28) (aged 85) Columbia City, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Helene Edwards[1]
Alma mater	University of Michigan

Ralph Fesler Gates (February 24, 1893 – July 28, 1978) was an American politician who served as the 37th governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1945 to 1949. A lawyer and veteran of World War I, he is credited with returning his party to power after the Ku Klux Klan scandal in the late 1920s that led to years of Democratic dominance of the state government during the Great Depression. His term in office focused primarily on encouraging economic growth as World War II ended through the improvement of the state highway system, education reform, and offering incentives for industrial growth. After leaving office he remained active as a leader in the state Republican Party until his death.