Gysbert Van Steenwyk Sr.

Gysbert Van Steenwyk Sr.
Born	Template:Birth date Utrecht, Netherlands
Died	April 13, 1902(1902-04-13) (aged 88)
Occupation(s)	Banker, politician
Years active	1849–1880
Known for	Wisconsin Bank Comptroller, Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate member, Mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin

Gysbert Van Steenwyk Sr. (originally named Gijsbert; January 30, 1814 – April 13, 1902) was a Dutch-born American immigrant who established himself as a banker and Republican politician in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He held the position of Wisconsin's 4th Bank Comptroller and was elected to both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature.

Background

Born in Utrecht, Netherlands, Van Steenwyk was the son of Arnoud van Steenwijk and Neeltje van Vliet. His military involvement began with voluntary service in the Royal Netherlands Army between 1830 and 1831, followed by a commission as an officer in the National Guards from 1833 until 1849. He completed his academic studies in philosophy and classical literature at the University of Utrecht, graduating in 1836.

In the United States

Van Steenwyk emigrated to the United States in May 1849. His initial residence was Milwaukee until 1851, after which he moved to Newport in Sauk County, living there until 1858. Subsequently, he settled in Kilbourn City (present-day Wisconsin Dells) located within Columbia County.

Public office

Beginning in 1849, Van Steenwyk served as the consul for the Netherlands in Wisconsin, later extending his consular duties to include Michigan and Minnesota by 1850, a role he resigned from in 1859. Governor Leonard J. Farwell appointed him as Wisconsin’s commissioner of immigration stationed in New York City from 1852 to 1853. Additionally, he attained the rank of brigadier general within the Wisconsin State Militia in 1857.

While engaged as a land and insurance agent in Kilbourn City, Van Steenwyk secured election to the Wisconsin State Assembly representing Columbia County's 1st district as a Republican in 1858, succeeding Democrat Alvin Alden. His committee assignments included education, school and university lands, and railroads. He later won election as state Bank Comptroller for the term spanning 1860 to 1861, defeating Democrat Joel Squires. Following his terms, Democrat Henry B. Munn succeeded him in the Assembly, and William H. Ramsey took over as Comptroller.

After serving as comptroller

In early 1862, Van Steenwyk moved to La Crosse to focus on his banking endeavors. He held the mayoral office of La Crosse from 1873 through 1874. Later on, he was elected to represent La Crosse County’s 31st District in the Wisconsin State Senate during the years 1879 and 1880. Garnering 1,849 votes against candidates from the Greenback and Democratic parties, he chaired the enrolled bills committee and participated on committees related to insurance and banking. Opting not to run for another term, he was succeeded by Merrick Wing.