G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams
G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams
G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams was born on February 23, 1911, in Detroit, to Henry Williams and Elma Mennen. As a child, Williams earned the nickname “Soapy” from being the grandson of Gerhard Mennen, the founder of Mennen personal care products. He graduated from Princeton University with an A.B. in History in 1933. He then earned his Juris Doctor from University of Michigan Law School and entered the practice of law. Williams commenced his remarkably diverse public service career in 1936, serving with the regional Social Security Board, followed by an appointment as Michigan’s assistant attorney general. During World War II, Williams served as an air combat intelligence officer on aircraft carriers in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946. In 1947 and 1948, he served as deputy director of the Federal Office of Price Administration, and as a member of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. In 1948, Williams successfully ran for Governor as a reform Democrat, becoming Michigan’s 41st Governor, and was subsequently re-elected five times. During his twelve years in office, he implemented significant labor, prison, tax, and civil rights reforms, including the first appointments of African-American and women judges.
During his tenure, Williams also supported the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, and in 1958 inaugurated the tradition of the Governor leading the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. After leaving office, Williams was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs by President John F. Kennedy, serving from 1961 to 1966, and served briefly as Ambassador to the Philippines. Returning to his home state, Williams was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in 1970, serving for sixteen years, including as Chief Justice from 1983 to 1986. He passed away on February 2nd, 1988, in Detroit, and was laid to rest on Mackinac Island.