Frank Dwight Fitzgerald Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Frank Dwight Fitzgerald passes away in 1939.

Frank Dwight Fitzgerald was an American politician.

Fitzgerald was born on January 27th, 1885 in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He attended Grand Ledge High School before going on to Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, which is now known as Ferris State University.

In 1913, Fitzgerald entered politics as the clerk of the State House and clerk of the State Senate for Michigan. He held those positions until 1919. In 1919 he became the deputy secretary of state for Michigan. He served in the position until 1923.

In 1924, Fitzgerald was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He was a delegate to every Republican National Convention until the time of his death, with the exception of 1928. After returning from the convention he become a member of the Republican State Central Committee. He also served as the secretary of the Michigan Republican Party from 1929 to 1930. In 1931 he was elected as Secretary of State, a job he resigned from in 1934.

In 1934, Fitzgerald successfully ran for Governor of Michigan. During his term as Governor he balanced the state budget and promoted the consolidation of state agencies. In 1936, he lost his reelection bid to Frank Murphy, future United States Supreme Court Justice. In 1938, Fitzgerald ran again for Governor against Murphy and this time was successful. This made Fitzgerald one of only two Governors of Michigan to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Unfortunately Fitzgerald also became the only Governor of Michigan to pass away in office. Just two and half months after starting his second term, on March 16th, 1939, Fitzgerald passed away.

Fitzgerald was a member of Grand Ledge Lodge No. 179 in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He was also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.