Joseph M. Devine

Joseph McMurray Devine ( born March 15, 1861 in Wheeling, Virginia; † August 31, 1938 in Mandan, North Dakota ) was an American politician and from 1898 to 1899 the 6th Governor of the State of North Dakota.

Early years

Born in what is now West Virginia Joseph Devine attended the local schools of his home. He then studied at the University of West Virginia in Morgantown. In 1884 he moved to the LaMoure County in what was then Dakota Territory. There he spent ten years school board.

Political career

As a member of the Republican Party Devine was elected in 1896 as vice- governor of his state. As the incumbent Governor Frank A. Briggs died of tuberculosis in August 1898, Devine had to finish his term in office. This was just under five months to January 3, 1899. During this time Devine has mainly supported the school policy.

After the end of his brief tenure, he was 1899-1901 again Lieutenant Governor. He was also associated in his later life to the education system. He served as head of the Immigration Department of North Dakota 1923-1933 His last political position. Then he withdrew into retirement. Joseph Devine died in August 1938. He was married twice and had four children.