State Web Site

JOHN J. BAGLEY, the sixteenth governor of Michigan, was born in Medina, New York on July 24, 1832. His education was attained in the public schools of New York and Michigan. Bagley went to work in the tobacco industry, eventually establishing the Mayflower Tobacco Company, which became one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of tobacco. He entered public service in 1855, winning election to the Detroit Board of Education, a position he held three years. He also served on the Detroit Common Council from 1860 to 1861, was a member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners from 1865 to 1872, and served as chairman of the Republican State Committee from 1868 to 1870. Bagley next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and went on to win election to the governorship in 1872. He was reelected to a second term in 1874. During his tenure, a liquor tax law was sanctioned; a state fish commission was organized; the state's railroad laws were improved; and a state board of health was founded. Also, educational and charitable institutions were advanced; and the state militia was restructured into the Michigan National Guard. After completing his term, Bagley left office on January 3, 1877. Four years later, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Senate.  Governor John J. Bagley passed away on December 27, 1881, and was buried in the Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

MARDOS Memorial Library

Shiawassee County History

1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties