Milton Rice Polland

Last updated April 24, 2019

Milton Rice Polland (June 13, 1909 – September 2, 2006) was an American life insurance executive, businessman and political activist from Wisconsin, who served as an Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Americans are nationals and citizens of the United States of America. Although nationals and citizens make up the majority of Americans, some dual citizens, expatriates, and permanent residents may also claim American nationality. The United States is home to people of many different ethnic origins. As a result, American culture and law does not equate nationality with race or ethnicity, but with citizenship and permanent allegiance.

Life insurance is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer or assurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person. Depending on the contract, other events such as terminal illness or critical illness can also trigger payment. The policy holder typically pays a premium, either regularly or as one lump sum. Other expenses, such as funeral expenses, can also be included in the benefits.

Business organization involved in commercial, industrial, or professional activity

Business is the activity of making one's living or making money by producing or buying and selling products. Simply put, it is "any activity or enterprise entered into for profit. It does not mean it is a company, a corporation, partnership, or have any such formal organization, but it can range from a street peddler to General Motors."

Background

Polland was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from the Marquette University, undergraduate and School of Law.

Marquette University is a private research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established by the Society of Jesus as Marquette College on August 28, 1881, it was founded by John Martin Henni, the first Bishop of Milwaukee.

Business career

Polland began his business career in the life insurance industry. He rose to become Chairman of the Board of Union Trust Life Insurance Co. and served on the boards of several other public and private companies, including for a short time as the Chairman of the Board of Penthouse Magazine.

Political career

In addition to his active business life, Polland had an active political career spanning in excess of 60 years. He sponsored many local, state and national campaigns, including serving as campaign manager for both Wendell Willkie and Hubert Humphrey in their presidential bids. In 1945, as one of the leaders of the Wisconsin Progressive Party, he met with new President Harry S. Truman to discuss Wisconsin politics.^[1] Polland was a close friend and adviser to California governors Goodwin Knight and Earl Warren (later Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court).

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Polland's international political career included representing the Republic of the Marshall Islands as its Ambassador-at-Large. His international service spanned decades and included the aid and development of numerous Micronesian nations. He traveled extensively in East Asia meeting with heads of state and business leaders to develop trade relations in the region.

Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, composed of thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has a shared cultural history with two other island regions: Polynesia to the east and Melanesia to the south.

Polland died in Los Angeles, California home on 2 September 2006 and was survived by his two children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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References

↑ Harry Truman's desk calendar for Sept. 20, 1945

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[1] Harry Truman's desk calendar for Sept. 20, 1945