Edward J. Thye is born near Frederick, South Dakota. Thye succeeded 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 reduce the state debt, increased old-age assistance, expanded state institutions, established a human rights commission, and approved a health-care plan for state employees. As a Republican senator from 1947 to 1958, he was 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.