Van Wagoner, Murray Delos, 1898-

Construction engineer and Michigan Democratic politician; served terms as Oakland County Drain Commissioner, Michigan State Highway Commissioner, and as Governor, 1941-1942.

From the description of Murray Delos Van Wagoner papers, 1921-1949. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34418743

Murray D. Van Wagoner was born March 18, 1898 in Tuscola County, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan College of Engineering in 1921 then went to work for the state highway department where he helped to build bridges. Van Wagoner next went to work for a private engineering company then started his own business.

In the late 1920s, Van Wagoner became interested in elective office. In 1930 he was elected Oakland County drain commissioner, then in 1933, he was elected state highway commissioner. A successful state road building, Van Wagoner was reelected all the while building a political base from which to run for higher office.

In 1940, Van Wagoner was elected Democratic governor of Michigan. As governor during the first two years of the second world war, Van Wagoner was successful in passing many measures related to civil defense and war preparedness. He was largely unsuccessful with his other proposals being opposed by a Republican legislature. He was defeated for re-election in 1942. He ran again in 1946, but was defeated. For the next decades of his life, Van Wagoner worked in private business. He died June 13, 1986.

From the guide to the Murray D. Van Wagoner Papers, 1921-1949, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)