William S. Mailliard

William S. Mailliard
Born	William Somers Mailliard Template:Birth date Belvedere, California, U.S.
Died	June 10, 1992(1992-06-10) (aged 75) Reston, Virginia, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, politician
Years active	1940–1977
Known for	U.S. Representative from California (1953–1974), environmental protection advocacy

William Somers Mailliard (June 10, 1917 – June 10, 1992) was an American businessman and politician who represented California's 4th and 6th congressional districts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1953 until 1974.

During his tenure in Congress, Mailliard was recognized as a leading proponent of environmental protection. He played an instrumental role in the creation of Redwood National Park and was deeply involved in the establishment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Mailliard championed funding efforts and oversaw initiatives aimed at safeguarding California’s natural landscapes.

Outside of his political career, Mailliard found success in agriculture and winemaking. He managed the Mailliard Ranch, a cattle enterprise located in Sonoma County, California, and contributed to the regional viticulture sector by assisting in founding the Sonoma County Wine Library, which later became part of the Sonoma County Library network.

Mailliard died in 1992 on his 75th birthday.

Early life

Born on June 10, 1917, in Belvedere, California, William S. Mailliard attended Tamalpais High School in San Rafael, California before continuing his education at the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1939.

Career

Mailliard’s professional journey began in banking with American Trust Co. in San Francisco during 1940–41. His military service included a position as assistant naval attaché at the U.S. Embassy in London (1939–40), followed by work with the Bureau of Naval Personnel (1941–42). He attended the Naval War College in 1942 and served on the staff of the Seventh Amphibious Force during World War II, retiring as a lieutenant commander in 1946. Subsequently, he advanced to commander in 1950 and rear admiral by 1965 within the U.S. Navy Reserve, earning distinctions such as the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal.

Following World War II, Mailliard returned briefly to banking (1946–47) and held various positions including assistant to the director of the California Youth Authority (1947–48), secretary to Governor Earl Warren (1948–51), and executive assistant to the director of the California Academy of Sciences (1951–52). He was elected as a Republican to the 83rd Congress in 1953 and served eleven terms until stepping down in 1974. His departure led to Democrat John Burton succeeding him, making Mailliard the final Republican to represent both San Francisco and Marin County in Congress.

From 1974 to 1977, he served as the permanent U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States, holding ambassadorial rank. In 1975, he was appointed by presidential nomination to the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation.

Prior to his death, Mailliard lived in Belvedere, California near San Francisco Bay before relocating to San Francisco. His legislative record includes backing significant civil rights laws such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968; the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and supporting the 24th Amendment which prohibited poll taxes.

Personal life

Mailliard fathered seven children. With his first wife, Elizabeth Whinny, he had four: William S. Mailliard Jr., Antoinette Mailliard, Henry Ward Mailliard, and Kristina Mailliard. Following their divorce, he married Millicent Fox with whom he had three additional children: Julia, Josephine, and Leigh Mailliard. Millicent passed away on May 2, 2022, aged 93.

Death

Mailliard passed away in Reston, Virginia on June 10, 1992, coinciding with his 75th birthday.

External links

• Guide to the Mailliard Family Papers housed at The Bancroft Library

|-

|-