Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-05-11

city. The last five years have i'll
measure revoIutionized the old regime
Of slow going, the last decade has count
ed in progress what three decades
would before. The times have changed,
the old city, owned and controlled by
a few, and devoted in large measure to
numbering interests has reached out
and with the push and daring of ener-
getic broad-gauged men who bring
diversified business qualifications, and
individual tastes and ambitions, has
wrought change that brings hope and
sure promise of success to individual
enterprise. In its present diversified
business enterprises, in its ambitious
educational aspirations, in the mixed
nationalities Of its inhabitants, only
liberal we'll balanced law abiding govern
ment would prove practical or popular.
To have such we need liberal. public
spirited, just and progressive men in
official capacities.
In our new council we are glad to
note there is no deterioration In the
caliber of its membership from the re-
tiring council, who left record that re-
uuires hard work and earnest effort to
compete with.
The members Of the council are
chosen from their fitness for the office
irrespective of wealth or social position.
In nationalities they represent. one
American, one Norwegian, one french,
two Irish, four German. In business
there is one insurance man, one mer-
chant one physician, one carpenter, one
brewer, one woodsman, one blacksmith,
two retired farmers.
1t is safe to judge a city by its repre-
sentatives.
n. A. TAYLOR.
It is seldom q city Of the size and sub
stantial worth of Grand Rapids chooses
as her honored mayor man as young
as Mr. Taylor, in fact he is the youngest
man who ever held that position here.
He holds that place with a dignity and
conservatism that makes him popular
with all.
Mr.. Taylor was early in life burdened
with responsibilities that developed
sterling manhood. He began work at
the age of sixteen and has been actively
engaged ever since.
In 1886 he came to this city and enter
ed the insurance Office of J. D. Witter,
where he is now partner with full
charge of the business. In 1890 he was
married to Miss Jennie Webb, second
daughter Of Hon. Chas. M. Webb, who
was reared in this city, and together
they fill their social position in an un-
assuming manner and charming hospi
tality Mr.. Taylor was elected mayor
at the last election, unanimously, with
out opposition and although he has
been in Office only month, his official
acts have been marked by broad
minded progressive individualism.
Wherein the city's needs are concerned
he is quick to see and ready to act.
Bringing the enthusiasm of young man.
hood and confidence in the city's future
prosperity he helps to make it a surety
by decisive official encouragement.
His business training and honesty of
dealing ensures the respectful consider
alton Of his associates, who in years are
his leaders. It is safe to predict that
under his mayoralty the city will ma
teralIy advance in metropolitan meth
dds May he be accorded the unani-
nous support of the council and citi-
zens generally.
JOHN MCCARTHY
Has long been a resident of Wood Co.
coming here as early as 1859. For
| number Of years he worked in the
woods and subsequently bought large
farm in the town Of Saratoga where he
followed farming until 1885 when he
moved to Grand Rapids and engaged in
blacksmithing. He has since resided
here, and is well and favorably known
as an upright, reliable man who having
opinions Of his own is not easily in
fuenced against his convictions. That
he will serve the city faithfully none
who know him will doubt.
T. c. ST. AMOUR
Has spent most of his life here begin
ming as clerk and errand boy, he earned
promotions until after succession Of
changes from errand boy to clerk from
clerk to partner, until now he is sole
proprietor Of one of our first-class gene
raj stores. He owns a handsome resi-
dence on High street. Few residents
have better opportunity Of knowing
the requirements Of a prosperous city
and he Will further all plans for the pro-
gress of the city. Mr.. St. Amour is in
the prime Of life though well on toward
fifty years Of age. He is one of the
oldest members of the council having
served the city many years as a mem
Der of that body. His experience as a
merchant is of great value to the city
JOHN TIMM
Is an old resident here and owns
much property in different parts of the
| county. Two sons are prominent in
business circles, one of them being
treasurer Of the town of Grand
Rapids and the other head clerk in the
City Cash store. Mr.. Timm possesses
the respect and confidence of the COM
munity, and brings to the council the
ripe experience of a successful busi=
ness life and the mature i1dprent of a