John Gray (North Dakota)

John A. Gray (August 5, 1877 - July 17, 1952) was a North Dakota public servant and politician who served in two of the state's constitutional offices. He served as the North Dakota State Treasurer from 1935 to 1938, and as the North Dakota Tax Commissioner from 1939 to 1952.

Biography

John Gray was born on a farm in Hennepin County, Minnesota in 1877. He came to North Dakota in 1909, and served in World War I as a master engineer. He was elected as the County Auditor of Ransom County seven times, and resigned that position to accept his appointment by the Governor to Deputy Tax Commissioner. He then was elected as the North Dakota State Treasurer in 1934, and served until term limitations prevented him from seeking re-election in 1938. He then was appointed as the Director of the Regulatory Department in January 1939, and served until May 1939 when he was appointed as the North Dakota Tax Commissioner. [North Dakota Blue Book, 1942] He was the last Tax Commissioner to be appointed; it became an elected position in 1940. He was re-elected continuously until 1952, when he died on July 17 at the age of 74.

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