Kimber Cornellus Sigler, also known as Kim Sigler (born Zeigler; May 2, 1894 – November 30, 1953), was an American lawyer and government leader who was the 40th governor of Michigan from 1947 to 1949. To date, Sigler is the last Republican governor of Michigan to lose a reelection election, which happened in 1948 when he was defeated by Governor G. Mennen Williams, who had held the position for many years.
Early life
Sigler was born as Kimber Cornellus Zeigler in Schuyler, Nebraska, to Bertha and David Zeigler. His family changed their last name to Sigler during World War I. He studied at the University of Michigan and later at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a law degree in 1918. Sigler built a successful legal career in various law firms in Detroit, Hastings, and Battle Creek, Michigan. He also led a special investigation into corruption in the state legislature. He married Mae L. Pierson, and together they had one child.
Politics
In 1928, Sigler ran as the Democratic candidate for Michigan Attorney General but was not successful. He lost to Republican Wilber Marion Brucker, who became Governor of Michigan two years later. Later, Sigler joined the Republican Party. In 1942, he ran in the Republican primary for a state senate seat in the 8th District. He was also a member of Rotary International.
On November 5, 1946, Sigler, nicknamed Hollywood Kim, was elected Governor of Michigan. He defeated former Governor Murray Van Wagoner in the general election. During his two years as governor, state agencies were reorganized, and the Department of Administration was created. In 1947, he earned his Private Pilot License.
In 1948, Sigler served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention, where Thomas Dewey was re-nominated as the Republican candidate for U.S. President. Dewey aimed to defeat President Harry S Truman, but he was not successful, as he had lost to Franklin Roosevelt four years earlier. Dewey won Michigan’s vote, but Sigler was not re-elected governor, losing to Democrat Soapy Williams. After this loss, Sigler left office on January 1, 1949, and stopped participating in politics.
Retirement and death
About five years after he left office at the age of fifty-nine, Sigler and three other people were killed when the plane he was flying crashed into a TV tower (WBCK-TV) near Augusta, Michigan, during a foggy night. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan.
A painting of Governor Sigler, created by John Coppin, is displayed in the rotunda of the Michigan State Capitol.
Historical marker
A sign marking Sigler's home in Hastings as a Michigan Historic Site was placed in 1987 by the History Bureau of the Michigan Department of State. The sign includes an inscription.