Murray Van Wagoner

Murray Van Wagoner (1939)

Murray Delos Van Wagoner (born March 18, 1898 in Kingston , Michigan , † June 12, 1986 in Farmington Hills , Michigan) was an American politician and from 1941 to 1943 the 38th governor of Michigan.

Early years and political advancement

Murray Van Wagoner studied engineering and construction at the University of Michigan until 1921 . He was then able to apply his knowledge in the service of the Highway Commission. He later worked for a private company before starting his own company. Van Wagoner was a member of the Democratic Party. Between 1930 and 1933 he was Oakland County's head of the sewerage department, where he was responsible for the construction and maintenance of the sewerage system. Between 1933 and 1941 he was head of the Michigan Roads Department (State Highway Commissioner). In 1936, 1940, 1944 and 1952 he was a delegate at the respective federal party conventions of his party.

Michigan governor

On November 5, 1940 he was elected as the new governor of his country as his party's candidate against the Republican incumbent Luren Dickinson . Van Wagoner began his two-year term on January 1, 1941. During this time, the budget deficit of $ 27 million was reduced. The various tax authorities have been merged into a common ministry. In addition, the public service was reorganized. During his reign, Governor Van Wagoner also had to deal with power strikes. After the United States entered World War II on December 7, 1941, industrial production in Michigan had to be converted to armaments. In addition, young men had to be mustered and made available to the armed forces. In 1942 Van Wagoner applied for a second term without success. Therefore he had to give up his office on January 1, 1943.

Another résumé

In 1946 he ran again unsuccessfully for the office of governor. Van Wagoner then withdrew from politics and devoted himself to his private interests. He died in 1986 at the age of 88. Murray Van Wagoner was married to Helen Jossman, with whom he had two children.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Murray Wagoner in the National Governor Association (English)
• Murray Van Wagoner in the database of Find a Grave (English)