M. Alfred Michaelson

Who was M. Alfred Michaelson?

Magne Alfred Michaelson was a U.S. Representative from Illinois.

Born in Kristiansand in Vest-Agder county in Southern Norway. Michaelson immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Chicago, Illinois, in October 1885. He attended the public schools and was graduated from Chicago Normal School in 1898. He taught in the public schools of Chicago 1898-1914. He served as member of the common council of Chicago 1915-1918. He served as delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1920. He served as chairman of the board of directors of the Madison and Kedzie State Bank of Chicago 1924-1927.

Michaelson was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-seventh and to the four succeeding Congresses. On August 15, 1921 he made a speech in the House in which he questioned the patriotism and intregrity of the newly formed American Legion as being bought and controlled by the interests of Wall Street. In 1929 Michaelson was caught smugling alcohol into the United States from Panama. His brother-in-law pled guilty in his place, but the judge issued only a $1,000 fine and stated, "I have no desire to punish him for the faults of the escaped congressman - one who votes dry and drinks wet." He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1930. He died in Chicago, Illinois, October 26, 1949 and was interred in Mount Olivet Cemetery.