- PARK, Mortimer T., editor and one of the proprietors of The
Elkhorn Independent, and
- ex-assistant secretary of state, was born in New London,
Huron county, Ohio, in 1841. His father was Benjamin PARK, a
well-to-do farmer, who was the son of Captain John PARK of New
York, and officer in the war of 1812-14. The maiden name of M.
T. PARK's mother was Sarah TREAT. The family came to Wisconsin
in 1847, settling on a farm in the town of Turtle, Rock county,
where Mortimer attended the district school, and, when old enough,
hardened his muscles by work on the farm. Having completed the
necessary preparation therefor, he entered Milton College, Wis.,
receiving the degree of master of science. His attendance at
that institution also embraced the teacher's course. After his
graduation he became principal of a school in Racine, and held
the position for eight years - 1867 to 1875. He was then appointed
a teacher in the state normal school at Oshkosh, where he remained
nearly four years. From July, 1876, to the same month in the
following year, he was president of the Wisconsin State Teachers'
association. While engaged in teaching he was successful and
enthusiastic in the calling and did the cause of popular education
excellent service.
- Mr. PARK has been a Republican since coming of age, having
cast his first presidential vote for
- the re-election of President Lincoln in 1864; and has voted
for every Republican presidential candidate since. On the first
of January, 1882, he was appointed assistant secretary of state,
under Secretary Timme, and held the office until January 5th,
1891, the longest period for which that office was ever held
by one man. In this position he was careful, methodical and most
faithful in the discharge of his duty, and always courteous in
manner toward those with whom he had official relations.
- He was a member of the Republican state central committee
for four years - from 1892 to 1896 -
- and has always been more or less honorably active in the
affairs of his party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and of the Baptist church.
- Mr. PARK was married, in 1861, to Mary E. HAMMOND of Clinton,
Wis., and three children
- were born to them, namely: Maud E., now the wife of Mr. COMBS
of Evansville, Wis.; Charles M., agent of the United States Express
company at Watertown, Wis., and Maurice H., now at work in the
office of The Elkhorn Independent. Mr. PARK's first wife
died in 1883, and, in 1886, he married for his second wife, Isabel
C. SMITH of Pewaukee, Wis. There are no children by this marriage.
- Mr. PARK is yet a comparatively young man, and with hid wide
experience in public affairs, his
- general intelligence and his integrity, he is one who merits
public consideration when men are to be chosen for positions
of honor and responsibility.
-
- [Taken from "Men of Progress: Wisconsin" (c)1897
The Evening Wisconsin Company, Milwaulee, pp. 379-380]
Courtesy of Lori
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