From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
Publ. 1912 - Page 1043-1044
 
WILLIAM T. PASSAGE.  As editor and publisher of the Delavan Enterprise, 
William T. PASSAGE wields a potent influence in the affairs of the locality of 
which this history deals.  He is a plain, straightforward man of affairs, who 
endeavors to perform his duties as a good citizen, without fear and asking no 
favors.
 
Mr. PASSAGE was born in Delavan, this county, August 26, 1868, and is the son 
of George and Anna V. (VANDERPOOL) PASSAGE.  The parents came here from Perry, 
New York, and located at Delavan in 1842.  Here the father engaged in the dry 
goods business and general merchandise, and was in business many years.  He 
enjoyed a good trade with the surrounding country and was a man who won the 
confidence and respect of his customers by his fair dealing and obliging 
nature.  His death occurred on May 29, 1888.  At that time he had been in 
business the longest of any man in the county, his business career here 
covering a period of forty-six years.  He took a due interest in public 
affairs of the community.  His wife is still living in Delavan.
 
William T. PASSAGE grew up in Delavan.  After leaving school he went to work 
for his father with whom he remained about two years, then took a position on 
the Walworth County Democrat and has been engaged in newspaper work ever 
since.  He went to Humboldt, Iowa, and was in a newspaper office about year.  
Returning to Wisconsin he spent four years in the printing department in the 
State School for the Deaf and Dumb at Delavan.  From here he went to 
Marshfield where he was with the Marshfield News about a year and a half.  
About 1897 he returned to Delavan and entered the office of the Republican as 
reporter.
 
Mr. PASSAGE purchased a half interest in the Delavan Enterprise in 1901, and 
in 1903 purchased the remaining interests and since then has been sole owner 
and editor of the paper, which has gained constantly in prestige and 
circulation.  He has brightened its mechanical appearance and rendered it a 
very desirable medium for advertisers, both local and foreign.  Its columns 
teem weekly with the latest and most important news, the happenings of the 
entire world, and the paper wields much influence toward the general 
upbuilding of the community.
 
Politically, Mr. PASSAGE is a Democrat, but while he is interested in public 
affairs in general he has not been an aspirant for pubic honors or the 
emoluments of political offices, though he has served as alderman.
 
Fraternally, Mr. PASSAGE is a member of the Masonic order and the Knights of 
Pythias.  He has remained unmarried.
 
Submitted by Carol