Cleary, Owen J., 1900-1960

Ypsilanti, Michigan, attorney, chairman of Republican State Central Committee, 1949-1953, chairman of Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and Michigan Secretary of State, 1953-1954.

From the description of Owen J. Cleary papers, 1944-1959. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34419544

Cleary was born February 4, 1900 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His father was the founder of Cleary College, a business college located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Following service in World War I, Cleary graduated from law school and established the firm of Cleary & Weins with offices both in Ypsilanti and Detroit. During World War II, he commanded the Michigan State Troops as brigadier general and after the war, he had charge of the reorganization of the Michigan National Guard.

Cleary was a life-long Republican who served in various capacities within government and within the party. From 1947 to 1949, he was chairman of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission where he helped reorganize the purchasing and enforcement division of that commission. Cleary was also a member of the Washtenaw County Tax Allocation Board, secretary of the Washtenaw County Republican Committee, Ypsilanti Republican chairman and Washtenaw County chairman. Much of his later career was devoted to his work as president of Cleary College.

Cleary died September 10, 1960.

From the guide to the Owen J. Cleary Papers, 1944-1959, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)