Revised 4/10/2017. Copyright @2017; The following Documentary Timeline has been compiled and created by Paul Rhetts. It may be copied for research purposes; but it may not be reproduced for inclusion in any printed or electronic distribution of any kind without the express written permission of the author. Any requests to use this information should be sent to Paul Rhetts, LPDPress@q.com.
Walter L. FISHER (1862-1935) m. Mabel TAYLOR (1867-1953)
s/o Daniel Webster Fisher (1838-1913) & Amanda D Kouns (1837-1911)
d/o Frederick Bourne Taylor (1832-1891) & Abigail E. Snow (1825-1878)
4 Jul 1862 WLF born in Wheeling, Virginia; his parents were Rev. Daniel Webster Fisher, President of Hanover College, Hanover, IN, and Amanda D Kouns; West Virginia seceded from Virginia and was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863 [The National Cyclopedia of American Biography, Vol. 17, p.406 (doc)
8 Aug 1863 WLF baptism
14 Nov 1867 Mabel Taylor born in Boston, Massachusetts; her parents were Frederick Bourne Taylor and Abigail Elizabeth Snow; Frederick was a well-known furrier who was a business partner of Thomas N Hart (four-time mayor of Boston and uncle by marriage) in Hart, Taylor & Company that had been started in 1861. In June of 1885, Abbie Hart, daughter of Thomas H Hart and Elizabeth Snow, married Carl William Ernst. After their marriage, they lived with her parents at 298 Commonwealth. Carl Ernst was a journalist, author, and historian, and served as Thomas Hart’s private secretary for many years. Carl Ernst married Abbie Snow Hart, whose granddaughter was Katherine Meyer Graham, making Mabel Taylor and Katherine Meyer Graham 1st cousins twice removed (Birth record-doc; birth register-doc) [Mabel was born when her mother was 42 years old. After her mother's death, when Mabel was 8 or 9 years old, she and her father lived with Aunt Abby (Abby Hart, d/o Elizabeth Snow and Thomas Hart) really her cousin, but quite a bit older, in the Ernst (Carl W. and Abby Hart Ernst) household, along with uncle Thomas, Abby's father, Thomas N. Hart, the four-time Mayor of Boston. They lived at 298 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, an often-visited family center for Fishers attending Harvard. Granny often would recount of the moment she spied Walter Fisher across the parlor in the downstate IL house of the friend whom she had met when Mabel and her father were taking the grand tour of Europe. I saw this man and I said I am going to marry him and have eight children. The eighth child died in infancy. He was never named which makes it clear to me that there was something spectacularly wrong physically with the baby that made it clear that it would not live. Yet, I was astonished to learn in recent years that it lived six months! I never heard my father, or Margaret, or Granny refer to him (other than Mabel's claim that she had eight children. (And a few references in Granny’s diary that noted the anniversary of his birth. Given what we know about genetic descent of medical problems it is regrettable that we do not know, and I believe will never know what this child’s problem was!! It must be from those records that i came to know of the dates of the boy's birth and death. The place where Mabel died was in Margaret's barn-house -- into which a hospital bed had been moved. I helped carry the corpse to the undertaker's hearse. Mabel Taylor (of Boston) not a Boston blue blood. Father a furrier, uncle prominent in Boston politics after it was opened to those who were not blue bloods. MTF was only child and her mother died when she was ten. Largely raised by a cousin, Aunt Abby. While on a grand tour to Europe she met a young woman of same age who came from a prosperous land-owning family in IL. It was while visiting this friend she met WLF. Granny often said that the moment she met him she resolved to marry him and have eight children. These 8 children are now all dead.] [MA Birth Index; Boston Birth Register #5172] (doc)
3 Jun 1870 Federal Census 11th Ward Boston, MA: Frederick 39, Abigail 37, Mabel 2 (doc)
6 Jul 1870 Census-Wheeling Ward 4, Ohio, WV [Daniel Fisher 35; Amanda Fisher 32; Walter M Fisher 8; Howard Fisher 4; Mary E Fisher 9-1/2 mos; Faney Garner 20; Amanda Mountz 13; Mary Ryland 39; Cary Ryland 16; Samuel Ryland 20] (doc)
1878-1879 WLF Attended Academy of Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio [Dictionary of American Biography, p.299] (doc)
1878-1891 Mabel Taylor lived at 298 Commonwealth Ave, Boston in the home of Thomas N Hart, Mabel’s uncle by marriage, and Elizabeth Snow, sister of Mabel’s mother; Hart was four-time mayor of Boston (from 1889 to 1890 and from 1900 to 1902)
27 Jan 1878 Abigail Elizabeth Snow, her mother, died in Boston, MA; buried at Section 31 Lot 3231, Blue Hill Ave, Forrest Hills Cemetery
1879-1886 WLF attended Hanover College, Hanover, IN; M.A, 1886 [1879 Catalogue of Hanover College lists WLF as one of the 17 freshmen (doc)
8 Jun 1880 Census-Hanover, Jefferson, IN [D. M. Fisher 42; Amanda D Fisher 43; Walter L. Fisher 17; Howard F Fisher 14; Mary E. Fisher 10] [WLF occupation listed as student] (doc)
8 Jun 1880 Census shows Mabel and her father living with Thomas N Hart and Abigail Snow in Boston, Suffolk, MA at 298 Commonwealth Ave (She resided at this address until immediately after her father’s death on 30 Mar 1891. She married Walter L Fisher about 22 days later) [Thomas N. Hart 51; Elizabeth D. Hart 58; Abbie D. Hart 28; Frederick B. Taylor 48; Mabel Taylor 12; Bridgett Nolan 38; Margaret Burrows 25; Maggie McCarty 18] (doc)
2 Jul 1880 Greenburg Standard: “Hanover Commencement-…Freshman Award for declamation and scholarship went to WLF” (doc)
1881 Boston Blue Books shows Frederick owned and had previously lived at 564 Shawmut Ave and his father George Stonehouse Taylor at 176 Springfield St.
