John McGraw (governor)


John Harte McGraw was the second Governor of Washington state.

Biography

McGraw was born in Penobscot County, Maine. He served as Republican Governor January 9, 1893 - January 11, 1897. Previously he was Sheriff of King County, Washington during the Seattle riot of 1886.
McGraw, a law graduate, had also been President of Seattle First National Bank and Seattle Chamber of Commerce. After leaving office, he made money during the Klondike Gold Rush, much needed since he had to repay the State $10,000 following an investigation into his term of office.
He died on June 23, 1910 from scarlet fever.
A bronze statue of McGraw sculpted by Richard E. Brooks in 1913 stands at McGraw Square in Seattle.