William G. Lachenauer was born March 17, 1911, in Long Island City, son of Charles and Ida L. Ohlin Lachenauer, and came to Watertown in 1919 with his parents. He attended Cooper Street School and graduated from Watertown High in 1932. He was outstanding in high school athletics and, following graduation, was a member of the City’s Red and Black Football team in the 1930s and of several local basketball teams. He later was an official referee for the two sports. Among his hobbies were slight-of-hand tricks, gaining a wide reputation as an amateur magician. He also enjoyed golf and boating.
Beginning his professional and business career during high school as a law clerk and assistant corporation counsel for Attorney Clifton H. Landon, he turned to the field of abstracting titles to real estate property after his graduation. He served for four years as the manager of the local branch of National Abstract Corporation. He became owner, president and treasurer of Black River Abstract in 1947.
Mr. Lachenauer was a leader in public affairs and politics for more than 20 years when he decided to make his first attempt for elective office – that of Mayor of Watertown in 1955. He was elected by an overwhelming majority over William J. Flynn. He was re-elected in 1959 defeating his only opponent, C. Leland Wood, handily. He was nominated for a third term but lost by a decisive margin to newcomer and write-in nominee John H. Galvin.
It was during the Lachenauer regime that multi-million-dollar municipal construction projects were launched in the City including the Urban Renewal project.
A member of dozens of community groups and organizations, he received the Israel A. Shapiro award for outstanding citizen in 1953.
He married Beatrice McFarlane and had two children, Gretchen Lachenauer Palmer and William G. Lachenauer Jr.
Mr. Lachenauer was killed in a car accident in the Town of Pamelia on September 10, 1964 at the age of 53. He is buried in North Watertown Cemetery.