1882 Frederick Bourne Taylor served as an Alderman of Boston; Thomas N Hart served as Alderman from 1879 to 1882.
1883 WLF received A.B. degree from Hanover College [Annual Catalogue and Circular of Hanover College] (doc)
1884 WLF Came to Chicago (as noted in 1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207)
1884-1892 WLF held numerous positions with Sigma Chi national and local Chi Chapter, including: Delegate to 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 20th Chapters; Grand Tribune 1884-88; Editor of the Sigma Chi 1884-88; Grand Quaestor 1888-90; and Grand Counsul 189-1892. [Residence Directory of Sigma Chi Fraternity Chapter Rolls, p.196; doc] [Sigma Chi Fraternity Manual and Directory, n.d., p.108; doc] [Sigma Chi Quarterly: The Official Organ of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Vol 17, p.119; doc]
1884-1886 WLF Read law in office of Wirt Dexter [1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207] (doc)
1886-1888 WLF Read law with Lyman & Jackson [1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207] (doc)
1886 WLF received M.A. from Hanover College [Annual Catalogue and Circular of Hanover College] (doc)
1886 Passenger list shows Mabel age 18 travelling with Gertrude Randall also age 18 (they were paternal 1st cousins); both in same cabin and together they had 3 pieces of luggage; from Boston to Queenstown on SS Scythia. (doc)
1888 Passenger list shows Mabel age 21 travelling with Gertrude Randall also age 21 (they were paternal 1st cousins);; both in same cabin and together they had 4 pieces of luggage; from Boston to Queenstown on SS Scythia. (doc)
1888 WLF admitted to Bar, Chicago, IL; practiced law in Chicago until 1935; entered in partnership with Rudolph Matz (eventually firm called Matz, Fisher, & Boyden) [1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207] (doc)
1888-1911 Matz, Fisher & Boyden, Law partner
1888-1935 WLF Admitted to bar and practiced law, Chicago, IL [1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207] (doc)
1888-1889 WLF appointed special assessment attorney for Chicago, IL [1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207] (doc)
1889 Annual Catalogue and Circular of Hanover College lists WLF as one of the seven students receiving a Master's Degree at Hanover College in the Class of 1883; p.59, 76. [also listed as being in 1880 p.9, 1881 p.8 , and 1882 p.7 editions; brother Howard Fisher listed as Class of 1886] (doc)
1889 or 1890 Mabel Taylor took grand tour of Europe with father Frederick Bourne Taylor; made new friend from Chicago and while visiting with her in Chicago, Mabel first saw Walter and she announced that “I saw this man and I said I am going to marry him and have eight children”. She did!
4 Jun 1890 WLF Passport issued (doc)
2 Mar 1891 WLF elected a member of the Chicago Literary Club, Chicago Literary Club: A History of Its First Fifty Years, p.218 (doc)
30 Mar 1891 Frederick Bourne Taylor, her father, died in Boston, MA; buried at Section 31 Lot 3231, Blue Hill Ave, Forrest Hills Cemetery
22 Apr 1891 Mabel Taylor Marriage to Walter Lowrie Fisher in Boston, MA; lived at 1313 N. State St. The family migrated with all furnishings out for the summer, back to Chicago for the winter, until some time in the late 1920s when they stopped going into the city in spite of the Hubbard Woods house not being winterized. [“WLF and MTF married in 1891, lived in Chicago at 1313 N. State Street. But MTF, with New England experience of a north shore immediately built a summer house, 1060 Sheridan Road, in Hubbard Woods (part of Winnetka--the names of the places are used synonymously in letters). The family migrated with all furnishings out for the summer, back to Chicago for the winter, until some time in the late 1920s(?) when they stopped going into the city in spite of the Hubbard Woods house not being winterized. MF was born in Hubbard Woods” (FDF also, when his parents were house-sitting in 1926) -- Francis Dummer Fisher, 2009] (Boston Marriage Register: Walter of Chicago 28, lawyer (parents Daniel W and Amanda D) Mabel Taylor of Boston 23, (parents Frederick B. and Abigail E.); married by Rev. Wm Elliot Griffis, Boston-doc) (Boston Marriage Register, doc; MA Marriage Records, doc)
23 Apr 1891 Boston Daily Globe: “Fisher-Taylor-Marriage of Chicago Lawyer to Niece of Postmaster Hart. Miss Mabel Taylor, daughter of the late Frederick B. Taylor, and Lawyer Walter L. Fisher of Chicago were married by Rev. W. E. Griffis, D.D., pastor of the Shawmut Congregational church, at 12:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The ceremony was performed in the parlors at the residence of Postmaster Thomas N. Hart, the bride’s uncle, at 298 Commonwealth av., and was private, only immediate relatives being invited, on account of the recent death of the bride’s father. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher will reside in Chicago at 463 North State St.” (doc)
1891-1905 WLF member of Chicago Literary Club, Chicago Historical Society, Trustee of Gilpin Fund, Republican Club, Union League; 1905 Book of Chicagoans, p.207 lists his office as 107 Dearborn St and residence as 463 N State St.) (doc)
20 Feb 1892 Walter T Fisher born 463 North State St, Chicago, IL; lists him as 1st child of WLF age 29 and “Mable Taylor Fisher” age 24; delivered by John T. Binkley, Jr., MD. (one source says Feb 24)[Return of a Birth, Cooks, IL #4958] (doc)
4 Jun 1892 WLF Passport application/issued #40416; lists him as 29 yrs old, 5’10” tall, medium forehead, Blue eyes, straight nose, medium mouth, round chin, light hair, fair complexion, and long face; passport was mailed to WLF care of Thomas N Hart in Swansea, MA (doc)
1893 Sigma Chi Fraternity Directory, p. 53, lists WLF as Grand Consul. (doc)
3 Mar 1894 Arthur Fisher born in Chicago
4 Sep 1896 Thomas Hart Fisher born in Winnetka
4 Sep 1896 Frederick Bourne Taylor Fisher born in Winnetka
23 May 1898 Margaret Fisher born in Winnetka
1900 WLF listed as an Annual Governing Member of the Chicago Historical Society (doc)
23 Jun 1900 Census New Trier, Cook, IL as living in Winnetka, IL with wife Mabel [Walter Fisher 37; Mabel T Fisher 32; Walter T Fisher 8; Arthur Fisher 6; Thomas H Fisher 3; Frederick F Fisher 3; Margaret Fisher 2; Sina Mortrud 28; Josephine Nelson 35; Anna Peterson 33; Annie McKay 33; Annie Lund 35] (doc)
1901-1906 WLF Secretary, and later president, Municipal Voters League of Chicago, Chicago, IL. “As the directing head of this organization he conducted a vigorous offensive against the ‘gray wolves’ a term which he used to characterize corrupt alderman. So successful was it that soon two-thirds of the members of the city council were elected on pledges drawn up by the league. A crusading reformer who labored hard to secure a better city government, Fisher knew how to meet politicians with their own weapons, a knowledge that measurably increased his effectiveness as a reformer. In helping to solve Chicago’s transit problem, which had been aggravated by corruption, bad management, and public indifference, he rendered another important service to his adopted city. Edward F Dunne had been elected mayor in 1905 on the issue of immediate municipal ownership of street railways, and the following year Fisher was appointed traction counsel for the city. He put forward a plan for a franchise grant to the companies, subject to termination through purchase by the city on specified terms at any time that the municipal government could raise funds for the purpose. Accepted by the city council, the plan was approved by the voters on a referendum vote. Later he served as attorney without pay to the commission appointed to investigate dishonesty and waste in municipal expenditures. He conducted with marked skill the examination of witnesses before the commission, whose chairman was Charles E Merriam.”
