William Freeman Vilas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Vilas
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| United States Senator from Wisconsin |
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| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | John Coit Spooner |
| Succeeded by | John Coit Spooner |
| 17th United States Secretary of the Interior | |
| In office January 16, 1888 – March 6, 1889 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Lucius Lamar |
| Succeeded by | John Willock Noble |
| 33rd United States Postmaster General | |
| In office March 6, 1885 – January 6, 1888 |
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| President | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Frank Hatton |
| Succeeded by | Donald M. Dickinson |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Dane 1st district |
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| In office January 5, 1885 – March 9, 1885 |
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| Preceded by | Dexter Curtis |
| Succeeded by | Michael J. Cantwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Freeman Vilas
July 9, 1840 Chelsea, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | August 27, 1908 (aged 68) Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Hill Cemetery Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Spouse |
Anna M. Fox
(m. 1866–1908) |
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| Education | University of Wisconsin, Madison (BA) Albany Law School (LLB) |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Volunteers Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1863 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel, USV |
| Unit | 23rd Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
William Freeman Vilas (born July 9, 1840 – died August 27, 1908) was an important American lawyer and politician. He served as a U.S. Senator for Wisconsin from 1891 to 1897. Vilas was also a key member of President Grover Cleveland's team. He worked as the 33rd Postmaster General and the 17th Secretary of the Interior.
Vilas was a very generous supporter of the University of Wisconsin. He left a large sum of money, $30,000,000, to the university when he passed away in 1908. Many places are named after him, including Vilas Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Vilas County, Wisconsin, and the towns of Vilas, Colorado, and Vilas, South Dakota.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Vilas was born in Chelsea, Vermont. His father, Levi Baker Vilas, was also a politician. In 1851, when William was 11, his family moved to Madison, Wisconsin.
He was a bright student. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1858. After that, he studied law and graduated from the Albany Law School in 1860.
Public Service and Political Career
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Vilas joined the Union Army. He started as a Captain in the 23rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Later, he became a lieutenant colonel in the same regiment.
Working at the University
After the war, Vilas became a Professor of Law at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also served on the university's governing board, called the Board of Regents, from 1880 to 1885 and again from 1898 to 1905.
Roles in Government
In 1885, Vilas was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Soon after, President Grover Cleveland appointed him to important national roles.
He served as the Postmaster General from 1885 to 1888. This job involved overseeing the nation's mail system. Then, he became the Secretary of the Interior from 1888 to 1889. This role managed public lands and natural resources.
After leaving the President's cabinet, Vilas helped lead protests in Wisconsin. These protests were against the Bennett Law of 1889. This law required schools to teach only in the English language.
From 1891 to 1897, Vilas served as a U.S. Senator. During President Cleveland's second term, he was known as a strong supporter of the administration. He played a big part in getting rid of a law about silver money, called the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. In 1896, he tried to be re-elected as Senator but lost to John Coit Spooner.
Later Political Activities
Vilas was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in 1896. However, he left the convention when the party decided to support "free silver" policies. He then helped create the National Democratic Party. He was the main person who wrote their political plan. Even though many people wanted him to run for president, Vilas chose not to.
Back in Wisconsin, he continued to serve the state. From 1897 to 1903, he was on a team that built the State Historical Library in Madison. From 1906 to 1908, he helped with the construction of the new state capitol building.
Personal Life and Family
William Vilas married Anna M. Fox. She was born in the Wisconsin territory. They had four children. Sadly, their younger son died when he was very young. Their older daughter, Nellie, passed away in 1893. Their two surviving children were Henry and Mary Esther.
William Vilas is buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin.
Legacy and Honors
Many places are named after William F. Vilas. These include Vilas County, Wisconsin, and the towns of Vilas, Colorado, and Vilas, South Dakota.
His childhood home in Madison is part of a historic area called the Langdon Street Historic District. His family also gave land to the city of Madison for a public park. This park later became part of the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Images for kids
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Anna M. Fox, William Vilas's wife.
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A statue honoring William Vilas at Vicksburg National Military Park.
