Simon Bamberger
1917-1921, Democrat
Simon Bamberger brought many firsts to the office of governor. He was
the first Democrat state governor and the first non-Mormon to serve as
governor. He served one term from 1917 to 1921. Simon Bamberger was born
in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1861 when he was fourteen
years old. He arrived in Utah circa 1870. He built the Salt Lake and Ogden
Railways as well as Lagoon, an amusement park in Farmington. He served
on the Board of Education and as a state senator before becoming governor.
Bamberger made history by defeating a Mormon candidate for the democratic
nomination and ending the selection of candidates based on religious affiliation.
Bamberger dealt with issues facing the entire country during his term
including prohibition, World War I and women's suffrage. He established
the Public Utilities Commission and a Department of Public Health. He
worked for the successful passage of a Worker's Compensation Act. The
Governor's Water Rights Commission was created under Governor Bamberger's
leadership. This commission handled irrigation projects concerning residential
development of lands, e.g., Strawberry Reservoir and the Dixie Project.
A coal shortage crisis and the failure of Mammouth Dam also occurred during
his governorship. Utah's citizens held Simon Bamberger in high regard.
He chose not to run for a second term and returned to his business interests.
Powell, Allan Kent, ed. Utah
History Encyclopedia. Simon Bamberger, by Miriam B. Murphy. Salt Lake
City: University of Utah Press, 1994.
Sobel, Robert and John Raimo,
ed. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978,
vol. IV. Westport: Meckler
Books.
Utah State Archives. Records
of Governor Simon Bamberger, (agency 446).
Series available:
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Page | This page was last updated May
29, 2002.