1902 WLF listed in Sigma Chi Directory, Class of ’83, Read, Editor of Catalogue of 1890 & Secretary of Municipal Voters’ League; p. 465 (doc)
30 Oct 1903 Howard Taylor Fisher born in Winnetka
1904 Editorial cartoon by W.B. Johnstone of Walter L. Fisher of Matz, Fisher & Boyden Lawyers and the Municipal League; WLF depicted as fighting grafters, doodlers, and tramp voters (drawing)
1904 WLF listed as Trustee of the Gilpin Fund, Chicago Historical Society, p.210. (doc)
May 1904 WLF listed as a member of the Chicago Historical Society, Annual Report of the Chicago Historical Society. p.159. (doc)
1905 WLF Portrait #0 80979 (photo)
1905 Mabel Taylor Passport application stated she was traveling in Europe for 2 to 3 months in 1905 (doc)
1905 Mabel Taylor listed in Book of Chicagoans, p. 207 (doc)
1906-1932 WLF Special counsel for Chicago, IL, regarding local transportation, railway terminals, and other matters
26 May 1906 male child born; died soon after
Jul 1906 WLF listed as a member of the Chicago Historical Society, Annual Report of the Chicago Historical Society. P.69. (doc)
1907 Mabel Taylor Social Register of Chicago, p. 113 and p 126 as living at 463 N State St with husband Walter (doc)
1908-1909 WLF President, Conservation League of America; “He was president of the Conservation League of America, 1908-1909, and, with Gifford Pinchot, he drew up the declaration of principles of the National Conservation Association, which was organized in 1909 and of which he became president the following year. A leader in the movement to conserve the natural resources of the United States, he favored federal control over the development and use of water-power on non-navigable streams.”
22 Oct 1908 Letter from Daniel Webster Fisher to Walter Lowrie Fisher: In response to your letter to your mother I enclose our family tree so far as I am able to give it. By following in the order of the pages, and noticing the starred names you probably can easily trace the direct line of your ancestors. Perhaps it might be well for you to have this record carefully transcribed into a book. You have a great many relatives scattered about the world. Many of my mother’s people are still in Snyder Co. Pa. That is a fine farming region, and many of these people are well-to-do. Whether any of the Fishers still are in Berks County I do not know. I never was in either county except as passing through on a train. A good many of your grandmother's people on your mother's side are in southern Ohio, or on the Ky. side. Her brother George was a well-known steam boat captain, for a while in the New Orleans and Red River trade. Some of them reside in Cincinnati. If after looking over these genealogical trees you need further information I will do what I can; but I have not much more to tell. So, Howard has told you of the autobiography. I have always intended at the proper time not only to tell you of it, but to give you an opportunity to read so much of the Ms. As you care to see. I finished it only last week. I must explain how I came to write it. Several of my old students have at different times suggested to me the publication of a volume of my Baccalaureates but I have always responded that I did not believe that the sale would justify such a venture. It occurred to me that perhaps the story of my life would be much more satisfactory to my old students, and those whom I consulted quite agreed. I am not speaking of the sale but of the character of the book. I started to work, without any decided conception of size and the like. When you see something to do, and I have been almost surprised at the material I could come. The excursuses are many, but may be more interesting to some than the plain biography. I have allowed the Ms. to be read by your mother, and by Howard and Edith. There is so much that concerns Hanover that I have thought it wise to allow it to be read by Dr. Barnard at Madison, and by Profs. Young and Tyler at Hanover. It is at present out there. I feel bound to allow Rev, Dr. Covert to read it, for the reason that he has shown special interest first in the publication and the baccalaureates, and later in this autobiography. When he has seen it, it will come to you. Beyond you I do not now think of submitting it to others. I think that I would have sent it to you before allowing others, not of our family, to see it, had it not been for two reasons. One is that I know you to be so busy just now that I did not see how you could find time to read it, and the other because I do not care to ship it back and forward over the same track. Dr. Covert has recently written in such a way that I ought to let him see it so soon as practicable. Of course, publication lies beyond and is an unsolved and untouched problem. I anticipate that it will be hard to find a publisher unless a guaranty is furnished. Your mother remains quite well for her, though never strong. We anticipate your visit here with much pleasure. Just now the Conner family are much occupied with the wedding of Julia. I forgot, that is a sort of secret. So keep it to yourself. Your Father, D. W. Fisher (doc)
1908 Readers Guide to Periodical Literature Vol 2, p.791 lists “How Chicago is finding herself” by WLF. (doc)
1908 Readers Guide to Periodical Literature Vol 2, p.791 lists “Portrait: World To-day” by WLF. (doc)
1909 WLF National Conservation Association
1910-1911 WLF Member of Railroad Securities Commission by appointment of President Taft
1910-1911 WLF Vice president, National Conservation Association
28 Apr 1910 Census Chicago Ward 21, Cook, IL as living in Chicago, IL with wife Mabel [Walter L Fisher 49; Mabel T Fisher 42; Walter T Fisher 18; Arthur Fisher 16; Thos H Fisher 13; Frederick T Fisher 13; Margaret Fisher 11; Howard T Fisher 6; Annie Finley 25; Emma Swanson 35; Mary McLaughlin 30; Amanda Hallenberg 24; Chas Anderson 48] (doc)
15 Jul 1910 Ruth Fisher born in St. Luke’s Hospital, Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Cook, IL; family resided at 1313 N State St. Chicago, IL (8th child of Mabel Taylor and Walter Lowrie Fisher, according to birth certificate #4561 and Register of Births (doc)
1911 WLF published “Alaskan Coal Problems”
1911 WLF Portrait (photo)
1911 Secretary Fisher and Gov. Clark of Alaska at White Pass, Alaska (photo)
1911 Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents (p.xiii) indicates that WLF welcomed the delegates to the Conference of Washington. (doc)
1911 Editorial cartoon of Secretary Fisher “shark” fishing in Alaska by John T McCutcheon; signed by artist “with my compliments” (drawing)
1911 Seymour Tribune: Fisher, the new secretary of the interior, has been in New York for several days attending meetings of the Railway Securities Commission, of which he is a member. To reporters Fisher said: ‘I have no statement to make except that I have accepted this position with a deep appreciation of its obligations and its opportunities to accomplish practical and constructive work.’ He will go home to Chicago next week for a few days of setting his house in order before returning to Washington to start work as a member of the Cabinet.” (doc)
1911 WLF listed as Secretary of Interior in Tenth Annual Report of the Reclamation Service, p.61 (doc)
7 Mar 1911 WLF named a Secretary of Interior, The American Library Annual, 1911 Vol 12,Index to Dates of Current Events in 1911, p.35 (doc)
7 Mar 1911 Le Grand Evening Observer: “Ballinger Resigns and a Pinchot Man Slated for his Portfolio . . . Fisher Will Succeed Him-It was announced that Walter L. Fisher of Chicago will be his successor. …” (doc) [1911 Congressional Directory p. 21 lists WLF as 3rd Secretary of Interior and appointed on March 5, 1911; doc]
8 Mar 1911 WLF Portrait (photo)
