William D. Connor

Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin

What is William D. Connor known for?

William Duncan Connor, born on March 24, 1864 in Stratford, Canada West was a Canadian-born American politician who served as the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin from January 7, 1907 to January 4, 1909. Connor was a trailblazer in many areas, not just politics, and has left an indelible mark in the annals of Wisconsin's history.

Connor attended the State Normal School, now known as the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and eventually made a name for himself as a successful lumberman and real estate investor in the Pacific Northwest. He moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin in 1895, where he established the towns of Laona, Wisconsin, Stratford, Wisconsin, and Connorville, Michigan. His dedication to his work led to the establishment of sustainable forestry, and he constantly pursued modern lumber technologies.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Connor was deeply involved in Wisconsin's public life and politics. He served for 20 years on the Wood County Board of Supervisors and was twice elected chairman. He was also a prolific legislator during his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, sponsoring a variety of bills, particularly in women's suffrage and education. He notably pushed for increased funding for rural schools and advocated for the creation of a state board of education.

Connor was instrumental in the passage of the Wisconsin Forestry Act which later evolved into the Wisconsin Managed Forest Law, a testament to his commitment to sustainable timber management. This advocacy and his achievements in the forestry sector were monumental, positively affecting the landscape of Wisconsin.

In the political arena, Connor was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1906 as a Republican. However, his tenure was not without controversy, especially his fallout with Governor Robert La Follette. Despite these challenges, his contributions to Wisconsin's political, economic, and social landscape were significant.

Remembered as a man of many facets - a farmer, lumberman, politician, and public servant, William Duncan Connor is a notable alumnus of Marshfield High School, WI, and his legacy continues to inspire the generations that have followed. Connor passed away on November 20, 1944, in Phoenix, Arizona.