John Rankin Rogers

Biography

John Rankin Rogers (1838–1901) earned lasting recognition as the third governor of Washington, championing direct legislation, public ownership of utilities, and reforms that responded to the needs of farmers and workers; his tenure reflected a devotion to fairness that guided him from his earliest days as a teacher and newspaper publisher.

He died shortly after leaving office, yet his reforms continued to influence the young state, and he now rests along the Puget Sound, where visitors reflect on his efforts to give citizens a stronger voice.