The Daily Mining Journal
Marquette, MI
February 26, 1923
Forty-one consecutive years of active service in the county treasurer's office is the remarkable record made by B. W. Wright, who has retired as deputy to be succeeded by Miss Nellie Sommerset, former clerk. The aged custodian of Marquette county funds will not leave the office, but will work at his leisure. At the last meeting of the Marquette county board of supervisors he was retained at a salary of $1,200 a year.
It was in the early part of 1872 that Mr. Wright, then a resident of Ishpeming, was named county treasurer by a special commission, following the discovery of a defalcation of $18,000 by the incumbent. He was then elected for two terms, served as deputy the following year, and was renamed treasurer at two ensuing elections. He served six terms as treasurer, covering a period of twelve years. During the intervening and remaining years he served as deputy treasurer.
Thought job Temporary. When Mr. Wright was appointed he did not believe he would remain at his post more than four or five months or until such time as the books could be straightened up. He was in partnership in Ishpeming and his business associate did not desire him to take the office, but, because of existing conditions and failure of reliable persons to seek the office, it was decided that Mr. Wright was the logical choice. This was the start of his long service record. After his appointment, Mr. Wright continued to make his home in Ishpeming until 1906 when he moved to Marquette, where he has since resided.
In discussing his early years as treasurer Mr. Wright reviewed the simplicity of the accounting system and the little work which had to be done. In the summer months, when little business came to his attention, he said it was "often hard to keep awake." At that time the office was in the old court house building. The money handled by that department was much less than it is today, about $200,000 or $300,000 a year, compared to more than $1,000,000 last year.
County Was Large. Marquette county was a vast domain then, including all land west of Ishpeming to the state line. It was the duty of the treasurer to handle tax matters for this district.
When Ishpeming township was organized, Mr. Wright was elected as its first supervisor in 1867. There were four other members on the board, which acted as a committee on the whole of all matters brought to its attention. Meetings were held once each month as at present and an entire day was spent for handling county business.
As the years progressed and necessarily brought increased population, the work in the treasurer's office grew in proportion until today a deputy and a clerk are employed. As years passed, additional matters were referred to this office for disposition.
When Mr. Wright related to H. E. Perkins, treasurer, some of the incidents connected with his appointment to office forty-one years ago, Mr. Perkins said: "Well, when that happened, I was seven years old and was wrestling with the measles."
Had Eight Bosses. During Mr. Wright's long term of service he has been deputy under eight treasurers, seven of whom are still living. Three of his superiors were from Ishpeming, the same number from Negaunee, while one was from Champion and the other from big Bay. Joseph Mitchell, of Champion, now deceased, was the first county treasurer under whom Mr. Wright served. Those from Negaunee were: John Mitchell, Thomas Bribble, now chief of police for the Oliver Iron Mining company at Ishpeming, and Joseph Barabe. The Ishpeming men were: Emmanuel Skoglund, Adam Kangas and Albert Bjork, who was succeeded by the incumbent, Herbert E. Perkins, of Big Bay.
Has Many Friends. During his long period of service Mr. Wright has made acquaintances with hundreds of Marquette county residents. From these acquaintanceships she has made a host of friends, who are extending their congratulations on his achieving forty-one years of active and faithful service for the country.
There probably is no other person in the county or state who has more knowledge of tax matters than B. W. Wright. Puzzled tax-payers have marveled at the ease with which he has cleared up problems which they had pondered and studied over for hours.
Mr. Wright has passed his eight-fourth birthday and until he announced his retirement from the office he had been one of the most regular employees in the building. Few persons realized his age when meeting him because of his activity and clearness of mind.
Service His Pride. "I have always taken great pride in my work. I feel I have done something unusual in serving in one office as long as I have, but it has been enjoyable," Mr. Wright remarked in discussing his retirement. "I regret in many respects that I am to step out, but I think that it is best. I feel that I must ‘let up' a little."
The retiring official is enjoying good health, considering his age. One of his joys is his home on East Prospect street which, during the summer months, is surrounded by flowers and a garden plot.
