Emil Wallber served as the Mayor of Milwaukee during one of the city's most tumultuous periods, marked by the Bay View massacre of 1886. As a German American lawyer and judge, Wallber's tenure as mayor was defined by his involvement in the labor strike that led to the tragic events at the North Chicago Rolling Mills. His actions during this time reflect the complexities of leadership amidst social unrest.
Wallber's Early Life and Career
Born in Berlin, Prussia, Emil Wallber immigrated
to the United States with his family in 1850. Settling in New York City, he received his education in public schools and the New York free academy. At the age of 14, Wallber moved to Milwaukee with the intention of studying law. He worked as a clerk for Charles F. Bode, justice of the peace, and later studied law under Edward Salomon and Winfield Smith.
Wallber's legal career progressed as he served as chief clerk to Governor Salomon and later as assistant attorney general under Winfield Smith. His dedication to public service led to his election as a school commissioner and president of the school board, and eventually to his role as Milwaukee City Attorney.
Wallber's Mayoral Tenure and the Bay View Massacre
Emil Wallber was elected Mayor of Milwaukee in 1884 and re-elected in 1886. During his second term, Milwaukee experienced a major labor walkout as workers agitated for an eight-hour workday. The strikes began on May Day, May 1, 1886, and effectively shut down nearly every business in the city.
Faced with escalating tensions, Wallber requested assistance from Governor Jeremiah McLain Rusk, who called up the Wisconsin National Guard. On May 5, the National Guard fired into the crowd of protesters marching on the North Chicago Rolling Mills in Bay View, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including a thirteen-year-old boy.
Wallber's Legacy and Later Life
Following the Bay View massacre, Wallber continued to serve the public in various capacities. In April 1889, he was elected judge of the municipal court, a position he held until 1902. Later, he served as a German consular agent in Milwaukee from 1906 until his retirement in 1917.
Emil Wallber's legacy is intertwined with the events of the Bay View massacre, highlighting the challenges faced by leaders during periods of social upheaval. His role in the labor strike and subsequent tragedy remains a significant part of Milwaukee's history, reflecting the complexities of governance and the pursuit of justice.
