William S. Fitzgerald

William Sinton FitzGerald, Sr. (October 6, 1880 – October 3, 1937) was an American politician of the Republican Party who served as the 39th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.

Life and career FitzGerald was born in Washington, D.C. to an Irish family. He received public education and attended George Washington University, graduating with a Master of Laws degree in 1903. The following year, he moved to Cleveland, was admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association, and began practicing law. In 1911, he entered politics and was elected as a Republican city councilman for Ward 11, serving two terms. Under Mayor Harry L. Davis, FitzGerald was appointed law director.

When Davis resigned in 1920 to campaign for the Ohio governorship, FitzGerald became mayor for a brief period in 1920-21. His most notable achievement as mayor was his successful fight, in cooperation with Cleveland City Council and Councilman Jacob Stacel, to prevent the Ku Klux Klan from establishing a presence in the city.

FitzGerald then married Carolina Granger of Cleveland on March 23, 1933.

Death FitzGerald died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in the Cleveland suburb of North Royalton, at 5:25 AM on October 3, 1937. His place of burial may not be known.