WALTER WELFORD, the twentieth governor of North Dakota, was born in Bellerby, Yorkshire, England on May 21, 1868. His education was attained in the public schools of North Dakota. Welford first entered politics in 1900, serving as the township clerk in Pembina County, North Dakota, a position he held twenty years. He also served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1907 to 1911; was a member of the North Dakota State Senate from 1917 to 1921; and served as the lieutenant governor of North Dakota from January 7, 1935 to February 2, 1935. On February 2, 1935 Governor Thomas Moodie was removed from office, and Welford, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, problems resulting from the depression were dealt with. After running unsuccessfully for his own gubernatorial term, Welford retired from political life. Governor Walter Welford passed away on June 28, 1952 in Altona, Manitoba.