Albert Sleeper

Albert Sleeper
29th Governor of Michigan
In office January 1, 1917 – January 1, 1921
Lieutenant	Luren D. Dickinson
Preceded by	Woodbridge Nathan Ferris
Succeeded by	Alex J. Groesbeck
Personal details
Born	December 31, 1862 Bradford, Vermont
Died	May 13, 1934 (aged 71) Lexington, Michigan
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mary C. Moore

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.

Early life in Vermont and Michigan

Sleeper was born 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.

Politics

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 (Michgan State Police).

Retirement, death and legacy

In 1928, Sleeper served as presidential elector for Michigan to elect Herbert Hoover as U.S. President. Six years later, he died in Lexington at the age of seventy-one and is interred at Lexington Municipal Cemetery.

In 1944, Huron State Park, in Caseville, Michigan was renamed Albert E. Sleeper State Park.

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.