Bio: Witter, Isaac P. (1923)

 
Contact: Stan

Surnames: Witter, Phelps, Gibson, King

----Source: History of Wood County, Wis. (1923) page 297

Isaac P. Witter - one of the leading business men of Wis. Rapids, president of the First National Bank, and formerly state senator, was born in this city, then known as Grand Rapids, on May 11, 1873, son of Jeremiah D. and Emily (Phelps) Witter. After mastering his elementary studies he became a pupil in the Howe High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1891. He then spent three years in the State University of Wis. and one year abroad in Germany.

After his return he entered the Bank of Grand Rapids as an accountant, and being in close business association with his father, advanced to the higher offices of the bank. On his father's resignation as a member of the school board he took his place, a position which he ably filled, serving ten years, during four of which he was president of the board. He became connected with and financially interested in a number of the most important business enterprises of the city, among them the Grand Rapids Milling Co., of which is he president; the Ahdawagam Paper Products Co., the First National Bank, the Johnson-Hill Co., and the Consolidated Water Power & Paper Co. Mr. Witter is a Republican in politics and served four years as state senator from the Twenty-fourth District, from 1916 to 1920. In 1895, while in the University at Madison, he became a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He also belongs to the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was one of the founders of the Elks Home in Wis. Rapids. Mr. Witter was married June 27, 1900, to Charlotte L. Gibson, who was born at Green Bay, Wis., daughter of Rev. George and Cecilia (King) Gibson, the father being an Episcopal clergyman. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac P. Witter are the parents of one child, Jeremiah Delos, who is attending school.

Mrs. Witter is an active civic worker and prominent in club and social work. She was one of the founders of the Federation of Women's Clubs and was its first president. She is also an active member of the Society of Colonial Dames, the Travel Class and the local branch of Daughters of the American Revolution, of which she is vice-regent. An active woman suffrage worker, she served on the state board as vice president and treasurer, and is prominently identified with the League of Woman Voters. She is also president of the State Social Conference work. For some years she has co-operated with her husband in promoting the civic beauty of Wis. Rapids and in the betterment of working conditions. An accomplished musician, she has for some time been the organist of the Episcopal church.