Joseph W. Folk

Joseph Wingate Folk ( born October 28, 1869 in Brownsville, Tennessee, † May 28, 1923 in New York City ) was an American politician (Democratic Party), and 1905-1909 of the 31 governor of Missouri.

Early years

Joseph Folk attended the Brownsville Academy. He then studied at Vanderbilt University law and made his law degree there in 1890. He then began a legal career. He was married to Gertrude Glass.

Political career

Folk was chosen as the Democratic candidate in 1904 as the new governor of his state and took office on January 9, 1905. In his four-year tenure, the prohibition of Sunday work was introduced and passed legislation to improve the conditions of child labor. At the same time sports betting has been partially banned. In the field of education policy of compulsory education was required by law. In addition, the prefix principle in Missouri was introduced at this time. In the years 1908 and 1918, respectively Folk competed unsuccessfully for a seat in the Senate from Missouri.

Joseph Folk died in May 1923 suffered the consequences of the previous year nervous breakdown.