13 Mar 1911 WLF Took Office and President William Howard Taft swore him in as Secretary of the Dept of Interior; resided at 1810 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC. “Following the retirement of Richard A Ballinger, who had been accused by Pinchot and others of friendliness to special interests in Alaska, and with indifference to the whole conservation movement, Taft appointed Fisher secretary of the interior, and he took the oath of office on Mar 13 1911, serving until the end of the Taft administration two years later. As he had been an adviser to Pinchot in his controversy with Ballinger, his selection won the general approval of those who had criticized his predecessor’s administration. As secretary, Fisher evidenced a keen interest in the problems of Alaska and the government’s conservation program; he also encouraged the development of the national parks. Taking over the department when it was much in the public eye, he proved an able administrator.“ [1911 Congressional Directory p. 21 lists WLF as 3rd Secretary of Interior; doc] 2015 Photo of 1810 Connecticut Ave DC (photo) 1911 Mar 7 — WLF named a Secretary of Interior, The American Library Annual, 1911 Vol 12,Index to Dates of Current Events in 1911, p.35 (doc) [The American Year Book, 1911, p.197, lists him as Secretary of Interior, “charged with patents, pensions, public lands and parks, education, and Indian affairs, geological surveys, reclamation of arid lands, and mines;” doc]
16 Mar 1911 Washington Post: “Snapshots At Social Leaders-Interesting Events and Gossip, Both at Home and Abroad, as Chronicled in the Post’s Exchanges. Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of President Taft’s new Secretary of the Interior, holds the record of having the largest family possessed by any of the cabinet members. Big families, despite President Roosevelt’s views, apparently are not popular in Washington’s official society. The Fishers appear to be, on the other hand, very happy with a family of nine children, of whom the eldest is a boy of 20, now in college, and the youngest a baby girl, Ruth, who is less than a year old. Mrs. Fisher, before her marriage, was Mabel Taylor, of Boston, and showed her progressiveness first by taking a degree in Radcliffe College. Then she became a force in the Chicago women’s clubs. She intends accompanying her husband to Washington for a short time in the spring, but will not make her home here permanently until after school commencement. Until the Fisher’s entered the field the big-family championship was divided between Secretary Wilson and Secretary Nagel, each of whom has five children.” (doc)
17 Mar 1911 Catalogue of Copyright Entries, 1911, Vol. 8 p.294 [Week’s Notable. Walter Lowrie Fisher, by Vincent Towne. (doc)
22 Mar 1911 Amanda D Kouns Fisher, his mother, died in Ravenswood, Jackson, WV; 1910 Census says she and Daniel Webster Fisher were living with Walter’s brother Howard Lowrie Fisher in Washington DC on 28 April 1910 [(DC Selected Deaths Index #2115392 cn197899) age 74; and 1911 Mar 22 Obit in Washington Times]
13 Apr 1911 WLF Nominated as Secretary of the Dept of Interior
17 Apr 1911 WLF Confirmed as Secretary of the Dept of Interior
10 May 1911 Washington Herald: “Society-Mrs. Walter L. Fisher Returns to Chicago … Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, who has been at the Highlands with the Secretary for a fortnight past, returned to their home in Chicago yesterday. Mrs. Fisher was not in Washington “officially,” but on a house-hunting visit, her object was not entirely accomplished, as she returned without a final decision. Mrs. Fisher has been detained in her Chicago home this spring by illness among her seven children. Although she is the mother of the largest family in the Cabinet circle, she is the youngest of the Cabinet hostesses. She was formerly Miss Mabel Taylor, of Boston, a college-bred woman and accomplished in music and literature. She is also possessed of a considerable fortune in her own right, and is sure to be one of the leading factors in official society next season, when she takes up her winter residence here.” (doc)
21 May 1911 Washington Herald: “Society-The past week was a pronounced contrast, in social activity, to the preceding one. In all fairness it must be said this was due more to the intense heat than to the disinclination of people to entertain and be entertained. … The Cabinet circle is already broken, with the absence of the Attorney General and Mrs. Wickersham at their summer home on Long Island. … There will be two new hostesses, both of whom will be strangers, more or less, in official life here. These are Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the new Secretary of the Interior, and Mrs. Stimson, wife of the new Secretary of War. The former will be found in the Dickinson house, which the secretary has leased, and the latter will select her winter home later. Mrs. Dickinson, in spite of her deep morning and complete retirement from all social affairs during the past season, will be genuinely missed in society here. She was a woman who was universally liked and admired, principally for her true womanliness. She was rather of the old-fashioned style, and her Southern wholesomeness and hospitality made a bright spot in the two seasons she was a member of the Cabinet circle. She has had the sincerest sympathy of the whole community in the death of her son, which has seemed a part of an unusual number of sorrows in one family. This is the second break in the President’s original cabinet circle, the first one being the departure of Secretary and Mrs. Ballinger, who had made many close friends and warm admirers during their residence here. These two retiring hostesses were the two closest friends in the Cabinet circle, which is a little strange, inasmuch as they are the two who are now missing.” (doc)
Jun 1911 Jun The Argonaut: Individualities-Walter Lowrie Fisher, successor to Secretary Ballinger, is a Chicago lawyer, prominent in municipal affairs. …; p.165” (doc)
26 Jun 1911 Washington Times: “Fisher Promises Action to Relieve Danger From Fire …” (doc)
15 Aug 1911 Tacoma Times: “Coal Men Talk to Fisher-Alaska coal claimants conferred with Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the interior, today. …” (doc)
26 Aug 1911 WLF travelled to western U.S. and Alaska on public business; photographed at the Childs Glacier on Copper River, Cordova Alaska. (photo)
28 Oct 1911 New York Times: “Fisher Announced Plans for Alaska: Leasing System for Coal Lands and Government Ownership of Railroad, His Policy …” (doc)
12 Dec 1911 Washington Post: “Sidelights On The Smart Set-Interesting Events and Gossip, Both at Home and Abroad, as Chronicled in the Post’s Exchanges. Her devotion to her children has won for Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, the title “Madonna of the cabinet.” Mrs. Fisher has five children living, more than any other cabinet woman, and they range from a boy in Harvard to a 7-month-old baby. She seldom is seen without the company of one or more of her children, and she cares absolutely nothing for society. It was with great reluctance that she took up the necessary social duties of a cabinet member’s wife.” (doc)
31 Dec 1911 Washington Herald: “New Year’s Receptions The receiving line at the White House will be shorter tomorrow than it has been at any time within recollection of the oldest inhabitant. The Vice President and Mrs. Sherman will be out of the line the early part of this season because of the mourning they are observing for Mrs. Sherman’s mother. … The line will therefore include … Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, the newest member of the circle, …. Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, will have a reception in their home, but it will be informal, and she will have no assistants.” (doc)
1912 ATHOL Directory lists WLT as Secretary of the Interior, salary $12,000 [President Taft’s salary was $75,000] (doc)
1912 WLF gave speech to American Civic Association in Washington, DC on “The Need for a Bureau of National Parks; National parks-the need of the future”, address by Ambassador Bryce. The... by American civic association. Dept. of national and state parks. [from old catalog] Taft, William H. 1857-1930. Bryce, James Bryce, Viscount, 1838-1922. Fisher, Walter L. 1862-1935 McFarland, J. Horace 1859-1948.
