Lee Cruce, a Democrat, served as Oklahoma's second governor from 1911 to 1915. Cruce was born July 8, 1863, near Marion, Kentucky. Admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1887, Cruce never practiced law until joining his older brother's law firm at Ardmore, Indian Territory, in 1891. He became cashier of the Ardmore National Bank ten years later.
Cruce eventually became bank president. Cruce served as Oklahoma Governor from January 9, 1911 to January 11, 1915. He was defeated in the 1930 primary for the United States Senate. Cruce died in Los Angeles, CA, on January 16, 1933, and is buried in Ardmore's Rose Hill Cemetery. (Info taken from page 725 of the 2001-2002 Oklahoma Almanac published by the Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries.)
During his time as governor:
"The Legislature created the state Department of Highways in 1911. The agency was financed with a license fee of $1 per year per car.
During the last half of Cruce's term, the Legislature spent most of its time invetigating the executive branch. The investigating committee came within one vote of calling for the impeachment of Cruce.
Cruce called out the National Guard on several occasions to stop horse races and prize fights.
He broke ground for the Capitol (building) in 1914." (Taken from an article in the 11/15/87 Daily Oklahoman.)
File: Governors/State/Oklahoma
With the July 27, primary election quickly approaching, campaign signs have blossomed and some of the candidates are beginning to badmouth one another’s records. If we go back 100 years ago, we find that politics haven’t changed a great deal.
William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, Lee Cruce and L.P. Ross were the Democratic candidates for governor.
Ross was a poor third and the race was between Murray and Cruce.
Bill Murray accused the election board of favoritism towards Cruce and attacked the three-man board, vociferously in speeches and in letters. He, however, provided no proof. He attacked Gov. Charles Haskell when he did not endorse him.
Letters were fired back and forth, and editorials were written.
This article, published Aug. 1, 1910, in The Oklahoman, gives a good description of the race:
“A campaign fraught with significant incidents is nearing its close. On the last day before the battle of the ballots….democratic voters of the state are giving serious consideration to only two candidates, Lee Cruce and Bill Murray.”
