Joseph Vilas

Joseph Vilas (March 31, 1832 – January 7, 1905) was an American businessman and politician. He was the 10th Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Joseph Vilas
10th Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
In office
April 1893 – April 1895
Preceded byFred Schuette
Succeeded byThomas Torrison
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 19th district
In office
January 1, 1863 – January 1, 1865
Preceded byGeorge A. Jenkins
Succeeded byGeorge B. Reed
Personal details
Born
Joseph Vilas

(1832-03-31)March 31, 1832
Ogdensburg, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 7, 1905(1905-01-07) (aged 72)
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Resting placeEvergreen Cemetery
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
  • Mary Platt
  • (died 1901)
RelationsWilliam Freeman Vilas (cousin)
Children
  • Joseph Stilwell Vilas
  • (b. 1858; died 1921)

Biography

Born in Ogdensburg, New York, Vilas went to Union College in Schenectady, New York. In 1852, Vilas moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Vilas was involved with the mercantile, railroad, and paper manufacturing businesses. During the American Civil War, Vilas served as a draft commissioner. Vilas served in the Wisconsin State Senate in 1863 and 1864 and was a Democrat. He also served as president of the village of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In 1893, he was elected mayor of Manitowoc. Vilas was president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners. In 1868, Vilas ran for election to the United States House of Representatives and lost the election to Philetus Sawyer. Vilas committed suicide with a firearm in his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Vilas had been in ill health for several years. Vilas was a cousin of William Freeman Vilas.[1][2]

Notes
  1. 'The Columbian Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of the Representative Men of the United States,' Wisconsin Volume, D. I. Nelke-editor, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois: 1895, Biographical Sketch of Joseph Vilas, pg. 233-237
  2. 'Vilas Is Suicide-The Ex-Mayor of the City of Manitowoc Tires of Fight With Disease-The Story,' Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, January 7, 1905, pg. 1


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