Nagel, William A.

Nagel was born on Sept. 11, 1873. He took some classes at the University of Detroit, Detroit College, and Detroit Business University. In 1890 he became a clerk at the Dime Savings Bank. Nagel then worked as a Deputy Tax Collector for Detroit, a private auditor, and as a bookkeeper for the City Treasurer. In 1909, he became Deputy City Controller and ran, unsuccessfully, for the position of County Auditor. Nagel served as Postmaster of Detroit, 1913-1923; City Controller, 1923-1933; and as Managing Director of the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission, 1933-1934. During World War I, he attended training at Fort Sheridan and was commissioned as a Captain. He was relieved from military service on Aug. 16, 1917 to continue his work as Postmaster. At home, he organized the Detroit Patriotic Fund and served as Chair of the Civilian Relief Committee, Home Services Section of the Detroit Red Cross. He was a member of the Detroit Yacht Club, boxed, and golfed for fun. He was also active in the Democratic Party. His uncle, Joe Nagel, served on the Detroit Common Council and the Water Commission. (Information form the collection.).