Lanier, J. Con, 1891-1975

J. Con Lanier, a native of Pitt County, N.C., is a leading expert on tobacco. A graduate of the University of North Carolina and Georgetown University, Lanier started his law career after serving in France during World War I. During the Roosevelt administration, Lanier moved to Washington, D.C. to help develop a national tobacco program. After returning to Greenville, Lanier once again plunged into activities connected with tobacco. During this period, he served as Counsel for the Tobacco Association of the U.S., Executive Secretary of the Leaf Tobacco Exporters Association, and Counsel for the Leaf Tobacco Exporters Association. Lanier was also active in N.C. Democratic Party. He served as mayor of Greenville (1927-1931) and state senator (1941-1945).