Location: Ruby River, Madison County
On January 4, 1937, Roy E. Ayers was inaugurated as the 11th Governor of Montana. Ayers, a Democrat, was the first governor of Montana to be born within the state's future boundaries, near Lewistown. Before becoming governor, he served as a lawyer, rancher, and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Montana's 2nd congressional district. His gubernatorial term, which lasted until January 6, 1941, saw efforts to expand the state bureaucracy, eliminate the state deficit, and lower state bond interests. However, his administration also faced controversy, including allegations of misappropriation of state resources. After his political career, Ayers returned to ranching. He passed away in Lewistown in 1955, leaving a complex legacy in Montana's political history.