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LUREN D. DICKINSON, the thirty-seventh governor of Michigan, was born in Niagara County, New York on April 15, 1859. His early education was attained in the public schools of his native state, and later at the Charlotte High School in Michigan. Dickinson established an extensive career in education, teaching school in the winter months, later serving as a high school principal, and eventually becoming the supervisor and superintendent of schools. He entered into politics as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, a position he held from 1897 to 1898 and 1905 to 1908. He also served as a member of the Michigan State Senate from 1909 to 1910, and was the lieutenant governor of Michigan from 1915 to 1921, 1927 to 1933 and 1939. On March 16, 1939, Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald passed away, and Dickinson, who was lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, legislation was sanctioned that made it mandatory for public school teachers to take a loyalty oath to the government. Also, gambling and open bars were contested; a civil service code was authorized; and the Michigan National Guard was activated for service in World War II. After running unsuccessfully for a term of his own, Dickinson left office on January 1, 1941. Governor Luren D. Dickinson passed away on April 22, 1943, and was buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, 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.

The Political Graveyard

University of Michigan Library: Documents Center