Samuel H. Wragg (June 9, 1882 – May 13, 1959) was an American politician who served as President of the Massachusetts Senate from 1937 to 1939 and sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, from 1939 to 1959.
Samuel H. Wragg | |
|---|---|
 Samuel Wragg, circa 1923 | |
| Norfolk County, Massachusetts Sheriff | |
| In office 1939–1959 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Capen |
| Succeeded by | Peter M. McCormack |
| President of the Massachusetts Senate | |
| In office 1937–1939 | |
| Preceded by | James G. Moran |
| Succeeded by | Joseph R. Cotton |
| Member of the Massachusetts Senate | |
| In office 1925–1939 | |
| Preceded by | Frank G. Allen |
| Succeeded by | Mason Sears |
| Constituency | 1st Norfolk District (1925-27) Norfolk and Middlesex District (1927-39) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 9, 1882 Needham, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 13, 1959 (aged 76) Needham, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
Early life
editWragg was on June 9, 1882, in Needham, Massachusetts. He attended public schools in Needham and worked in manufacturing before entering politics.[1]
Political career
editWragg served on the Needham Board of Selectmen from 1914 to 1920 and in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1919 to 1924. In 1924, Wragg was elected to the Massachusetts Senate. During his tenure in the Senate, Wragg chaired the Joint Committee on Municipal Finance and the special commission on public expenditures and was a member of the rules, conservation, and public welfare committees.[2] From 1931 to 1955, Wragg also served as Needham's town moderator.[3]
Senate leadership
editIn 1935, Republican James G. Moran was elected president of the Senate with the votes of 19 Democrats and 1 Republican.[4] Moran routinely sided with the Democrats and the majority of Republican Senators voted to form a steering committee, chaired by Wragg, which would serve as the party's official organization in the Senate.[5] In July 1936, Wragg announced that he would seek the Senate presidency in the 1937-38 session.[2] Wragg secured more Republican support than floor leader Donald W. Nicholson and was elected president.[6]
Sheriff of Norfolk County
editIn 1938, Wragg was elected Sheriff of Norfolk County. He held the position until his death on May 13, 1959.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Public Officials of Massachusetts 1937-1938.
- ^ a b "Senate Presidency is Sough by Wragg". The Boston Daily Globe. July 6, 1936.
- ^ ""People Saw How Chipper He Is": 74-Year-Old Wragg Visited Everyone, Won Reelection". The Boston Daily Globe. November 11, 1956.
- ^ Merrill, John (January 11, 1935). "Moran Wins in Senate, Faints". The Boston Daily Globe.
- ^ "Republicans Oust Moran". The Boston Daily Globe. July 26, 1935.
- ^ "Wragg and Cahill Legislative Heads". The Boston Daily Globe. November 19, 1936.
- ^ "Sheriff Wragg Is Dead at 76; Headed Senate". The Boston Daily Globe. May 14, 1959.