Marquette, MI
February 26, 1923
Forty-one consecutive years of active service in the county treasurer's office is the remarkable record made by B. W. Wright, who has retired as deputy to be succeeded by Miss Nellie Sommerset, former clerk. The aged custodian of Marquette county funds will not leave the office, but will work at his leisure. At the last meeting of the Marquette county board of supervisors he was retained at a salary of $1,200 a year.
It was in the early part of 1872 that Mr. Wright, then a resident of Ishpeming, was named county treasurer by a special commission, following the discovery of a defalcation of $18,000 by the incumbent. He was then elected for two terms, served as deputy the following year, and was renamed treasurer at two ensuing elections. He served six terms as treasurer, covering a period of twelve years. During the intervening and remaining years he served as deputy treasurer.
Thought job Temporary. When Mr. Wright was appointed he did not believe he would remain at his post more than four or five months or until such time as the books could be straightened up. He was in partnership in Ishpeming and his business associate did not desire him to take the office, but, because of existing conditions and failure of reliable persons to seek the office, it was decided that Mr. Wright was the logical choice. This was the start of his long service record. After his appointment, Mr. Wright continued to make his home in Ishpeming until 1906 when he moved to Marquette, where he has since resided.
In discussing his early years as treasurer Mr. Wright reviewed the simplicity of the accounting system and the little work which had to be done. In the summer months, when little business came to his attention, he said it was "often hard to keep awake." At that time the office was in the old court house building. The money handled by that department was much less than it is today, about $200,000 or $300,000 a year, compared to more than $1,000,000 last year.
County Was Large. Marquette county was a vast domain then, including all land west of Ishpeming to the state line. It was the duty of the treasurer to handle tax matters for this district.
When Ishpeming township was organized, Mr. Wright was elected as its first supervisor in 1867. There were four other members on the board, which acted as a committee on the whole of all matters brought to its attention. Meetings were held once each month as at present and an entire day was spent for handling county business.
As the years progressed and necessarily brought increased population, the work in the treasurer's office grew in proportion until today a deputy and a clerk are employed. As years passed, additional matters were referred to this office for disposition.
When Mr. Wright related to H. E. Perkins, treasurer, some of the incidents connected with his appointment to office forty-one years ago, Mr. Perkins said: "Well, when that happened, I was seven years old and was wrestling with the measles."
Had Eight Bosses. During Mr. Wright's long term of service he has been deputy under eight treasurers, seven of whom are still living. Three of his superiors were from Ishpeming, the same number from Negaunee, while one was from Champion and the other from big Bay. Joseph Mitchell, of Champion, now deceased, was the first county treasurer under whom Mr. Wright served. Those from Negaunee were: John Mitchell, Thomas Bribble, now chief of police for the Oliver Iron Mining company at Ishpeming, and Joseph Barabe. The Ishpeming men were: Emmanuel Skoglund, Adam Kangas and Albert Bjork, who was succeeded by the incumbent, Herbert E. Perkins, of Big Bay.
Has Many Friends. During his long period of service Mr. Wright has made acquaintances with hundreds of Marquette county residents. From these acquaintanceships she has made a host of friends, who are extending their congratulations on his achieving forty-one years of active and faithful service for the country.
There probably is no other person in the county or state who has more knowledge of tax matters than B. W. Wright. Puzzled tax-payers have marveled at the ease with which he has cleared up problems which they had pondered and studied over for hours.
Mr. Wright has passed his eight-fourth birthday and until he announced his retirement from the office he had been one of the most regular employees in the building. Few persons realized his age when meeting him because of his activity and clearness of mind.
Service His Pride. "I have always taken great pride in my work. I feel I have done something unusual in serving in one office as long as I have, but it has been enjoyable," Mr. Wright remarked in discussing his retirement. "I regret in many respects that I am to step out, but I think that it is best. I feel that I must ‘let up' a little."
The retiring official is enjoying good health, considering his age. One of his joys is his home on East Prospect street which, during the summer months, is surrounded by flowers and a garden plot.
