Albert G. Schmedeman

Albert G. Schmedeman
28th Governor of Wisconsin
In office
January 2, 1933 – January 7, 1935
Lieutenant Thomas J. O'Malley
Preceded by Philip La Follette
Succeeded by Philip La Follette
3rd United States Minister to Norway
In office
October 4, 1913 – July 29, 1921
President Woodrow Wilson
Warren G. Harding
Preceded by Laurits S. Swenson
Succeeded by Laurits S. Swenson
Personal details
Born Albert George Schmedeman
(1864-11-25)November 25, 1864
Madison, Wisconsin
Died November 26, 1946(1946-11-26) (aged 82)
Madison, Wisconsin
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Katherine Regan
Children 2
Profession Politician, diplomat
Awards Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olaf

Albert George Schmedeman (November 25, 1864 – November 26, 1946) was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 28th Governor of Wisconsin and minister to Norway. To date he is the only mayor of Madison to be elected Governor of Wisconsin.

Biography

Schmedeman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Heinrich Schmedeman, a "Forty-Eighter" from Germany. Albert Schmedeman was elected to the Madison City Council in 1904, serving for four years. He also served the community as fire and police commissioner, and as a member of the local board of education.[1]

A Democrat, Schmedeman ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1910 but lost to John M. Nelson. In 1913 he was appointed the United States Minister to Norway and held this position until 1921. During that time, Schmedeman accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of President Woodrow Wilson in 1919,[2] and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olaf in 1921 by Haakon VII.[3]

After concluding his service as Minister to Norway, Schmedeman planned to retire from politics, but was, instead, elected mayor of Madison, serving from 1926 to 1932. In 1932 he was elected Governor of Wisconsin and served from 1933 to 1935. His term was both preceded and succeeded by Philip La Follette, son of former governor Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

In 1934, while attending the dedication for Rib Mountain State Park and campaigning for a second term, Schmedeman slipped on some loose rock and injured his foot. Gangrene developed, necessitating the amputation of his leg.[4][5]

After his service as governor concluded, Schmedeman went on to be named Federal Housing Administrator for Wisconsin by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a post that he held from 1935 until 1942.[1]

Schmedeman was fluent in German and also proficient in the Norwegian language.

References

  1. 1 2 Governor Albert G. Schmedeman. National Governor's Association.
  2. ↑ Woodrow Wilson – Acceptance Speech
  3. ↑ "Nowegian Order for Our Envoy". The New York Times. July 30, 1921. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  4. ↑ "A. G. SCHMEDEMAN, EX-DIPLOMAT, DIES; Former Governor of Wisconsin Served as U. S. Minister to Norway for 8 Years". The New York Times. November 27, 1946. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  5. ↑ "SCHEDEMAN ACTS TO BELIE WHISPERS; He Enters Wisconsin Campaign Actively to Show He Is Not Incapacitated. HIS LEG WAS AMPUTATED No III Effects Apparent From Operation Month Ago -- Three Parties Voice Optimism". The New York Times. November 5, 1934. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
Political offices
Preceded by
Philip La Follette		 Governor of Wisconsin
1933 – 1935		 Succeeded by
Philip La Follette
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Laurits S. Swenson		 U.S. Minister to Norway
1913–1921		 Succeeded by
Laurits S. Swenson
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