Born in Saginaw, Michigan, FRANK COLLINS EMERSON graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. After moving to Wyoming, he held a number of executive engineering posts and served as State Engineer from 1919 until 1927. Claiming that his removal from that office in 1923 by then-governor William Ross was invalid, he took his case to the State Supreme Court, which reinstated him. Three years later, he made a successful bid for governor against Nellie Tayloe Ross, who had been elected governor after the death of her husband William. During his tenure as governor, Emerson played an active role in the development of Wyoming’s natural resources. Although reelected, he died less than two months into his second term.