John P. Schuch’s papers, mostly correspondence from 1920 to 1951, are chronologically arranged. They document his work as sheriff, hotel owner, National Guardsman, Michigan Representative, and Michigan Senator. Of particular note are congratulatory and other letters from Michigan and national politicians, including: Michigan Governor Fred W. Green, Herbert Hoover (signed), and Franklin Roosevelt (signed), all from 1928, and two letters from Michigan Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, from 1930. Three autograph albums; 1882-1890; a Scrapbook, 1918, 1926, (1 Oversized volume), of newspaper clippings documenting his campaigns for sheriff in 1922 and 1925; and miscellaneous items, including a partial typed transcription of the treaty of 1819; are also included.
There are two folders of scrapbook materials, mostly relating to Wilber M. Brucker, dating, 1920-1930s. Included are newspaper clippings, photographs, campaign brochures, Christmas cards from Bruckers to Schuch, and invitations.
Item-level index cards are available to assist researchers.
Biography:
John Philip Schuch, the son of Henry L. and Catherine R. (Heurich) Schuch, was born on August 13, 1887 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was educated at Bliss High School, St. Andrew’s Academy, and John Moore School.
Schuch owned and operated the Schuch Hotel in Saginaw. He also served as mess sergeant for three National Guard 32nd Regiment encampments at Grayling, Michigan.. During World War I, he was a recorder in the classification office.
Schuch’s hobby was collecting early Michigan history. He also served on many historical organization and society boards.
A politically active Republican, Schuch ran for sheriff in Saginaw in 1922 and 1925. He was elected in 1922 and served until 1924. From 1942 to 1945 he served in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 1st District (Saginaw). Schuch also served in the Michigan Senate, 1946-1950, representing the 2nd District (Saginaw). His death date is unavailable. For additional information, see various volumes of Michigan Manual or Michigan’s Old Inn: Famous Hotel of Way Back When: 86 Years of Hospitality (1938).
Wilber M. Brucker was born on June 23, 1894, in Saginaw, the son of former Congressman Ferdinand and Roberta H. Brucker. He graduated from Saginaw Public Schools (1912) and earned a L.L.B. from the University of Michigan (1916). Brucker was admitted to the bar in 1917.
Brucker served in the Mexican Border Campaign of 1916 in the Michigan National Guard Infantry 33rd Regiment. In World War I, he served in France with the 166th Infantry, 42nd (Rainbow) Division. Eventually, Brucker was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Following the war, he was appointed as, and later elected, Michigan Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Brucker served in this capacity from 1922 to 1929. In 1929 he was appointed as Michigan Attorney General. With help from his good friend, John Philip Schuch, Brucker was elected Governor of Michigan on November 4, 1930. He served in this position from 1931 to 1932. Politically, Brucker was a Republican. He was active in Veteran, Masonic, and other fraternal organizations.
In 1923, Brucker married Clara Hantel, of Saginaw. Together they had a son, Wilber M.Brucker, II (1926- ). Wilber M. Brucker died in 1968. (For further information, see various volumes of Michigan Manual.)
