B. R. Goggins

Bernard R. Goggins (June 17, 1858 – September 2, 1937) was an American lawyer and the first mayor of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Early life Bernard R. Goggins was born on June 17, 1858, in New Holstein, Wisconsin, to Bridget and Hugh Goggins. In 1864, the family moved to Charlestown, Wisconsin. Goggins attended Chilton High School He earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1890. In December 1899, he got admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin. After graduating from law school, he became partners with Herman C. Wipperman in Centralia. He first opened a law office west of the Wisconsin River and then opened an office in Centralia.

In 1892, he was elected as district attorney of Wood County, Wisconsin, but lost re-election in 1894. After his death, the firm became Brazeau & Graves. He served one term. During World War I, Goggins prosecuted alleged violators of the Espionage Act of 1917. On March 1, 1918, he was appointed by Thomas Watt Gregory as the special assistant to the U.S. attorney general for the western district of Wisconsin to prosecute violators of the Act. He held this role until November 1, 1919. He defended the constitutionality of the Husting Power Water Act, dealing with the title of water powers in the state, in the state supreme court.

He also served as a member of the Wood County Board and Centralia School Board. He was a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Senate and was offered an appointment by Governor James O. Davidson to the Railroad Commission of Wisconsin, but declined.

He served as president of the Wisconsin State Bar Association from June 1916 to June 1917.

Personal life Goggins married Elizabeth A. Hooten of Clemonsville, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, on August 11, 1886. Together, they had six children, including Hugh W. Goggins, William A. Goggins and Robert S. Goggins. Goggins's son, Hugh W. Goggins, also worked in his father's law firm and served as district attorney of Wood County.

Death Goggins died on September 2, 1937, at his home in Wisconsin Rapids. He was cremated and buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.