Hiram M. Dow
Quick Facts
Biography
Hiram M. Dow (April 21, 1885 – March 07, 1969) was an American lawyer and politician who served as lieutenant governor of New Mexico from 1937-1938.
Early life and education
Hiram M. Dow was born Hiram Millet Dow on April 21, 1885, in Cotulla, Texas, to Mary Ann Neatherlin (1862-1949) and James Lesile Dow (1860-1897). He had two brothers Robert Clinton Dow (1888–1969) and Frank Leslie Dow (1891–1893).
When he was 6 years old, his family moved to Seven River, New Mexico, during the cattle drive days. He attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico, and was in the first graduating class of 1905. At that time, he also built a simplified Anne-style house with two gables on the front roof and peeled columns at 702 North Richardson Avenue in Roswell. He then studied law at Washington and Lee University in Lexington City, Virginia, graduating in 1908, after which he returned to New Mexico to practice law. At the university, he was athletic and played football and also served as a coach and athletic director at New Mexico Military Institute.
Career
Dow was the president of the New Mexico Bar Association (1935-1936) and of the New Mexico Board of Bar Commissioners and was a member of the State Board of Bar Examiners.
Politically, Dow was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1936, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico of the Democratic ticket with Governor Clyde Tingley and served one term from 1937 to 1938. After this, he practiced as a lawyer in the petroleum industry in New Mexico. He also served many years as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and received many other honors and recognitions during his lifetime.
Personal life
Dow married Eleanor Laurena Lea (1881–1962), daughter of Sally Wildy (1849–1884) and captain Joseph Callaway Lea (1841–1904), known as "Father of Roswell," and founder of the New Mexico Military Institute. They had a daughter together, Dorothy "Dottie" Lea Dow Schauer (1914-1998). Eleanor also brought two daughters from her first marriage to Edgar "Ted" Lucius Bedell; Eleanor Lea Bedell (1904-1975) and Josephine Lea Bedell (1910-1997).
Death
Dow died on March 07, 1969, at the age of 83 in Roswell, New Mexico. He was buried in the South Park Cemetery in Roswell.