The Daily Mining Journal
Marquette, MI
February 26, 1923
Forty-one consecutive years of active service in the county treasurer's office is the remarkable record made by B. W. Wright, who has retired as deputy to be succeeded by Miss Nellie Sommerset, former clerk. The aged custodian of Marquette county funds will not leave the office, but will work at his leisure. At the last meeting of the Marquette county board of supervisors he was retained at a salary of $1,200 a year.
It was in the early part of 1872 that Mr. Wright, then a resident of Ishpeming, was named county treasurer by a special commission, following the discovery of a defalcation of $18,000 by the incumbent. He was then elected for two terms, served as deputy the following year, and was renamed treasurer at two ensuing elections. He served six terms as treasurer, covering a period of twelve years. During the intervening and remaining years he served as deputy treasurer.
Thought job Temporary. When Mr. Wright was appointed he did not believe he would remain at his post more than four or five months or until such time as the books could be straightened up. He was in partnership in Ishpeming and his business associate did not desire him to take the office, but, because of existing conditions and failure of reliable persons to seek the office, it was decided that Mr. Wright was the logical choice. This was the start of his long service record. After his appointment, Mr. Wright continued to make his home in Ishpeming until 1906 when he moved to Marquette, where he has since resided.
In discussing his early years as treasurer Mr. Wright reviewed the simplicity of the accounting system and the little work which had to be done. In the summer months, when little business came to his attention, he said it was "often hard to keep awake." At that time the office was in the old court house building. The money handled by that department was much less than it is today, about $200,000 or $300,000 a year, compared to more than $1,000,000 last year.
County Was Large. Marquette county was a vast domain then, including all land west of Ishpeming to the state line. It was the duty of the treasurer to handle tax matters for this district.
When Ishpeming township was organized, Mr. Wright was elected as its first supervisor in 1867. There were four other members on the board, which acted as a committee on the whole of all matters brought to its attention. Meetings were held once each month as at present and an entire day was spent for handling county business.
As the years progressed and necessarily brought increased population, the work in the treasurer's office grew in proportion until today a deputy and a clerk are employed. As years passed, additional matters were referred to this office for disposition.
When Mr. Wright related to H. E. Perkins, treasurer, some of the incidents connected with his appointment to office forty-one years ago, Mr. Perkins said: "Well, when that happened, I was seven years old and was wrestling with the measles."
Had Eight Bosses. During Mr. Wright's long term of service he has been deputy under eight treasurers, seven of whom are still living. Three of his superiors were from Ishpeming, the same number from Negaunee, while one was from Champion and the other from big Bay. Joseph Mitchell, of Champion, now deceased, was the first county treasurer under whom Mr. Wright served. Those from Negaunee were: John Mitchell, Thomas Bribble, now chief of police for the Oliver Iron Mining company at Ishpeming, and Joseph Barabe. The Ishpeming men were: Emmanuel Skoglund, Adam Kangas and Albert Bjork, who was succeeded by the incumbent, Herbert E. Perkins, of Big Bay.
Has Many Friends. During his long period of service Mr. Wright has made acquaintances with hundreds of Marquette county residents. From these acquaintanceships she has made a host of friends, who are extending their congratulations on his achieving forty-one years of active and faithful service for the country.
There probably is no other person in the county or state who has more knowledge of tax matters than B. W. Wright. Puzzled tax-payers have marveled at the ease with which he has cleared up problems which they had pondered and studied over for hours.
Mr. Wright has passed his eight-fourth birthday and until he announced his retirement from the office he had been one of the most regular employees in the building. Few persons realized his age when meeting him because of his activity and clearness of mind.
Service His Pride. "I have always taken great pride in my work. I feel I have done something unusual in serving in one office as long as I have, but it has been enjoyable," Mr. Wright remarked in discussing his retirement. "I regret in many respects that I am to step out, but I think that it is best. I feel that I must ‘let up' a little."
The retiring official is enjoying good health, considering his age. One of his joys is his home on East Prospect street which, during the summer months, is surrounded by flowers and a garden plot.
