Ernest R. Graham (politician)
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Ernest R. "Cap" Graham (born in South Dakota, 1886, died in Florida, 1957) was a political figure in Florida, having served as a member of the Florida Senate from 1937 to 1944, when he unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Florida. As a senator, Graham lobbied in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. to bring benefits to Dade County. He proposed the creation of a public university in the county, and although his efforts were unsuccessful during his lifetime, they eventually led to the establishment of Florida International University. In 1948, Graham unsuccessfully sought election to the Dade County Commission. Other than his involvement in politics, Graham worked as a farmer and as a mining engineer.
Graham married Hilda Simmons, a schoolteacher The couple had four children, including Philip Graham, who later became husband of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham; William Graham of Miami Lakes, Florida; Mary Crow; and Florida Governor and United States Senator Bob Graham.
