Thomas Clarke Rye | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 32nd Governor of Tennessee | |
| In office January 17, 1915 – January 15, 1919 | |
| Preceded by | Ben W. Hooper |
| Succeeded by | Albert H. Roberts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 2, 1863 Benton County, Tennessee |
| Died | September 12, 1953 (aged 90) Paris, Tennessee |
| Resting place | Maplewood Cemetery, Paris, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Bettie Arnold (m. 1887)[1] |
| Profession | Attorney |
Thomas Clarke Rye (June 2, 1863 – September 12, 1953) was an American politician who served as the 32nd governor of Tennessee from 1915 to 1919. An ardent supporter of prohibition of alcoholic beverages, he helped reunify the state's Democratic Party, which had been divided over the issue for nearly a decade. Rye is perhaps best remembered for enacting the "Ouster Law," which was aimed at curbing the power of political boss E. H. Crump.[2]
- ^ John Trotwood Moore, Tennessee, The Volunteer State, 1769-1923, Vol. 3 (S.J. Clark Publishing Company, 1923). Transcribed at GenealogyTrails.com by Christine Walters.
- ^ Anne-Leslie Owens, "Thomas Clarke Rye," Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, 2009. Retrieved: 4 December 2012.