Background
SHAFER, George F. was born on November 23, 1888 in Taylor, North Dakota, United States. Son of Charles E. and Eva (Diehm) Shafer.
lawyer Governor of North Dakota
SHAFER, George F. was born on November 23, 1888 in Taylor, North Dakota, United States. Son of Charles E. and Eva (Diehm) Shafer.
Shafer was educated in Mandan"s public school system and attended the University of North Dakota.
Shafer pursued a career in politics and became the State"s Attorney for Mckenzie County from 1915 to 1919. Serving as the Assistant Attorney General from 1921 to 1923, he took on a more prominent role in 1923 when he became the North Dakota Attorney General. He served this position until 1929, after defeating incumbent Walter Maddock in the 1928 gubernatorial election.
He served as the 16th Governor of North Dakota from 1929 to 1933.
During his term, many profound events in the history of North Dakota occurred. The most severe problems facing the state during Shafer"s administration were drought and low prices for agricultural products.
To his cr, the State Mill and Elevator showed a good profit for the state under Shafer"s direction, despite the weather and economic conditions. In 1930, the state capitol (former territorial capitol) burned down.
A capital commission was formed to oversee the design and construction of the new capitol, and he was at the groundbreaking ceremony in 1932.
Shafer retired from public life after losing the 1932 election to William Langer. He died in Bismarck, North Dakota on August 13, 1948 at the age of 59. He is buried at Saint Mary"s Cemetery in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Member: Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Masons; Ancient Order of United Workmen Club: Kiwanis (Bismarck, N. Dakota).
Spouse Frances Kellogg, September 1, 1915, Schafer, N.