F. Ray Keyser Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
F. Ray Keyser Jr.
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| 72nd Governor of Vermont | |
| In office January 5, 1961 – January 10, 1963 |
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| Lieutenant | Ralph Foote |
| Preceded by | Robert Stafford |
| Succeeded by | Philip Hoff |
| Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives | |
| In office 1959–1961 |
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| Preceded by | Charles H. Brown |
| Succeeded by | Leroy Lawrence |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Chelsea | |
| In office 1955–1961 |
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| Preceded by | Berthold Coburn |
| Succeeded by | Walter L. Kennedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frank Ray Keyser Jr.
August 17, 1927 Chelsea, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | March 7, 2015 (aged 87) Brandon, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | Highland Cemetery, Chelsea, Vermont |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Joan Friedgen
(m. 1950; died 2002)Mary-Louise Keyser
(m. 2005) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | F. Ray Keyser Sr. (father) |
| Alma mater | Tufts University Boston University |
| Profession | Attorney |
Frank Ray Keyser Jr. (August 17, 1927 – March 7, 2015) was an American lawyer and politician from Vermont. He was a leader in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1959 to 1961. He also served as the 72nd governor of Vermont from 1961 to 1963.
Early Life and Education
Frank Ray Keyser Jr. was born in Chelsea, Vermont, on August 17, 1927. His father, F. Ray Keyser Sr., was a Vermont Supreme Court Justice. When he was young, Frank Jr. even worked as a page in the Vermont House of Representatives in 1939.
He finished high school at Montpelier High School in 1945. After high school, he served in the United States Navy during World War II.
In 1950, Keyser earned his degree from Tufts University. He then went on to study law at Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1952. After finishing his studies, he started his career as a lawyer in Chelsea.
Keyser married Joan F. Friedgen on July 15, 1950. Joan was an engineer. They had three children: Carol, Christopher, and Frank III. Joan Keyser was the First Lady of Vermont when her husband was governor.
Political Career
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Frank Keyser Jr. was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives three times, serving from 1955 to 1961. During his time there, he became the Speaker from 1959 to 1961. The Speaker is the leader of the House.
In 1960, Keyser ran for governor of Vermont. He won the election and became the state's governor. He served one term, from 1961 to 1963. At 33 years old, Keyser was the youngest person ever elected as Vermont's governor.
During his time as governor, he started the Vermont Industrial Building Authority. This program helped create new jobs and boost the state's economy. He also helped expand the state park system, giving people more places to enjoy nature.
In 1962, Keyser ran for re-election but lost to Philip H. Hoff, a Democrat. This was a big moment because it was the first time a Republican governor in Vermont had lost a re-election since the Republican Party began in the 1850s.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as governor, Keyser worked in business. From 1965 to 1979, he held important roles at the Vermont Marble Company. He was also a director for the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation for many years.
In 1980, he started a law office called Keyser and Crowley in Rutland.
His first wife, Joan, passed away in 2002. Frank Keyser Jr. married Mary Lou Underhill in 2005.
Frank Ray Keyser Jr. lived in Proctor for a long time. He passed away on March 7, 2015, at the age of 87. He was buried in Highland Cemetery in Chelsea, Vermont.
