George F. Shafer

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George F. Shafer (November 23, 1888–August 13, 1948) was born in Mandan, Dakota Territory. Shafer pursued a career in politics and became the State's Attorney for Mckenzie County from 1915 to 1919. He took on a more prominent role in 1922 when he became the North Dakota Attorney General prior to serving as the Assistant Attorney General from 1921 to 1922. He served this position until 1929, after defeating incumbent Walter Maddock in the 1928 election for Governor of North Dakota. He served as the Governor of North Dakota from 1929 to 1933. During his term, many profound events in the history of North Dakota occurred. The most severe problems facing the state during Shafer's administration were drought and low prices for agricultural products. To his credit, the State Mill and Elevator showed a good profit for the state under Shafer's direction, despite the weather and economic conditions. In 1930, the state capitol (former territorial capitol) burned down. A capitol commission was formed to oversee the design and construction of the new capitol, and he was at the groundbreaking ceremony in 1932. Shafer retired from public life after losing the 1932 election to William Langer. He died in Bismarck, North Dakota on August 13, 1948 at the age of 59.

Preceded by: Sveinbjorn Johnson

Attorneys General of North Dakota 1923–1928

Succeeded by: James Morris

Preceded by: Walter Maddock

Governor of North Dakota 1929–1933

Succeeded by: William Langer

Governors of North Dakota
Miller • A. Burke • Shortridge • Allin • Briggs • Devine • Fancher • White • Sarles • J. Burke • Hanna • Frazier • Nestos • Sorlie • Maddock • Shafer • Langer • O. Olson • Moodie • Welford • Langer • Moses • Aandahl • Brunsdale • Davis • Guy • Link • A. Olson • Sinner • Schafer • Hoeven