Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-02-25
FORMER STATE
TREASURER DIES
Edward McFetridge Expires After
Long Illness.
PIONEER OF BEAVER DAM
Born In Rochester, N. v, April, 1886,
and Was Admitted to the Bar In
fs5s-Fieured in Fa-
nous Suit.

Madison.-Edward G. McFetrldge,
for third Of century prominent in
the councils of the Republican party
In Wisconsin and personal friend OF
many of the party leaders in the
state and nation, died at his resi-
denee In Beaver Dam. Death was not
unexpected, resulting from a period
of i'll health that covered several
years and which began with an at
tack in 1901 that at the time was
feared would cost him his life.
It was while as state treasurer that
Mr.. McFetridge came into the great
est prominence. He had been promi-
nent in county affairs. was familiar
figure in state conventions and was
a close personal friend OF United
States Senator Philetus Sawyer.
While Mr.. McFetridge was state
treasurer the historic suits were
brought against the state treasurer
and his bondsmen by the state for
fte recovery of interest on state mon
eys that had been in the hands of
the state treasurer and by him de-
posted in various banks. The suit
led to a sensational trial, in the
course of which came the charge by
Robert NJ. La Toilette that Senator
Sawyer had attempted to influence
Judge Siebecker. one of the trial
judges and brother-in-law of La Fol-
lette. by offering La Toilette money.
La Toilette called it bribe and SEN
ator Sawyer declared it was q re-
tainer rendered La Toilette In good
faith. The outcome of the suits and
the restoration Of many thousands of
dollars to the state treasury is now
part of the history Of Wisconsin.
Mr.. McFetridge was born in Roch-
ester, n. Y, April Is, 1886, and he
received his elementary education in
the schools Of that city. and upon his
graduation was one out OF three who
received free scholarships in the Uni
versity of Rochester He was admit
ted to the bar in 1858.
In November, 1858, he came to Bea-
yer Dam. where be engaged in the
practice of his profession for several
years.
Ever since he cast his first vote.
which was for Abraham Lincoln, he
had been a Republican and taken an
active part in both state and national
politics, and filled various official po-
sitions.
He was city superintendent of
schools during his early residence
hare oud xr5as Iotor r,Iaoto1 ,,ovo, IL
was also a member of the county
board of supervisors and in 1869 was
elected county treasurer. In 1872, as
presidential elector. he and his as.
seciates cast the vote OF Wisconsin
for Ulysses S. Grant. He was elected
to the lower house OF the legislature
In 1878, was a member of the senate
in 1879 and 1880 and was again elected
to the assembly in 1881. He was
member of the committee on the re-
vision of the revised statutes of 1878
and was chairman of the committee
on state affairs, he making the mi
nority report of that committee rec
ommending biennial sessions of the
Legislature, which was adopted by both
branches OF the legislature of 1880,
ratified by the legislature of 1881, sub
mitted to vote of the people in No
vember, 1881. and adopted by large
majority. He was elected state treas
urer in 1881 and was reelected in 1884,
holding the office for FIVE years.
With the termination of his term as
state treasurer he retired from poll
tics and devoted all his time to furth-
ering the interests OF the manufactur-
ing establishments with which he was
connected In this city.