In 1922 , Ross was elected governor of Wyoming by appealing to progressive voters in both parties . He advocated stronger Prohibition laws and called for tax cuts , government assistance for poor farmers , banking reform , and laws protecting children , women workers , and miners . He was a delegate to the 1924 Democratic National Convention . After little more than a year and a half in office , Ross died at the age of 50 from complications following an appendectomy . He was succeeded as governor by Secretary of State Frank Lucas . His widow , Nellie Tayloe Ross was later elected governor in November 1924 and became the first female governor in United States history , in January 1925
1924 Democratic National Convention
1924 Democratic National Convention
William B. Ross