Andrew Parsons

Andrew Parsons ( born July 22, 1817 in Hoosick, Rensselaer County, New York, † June 16, 1855 in Corunna, Michigan ) was an American politician and from 1853 to 1855 the 10th Governor of the State of Michigan.

Early years and political rise

Andrew Parsons attended the local schools of his home in New York State. In 1835, he moved to Michigan, where he worked as a store clerk and school teacher. Soon he was also land registry officer ( Register of Deeds ).

Parsons was a member of the Democratic Party. Between 1847 and 1848 he sat in the Senate from Michigan. Then he was from 1852 to 1853 on the board of the University of Michigan before he was elected as a candidate of his party for Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

Lieutenant Governor and Governor

After the launch on March 7, 1853 resignation of the incumbent Governor Robert McClelland, who had been appointed Secretary of the Interior, Parsons had to end until January 3, 1855 as his deputy, the remaining term. In these almost two years, the tax legislation was reformed in Michigan. In addition, both experienced Michigan, as well as the entire United States with a political change. Through the establishment of the Republican Party and the dissolution of the Whigs, the political landscape changed. This happened against the backdrop of the escalating conflict between North and South. The Democratic themselves were internally divided over the question of slavery. For the gubernatorial elections of 1855 they refused Parsons re- nomination, so he had to resign from his post in January 1855.

End of life

Parsons but managed to be elected to the House of Representatives from Michigan. Then he put the beginning of 1855 as a deputy. But he could not long enjoy his mandate,. Soon, a disease forced him to resign. He retired to his farm at Corunna, where he died in June 1855. Andrew Parsons was married to Marietta Clason, with whom he had four children.