Wessels, Winston.

Michigan's military establishment formally began with an August 30, 1805 act that provided for a territorial militia. A state militia was established in 1838. Public Act 147 of 1846 completely re-organized the state militia. Public Act 198 of 1893 officially designated the militia as the Michigan National Guard. In 1916, the U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Act, making all state national guards the primary reserves of the U.S. armed forces. The Executive Organization Act of 1965, which created the Department of Military Affairs, formally named the Adjutant General as the Department's chief administrative officer. The Executive Reorganization Order of 1997-7 renamed the Department as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

From the description of Winston Wessels collection, 1845-1974 1890-1950. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 61708246