William J. McCauley (February 24, 1900 – October 30, 1964) was an American attorney and politician who served as Milwaukee County District Attorney from 1945 to his death in 1964.
William J. McCauley | |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee County District Attorney | |
| In office January 1, 1945 – October 30, 1964 | |
| Preceded by | James Kerwin |
| Succeeded by | Hugh R. O'Connell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 24, 1900 Escanaba, Michigan |
| Died | October 30, 1964 |
| Political party | Democratic |
Life and career
editMcCauley was born in Escanaba, Michigan and graduated from the Marquette University Law School in 1923.[1] He worked as a private practice attorney in Milwaukee until 1933, when he was appointed an assistant district attorney.[1] An active Democrat, McCauley unsuccessfully sought the party's nomination for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district in 1934.[1] In 1936, McCauley was fired by newly appointed Progressive District Attorney Herbert Steffes and reentered private practice.[2] After Steffes's appointment to a criminal court judgeship in 1944, McCauley entered the race to succeed him, ultimately defeating Republican George Bowman, a former district attorney and Steffes's deputy.[3]
As district attorney, McCauley gained notoriety for his success and theatrical style as a trial attorney[4] Although he was elected to ten two-year terms, he failed in his efforts to attain judicial office; in 1955, he unsuccessfully challenged Steffes for his seat on the Milwaukee County Municipal Court.[5]
McCauley died of lung cancer on October 30, 1964, while seeking his eleventh term in office.[1] He was succeeded by a first assistant district attorney, Hugh R. O'Connell.
References
edit- ^ a b c d "McCauley, 64, dies of lung cancer". The Milwaukee Sentinel. 31 October 1964. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ "Aim of Steffes Is "Co-operate"". The Milwaukee Journal. 11 November 1936. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ "County Gains by Democrats". The Milwaukee Journal. 8 November 1944.
- ^ Dobish, Alex P. (30 December 1968). "Wiener's Exit Ends Era of DA Drama". The Milwaukee Journal. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ "Steffes Bows Out on US Robe". The Milwaukee Sentinel. 21 April 1955. Retrieved 25 July 2015.