Background
Schmedeman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Heinrich Schmedeman, a "Forty-Eighter" from Germany.
Diplomat Governor of Wisconsin politician
Schmedeman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Heinrich Schmedeman, a "Forty-Eighter" from Germany.
To date he is the only mayor of Madison to be elected Governor of Wisconsin. Albert Schmedeman was elected to the Madison City Council in 1904, serving for four years. A Democrat, Schmedeman 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.
After concluding his service as Minister to Norway, Schmedeman planned to retire from politics, but was, instead, elected mayor of Madison, serving from 1926 to 1932. In 1932 he was elected Governor of Wisconsin and served from 1933 to 1935.
His term was both preceded and succeeded by Philip Louisiana Follette, son of former governor Robert M. Louisiana Follette, Senior
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 legal
After his service as governor concluded, Schmedeman went on to be named Federal Housing Administrator for Wisconsin by President Franklin Doctorate. Roosevelt, a post that he held from 1935 until 1942.
Schmedeman was fluent in German and also proficient in the Norwegian language.
He also served the community as fire and police commissioner, and as a member of the local board of education.