Читать книгу Memoirs of Milwaukee County, Volume 1 - Jerome A. Watrous - Страница 4

In issuing the "Memoirs of Milwaukee County," the publishers take the preface as a means of acknowledging obligation to many who have so cordially co-operated in their preparation. Whatever of excellence is attained by these volumes may be attributed primarily to Lieut. Col. Jerome A. Watrous, whose intelligent direction and courteous suggestions have been unfailing. Colonel Watrous, editor-in-chief of the historical volume, has had a long and eminent career familiar to the people of Milwaukee county. A native of the Empire State, he became a resident of Wisconsin at an early age, and throughout the greater part of his life has been identified with the literature and journalism of the state. In the Civil war he saw much active service, enlisting as a private in 1861, and finishing as adjutant-general of the "Iron Brigade" on the staff of Brig.-Gen. John A. Kellogg. After the close of hostilities he served a term in the state legislature, at the end of which he resumed journalistic work and in 1879 became one of the editors and proprietors of the Milwaukee Telegraph. For fifteen years he acted as editor of that paper, and a part of the time was also collector of customs for the Milwaukee district. At the opening of the Spanish-American war, Colonel Watrous tendered his services to both the governor and the president, and June 15, 1898, was commissioned major in the regular army. He served on the Atlantic coast until June, 1899, then made chief paymaster of the Department of the Columbia, and the following year he was assigned to duty at Manila. Six months later he was ordered to the Department of the Visayas, and in December, 1901, when the four departments were consolidated into two, he became chief paymaster. Department of the South Philippines, on the staff of Maj.-Gen. J. T. Wade. In September, 1904. he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. United States Army, and retired for age. Since then he has followed his calling as a writer and now resides at Whitewater, Wis.

Hon. George W. Peck, who has edited the chapter on "Literature and Journalism," is also a New Yorker by birth, but came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1841, when about one year old. He learned the printer's trade and worked on papers in Ripon, La Crosse, and Madison. He served in the Civil war with a Wisconsin cavalry regiment. In 1879 he began in La Crosse the publication of "Peck's Sun," a weekly paper devoted to humor. In 1880 he moved to Milwaukee, where his serial, "Peck's Bad Boy," brought him and his paper into prominence and prosperity. In 1890 he was elected mayor of Milwaukee on the Democratic ticket, and in the fall of the same year was elected governor of the state, the Democrats carrying both the legislature and the state ticket. He was renominated and re-elected in 1892 and was again renominated in 1894, but was defeated in the election of that fall, being engulfed by the Republican tidal wave of that year. Ten years later he was again nominated for governor, but went down in defeat with his ticket, although he led it by thousands of votes. He has the distinction of being the only man nominated for governor four times in Wisconsin. Governor Peck is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Milwaukee, where he still devotes his time to literary work.

Dr. Solon Marks, of gallant record as an army surgeon during the Civil war, and as an eminent physician and surgeon in the days of peace, has edited for this work the chapter upon "The Medical Profession." Dr. Marks came to Wisconsin from Vermont in 1848, before he had commenced the study of medicine. In 1853 he graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, practiced at Jefferson, Wis., until 1856,. and then located in Milwaukee. During the war he served as an army surgeon, and upon resuming private practice he won for himself a wide reputation in his professional work. He has served as president of the State Board of Health, the State Medical Society, and the Board of Pension examiners, and he has held the chair of military surgery in the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Marks is also an author of note upon subjects pertaining to the medical profession.

William G. Bruce, the secretary of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association of Milwaukee, has revised and edited the chapter upon "Finance and Industries." Mr. Bruce is also a native-born Milwaukeean, and the city of his birth has been the scene of his exceedingly active career. He early turned his attention to journalism and was for many years connected with the Milwaukee Sentinel, both in the business department and as a general contributor. In 1890 he established the American School Board Journal, of which he is still proprietor. He has also published text-books on school administration and school architecture, and has become well-known in educational circles as a writer and lecturer on the former topic. He has filled the position of secretary of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association since October, 1906, having been elected to that important position on account of his activity in public affairs and his unusual ability as an organizer.

The chapter entitled "Poles in Milwaukee," has been written by the Rev. Boleslaus E, Goral, than whom there is none more competent to speak upon the history and traits of the people of his nationality. Rev. Goral was born in German Poland and there received his elementary education. In 1889 he came to America, and during the ensuing ten years devoted his time to classical, philosophical, and theological studies. As priest, teacher, literateur, and a practical man of affairs, he has gained distinction, and is widely known and recognized as an able and patriotic Polish-American citizen.

Acknowledgments are also due to George R. Gove, assistant secretary of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association, to Messrs. Burdick & Allen, Frank Gotschalk, and others for courtesies extended.

That the "Memoirs of Milwaukee County" may prove satisfactory to our patrons, is the hope of The Publishers.