Willis Miner

 

Willis H. Miner (1863-1935) was one of Menasha's most prominent industrialists and involved citizens. Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin in 1884 he went to work for the Menasha Wooden Ware Company, where he would work his way up from lumberjack to president of the company, serving from 1921 until his death in 1935. He also was president of the Montana Coal and Iron Company, the Southern Oregon Company, and the Blackwell Lumber Company of Couer d'Alene, Idaho. A proud Menashan, Miner was involved with the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and served as alderman and president of the school board. Other activities included long terms as treasurer of the Congregational Society and as secretary of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library.   Miner was also a trustee at Ripon College.