Celebrate Statehood:

Stevens T. Mason, the First and Youngest Governor of Michigan

President Andrew Jackson appointed John T. Mason secretary of the Michigan Territory in 1830. His son, Stevens T. Mason, only 18 years old, helped his father in the office. When his father moved to Texas, Stevens T. Mason became the new secretary of Michigan. Some people were upset because he was so young.

George Porter, the acting governor of the Michigan territory, died in 1834. Stevens T. Mason became the acting governor. Michigan voters elected him governor in 1835. He was 23 years old. Mason served as governor until 1840. Then, he moved to New York. He died there from pneumonia in 1843.