Joseph Vilas

Joseph Vilas (March 31, 1832 – January 7, 1905) was an American businessman and politician. He was the 10th Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Born in Ogdensburg, New York, Vilas went to Union College in Schenectady, New York. In 1852, Vilas moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Vilas was involved with the mercantile, railroad, and paper manufacturing businesses. During the American Civil War, Vilas served as a draft commissioner. Vilas served in the Wisconsin State Senate in 1863 and 1864 and was a Democrat. He also served as president of the village of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In 1893, he was elected mayor of Manitowoc. Vilas was president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners.In 1868, Vilas ran for election to the United States House of Representatives and lost the election to Philetus Sawyer. Vilas committed suicide with a firearm in his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Vilas had been in ill health for several years. Vilas was a cousin of William Freeman Vilas.