Albert Sleeper
| Albert Edson Sleeper | |
|---|---|
_in_1916.jpg)
Sleeper in 1916
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| 29th Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1917 – January 1, 1921 |
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| Lieutenant | Luren D. Dickinson |
| Preceded by | Woodbridge Nathan Ferris |
| Succeeded by | Alex J. Groesbeck |
| Treasurer of Michigan | |
| In office 1909–1912 |
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| Preceded by | John T. Rich |
| Succeeded by | John W. Haarer |
| Member of the Michigan Senate | |
| In office 1901-1904 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 31, 1862 Bradford, Vermont |
| Died | May 13, 1934 (aged 71) Lexington, Michigan |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mary C. Moore |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
Albert Edson Sleeper (December 31, 1862 – May 13, 1934) was an American politician and served as the 29th Governor of Michigan from 1917 to 1921.
Biography
Sleeper was born on December 31, 1862 in Bradford, Vermont and was educated at the Bradford Academy.
In 1884, he moved to Lexington, Michigan where he was a successful businessman owning several banks and extensive real estate. Sleeper also worked in mercantile industries. In 1901, he married Mary C. Moore.
Sleeper served in the Michigan State Senate, 1901–1904. The following year, he became a member of the Republican State Committee until 1907. Then he served as State Treasurer of Michigan from 1909 to 1913 under Governors, Fred M. Warner and Chase Osborn.
Sleeper was elected Governor of Michigan by a popular vote on November 7, 1916, defeating Democrat Edwin F. Sweet. He was re-elected to a second term in 1918. He served during most of World War I had started and measures were taken to supply men, provisions, and arms for the war effort. Also during his four years in office, a department of animal husbandry, a department of labor, and a public utilities commission were established. A county road system was advanced, a permanent state police department was founded, and the first driver's license was issued. Sleeper signed the State Parks Act creating the State Park system and an epidemic of the Spanish influenza was dealt with. On April 19, 1917, Governor Sleeper created the Michigan State Troops Permanent Force (Michigan State Police).
In 1928, Sleeper served as presidential elector for Michigan to elect Herbert Hoover as U.S. President. He died on May 13, 1934 in Lexington, Michigan at the age of seventy-one and is interred at Lexington Municipal Cemetery.
Legacy
In 1944, Huron State Park in Caseville, Michigan was renamed Albert E. Sleeper State Park. The public library in Ubly, Michigan is also named after Sleeper.
References
- Biography at National Governors Association
- Find a Grave
- Political Graveyard
- Albert E. Sleeper State Park
Additional reading
- Fuller, George, Ed., Messages of the Governors of Michigan, Volume 4 (East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Press) ISBN 0-87013-723-9; ISBN 978-0-87013-723-5.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Governor of Michigan 1917–1921 |
Succeeded by Alex J. Groesbeck |
| Preceded by | State Treasurer of Michigan 1909-1912 |
Succeeded by John W. Haarer |
