Wilhelm Rapp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilhelm Rapp
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| Born | July 14, 1827 Lindau, Kingdom of Bavaria
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| Died | February 28, 1907 (age 80) |
| Resting place | Graceland Cemetery |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Alma mater | University of Tübingen |
| Occupation | Journalist, editor, abolitionist |
| Known for | Illinois Staats-Zeitung, Baltimore Wecker |
| Political party | Republican |
Wilhelm Georg Rapp (1827–1907) was an important German-American journalist and newspaper editor. He was also an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. Wilhelm was born in Lindau, Bavaria, which is in Germany. He grew up in a different part of Germany called Baden.
When he was a student at the University of Tübingen, Wilhelm got involved in the German revolution of 1848. This was a time when people in Germany wanted more freedom and a different government. Because of his actions, he was put in prison for a year. After he was released, Wilhelm moved to Switzerland. There, he worked as a teacher before moving to the United States in 1852.
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Wilhelm Rapp's Early Career
Wilhelm Rapp started his career in America by editing a newspaper called Die Turnzeitung. He worked on this paper in both Philadelphia and Cincinnati. In 1857, he moved to Baltimore to become the editor of another newspaper, the Baltimore Wecker.
Standing Up for What's Right
Wilhelm had strong beliefs against secession (states leaving the United States). He was also very much against slavery. These views were not popular with everyone, especially in Baltimore at that time. Because of his opinions, he became a target for angry crowds.
In 1861, Wilhelm almost got caught by a mob. He had to quickly escape to Washington D.C. to stay safe. He even dressed up as a minister to avoid being recognized!
Meeting Abraham Lincoln
While in Washington, Wilhelm Rapp had the chance to meet Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the President of the United States at the time. President Lincoln offered Wilhelm a big job: to become the postmaster general. This person is in charge of all the mail in the country.
However, Wilhelm decided not to take the job. Instead, he moved to Chicago. There, he started working for a German-language newspaper called the Illinois Staats-Zeitung.
Becoming a Chief Editor
Wilhelm Rapp worked at the Illinois Staats-Zeitung for many years. In 1891, his friend and the newspaper's chief editor, Hermann Raster, passed away. Wilhelm then took over as the chief editor. He continued to lead the newspaper until he died.
Later Life and Family
Wilhelm Rapp passed away on February 28, 1907, when he was 80 years old. His death was caused by an accident involving a streetcar. He was buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.
Wilhelm and his wife, Gesine, had four children. They had three daughters named Emilie, Frida, and Mathilda. They also had a son, William Jr.
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