1912 WLF Travelled to Hawaii, investigating charges against territorial government
1912 WLF Portrait (photo)
1912 Family portrait (photo)
1912 Social Register of Chicago, p. 120 as living at 463 N State St with husband Walter (doc)
6 Jan 1912 WLF participated in New Mexico statehood [Photo of Taft and WLF at signing of statehood proclamation]
11 Jan 1912 Washington Post: “Asks Aid for Birds … Secretary Walter L. Fisher [was] invited to address the meeting [the Washington Humane Society], but did decline.” (doc)
18 Jan 1912 Washington Times: “Taft’s Golf Companion Prominent In Tourney-Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the interior and a prominent golf companion of President Taft on local links, is a likely contestant in the advertising golf tournament which started yesterday at Pinehurst, NC.” (doc)
14 Feb 1912 WLF participated in Arizona statehood [Photo of Taft and WLF at signing of statehood proclamation]
21 Feb 1912 Washington Post: “Bar Wine and Cards- Sigma Chi Holds Banquet… Secretary Walter L. Fisher, past president of the fraternity, [was] unable to attend…” (doc)
21 Feb 1912 Washington Post: “Mrs. Fisher wore a gown of blue satin with chiffon and touches of lace.” (doc)
26 Feb 1912 Washington Post: “Acting President of Panama Reduces Expenditures of the Government-… Walter L. Fisher, the American Secretary of the Interior, who arrived here last Thursday, has been engaged in a careful inspection of the canal. A reception was given in his honor at the American legation tonight.” (doc)
13 Mar 1912 Washington Herald: “Mrs. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, will not be at home to-day.” “Secretary Fisher in Florida Secretary of the Interior Walter L. Fisher reached Florida yesterday on his return from the Panama Canal Zone. He will arrive in Washington next Monday.” (doc)
17 Mar 1912 Washington Post: “Canal Men to Alaska- Mr. Fisher would transfer forces from Panama…” (doc)
26 Mar 1912 Washington Post: “Reception At Museum-Private View of its Rare Art Needlework for Society Plan to Add to Collections Mrs. James W. Pinchot and the members of the committee arranging the loan exhibit of laces and costumes, received at a private view of the magnificent gift at the National Museum yesterday afternoon. More than 250 society women were present. … Among those who were at the view were … Mrs. Walter L. Fisher … .” (doc)
27 Mar 1912 Washington Post: “Dinners and Concerts Entertain Society Folk Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, was a guest of Mrs. James W. Pinchot at the Washington Symphony Orchestra concert yesterday afternoon at the Columbia theater.” (doc)
3 Apr 1912 Washington Post: “Mrs. Walter L. Fisher will not receive today.” (doc)
9 Apr 1912 Washington Post: “Meyers Host at Dance; Many See Durbar Views The kinemacolor of the durbar, given at the Belasco Theater yesterday afternoon, for the benefit of the House of Mercy, attracted a large and fashionable audience in which were many children. Additional boxes were installed and all were occupied. Mrs. Leiter had one of the stage boxes. Her guests were Mrs. Charles E. Hughes, Mrs. Wilmer, Viscountess Benoist d’Azy, Countess Eleanor Gizyeka, and Mrs. Prettyman. The mention of the name of the late Lady Curson as having designed some of the costumes shown in the pictures called forth much applause. Mrs. Bryce, wife of the British Ambassador, was a guest in the box of Mrs. Charles Henry Butler, who had with her also Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior. …” (doc)
5 May 1912 Washington Post: “Society-The officials of the general land office have sent out invitations for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of the office on Tuesday afternoon, May 7, at 3 o’clock, at Continental Hall. Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, wife of the Secretary of the Interior, and the families of the members of the committees on public lands of the Senate and House will occupy boxes. Mrs. Fred Dennett, wife of the commissioner of the general land office, will act as hostess.” (doc)
19 May 1912 Washington Post: “Mrs. Nagel, Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, Mme. Riann, Mrs. Frank Ellis, Miss Meyer, Miss Patten, and Miss Wetmore are among the patronesses of the strawberry festival to be held at Raucher’s next Friday afternoon for the benefit of the new church at Clarendon, VA. A tea room will be in charge of a number of prominent women. There will be dancing throughout the afternoon.” (doc)
22 May 1912 Washington Post: “Dinners and Receptions Keep Society Folk Busy Mrs. Judson Harmon, wife of the governor of Ohio, and Mrs. T.T. Anaberry, wife of Representative Annaberry, of OH, whom she is visiting, were the guests of honor at a small luncheon given yesterday by Mrs. John. W. Timmons. The other guests were Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, Mrs. Murray Crane and Mrs. Arthur Lee.” (doc)
30 May 1912 Washington Times: “Watrous Chosen-…The following Washingtonians were elected members of the advisory committee [to the national conference on city planning]: … Walter L. Fisher.” (doc)
30 May 1912 Washington Post: “Washington Men Chosen-At the closing session of the fourth national conference on city planning . . . the following Washingtonians were elected members of a general advisory committee . . . Hon. Walter L. Fisher…” (doc)
11 Jun 1912 Washington Times: “Señor Herrarte, secretary of foreign affairs of Guatamala, who is spending a few days in Washington, was the honor guest at dinner last evening of the Secretary of State, Philander C. Knox . . . The additional guests were .. the secretary of the Interior Walter L. Fisher …” (doc)
14 Jun 1912 Washington Post: “Golf Match with Fisher- Secretary of the Interior Wins Eighteen-Hole Medal Handicap at Chevy Chase . . .Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the interior, won the eighteen-hole medal handicap golf competition yesterday afternoon at the Chevy Chase Club when he made a net score of 78 . . . Fisher received a handsome silver trophy donated by Victor Kauffmann.” (doc)
22 Jul 1912 Letter from Secretary Fisher to Dr. Charles E. Rice of Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio: “Dear Sir: In compliance with your request I am glad to give you this note for your collection. Sincerely yours, Walter L. Fisher” (doc)
