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Permanent LinkSenator George R. Willett View All Years
GEORGE R. WILLETT was born at Lacadie, Province of Quebec, Canada, Nov. 11, 1826; he died at Decorah, Iowa, Nov. 12, 1898. Mr. Willett grew up in the woolen manufacturing business in Canada, entering into copartnership with his brother, Thomas, on the death of their father. Owing to unusually heavy importations of woolen goods from England prices declined and they were financially ruined. He came to the United States and studied law, graduated at the Albany, N. Y. Law School, and settled in Decorah in 1857, where he became the partner of the late Judge E. E. Cooley. At the outbreak of the rebellion he entered the service as Capt. of Co. D, 3d Iowa Infantry, and was disabled by a wound in the knee at the battle of Blue Mills, Mo. Returning home he was chosen to several public offices of honor and trust, especially distinguishing himself as State Senator from 1871 to 1875. He bore a most prominent part in the railroad legislation of that day.