Marquette, MI
February 26, 1923
Forty-one consecutive years of active service in the county treasurer's office is the remarkable record made by B. W. Wright, who has retired as deputy to be succeeded by Miss Nellie Sommerset, former clerk. The aged custodian of Marquette county funds will not leave the office, but will work at his leisure. At the last meeting of the Marquette county board of supervisors he was retained at a salary of $1,200 a year.
It was in the early part of 1872 that Mr. Wright, then a resident of Ishpeming, was named county treasurer by a special commission, following the discovery of a defalcation of $18,000 by the incumbent. He was then elected for two terms, served as deputy the following year, and was renamed treasurer at two ensuing elections. He served six terms as treasurer, covering a period of twelve years. During the intervening and remaining years he served as deputy treasurer.
Thought job Temporary. When Mr. Wright was appointed he did not believe he would remain at his post more than four or five months or until such time as the books could be straightened up. He was in partnership in Ishpeming and his business associate did not desire him to take the office, but, because of existing conditions and failure of reliable persons to seek the office, it was decided that Mr. Wright was the logical choice. This was the start of his long service record. After his appointment, Mr. Wright continued to make his home in Ishpeming until 1906 when he moved to Marquette, where he has since resided.
In discussing his early years as treasurer Mr. Wright reviewed the simplicity of the accounting system and the little work which had to be done. In the summer months, when little business came to his attention, he said it was "often hard to keep awake." At that time the office was in the old court house building. The money handled by that department was much less than it is today, about $200,000 or $300,000 a year, compared to more than $1,000,000 last year.
County Was Large. Marquette county was a vast domain then, including all land west of Ishpeming to the state line. It was the duty of the treasurer to handle tax matters for this district.
When Ishpeming township was organized, Mr. Wright was elected as its first supervisor in 1867. There were four other members on the board, which acted as a committee on the whole of all matters brought to its attention. Meetings were held once each month as at present and an entire day was spent for handling county business.
As the years progressed and necessarily brought increased population, the work in the treasurer's office grew in proportion until today a deputy and a clerk are employed. As years passed, additional matters were referred to this office for disposition.
When Mr. Wright related to H. E. Perkins, treasurer, some of the incidents connected with his appointment to office forty-one years ago, Mr. Perkins said: "Well, when that happened, I was seven years old and was wrestling with the measles."
Had Eight Bosses. During Mr. Wright's long term of service he has been deputy under eight treasurers, seven of whom are still living. Three of his superiors were from Ishpeming, the same number from Negaunee, while one was from Champion and the other from big Bay. Joseph Mitchell, of Champion, now deceased, was the first county treasurer under whom Mr. Wright served. Those from Negaunee were: John Mitchell, Thomas Bribble, now chief of police for the Oliver Iron Mining company at Ishpeming, and Joseph Barabe. The Ishpeming men were: Emmanuel Skoglund, Adam Kangas and Albert Bjork, who was succeeded by the incumbent, Herbert E. Perkins, of Big Bay.
Has Many Friends. During his long period of service Mr. Wright has made acquaintances with hundreds of Marquette county residents. From these acquaintanceships she has made a host of friends, who are extending their congratulations on his achieving forty-one years of active and faithful service for the country.
There probably is no other person in the county or state who has more knowledge of tax matters than B. W. Wright. Puzzled tax-payers have marveled at the ease with which he has cleared up problems which they had pondered and studied over for hours.
Mr. Wright has passed his eight-fourth birthday and until he announced his retirement from the office he had been one of the most regular employees in the building. Few persons realized his age when meeting him because of his activity and clearness of mind.
Service His Pride. "I have always taken great pride in my work. I feel I have done something unusual in serving in one office as long as I have, but it has been enjoyable," Mr. Wright remarked in discussing his retirement. "I regret in many respects that I am to step out, but I think that it is best. I feel that I must ‘let up' a little."
The retiring official is enjoying good health, considering his age. One of his joys is his home on East Prospect street which, during the summer months, is surrounded by flowers and a garden plot.
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