21 Aug 1912 Washington Times: “The Secretary of the Interior Walter L Fisher expects to leave Washington Sunday for Hawaii, where he will make an inspection tour. Mrs. Fisher, and their young son Walter T. Fisher, will accompany him.” (doc)
16 Oct 1912 Washington Post: “World Sympathy His. Messages from all over the Globe Reach Roosevelt- … the following was received from Walter L. Fisher, secretary of the interior: ‘I sincerely trust that the news report of your fortunate escape from serious injury and of the mental irresponsibility of your assailant are correct.” (doc)
4 Nov 1912 Washington Post: “Will Get Returns Here- Secretary Fisher Only One of Taft’s Cabinet to Remain in City…” (doc)
12 Nov 1912 Washington Post: “Quiet at the White House-Few people went to the White House, where Assistant Secretary to the President Forster was in charge. Needless to say, the returns were not received with enthusiasm . . . Secretary of the Interior Walter L. Fisher and Secretary of Commerce and Labor Nagel were the only members of the President’s Cabinet who were in the city.” (doc)
22 Dec 1912 Washington Post: “Society-Patronesses for the production of Tolstol’s comedy “The Fruits of Culture,” by the Yale University Dramatic Association at the Columbia Theater next Friday afternoon are: Mrs. Taft, … Mrs. Walter L. Fisher, …” (doc)
1913 Harvard Class Book lists Walter and Mabel as parents of Walter T. Fisher, born 1892. (doc)
28 Jan 1913 Daniel Webster Fisher, his father, died in Washington, DC, while living with Walter’s brother Howard Lowrie Fisher at 20th and Kalorama Sts, Mendata Apartments (1910 Census says he was living with his son Howard Lowrie Fisher on 28 April 1910; doc) [District of Columbia Select Deaths Index #209304; doc]
4 Mar 1913 President Taft term ended.
5 Mar 1913 WLF resigned as Secretary of Interior at the end of the Taft administration. “In 1913 he returned to Chicago and resumed the practice of law. He was special adviser to Judge H Wilkerson and later to the mayor in regard to the traction plans, 1930-32, and in 1933 he was appointed by a federal court to guide the merger of surface and elevated transit lines in Chicago. He was an able lawyer, and his professional and public career was marked by altruism and a keen sense of civic responsibility. Corrupt politicians found him a formidable opponent. A liberal in his political philosophy, he contributed much to the conservation movement.”
1913 Book by WLF: Application for Lake Eleanor and Hetch Hetchy Valley reservoir sites, Act of February 15, 1901 by Fisher, Walter L. 1862-1935. United States. Department of the Interior.
1913 Formal painting of Secretary Fisher at Interior Dept. by Louis Betts a student of William Merritt Chase [Interior Museum INTR 01629] (photo)
1913-1915 WLF was the President of the University Club; Herringshaw’s City Blue Book of Biography, p.143 (doc)
1914 WLF published Report of Walter L Fisher and Bion J Arnold to the Citizen’s terminal plan committee of Chicago (Gunthorp-Warren Printing Co)
1914 The Chicago Blue Book lists WLF as President of the Chicago Literary Club, p.363. (doc)
1914 The Chicago Literary Club: A History of its First Fifty Years, p.185, indicated that WLF gave his inaugural address in 1913 on “The Literature of Alaska;”
Jul 1915 Photo of Mabel weeding in garden (photo)
Jul 1915 published “Waterways and Our Transportation System” in Journal of Political Economy
21 Aug 1915 Water Taylor Fisher of 1313 North State St, Chicago.IL, oldest son, married Katharine Dummer of Portland, OR [Harvard Class of 1913 Report II, p.108] (doc)
Dec 1915 Family portrait (Ruth not in picture) in front of Joy Farm. (photo)
1915 The Bulletin of the Alumni Association of Rush Medical College, p.13, lists Walter L. Fisher at a speaker at a Class of 1915 event (doc)
27 Jan 1916 WLF gave a speech at the 97th Convocation at University of Chicago on “Preparations for peace” at the Industrial Club of Chicago; also published in University Record [Bulletin of the New York Public Library 1918 p.145; doc]
Jul 1917 WLF published “A League to Enforce Peace” in Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
1917 Photo of Walter L with daughter Ruth making a snowman (photo)
1918 Harvard Class Book lists Walter and Mabel as parents of Thomas Hart Fisher, born 1896. (doc)
1918 (abt) Arthur Fisher, son, married Anne Marie Nielson
1919 WLF listed in Herringshaw’s City Blue Book of Biography, p.143 (doc)
1920 Census Chicago Ward 21, Cook (Chicago), IL as living in Chicago with wife Mabel [Walter Fisher 57; Thomas Fisher 23; Margaret Fisher 21; Frederick Fisher 23; Howard Fisher 16] (doc)
1920 Family portrait (photo)
22 Oct 1921 Frederick Bourne Taylor Fisher, son, married Alice Pritchard Bradley in Lake Forest, IL
1922 Chicago City Directory, p. 574 lists Mabel and Walter L (doc)
20 Jun 1922 WLF Passport application/issued #194372, WLF listed his office as 134 So. La Salle St, Rm 1130, Chicago, IL [Walter L Fisher 4 Jul 1862 Wheeling, Virginia; Residence: Chicago, IL; Father Name: Daniel W Fisher; Father's Birth Location: Pennsylvania; Father's Residence: Dead] [5’10”, 59 yrs, high forehead, blue eyes, straight nose, medium mouth, round chin, brown hair, ruddy complexion] (doc)
1 Jul 1922 WLF left NY on SS Finland to France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Hungary, Norway, and Sweden
20 Sep 1922 WLF age 50 departed from Southampton to NY on the SS Homeric (doc)
13 Oct 1922 WLF Represented Norway at Hague, Netherlands, in WWI ship case against U.S.; Walter was the principal lawyer in the case between Norway and the U.S. Government before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Le Hague regarding the take over of cargo ships partly constructed in U.S. shipyards under contracts to Norway. Edward B. Burling, law partner of Dean Acheson, was the principal lawyer representing Norway and Walter Fisher was hired to handle the principal argument before the Court. On 13 Oct 1922 the United States was ordered to pay to Norway in settlement of claims made by Norwegian ship owners as a result of the requisition of ships under construction in US shipyards at the time of the US declaration of war against Germany in 1917.
