Theodore W. Brazeau
Theodore W. Brazeau | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 9th district | |
| In office 1907–1910 | |
| Preceded by | Herman C. Wipperman |
| Succeeded by | Edward F. Kileen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 12, 1873 Grand Rapids, Wisconsin |
| Died | October 12, 1965 (aged 92) Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Hill Cemetery Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Harriet Pickett
(m. 1904; died 1961) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | |
| Occupation |
|
Theodore W. Brazeau (March 12, 1873 – October 12, 1965) was an American lawyer and member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1907 to 1910.
Early life[edit]
Theodore W. Brazeau was born on March 12, 1873, in Grand Rapids (then Wisconsin Rapids), Wisconsin to Stephen (Etienne) D. Brazeau, a barber.[1][2][3] Brazeau graduated from Howe High School in Grand Rapids.[2] He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in 1897 and the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1900.[2][4]
Brazeau was known as "T.W."[1]
Career[edit]
Brazeau taught during his time at the University of Wisconsin.[4] After graduating, he practiced law in Grand Rapids with B. R. Goggins under the firm name of Goggins & Brazeau until 1907, then he practiced law under Goggins, Brazeau, & Briere.[4] He was District Attorney of Wood County, Wisconsin from 1903 to 1907.[4]
Brazeau was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1906, and represented the 9th District from 1907 to 1910. He was a Republican.[4] In 1909, Brazeau led the enactment of the nation's first Workmen's Compensation Law.[2] It was adopted in 1911, after his tenure, but was the first law of its kind to be declared constitutional.[2] In August 1961, Brazeau and Supreme Court Justice Edward T. Fairchild were honored guests at the 50th anniversary of the law. President John F. Kennedy was the principal speaker.[3] In 1923, Brazeau received national attention as special prosecutor in the John Magnuson murder case. Magnuson was convicted of first-degree murder using scientific circumstantial evidence for sending a bomb through the mail.[5]
After the Senate, Brazeau continued with his law practice. In 1950, the partnership at Goggins, Brazeau, & Briere ended and he started a new practice with his son, Richard. He continued his law practice until retiring in 1964.[2] He also served on the Wisconsin Rapids School Board for 16 years and was a member of the county board for four years.[3]
Personal life[edit]
Brazeau married Harriet Pickett in Marshfield on August 31, 1904. She died on February 2, 1961.[3] Together, they had two sons, Bernard and Richard.[3]
Death[edit]
Brazeau died at his home in Grand Rapids on October 12, 1965.[2] He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Engel, Kathy (August 1, 2017). "The Brazeau Family". South Wood County Historical Museum. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "T. W. Brazeau, Veteran Local Attorney, Dies". Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. October 13, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Brazeau". The Daily Tribune. Wisconsin Rapids, WI. p. 2. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Statewide County WI Archives Biographies.....Brazeau, Theodore W." USGenWeb Archives. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
- ^ "T. W. Brazeau". Wausau Daily Herald. Wausau, WI. October 14, 1965. p. 4. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
