The Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin Compiled and Published under the direction of Wm. H. Froehlich, Secretary of State 1901. page 732

THE WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE.

SENATE.

The senate is composed of thirty-three members, who hold office for four years and receive $500 each for their services at each regular session. Members of the senate, session of 1901, representing odd numbered districts, were elected In Their terms will end Jan. 1, 1903. Those representing even numbered districts were elected in 1900. Their terms will end Jan. 1, 1905. The lieutenant-governor, is president of the senate, but can vote only in case of a tie. A temporary president, to act in the absence of the president, is chosen by the members the senate. The senate of 1901 contains 31 Republicans and 2 Democrats. Lieutenant-Governor Jesse Stone, president; James J. McGillivray, president pro tem.; Walter L. Houser, chief clerk; C. A. Pettibone, sergeant-at-arms.

TWELFTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT. Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Iron, Sawyer and Washburn counties. Population, 1900-73,975.

WILLIAM O'NEILL (Rep.), of Washburn, Bayfield county, was born in the town of Scott, Columbia county, Wis., Sept. 20, 1848. He attended public school in Columbia county until 13 years of age. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, in which he served until March, 1862, when he was discharged for disability. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Twentieth regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war of the Rebellion, participating in all engagements in which that regiment took part. From 1865 to 1872 he traveled throughout the country, finally settling at Chippewa Falls. In 1880 he moved to Eau Claire and in 1886 he. moved to Washburn, where he engaged in mercantile business. In 1887 he was elected chairman of the town board and was twice re-elected. In 1892 he was elected member of the assembly and re-elected in 1894. In 1900 he was elected to the state senate, receiving 11,129 votes against 4,236 for Henry Lafremeier (Dem.). Mr. O'Neil served as captain of Co. K, 4th Wis. Vol. Inf., in the Spanish-American war.