1923-1925 WLF Special counsel to Agriculture Dept, investigating meat packing company mergers
1924 Apr 21 Letter from Walter Lowrie Fisher to C.W. Scarborough, 1565 Kearney St, Denver, CO, dated April 21, 1924: Replying to your letter of April 18th, I can give you very little information about John and Abraham Middleswarth. In a letter of my father's dated October 22nd, 1908, he said. Many of my mother's people are still living in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. That is a fine farming region, and many of these people are well-to-do. In a family tree that he once prepared my father notes that his mother was Martha Middleswarth, and that she was born in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, March 5, 1794, and that she died in Sinking Valley, Blair County, Pennsylvania, on June 26, 1877. He also says: John Middleswarth was a revolutionary soldier. Born in NJ. Died May 14, 1815. I have no record beyond the above as to the Middleswarth family. The last Adj. General Stryker of NJ who was an expert in such matters, informed me that my Middleswarth ancestors had a van before his name. Ner Middleswarth was a conspicuous Whig politician, resident in what was then Union Co and is now Snyder Co., PA. He was, I think, speaker of one of the Houses of the Legislature and perhaps more than once. He was the Whig candidate for State Canal Commissioner in the 50s but failed of election by a small minority. Later he represented the Harrisburg (PA) district one time in Congress. He at one time was considered to be quite wealthy-— owning a number of charcoal furnaces. But in later years he was not so prosperous, though never poor. It may be that the foregoing will furnish you some clues which you can follow up profitably in your search for genealogical information. (doc)
24 Apr 1924 WLF Arrived at NY Port from Bermuda on SS Monarch of Bermuda with Margaret Fisher, daughter (doc)
28 Apr 1924 Mabel Taylor Passport Application #4024 lists her as 56 yrs old; 5’7” tall, medium forehead, blue eyes, medium nose, regular mouth, round chin, fair complexion, and round face. Daughter Ruth, age 13, personally identified Mabel on the Passport Application. Application also indicates she was preparing for travel to France, Belgium, and Holland. (doc)
14 Jun 1924 Mabel Taylor departed on Europe trip on SS Olympic as noted in Passport app on April 28, 1928. (doc)
24 Sep 1924 Mabel Taylor departed NY on SS Berengaria to Cherbourg with Howard age 20. (doc)
1925 Chicago City Directory, p. 766 lists Mabel and Walter L (doc)
1925 Thomas Hart Fisher, son, married Ruth Marian Page
1926-1929 WLF Special counsel for Interstate Commerce Commission in Milwaukee Railroad receivership investigation and O’Fallon Railway case
23 Jun 1926 Francis Dummer Fisher born in Hubbard Woods while his parents were housesitting at 1060 Sheridan Road, Winnetka/Hubbard Woods
8 Apr 1927 WLF arrived NY from Bermuda on SS Avon with wife Mabel and daughter Margaret. (doc)
10 Apr 1927 WLF arrived at NY Port (doc)
28 Apr 1928 Mabel Taylor Passport issued
3 Jan 1929 WLF photographed by Underwood & Underwood, Washington DC (photo)
7 Jun 1929 WLF age 67 arrived NY from Genoa on SS Roma with wife Mabel 61 and Margaret 30 (doc)
17 Jun 1929 WLF Passenger List - Port of Departure: Genoa, Italy; Ship Name: SS Roma; Port of Arrival: New York, New York Walter and Mabel on list (doc)
20 Nov 1929 WLF Envelope to Louis Schwartz, 907 Prospect Ave, Bronx, NY with enclosed signature card (doc)
1930 WLF Gave a speech at the Non-partisan Committee on Traction Referendum in Chicago on “Analysis of the traction ordinance;” he is listed as being the Special Counsel of the US District Court; also published this date
3 May 1930 Federal Census for Winnetka, Cook, IL Walter (age 67) with wife Mabel Fisher (age 62), and children Arthur (age 36), Howard T. (age 26), Margaret (age 31) and Ruth (age 19). (doc)
3 Sep 1930 Mabel Taylor Departed Cherbourg to NY on SS Leviathan; age 62 with Margaret 32 and Ruth 20. (doc)
14 Mar 1932 WLF age 69; Entry at Port of NY sailing from Port Said, Egypt on the SS Aquitania departing on 20 Feb 1932; residence listed at 949 Fishers Lane, Winnetka, IL (accompanied by wife Mabel Fisher 64 and daughters Margaret Fisher 33 and Ruth 21) (doc)
1933 Chicago City Directory as living at 1060 Sheridan Rd p.762 (doc)
26 Apr 1934 WLF arrived at NY Port (doc)
9 Nov 1935 Walter Lowrie Fisher died in Chicago, IL of coronary thrombosis. Buried in Hanover, Jefferson, IN, USA at the Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery with wife Mabel Fisher, daughter Ruth Fisher Rhetts and his parents Daniel Webster and Amanda D Kouns Fisher [IL Deaths and Stillbirths Index lists that he was buried at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Cook, IL; doc]
10 Nov 1935 WLF subject of articles in Chicago Sunday Tribune and N.Y. Times (doc)
11 Nov 1935 WLF subject of editorial in Chicago News (doc)
15 Nov 1935 Letter from Howard Lowrie Fisher, M.D. to Mabel Fisher, dated November 15, 1935: I am at a loss as to the start, substance, or finish of this letter. Your good letter came a few days ago but I have not felt like answering it. As you say, so many of these cases of Angio on to recovery that I really thought Walter might pull out of it and be with us for years. Well we have both lost him and we are both in a daze over our loss. I want to say so much to you but I do not know what to say. He certainly was a good brother to me tho he teased me in our boyhood days that I should have murdered him. I am grinning now as I think of how I bit him once as we were all kneeling at prayer, the result of an unmerciful teasing he had put me through just prior to fathers calling us for family prayer. Walter just could not help tease me. I recall that when we were living in Wheeling he threw a dead cat at Beulah Boyd, supposed to be his sweetheart. I recall too that in my many fights with other boys, and there were plenty of them, he saw that the scrap was a fair one. I have been thinking, thinking how I should have loved to see him once more and go over those old boyhood days. Well Mabel I don’t know what to say to you. I know that you have poise enough to carry you through your trouble. You have my love and sympathy. Please remember me to all the family. Affectionately Howard (doc)
1938 Howard Taylor Fisher, son, married Marion Ethel Hall
