WI BIO - Wood Co - WITTER, G. F.

History of Northern Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, vol II, p 
1206

Dr. G. F. WITTER was born 06 June 1831 in Brookfield, Madison County, New 
York. He attended the common school and Alfred Academy, teaching school 
after sixteen years of age during the winter, and securing sufficient means, 
entered the medical department of the Michigan University [Ann Arbor, 
Washtenaw County], where he graduated in 1856, having studied in the office 
of Janes & Babcock. He began practice in Wautoma [Waushara County], 
Wisconsin, remaining there for three years. In 1859 he established himself 
in Grand Rapids [now Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County, Wisconsin; the towns of 
Centralia and Grand Rapids, on opposite banks of the Wisconsin River, 
combined about 1920 to form Wisconsin Rapids] at once taking a high rank in 
his profession. In 1877 he was appointed on the State Board of Health, a 
position he still holds. Dr. WITTER is a member of the American Public 
Health Association, the American Medical Association, is president of the 
Northwestern Medical Society, and is examining surgeon for pensions.

In 1860 Dr. G. F. WITTER was married to Miss Frances L. PHELPS. They [G. F. 
and Frances L. (PHELPS) WITTER] have three children. The doctor was for 
eight years county Superintendent of Schools [Wood County, Wisconsin], and 
has always been foremost in educational matters, early arranging school 
matters so as to produce the best results. He was appointed Postmaster [of 
Grand Rapids] by Grant, reappointed by Hayes, and again by Arthur. The 
doctor is a very useful citizen.

[In seeking the dates Dr. WITTER was appointed Postmaster, a general idea can 
be obtained by the dates the Presidents who are mentioned took office. Dr. 
WITTER would have probably been appointed Postmaster shortly after 04 March 
1869 (or shortly after 04 March 1873, if appointed during Grant's second 
term), first reappointed shortly after 03 March 1877, and reappointed the 
second time shortly after 20 September 1881, when Arthur took the oath of 
office after Garfield's death on 19 September 1881.] 

Submitted by Cathy Kubly