alph F. Gates, 36th Governor of Indiana, was born in Columbia City (Whitley County) and lived there for most of his life. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Lt. in WWI. He was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Indiana University where he graduated with a degree in law. He then began practicing at the Gates Brothers law office above the Gates' family owned Farmers Loan and Trust Co. bank in Columbia City. He was elected Gov. of Indiana in 1945 and served a four year term. He then returned to Columbia City and practiced law there until his death in 1979. His son Bob Gates ran for governor in the 1960's as well, losing the election he also returned to Columbia City to practice law.

Submitted by Nathan Gates Lefeve