Bill Text: MI SR0183 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Stevens T. Mason.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-3)
Status: (Passed) 2010-11-03 - Adopted [SR0183 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SR0183-Enrolled.html
SR-183, As Adopted by Senate, November 3, 2010
Senator Olshove offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 183.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Stevens T. Mason.
Whereas, Stevens T. Mason was appointed as Territorial Secretary of Michigan by President Andrew Jackson in 1831 at 19 years old. He very frequently served as acting Governor with great ambition and vigor when appointed Territorial Governor George Porter was absent; and
Whereas, While effectively serving as Territorial Governor from 1831 until 1834, Stevens T. Mason continued to expand his activities outside territorial government, receiving several honors including being elected alderman-at-large in Detroit, chosen for the exclusive Detroit Young Men’s Society, elected to the fire brigade, and admitted to practice law; and
Whereas, With admirable persistence and wisdom, Stevens T. Mason led Michigan down the path that ultimately helped the territory achieve statehood, initiating a territorial census when Congress failed to act on a petition to give statehood to Michigan, and guiding Michigan through the border dispute with Ohio, known as the Toledo War; and
Whereas, In 1835, after being elected Governor in his own right at the age of 24, the youngest state Governor in American history, Stevens T. Mason became a champion of education, endorsing a state school program, appointing a superintendent of public instruction, and promoting Ann Arbor as the University of Michigan’s permanent site. He also began a state geological survey and backed an aggressive internal improvement program, advocating for roads, railroads, and canals‑‑all notable contributions to Michigan’s future; and
Whereas, The remains of Stevens T. Mason will be laid to rest in Capitol Park, Detroit, Michigan, on October 27, 2010, at 1:00 p.m.; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of honor and gratitude to the Honorable Stevens T. Mason, as his body lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda on October 26, 2010, an honor bestowed upon only three other Michigan Governors; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Historical Society in commemoration of this event.
