George Dern

George Henry Dern ( born September 8, 1872 Dodge County, Nebraska; † August 27, 1936 in Washington DC ) was an American politician, Governor of Utah, and the 54th U.S. Secretary of War. He belonged to the Democrats.

Career

George Dern succeeded his father John in the mining business in Utah. There he became one of the most influential men in the mining industry of the State, before he was elected in 1914 in the Senate from Utah. Although gentile and Democrat, he was elected in the Mormon state of Utah and Republican governor. As Governor, he in office from 1925 until 1933. His tenure included the secure ratification of the Colorado River Compact and the National Governor's Conference, where he then Governor of New York Franklin D. Roosevelt met. He supported Roosevelt's campaign for the presidency in 1932 and was rewarded with the position of the U.S. war minister in his cabinet.

At the age of 64 years died in 1936 Dern still in office of Minister of War. He was the grandfather of actor Bruce Dern and great-grandfather of actress Laura Dern.