Luren Dickinson

Luren Dudley Dickinson (April 15, 1859–April 22, 1943 was an American politician. He served as a Republican governor of Michigan from 1939 to 1940. He holds the record of the oldest person to ever serve as Michigan governor, at the age of 79, as well as the only governor to enter office upon the death of an incumbent.

Dickenson was born in Niagara County, New York but as an infant his family moved to Michigan. In Michigan his family purchased land and undertook farming. As a boy Dickenson spent most of his time working on the family farm but by studying often at home he was able to complete highschool and at the age of 18 qualified to be a teacher. He was impressive as a teacher and thus moved up quickly becoming first principal and then superintendent of schools at the young age of 21.

His involvement in community schools sparked his interest in local politics. He joined the Republican Party and in 1897 was elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives. After winning re-election several times he was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1909.

He served only one term in the State Senate before being elected Lieutenant Governor in 1914. He would spend most of the rest of his political career in this office being elected to it seven times. In 1939 incumbent Governor Frank Fitzgerald died suddenly in office and thus, a month short of Dickenson's 80th birthday, he became Governor of Michigan.

As governor of Michigan he spent much of his time conducting state business at his farm near Charlotte, Michigan rather than at the state capital in Lansing. He was well known for his informal appearance and actions which included having his swearing in ceremony at his farm, dressing in modest clothing and continuing to undertake farm work during his term. In 1940 he ran for re-election but his campaigning was hampered due to the illness and later death of his wife. He lost the election to Democrat Murray Van Wagoner. He died in 1943 in Charlotte and is buried at the Maple Hill Cemetery there.