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Mason,
born in Virginia in 1811, came to Michigan with his father, who was
appointed territorial secretary in 1830. Mason succeeded his father as
secretary in 1831. When the territorial governor died in 1834, Mason
became acting governor. In this new role, Mason led the territory into
the two-year struggle to become a state.
Although
Michigan did not become a state until January 26, 1837, Mason had been
elected the first state governor in October 1835. He was re-elected in
1837, but did not seek a third term because of controversy surrounding
the state’s $5 million loan for internal improvements. Mason moved to
New York City after leaving office. He married and fathered three
children. On January 1, 1843, he became sick, dying three days later. He
is buried in Detroit.
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