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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Years after he faded into obscurity, John Gilbert Winant is getting his due.
The New Hampshire governor became the first leader of the Social Security Administration and U.S. ambassador to Britain during World War II.
But privately, he battled depression and massive debt. He shot himself at 58 as his memoirs were about to be published in 1947.
In recent years, a group formed in New Hampshire to raise money for a statue honoring his commitment to helping others. It's to be dedicated next spring.
Some feel Winant's suicide created a stigma that prevented his accomplishments from being better known. They hope the statue will encourage discussion about his attention to labor and social issues, his role during the war, and a better recognition of mental health problems.
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