The Political Career of White Beaver Powell, Mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin

Abstract

Dr. Frank Powell, a colorful personality and a well known physician and surgeon, rose to political prominence on the basis of his popularity with the common man. White Beaver, as he chose to be callad, was important in the Populist movement in Wisconsin, but it was as the mayor of La Crosse that he left his mark on Wisconsin's political history. Four times White Beaver won the highest elective office of the city, one-year terms in 1885 and 1886, and two-year terms in 1893 and 1895. Each administration acomplished something worthwhile in the progress of La Crosse, but each succeeding administration was also characterized by conflict and controversy. The sources used include historical records, books, council proceedings and newspapers. No attempt was made to produce an exhaustive study of Dr. Powell. Rather a survey of one of the outstanding political careers in La Crosse's history has been undertaken here.