Edward J. Thye is born near Frederick, South Dakota. Thye would succeed Harold E. Stassen to become the twenty-sixth governor of the state and, notably, the first farmer to hold the office. During his term, he would reduce the state debt, increase old-age assistance, expand state institutions, establish a human rights commission, and approve a health-care plan for state employees. As a Republican senator from 1947 to 1958, he would be one of seven to sign Margaret Chase Smith's "declaration of conscience" against Joseph McCarthy. He died at his farm near Northfield on August 28, 1969.