C. Ben Ross

Charles Benjamin Ross ( * December 27, 1876 in Parma, Canyon County, Idaho, † March 31, 1946 in Boise, Idaho ) was an American politician and 1931-1937 Governor of the State of Idaho.

Early years and political rise

Charles Ross attended, among others, the Portland Commercial College. Since 1897, he helped his father in the management of the ranch. He also took part in the public life of his homeland and was represented in some local committees. Ross was a member of the Democratic Party. Between 1900 and 1905 he was Vice President of the Riverside Irrigation District and from 1915 to 1921 he was employed in management at the Canyon County. Between 1917 and 1923 he was also on the board of the Farmer Committee of Idaho. From 1922 to 1930 he was mayor of Pocatello. In 1928 he ran unsuccessfully for the governorship.

Governor of Idaho

In 1930, Charles Ross was elected governor of his state. After he was re-elected in each of the years 1932 and 1934, he was able to hold that office from January 5, 1931 January 4, 1937. He was the first governor of Idaho, was elected three times in succession in this office. At the beginning of his term, the state still suffered heavily from the global economic crisis. This was the New Deal only be overcome in the course of the following years with the help of federal policy and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and. The governor supported these measures. During this time, some new tax laws were passed in Idaho, with a value added tax in 1936 rejected in a referendum. At that time also the driving license for cars was introduced by law in Idaho. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the sale of alcohol on state distribution was settled in Idaho. 1936 Ross ran unsuccessfully for re-election. Also unsuccessful was his candidacy for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Further CV

In 1938, Ross ran again unsuccessfully for the office of governor of Idaho. After he retired from politics and devoted himself to his private interests. He died in March 1946 and was buried in Parma. With his wife Edna Reavis he had four children.