William L. Prentiss

William A. Prentiss (March 24, 1799 – 1892) was a merchant and Wisconsin politician. He was born in Northfield, Massachusetts.

Prentiss came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 23, 1836. [Buck, James S. Pioneer History of Milwaukee From the First American Settlement in 1883 to 1841. Milwaukee: Swain & Tate, 1890. 100-101.]

Throughout his career he served as justice of peace, chairman of Milwaukee Board of County Commissioners, Wisconsin Territory Legislature, member of the first Board of Trustees of Village of Milwaukee, Wisconsin State Assembly and Milwaukee City Council. Prentiss served for one year as mayor of Milwaukee from 1858 to 1859. He was the first Republican mayor of Milwaukee. [Bruce, William George. Builders of Milwaukee. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Company, 1946. 27-28.] The Democratic administration after him let by Herman L. Page, was very hostile toward him, often lying in their attempts to prove him bad. [Buck, James S. Pioneer History of Milwaukee From 1854 to 1860 Inclusive.Milwaukee: Swain & Tate Printers, 1886. 321]

He was said to be a tall and stout man, with a large head, light brown hair and blue eyes. His voice was strong and powerful; he spoke slow and distinct, with a heavy accent. He walked slow and was never in a hurry. He was a good legislator always retaining the confidence of his fellow citizens.

He was a prominent and active member in the Milwaukee Pioneer Association. He was the first president and was instrumental in drafting its first constitution.

There never was a man in this city whose public record is any cleaner than is that of William A. Prentiss, and his name will pass into the history of th city and state as one of the best men among all its official corps, while that of some of his traducers will sink into oblivion, or if remembered at all will be remembered only for their political dishonesty.-James Smith Buck [Buck, James S. Pioneer History of Milwaukee From 1854 to 1860 Inclusive. Milwaukee: Swain & Tate, 1886. 374.]

References

###@@@KEY@@@###succession box
before=James B. Cross
title=Mayor of Milwaukee
after=Herman L. Page
years=1858–1859