Frank Swett Black was born at Limington, Maine, March 8, 1853. He
graduated from Dartmouth, 1875. He entered professional life as the
editor of the Johnstown, New York, Journal. Later he became reporter of
the Troy Whig, New York. He was a clerk in the registry department of
the Troy postoffice, during which time he studied law and was admitted
to the bar in 1879. He was a member of congress in 1895 to 1897, and
in 1897 was elected by the republicans as governor of New York state.
He also won distinction as a trial lawyer and has defended a number
of notable cases, among which was the celebrated case of Rollin B.
Molineaux.