George C. Northrop
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George C. Northrop | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Racine 1st district | |
| In office January 4, 1864 – January 2, 1865 | |
| Preceded by | Horatio T. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | John Vaughan |
| 13th & 15th Mayor of Racine, Wisconsin | |
| In office April 1863 – April 1864 | |
| Preceded by | Alvin Raymond |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Falvey |
| In office April 1861 – April 1862 | |
| Preceded by | Jerome I. Case |
| Succeeded by | Alvin Raymond |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 1, 1819 Galway, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 13, 1874 (aged 55) Racine, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Liver disease |
| Resting place | Mound Cemetery, Racine |
| Spouses |
|
| Children |
|
| Profession | Lawyer |
George Chester Northrop (April 1, 1819 – July 13, 1874) was an American lawyer, banker, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was an early mayor of Racine, Wisconsin, and established the first bank in Racine. He also represented the city in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1864. His last name is sometimes spelled Northrup.
George C. Northrop was born April 1, 1819, in Galway, New York.[1] He received a liberal academic education and then went on to study law at Ballston Spa. He was admitted to the bar and opened a law office in Medina, New York. After a period of poor health, he moved west to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1849, and was admitted to the Wisconsin bar.[1][2]
In 1853, he formed a partnership with Horatio B. Munroe, Reuben M. Norton, and Henry S. Durand to organize the Racine County Bank, the first bank in Racine. Northrop worked for several years as the first cashier and manager of the bank, which was later converted to the First National Bank of Racine.[2][3] During these years, he also became one of the founding shareholders and directors of the Racine Gas-Light Company.[3] In 1859, Northrop also became an investor in a new bank formed by his younger brother, Byron Booth Northrop, known as the "Bank of B. B. Northrop & Co."[1]
He was elected mayor of Racine with large majorities in 1861 and 1863. During the American Civil War, he gave notable speeches in support of the Union cause and advocated for emancipation.[1] He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1863, running on the National Union Party ticket, and was nearly elected speaker for the 17th Wisconsin Legislature.[1]
He suffered poor health for most of his life and died of jaundice on July 15, 1874.[1][4][5]