Thomas Dewey

Thomas Edmund Dewey (March 24, 1902 – March 16, 1971) was the Governor of New York (1943-1955) and the Republican candidate for the U.S. Presidency in two elections (1944 and 1948), losing both times. He was the first presidential candidate born in the twentieth century.

Early life and career

Dewey was born and raised in Owosso, Michigan, where his father edited the local newspaper. The future politician graduated from the University of Michigan in 1923 and in 1925 received a law degree from Columbia Law School in New York City.

Related Topics:
Owosso, Michigan - University of Michigan - Columbia Law School - New York City

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During the 1930s Dewey was a New York City prosecutor, and in 1936, he helped in the conviction of Lucky Luciano. In 1939 Dewey prosecuted American Nazi leader Fritz Kuhn for embezzlement, thereby crippling Kuhn's organization. Mobster Dutch Schultz was reportedly killed because he was planning to assassinate Dewey, which his compatriots felt would draw too much unwanted law enforcement attention to their operations. He was elected District Attorney of New York County (Manhattan) in 1937.

Related Topics:
1930s - 1936 - Lucky Luciano - 1939 - Fritz Kuhn - Dutch Schultz - Manhattan

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