William Orthwein: The Multifaceted Sportsman and Business Executive

A Life of Adventure and Achievement

William Orthwein, born on October 16, 1881, was an American sportsman, attorney, business executive, and political activist who left an indelible mark on various aspects of society. As an accomplished athlete, he represented the United States in the 1904 Summer Olympics, winning bronze medals in freestyle and water polo events.

Athletic Prowess and Early Life

Orthwein's early life was marked by his passion for sports. While studying at Yale University, he was an exceptional swimmer and water polo player. His athletic prowess earned him a spot in the 1904 Summer Olympics, where he won bronze medals in the 4x50-yard freestyle relay and as a member of the Missouri Athletic Club water polo team. He also finished fourth in the 100-yard backstroke event.

Aside from his Olympic feats, Orthwein was a standout athlete in college, serving as the captain of the Yale University swimming team in 1902.

Education and Career

After graduating from Yale, Orthwein pursued a law degree from the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis. He went on to have a successful career as an attorney, serving as the vice president and general counsel of the Kinloch Telephone Company in 1920. In this capacity, he made headlines for refusing to sell the business to the Bell Telephone Company.

Orthwein's leadership skills were also evident during World War II, when he served as a supply commissioner for the City of St. Louis.

Political Aspirations and Personal Life

In the realm of politics, Orthwein was an active member of the Republican Party. He ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor of Missouri in 1948. On a personal front, he married Nina Kent Baldwin, with whom he had a son, William R. Orthwein, Jr.

Legacy and Later Years

William Orthwein passed away on October 2, 1955, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, leaving behind a legacy that spanned multiple fields. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for life.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• Orthwein was arrested in 1902 for assaulting a ticket seller at a Yale-Harvard football game, for which he was fined.
• He was a member of the Missouri Athletic Club water polo team that won the bronze medal at the 1904 Summer Olympics.

William Orthwein's remarkable life is a shining example of what it means to be a true Renaissance man – a sportsman, attorney, business executive, and political activist who left an indelible mark on society.