Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MEUSER, William H.
MEUSER, William H. (Mineral Point, WI--Dubuque, IA, Nov. 28, 1944). MAYOR. Meuser was involved in establishing MAIZEWOOD Insulation Company, MEUSER LUMBER COMPANY in which he served as secretary and treasurer, and METZ MANUFACTURING COMPANY. Mayor of Dubuque in 1930-1931, Meuser was a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the board of education, official of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and meber of the archdiocesan board of Catholic charities. (1)
It was Meuser who, as a council member, suggested that property owners to be affected by future paving projects should be heard by the council. If enough concern was voiced and the project was not considered a priority a great deal of engineering staff time and therefore money could be saved. (2) Meuser was nominated from the city council by Mayor Martin B. ANDELFINGER. Meuser was elected unanimously. (3)
In May, 1930 Justin R. Hartzog of the Nolen Organization Survey Company came to Dubuque. The city council had entered into a contract with the Nolen company to make a survey of the local conditions and to draft a master plan for the orderly development of the city. The first phase would be a careful study of the city to learn about the existing conditions. (4)
Meuser was very active in the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was the first recording secretary of the Marquette court and then became its chief ranger, a position he held for many years. He followed this by serving as the state treasurer. He served as high court trustee from 1918 to 1927 and high court (international) treasurer from 1927 to 1933. (5)
His son was Leo MEUSER, a county treasurer.
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Source:
1. "Meuser Rites Are Arranged," Telegraph-Herald, November 29, 1944, p. 10
2. "To Hear Paving Objectors Friday," Telegraph Herald, Nov. 29, 1928, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=03VFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=obwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1049,4575216&dq=william+meuser+dubuque&hl=en
3. "William H. Meuser is Elected Mayor by City Council," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, April 8, 1930, p. 1
4. "City Planning Expert is Here," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, May 29, 1930, p. 25
5. "Tribute Paid Will H. Meuser," Telegraph-Herald, December 19, 1944, p. 11