State Web Site

ANDREW PARSONS, the tenth governor of Michigan, was born in Hoosick, New York on July 22, 1817. His early education was attained in the common schools of his native state. In 1835 he moved to Michigan, where he worked as a store clerk and taught school. Parsons entered politics in 1826, serving as the register of deeds, a position he held until 1842. He also served as a member of the Michigan State Senate from 1847 to 1848, was a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan from 1852 to 1853, and served as the lieutenant governor of Michigan in 1853. On March 7, 1853, Governor Robert McClelland resigned from office, and Parsons, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, tax laws were improved; and the practice of depositing surplus state funds in banks was opposed. After completing his term, Parsons left office on January 3, 1855. He continued to stay politically active, serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, a position he held in 1855. Governor Andrew Parsons passed away on June 6, 1855, and was buried in the Pinetree Cemetery in Corunna, 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.

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The Political Graveyard

MARDOS Memorial Library