Warren Garst

Warren Garst (December 4, 1850 – October 5, 1924) was an American politician, Iowa state senator, a member of the Republican Party, the lieutenant governor of Iowa, and the 19th governor of Iowa.

Early life

Garst was born to Dr. Michael Garst and Marie Louise Morrison in Dayton, Ohio. His father's side was descended from Holland and his mother's from Ireland.

Political career

Iowa Senate

Garst started his political career when he ran for State Senate in 1893 and became a member of the Iowa Senate 1894. He served in the 25th through 31st General Assemblies (1894-1908). From 1896 to 1907, he was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Lieutenant Governor and Governor

He was nominated for lieutenant governor at the Republican Convention in 1906 and was inaugurated on January 17, 1907.

When Governor Albert B. Cummins was elected into the United States Senate he was elevated to the position of Governor of Iowa. During his short time as governor he carried out the Cummins administration's policies. He was urged to run for a full term as governor, but lost the 1910 Republican primary to State Auditor Beryl F. Carroll 49% to 35%, with the votes being: Carroll receiving 88,834 votes; Garst, 63,737; and John J. Hamilton, 29,292.

Industrial Commissioner

In July 1913, Garst was appointed by Governor George W. Clarke to be Industrial Commissioner. He helped to get laws enacted to get workers compensated for industrial accidents.

Later life

He died on October 5, 1924, and was buried at the Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.