12 Facts About Brand Whitlock

Rather than attend college, Whitlock began working as a reporter for several papers in Toledo, Ohio, including The Toledo Blade.

Brand Whitlock's political writing attracted attention by Illinois politicians, and Whitlock was offered a job as Gov.

Brand Whitlock had married Susan Brainerd in 1892, but she died four months after their wedding.

In 1893, Brand Whitlock prepared the pardon documents for the Haymarket Affair's convicted men: Fielden, Neebe, and Schwab.

Altgeld in 1896, Brand Whitlock returned to Toledo in 1897, where he established a successful legal practice.

In one case, Brand Whitlock successfully argued to overturn the Ohio state statutes that governed municipalities.

Brand Whitlock entered politics more directly in Toledo, running on the Independent ticket for mayor; he was elected four times from 1906 to 1914.

Brand Whitlock was one of a number of Progressive politicians elected as mayors of major Midwestern cities in 1911, following the unexpected sweep of the Milwaukee Socialists in 1910.

Brand Whitlock's position was extremely sensitive after the German occupation of Belgium.

Brand Whitlock ensured food aid sent by the Committee for Relief in Belgium went to Belgian citizens rather than the German occupation forces.

Brand Whitlock insisted on ensuring he accompanied other Americans out of Belgium, and crossed into Switzerland, which was neutral.

Brand Whitlock wrote numerous newspaper articles, short stories, novels, essays, biographies, non-fiction and memoirs.