Richard C. Dillon Explained

Richard C. Dillon
Order1:8th
Office1:Governor of New Mexico
Term Start1:January 1, 1927
Term End1:January 1, 1931
Lieutenant1:Edward F. Sargent
Hugh B. Woodward
Vacant
Predecessor1:Arthur T. Hannett
Successor1:Arthur Seligman
Office2:Member of the New Mexico Senate
Term2:1924-1927
Birth Date:June 24, 1877
Birth Place:St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Death Place:Encino, New Mexico, U.S.
Spouse:Maurine Williams
Profession:Entrepreneur
Residence:Encino
Party:Republican

Richard Charles Dillon (June 24, 1877 – January 5, 1966) was an American entrepreneur, politician and the eighth governor of New Mexico. He held the governor's office from January 1, 1927, to January 1, 1931.

Early life

Dillon was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 24, 1877. His early education was attained in the common schools of Missouri. In 1889, his family moved to Springer, New Mexico. He attended the public schools there. Before entering politics, he worked as a railroad laborer and a merchant.

Politics

Dillon won election to the New Mexico State Senate in 1924. He held the position for two years. He then secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination. He was elected the governor of New Mexico by a popular vote on November 2, 1926. In 1928 he was reelected to a second term, becoming the first New Mexico governor to successfully run for reelection since the state's first governor, William C. McDonald. During his tenure, the state government was managed in an efficient business-like method and Carlsbad Caverns was declared a national park by the federal government.

Later years

After leaving office, he retired from political life. He remained active in his business career. He eventually established the R.C. Dillon Company. He died on January 5, 1966. He was buried at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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