George Nelson Tremper was an outstanding teacher and principal in the early 20th century Kenosha, Wisconsin. Photo credit: Kenosha Unified School District.

Throughout our country’s history, there are many stories of exemplary educators that have also become school leaders in the early 20th century. One of these is George Nelson Tremper, a high school teacher from Kenosha, Wisconsin, who also served his school as an outstanding principal.

George Nelson Tremper was born in Pontiac Michigan on May 30, 1877. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan in 1901. George was a master of languages, especially Greek, Latin, and German.

George and his wife, Metta, taught for three years in the Philippines. When he returned to the United States, he taught in Franklin, Indiana. Later he became the principal in a high school in Cincinnati, Ohio. During these years, George He also taught at the University of Illinois School of Education. In addition, by 1911 he completed the courses that earned him his Master’s degree.

In 1911 he returned to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he was a teacher and an administrator at Kenosha’s Bradford High School from 1911 until 1944. When George was appointed principal, the school boasted a staff of 13 teachers and 300 students.

In addition to his work as an educator, George served as the President of the Council of the Kenosha Chapter of DeMolay. He was also a commissioner of the Boy Schouts and a member of the Kenosha County Historical Society, President of the Wisconsin Society, and he was active in the Sons of the Revolution. He was County chairman of the Citizens Military Training Corps, he was active in both the Rotary Club and the Elks Club, and he was Chairman of the Kenosha County Civilian Aid Committee.

Alas, this Chalkboard Champion passed away on February 23, 1958. In 1964, a new public high school built in Kenosha was named in his honor. To read more about George, see this article about him published online by communityworldheritage.org.