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Ralph M. Wiltsie became Princeton's twenty-third Mayor when he was elected in November 1955. Wiltsie took office on January 1, 1956 for a four-year term. Wiltsie had friends on both sides of the political fence. William McConnell, who would follow Wiltsie as Mayor, had this to say about him, "I had nothing but respect for Ralph, he was a real good citizen. He and I didn't let politics get in the way when it came to helping the community".
Wiltsie was born on January 24, 1911 to Harold and Bessie "Fellows" Wiltsie in St. Charles, Illinois. Wiltsie lived in Princeton most of his life. He attended public schools and graduated in 1934 from Purdue University with a Civil Engineering Degree. Wiltsie served in World War II as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, the 56th Field Artillery. He would serve in Europe for two years. His wife's name was Eleanor Jane.
Wiltsie was a Civil Engineer for the State Highway Department, former surveyor for the City of Princeton and worked as a Civil Engineer at J.H. Rudolph Construction in Evansville, Indiana.
Wiltsie was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, Hadi Shrine, Scottish Rite, VFW Post 1147 and the Elks.
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