Albert G. Schmedeman

Albert George Schmedeman (November 25, 1864ndash November 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 United States Minister to Norway and held this position until 1921. During that time, Schmedeman accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. [ [http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1919/wilson-acceptance.html Woodrow Wilson - Acceptance Speech ] ] He then planned to retire from politics, but instead Schmedeman was elected mayor of Madison, 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.

References

External links

* [http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=2746&keyword=Governor Albert G. Schmedeman, Dictionary of Wisconsin History, Wisconsin State Historical Society]
* [http://www.wishistory.com/nov26.html Albert Schmedeman, Wisconsin History]