9 Apr 1938 Ruth Fisher, daughter, marries Charles Edward Rhetts at 1060 Sheridan Rd, Winnetka, IL (doc)
1939 Chicago City Directory, p. 762 lists Mabel as a widow (doc)
1 Apr 1940 Census lists Mabel 72 and Margaret 48 as living in Winnetka, IL (doc)
17 Apr 1940 Mary Edith Fisher, his sister, died in Lewiston, Androscoggin, ME
30 May 1941 Frank Lloyd Wright created presentation drawings for the “Walter L. Fisher Memorial Chapter House of Chi of Sigma Chi Hanover, Indiana.” Drawings were never approved for construction. (doc)
8 Jul 1946 Howard Fisher, his brother, died in Arlington VA
1949 Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, p.27 lists WLF as Secretary of Interior, March 7, 1991 to March 3, 1913. (doc)
18 Aug 1953 Mabel Taylor Fisher dies in Winnetka, IL; cremated and kept in Margaret Fisher’s home in Chicago, IL, then moved to family plot at Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery (Death Register-doc) (Find a Grave)
20 Aug 1953 New York Times, p27:
3 Jul 1954 Frederick Bourne Taylor Fisher, his son, died in New Canaan, CT
28 Aug 1959 Walter L. Fisher Papers, Library of Congress, Acs 10,629; 11,910. (doc)
Sep 1959 Walter L. Fisher Autobiography, 1931; donated to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign #69-1599 by son Walter T. Fisher (doc)
12 Nov 1960 Arthur Fisher, son, died in Washington, DC
15 Nov 1969 Thomas Hart Fisher, son, died in Chicago, IL
1969 Book about WLF: Secretary of the Interior Walter L. Fisher and the Return to Constructive Conservation: Problems and Policies of the Conservation Movement, 1909-1913 by Alan Brant Gould West Virginia University, 1969 — Conservation of natural resources — 1200 pages
1969 Book about WLF: Walter L. Fisher, Secretary of the Interior, 1911-1913 by William LeGrand Helton, University of Maryland, 1969 — 164 pages
23 Jan 1979 Howard Taylor Fisher, son, died in Exeter, NH
1 Jan 1990 Ruth Fisher, daughter, died in Columbia, MD (doc)
12 Jul 1990 Margaret Fisher, daughter, died in Winnetka, IL
27 Aug 1991 Walter T. Fisher, his oldest son, died in Lake Forest, IL
16 Mar 2009 Walter L. Fisher Photograph Collection, Alaska State Library Historical Collections, PCA 498; donated by Andrew Fisher Acc#2009-010. (doc)
1 Oct 2016 Plaque dedicated at Hanover College, Hanover, IN honoring the first chapter house of Sigma Chi and WLF role in its establishment (photo)
Miller Center at University of Virginia says: Walter L. Fisher (1911-1913): Secretary of the Interior — Walter Lowrie Fisher was born in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) on July 4, 1862. He moved with his family to IN, where his father was president of Hanover College. Fisher attended Marietta College before transferring to Hanover for his bachelor's degree in 1883. He then studied law before moving to Chicago to open his own law practice. Fisher became president of a reformist organization, the Municipal Voters League of Chicago, in 1906, railing against corrupt aldermen. His efforts were so influential that candidates needed to sign a league pledge to become elected. Fisher also helped reform Chicago's transportation system by attacking its rampant corruption. His establishment of the National Conservation Association would later bring him cabinet-level consideration. Longtime friend President William Howard Taft appointed Fisher to the Railroad Securities Commission and later head of the Interior Department. A Progressive Republican, Fisher would serve as secretary of the interior from April 1911 to March 1913, helping Taft during the latter's 1912 presidential campaign. Walter Fisher died on November 9, 1935, at his home in Winnetka, IL.
US Interior Department says: Born: July 4, 1862, Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) Appointed from: IL Nominated: April 13, 1911 Confirmed: April 17, 1911 Took Office: March 13, 1911 Served Under: Pres. William H. Taft Termination: March 5, 1913 Length of Service: 1 year, 11 months, 23 days Died: November 9, 1935 Buried: Hanover, IN — Walter Lowrie Fisher (July 4, 1862 — November 9, 1935) was United States Secretary of the Interior under President William Howard Taft from 1911 to 1913. Fisher was born July 4, 1862 in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) to Daniel Webster Fisher (1838 — 1913), a presbyterian minister, and his wife Amanda D. Kouns (1911). Educated at Hanover College in IN. He married Mabel Taylor on April 22, 1891 and they had five sons and two daughters. Fisher had a brother, Dr. Howard Lowrie Fisher, who established a hospital for war victims in France during World War I. He survived the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915 by jumping off the ship. Dr. Fisher died November 9, 1935 in Winnetka, IL.
Notes in 2009 from Francis Dummer Fisher: Walter Lowrie Fisher, born of a Presbyterian minister who became President of Hanover College, Hanover, IN, where WLF went to college. WLF then moved to Chicago, read law and became a prominent lawyer, both in private practice and as Special Counsel to the City of Chicago in relation to "traction" matters. His successful campaign against the corrupt City Council and the "traction barons" is noted when he was named Secretary of Interior to Taft in 1911 (after Secretary Ballinger withdrew under a cloud concerning his handling of Alaska coal fields and some friends of his. He was involved in the final stages of statehood for both New Mexico (January 6, 1912) and Arizona (February 14, 1912). Also see section of Lincoln Steffans Autobiography on WLF and Chicago traction problems. (doc)
RECORDS/DOCUMENTS Walter Mabel
Birth X
1891 Marriage
Death X
1870 Census X
1880 Census X X
1892 Birth of son X X
1892 Passport Appl X
1892 son Walter Taylor Fisher born X X
1894 Son Arthur Fisher born X X
1896 Son Thomas Fisher born X X
1896 Son Frederick Fisher born X X
1898 Daughter Margaret Fisher born X X
1900 Census X X
1903 Son Howard Fisher born X X
1906 Son un-named born X X
1910 dau Ruth Fisher RHETTS born X X
1910 Census X X
1920 Census X
1922 Passenger list X
1922 Evanston Directory X X
1925 Evanston Directory X X
1929 Passenger list X X
1930 Census X X
1930 passenger list w. dau Ruth X
1932 Passenger list X X
1933 Evanston Directory X X
1939 Evanston Directory X X
1940 Census X
1891 Obit of father X
1922 Passport App X
SSN Claim X
Gravestone X X
Burial 2X X