DeForest Richards

DeForest Richards was born in Charleston, New Hampshire on August 6, 1846. After receiving his education, Richards actively participated in the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. Banking and merchandizing in Chadron, Nebraska followed and with the experienced gained there, Richards helped organize and later served as president to the First National Bank of Douglas, Wyoming. Success in the livestock and mercantile businesses followed and he turned to politics. Richards served in succession as mayor in Douglas, commanding officer of the Wyoming National Guard, member of the Constitutional Convention, and as Senator in the Wyoming State Legislature. Elected Governor of Wyoming in 1898, Governor Richards served until his death four months into his second term in 1903. DeForest Richards died on April 28, 1903 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Term as Governor: Monday, January 02, 1899 - Tuesday, April 28, 1903