William Tudor Gardiner

William Tudor Gardiner (June 12, 1892 – August 3, 1953) was an American politician and the 55th Governor of Maine. Early life Gardiner was born in Newton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1892, the youngest of five children born to Robert Hallowell Gardiner III and Alice (Bangs) Gardiner. He studied at the Groton School, graduated from Harvard University in 1914, and studied for two years at Harvard Law School. He completed his studies with his brother Robert H. Gardiner, and was admitted to the bar in 1917. First World War During the First World War, Gardiner served in the army. He later became the first lieutenant of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery. He served outside the United States and participated in the operation that attained the Italian Armistice. After his military service, he established his law career in Portland, Maine. Politics Gardiner was elected as a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1920. He held that position for six years. In 1928, he was nominated by the Republican Party for the governorship of Maine. He won the general election by a popular vote. He was successful in his re-election bid in 1930. During his administration, when the stock market crashed, the crippling economic problems were dealt with. He left office on January 4, 1933.