Richard C. Dillon

Richard C. Dillon
8th Governor of New Mexico
In office January 1, 1927 – January 1, 1931
Lieutenant	Edward F. Sargent Hugh B. Woodward Vacant
Preceded by	Arthur T. Hannett
Succeeded by	Arthur Seligman
Member of the New Mexico Senate
In office 1924–1927
Personal details
Born	(1877-06-24)June 24, 1877 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died	January 5, 1966(1966-01-05) (aged 88) Encino, New Mexico, U.S.
Party	Republican
Spouse	Maurine Williams
Profession	Entrepreneur

Richard Charles Dillon (June 24, 1877 – January 5, 1966) was an American entrepreneur, politician and the eighth governor of New Mexico, 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.

References

• Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 978-0-313-28093-1