Vandercook, Roy C., 1873-

Roy C. Vandercook was born in Mason, Michigan on November 20, 1873. Early in his career, he worked as a newspaperman and as a city clerk in Mason (1894). From April 1898 to April 1899, he served as 1st Lieutenant with the 31st Michigan Volunteer Infantry serving in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. After the war, he became a respected Lansing newspaperman. He also continued his involvement with military affairs organizing Michigan's Battery A, First Field Artillery. His service here led to his appointment in 1912 to the Office of Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard (1912-1915). During World War I, he helped to organize the Michigan State Troops also known as the Michigan State Constabulary. This constabulary would become in 1919 the Michigan State Police. Vandercook served as first Commander of the Michigan State Police (1918-1923). Following this phase of his career, he became manager and lobbyist for the Michigan Railroad Association. He was also vice-chairman of the Ferris Institute Board of Control.

From the guide to the Roy C. Vandercook papers, 1900-1957, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)

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