Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor

Lewis Cass, of Detroit, Michigan, was born on Wednesday, October 9, 1782. His father Major Jonathan Cass served with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. Lewis attended the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Cass studied law and was admitted to the bar, and began a practice in Zanesville, Ohio. He was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1806 and appointed the U.S. Marshal for Ohio by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807. Lewis took command of the 3rd Ohio Volunteer Regiment in the War of 1812. Cass became colonel of the 27th U.S. Infantry Regiment and then promoted to brigadier general in the regular Army on March 12, 1813. He participated in the Battle of the Thames and resigned from the Army on May 1, 1814. Lewis was appointed the 2nd Governor of the Michigan Territory by President James Madison and served 1813-1831.

Cass declined the appointment as Secretary of War by President James Monroe in 1817. He resigned as governor to become the 14th U.S. Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson serving 1831-1836. Lewis was appointed the U.S. Ambassador to France by President Jackson, with service 1836-1842. Cass lost the presidential nomination on the ninth ballot at the 1844 Democratic convention. He served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan 1845-1848, when he resigned to run for president. Lewis lost the general election to Zachary Taylor and was returned as U.S. Senator by the state legislature. Cass served as the 22nd U.S. Secretary of State 1857-1860 having been appointed by President James Buchanan. He had joined the Freemasons and became a Master Mason on Monday, May 7, 1804. Lewis was one of the founders of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, elected Grand Master. Cass died in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, June 17, 1866, at the age of 83. His great-great grandson, Republican Thomas Cass Ballenger, represented North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District 1986-2005. A statue Cass stands in the National Statuary room of the U.S. Capitol, and namesake of the Liberty ship SS Lewis Cass, and Lewis Cass office building in Lansing, Michigan 1921-2020.

Indeed, the patriotic contributions of Brigadier General Cass must be recognized, as in all who have served the United States of America in this capacity. The personal sacrifice so selflessly offered by these brave men and women for the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must never be forgotten. Lewis Cass embraced the essence of American heroism and should be recognized as a role model by all individuals.
IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to honor Brigadier General Cass for his exemplary service to the United States of America, and to commemorate his induction into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor.