The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-24
cORTELYOU'S SUCCESSOR.
Sketch of William Loeb, the Presi-
dents New Secretary.


William Loeb jr., who took the oath
of Office Thursday as secretary to Presl-
dent Roosevelt, promises to make as
popular a man in the position as Secre-
tary [oftelyou. Mr.; l-oeD IS business
like, discreet, tactful. He probably
knows the president and his character
istics better than any man at the White
House, and undoubtedly starts out with
the complete confidence Of the chief ex-
ecutive that his management Of his new
office will be all that il should be.
William Loeb, jr was born October
3, 1866, at Albany. n Y, of German
parentage. He graduated from public
school No. II and entered the Albany
high school, where he remained for two
years. He then began the study Of
shorthand and found employment, first
with a newspaper correspondent and
then with several business concerns. He
was Bishop Doane's amanuensis for
time. His ambition was to be law and
general reporter, and in furtherance of
it he formed a connection with the late
Eugene Burlingame, q prominent attor-
ney and the Republican leader of Al
bany county. Mr.. Loeb early evinced
taste for politics, and under Mr.. Bur
lingame's tutelage he began to take an
active part in political affairs and be-
came his chief lieutenant. He was q
member of the Republican county COM
mittee for several years and was its
secretary. He was also prominent in
the management of the Unconditional
Republican club ana was its vice presi-
dent for two years.
At the organization of the legislative
session of 1883 he had strong political
backing and was elected official stenOg-
rapher of the assembly by four votes.
For several years thereafter. in cOnnec-
ton with his business of general law
stenographer he reported various leg
islative and investigating committees,
and served as private secretary and
stenographer for Mr. Fassett president
pro tenn of the senate, Speaker Malby
7 10
was Mr.. Fassett's secretary when the
latter was a candidate for governor
against Roswell P. Flower, and ac-
companied him on his tour of the state.
In 1894 he was a member of the senOg-
raphic corps that reported the debates
of the New York constitutional conven-
ton The year following. on the enact
ment of the law providing for a district
attorney and grand jury stenOgrapher
for Albany county, District Attorney
Burnngame appointed him to the posi-
ton, which he held until a few months
after Mr. Burlingame's death, in 1888.
When Mr.. Roosevelt became governor.
January l. 1899, Mr.. Loeb was appoint
ed one of the four executive stenOgraph-
ers. His ability and familiarity with
public men and affairs soon attracted
the notice of Governor Roosevelt. who
made him his private and cOnfidentiaI
secretary. When the governor was noTn-
mated for the vice presidency and made
his rnernora BILE tour of the country MI
Loeb ACCOMPANIED him. and when he
was elected vice president was made his
secretary. When Mr. Roosevelt took up
the reins as president he appointed Mr.
Loeb as his assistant secretary.
Mr. Loeb has a home at 249 Stats
street Albany. n. Y. where his father
three sisters and brother Edward live
He was married December y. 1901. to
Katharine W. DOrr of Albany Their
Washington home is 1913 Riggs Place
He is prominent in Masonic circles. be-
ing member of Wadsworth lodge No.
Al r and A. NJ. of Albany, and OF
Washington chapter No. 2. Royal Arch
| Masons. Of this city.-Washington Star.