Читать книгу Memoirs of Milwaukee County, Volume 3 - Josiah Seymour Currey - Страница 54

William D. Harper, inspector of buildings for the city of Milwaukee, was here born January 13, 1858, his parents being William D. and Margaret (McGregor) Harper, both of whom were natives of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, their home being near that of Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet. They emigrated to America in 1854 and settled in Milwaukee, where they cast in their lot among the pioneer residents. The father was a grainer by trade and followed this vocation in Milwaukee for many years.

The birth of William D. Harper occurred at what is now 220 Fourth street but the building in which he first opened his eyes to the light of day has since been torn down. He was educated in the public and high schools and started out in the business world as an employee of I. N. Morton, a druggist, with whom he remained for two years. He then became associated with his father and uncle in the painting business and he had previously worked at the carpenter's trade while going to school, so that he thus early gained wide experience along Industrial and commercial lines. He remained in the painting business for about twenty years and then became a partner of his uncle in the conduct of the wall paper department of the store. He was afterward called to the office of deputy sheriff, in which position he served for one term and on the expiration of that period he became claim agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, a position which he occupied for two years. In March, 1907, he became connected with the building inspector's office as assistant. In 1912 he was made Inspector of buildings, which position he still fills and he has thirty-five men under his supervision. His position is one of large responsibility, seeing that builders meet all requirements and do not overstep the restriction which safety places upon building operations. Mr. Harper was also elected secretary of the Garden Homes Housing Commission and as a member of this commission represents the city in connection with fifty thousand dollars worth of stock which It holds. When Mr. Harper first became connected with the office of building inspector in Milwaukee there were less than four thousand permits annually and today there are thirty-five thousand each year. The fees were less than eight thousand dollars yearly, while in 1921 they will amount to more than one hundred thousand dollars. At the beginning there were sent out less than one hundred notices during the year, while at the present time more than sixteen thousand have been sent out for the year 1921.

On the 3rd of July, 1880, Mr. Harper was married to Miss Carrie E. Bowes, a native of Milwaukee, and they have three sons living: William J., an engineer for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway; David M., who is purchasing agent for the Pressed Steel Tank Company; and Gordon C, who is a general contractor foreman, associated with W. G. Williams. The last named son was in special service during the World war.

Mr. Harper is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the City Club, to the Zoological Association, to the Automobile Club and to the Safe Drivers Association and he occupies an enviable position in social circles, the number of his friends being almost coextensive with the number of his acquaintances. He manifests many of the most sterling characteristics of the Scotch people and his intelligently directed industry has brought him to the creditable position which he now occupies.