George L. Buck, president of the Racine Iron & Wire Works, is actuated in all that. he does by a spirit of indefatigable enterprise and during the decade in which he has been at the head of his present interests has so directed the course of his activities that his labors have spelled success. One of New England’s native sons, he was born in Bennington, Vermont, in 1865, a son of David and Charlotte (Olin) Buck, the former of Welsh descent, while the latter was of Scotch lineage, although both families have long been represented in the United States. The father has always devoted his life to the occupation of farming.
When a little lad of six years George L. Buck became a pupil in the public school near his father’s home and still later entered the Fort Edward Institute of New York, from which he was graduated with the class of 1884. In early life he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for six years, and later was employed as a railway postal clerk between Chicago and Minneapolis, remaining upon that run for ten years. He afterward occupied the position of post office inspector for two years, with headquarters in Cincinnati, and he entered the business world in Racine in 1903 as a retail merchant. He had previously come to this district. to teach school and for two years had taught in a district school of Racine County and had made his home in the city while serving as railway postal clerk. However, desirous of engaging in business on his own account he began merchandising. This city, however, is preeminently a manufacturing center and into the manufacturing vortex he was drawn. He saw his opportunity when, in 1906, he became one of the incorporators of the Racine Iron & Wire Works, which thirty-six years before had been established by Charles Goehner. Under the present management the output has been enlarged in its scope and the trade has proportionately increased. A history of the business is given above.
In addition to his other interests Mr. Buck was active with the committee that organized the American Trades and Savings Bank of Racine, with a capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars. The bank was opened for business July 17, 1916. This institution assumed the remaining assets of the old Commercial Savings Bank, in order to pay in full the balance due each depositor, and to save a financial loss to a number of industries in Racine.
In 1902 Mr. Buck was united in marriage to Miss Laura Manderson, of Racine, and they have many friends in the city, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. They hold membership in the Methodist church and their influence is always on the side of progress and improvement. In politics Mr. Buck is a republican, believing that the principles of the party are most conducive to good government. Fraternally Mr. Buck is a Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery and in the chapter he has filled all of the chairs. His life is an exemplification of the teachings of the craft in regard to helpfulness and brotherly kindness, for he is ever ready to extend a helping hand where aid is needed.