George Nelson Tremper

George Nelson Tremper (May 30, 1877 – February 23, 1958) was a Kenosha, Wisconsin educator and principal of Kenosha High School from 1911 to 1944. Kenosha Tremper High School is named in his honor.

George Nelson Tremper

Early Life and Education

George Nelson Tremper was born May 30, 1877 in Pontiac, Michigan. He married Metta Robins on September 19, 1901. After completing his education at the University of Michigan, the Trempers thought for three years in then unsettled Philippines. Following their return to America, Tremper taught in Franklin, Indiana, and later went on to become a principal in a Cincinnati high school. He also taught at the University of Illinois School of Education while he worked toward his masters degree.

Involved with Kenosha

Tremper and his wife then moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1911, where he headed a 13 faculty staff as the new principal of then Kenosha High School. The school had just 300 students. By the time George Nelson Tremper High School was built in 1964, ten times that amount crowded into Bradford High, which was bursting at its seams. Tremper resigned as principal of Bradford in 1944.

Tremper was also involved in the community in other ways besides education. Early in his life, Tremper joined the Kenosha Chapter of DeMolay. Tremper served as president of the Counsel, a member of the Scout Court of Honor, and commissioner of Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the Kenosha County Historical Society, president of the Wisconsin Society, and was active in the Sons of the American Revolution.

He was also county chairman of the Citizens Military Training Corps, active in the Rotary and Elks clubs, and chairman of the Kenosha County Civilian Aid Committee. Tremper died on February 23, 1958.

Honored by Kenoshans

When the need for a new high school became unavoidable, a contest was created for the new school's name. Bradford Junior Bill Schmelling suggested the name, citing that "Kenosha's high school academic standards were raised to their now high level" under Tremper's leadership, and his "untiring efforts" in aiding Kenosha's youth. Schmelling won $25 for his suggestion.