Albert G. Schmedeman

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Albert George Schmedeman (November 25, 1864November 26, 1946) was an American politician who served as the 28th governor of Wisconsin.

Schmedeman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Heinrich Schmedeman, a "Forty-Eighter" from Germany. Albert Schmedeman was elected to the city council in 1904 and served for four years. A Democrat, he ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1910 but lost to John M. Nelson. In 1913 he was appointed the U.S. Minister to Norway and held this position until 1921. He then planned to retire from politics, but instead Schmedeman was elected Madison's mayor, serving from 1926 to 1932. In 1932 he was elected governor of Wisconsin and served only one term from 1933 to 1935. His term was both preceded and succeeded by Philip La Follette, son of former governor Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

In 1934, while attending the dedication for Rib Mountain State Park and campaigning for a second term, Schmedeman slipped on some loose rock and injured his foot. Gangrene developed, necessitating the amputation of his leg.

Schmedeman was fluent in German and also proficient in the Norwegian language.

Preceded by
Philip La Follette
Governor of Wisconsin
1933 – 1935
Succeeded by
Philip La Follette