Stevens Thomson Mason (October 27, 1811January 4, 1843) was an American politician who served as the
1st Governor of
Michigan from 1835 to 1840. Coming to political prominence at an early age, Mason was appointed his state's acting Territorial Secretary by
Andrew Jackson at 19, becoming the acting Territorial Governor soon thereafter in 1834 at the age of 22. As territorial governor, Mason was instrumental in guiding Michigan to statehood, which was secured in 1837. A member of the
Democratic Party, he was elected as Michigan's first state Governor in 1835, where he would serve until 1840. Elected at age 23 and taking office at 24, Mason was and remains the youngest
state governor in American history as of 2016.