Alfred Lucking
Alfred Lucking was a Canadian-born lawyer and politician who played a notable role in Michigan's political landscape during the early 20th century. Born on December 18, 1856, in Ingersoll, Ontario, Lucking moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he pursued his education, ultimately graduating from the University of Michigan with a law degree in 1878. He began his legal career in Jackson, Michigan, before relocating to Detroit, where he engaged in various political activities, including serving as chairman of the Democratic State Convention on multiple occasions.
Lucking's political career peaked when he became the U.S. representative for Michigan's First District in 1903, although his tenure was marked by a high number of missed votes. After a single term in Congress, he returned to law practice but remained active in Democratic politics. Notably, from 1914 to 1923, he served as general counsel for Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company, providing legal advice during high-profile incidents, including a libel case against the Chicago Tribune. Lucking continued to engage in political and legal endeavors until his passing in Detroit on December 1, 1929. His life reflects the intertwining of law and politics in early 20th-century America, particularly within the Democratic Party.
Subject Terms
Alfred Lucking
Politician
- Born: December 18, 1856
- Birthplace: Ingersoll, Ontario
- Died: December 1, 1929
- Place of death: Detroit, Michigan
Contribution: Alfred Lucking was a Canadian-born politician who served as the US representative from Michigan’s First District from 1903 to 1905. A Democrat, Lucking was also an attorney and provided counsel to famed automaker Henry Ford from 1914 to 1923.
Early Life and Education
Alfred Lucking was born on December 18, 1856, in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. In 1858, he moved with his family to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he attended public school. He began college at Michigan State Normal College at Ypsilanti (now called Eastern Michigan University) before graduating from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then attained a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1878. Later that same year, he was admitted to the bar.
In 1878, Lucking began practicing law in Jackson, Michigan, moving to the larger city of Detroit in 1880. In 1896, he was offered the position of park and boulevard commissioner, but he turned down this appointment. For the next thirty years, he would be in and out of US politics.
Political Career
In 1900 and 1902, Lucking was chairman for the Democratic State Convention. On March 4, 1903, Lucking became the US representative from Michigan’s First District. During his time in Congress, Lucking missed more than 25 percent of roll-call votes, missing a total of twenty-one votes. He was not re-elected for a second term, so he returned to Detroit and went back to practicing law. In 1908, he was once again chairman for the Democratic State Convention.
Lucking ran for the US Senate in 1912, but he did not win. He did, however, continue to practice law. From 1914 to 1923, Lucking served as general counsel to Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. During this time, he was also named president of the Detroit-Vancouver Times Company. Over the years, he provided law advice to Ford.
One of his more interesting trials arose when the Chicago Tribune published an article about Ford and his treatment of national guardsmen sent to stop Mexican outlaw Pancho Villa from crossing over into Texas. The Tribune contacted the Ford Motor Company and asked about its policy regarding the men sent to the Mexican border. Upon speaking with the treasurer, Frank Klinginsmith, it was determined the paper was given incorrect information. The article referred to Ford as an “ignorant idealist” and an “anarchist.”
Ford wanted nothing more than to let the incident pass, but Lucking convinced him to sue the paper for libel. The trial, however, did little more than reinforce the jury’s belief that Ford was, in fact, an “ignorant idealist.” After the trial was over and the jury found the Tribune guilty of libel—punishing them with a six-cent fine—Lucking continued to provide counsel to Ford until 1923.
In 1924, Lucking became a delegate at large for the Democratic National Convention in New York City, and in 1928, he became a permanent chairman for the Democratic State Convention.
Personal Life
Very little is known about Lucking’s personal life. He died in Detroit, Michigan, on December 1, 1929.
Bibliography
GovTrack.us. “Representative Alfred Lucking.” GovTrack.us. Civic Impulse, n.d. Web. 26 July 2013.
Henry Ford. “October 2005 Pic of the Month: Sketching Henry Ford’s Law Suit.” The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford, 2013. Web. 26, July, 2013.
“Lucking, Alfred.” American Reference Library—Biographies. N.p.:Western Standard, 2001. Print.
Lucking, Alfred. Recoprocity with Canada. Speech of Hon. Alfred Lucking, of Michigan, in the House of Representatives, Monday, April 25, 1904. Washington, DC: N.pub., 1904. Print.
Office of the Historian, Office of Art and Archives. “LUCKING, Alfred, (1856–1929).” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present. Office of the Historian, Office of Art and Archives. n.d. Web. 29 July 2013.