USA > Wisconsin > Biographical sketches of old settlers and prominent people of Wisconsin > Part 1
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M. L ...
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01076 8916
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018
https://archive.org/details/biographicalsket00unse 5
C.
biographical ...
... Sketches
OF
OLD SETTLERS
AND
PROMINENT PEOPLE 1
OF
.... Wisconsin .... 1
Vol. I.
WATERLOO, WIS., HUFFMAN & HYER, PUBLISHERS. 1899.
DEMOCRAT AND DAIRYMAN PRINT, WATERLOO, WISCONSIN.
1281175 PREFACE.
"The great lesson of biography," says Samuel Smiles, "is to show what man can be and do at his best. A noble life put fairly on record acts like an inspiration to others."
Our purpose in this work has been to give family record in so far as we have been able to obtain data from the most authentic and reliable sources. We have endeavored to select representative men and women, and to fairly present their leading characteristics.
Horace Mann says, "biography, especially the biography of the great or good, who have risen by their own exertions from poverty and obscurity to eminence and usefulness, is an inspiring and ennobling study. It's direct tendency is to reproduce the excellence it records."
In no instance is there an autobiography in the work, all sketches having been written by us, founded upon information obtained by us from the neighbors and friends of the different subjects. We have studiously avoided "puffing," and feel that in the submission of facts, those who are acquainted with the subject of the sketches, will affirm our assertions.
The object of the publication is two-fold, first to perpetuate the family record; second, to give such incidents of life and character, without intentional eulogy, as will stimulate the youth of coming generations to rely upon their own efforts and apply themselves diligently to right pursuits.
"Lives of great men all remind us, We can make our lives sublime
And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time."
A. O. HUFFMAN.
WATERLOO, WIS., 1899.
H. H. HYER.
7/15/64
-CLARK-ENG- - KO-MIL -
Ex. Gov. JAMES T. LEWIS.
HON. JAMES T. LEWIS,
MAN owes his growth to that active striving of the will that en- counters difficulties which are called effort; and 'tis amazing to find how frequently results, apparently impracticable, are thus made possible; he soon comes to realize that nothing of
real worth can be achieved without courageous working. With impressions of this kind, James Taylor Lewis, one of the founders of the state and one of the framers of the Constitution at the convention in 1845, which made Wisconsin a state , began life.
In referring to Mr. Lewis, the Biographical Dictionary says: "Searching the streets of Athens with a lantern, Diogenes illumined a truth of his own discovery, namely, that honest men are a nation's rare- est, as well as most precious jewels; and we have discovered that of those who shine in the crown of the Republic, none have a higher work than the faithful administrator of the law. Prominent on the roll of true and good men, we find the name of James T. Lewis, " who was the son of Shubael and Eleanor (Robertson) Lewis, and was born Octo- ber 30, 1819, in Clarendon, Orleans county, New York. His father, who was the son of Samuel Lewis, was a native of New England, and was born February 27, 1783, in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and though a poor boy, was endowed with a spirit of self-reliance, and by his uprigthness was enabled to command the respect of all who came in contact with him. Being a man of keen insight into the business affairs of life, and withal enterprising, he was thus enabled to accumulate large property interests, both in the East and in Wisconsin.
He was married three times; first, January 29, 1815, to Eleanor Rob- ertson, a lady of Scotch descent, who was born April 10, 1798. She was a devoted wife, and the mother of all the children born to him, and pos- sessed those womanly attributes which are worthy of emulation. Her pure life was a devotion to the welfare of her family, and to her influence and example, the subject of this sketch, today feels himself largely indebted for whatever of success he has attained. She died October 8, 1834. His second marriage was to Pana Nichols. His third marriage was to Mary Bugbee. He died at the advanced age of 78 years.
The subject of this sketch had four brothers and two sisters, namely, William L., born October 9, 1815, and was married October 7, 1842, to Miss Eliza Ann Martin, of Clarendon, New York; Shubael R. was born November 3, 1817. He distinguished himself in the Mexican war and for gallant conduct on the field of battle was presented with a beautiful sword. He was married August 18, 1839 to Mrs. Sarah Ann (Nichols) Brown, widow of Dr. Harvey Brown; he died in August, 1856; Hiram W., born January 13, 1823, married September 2, 1847, to Miss Milissa P. Tousley ; Mary Jane, born September 6, 1825, married Oscar A. Harris;
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PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
Andrew J., born May 23, 1828, died January 20, 1840; Lydia A., born. September 22, 1831, died October 12, 1834.
James T., who was the third son, after receiving a common school education, completed a course of English and classical study in Clarkson Academy and the Clinton High School in New York, in 1842, and then took up the study of law in the office of Governor Selden, of Clarkson; afterward removing to Wisconsin. He was in 1845 admitted to the bar of the United States District Court, and shortly afterward to the Supreme Court of the state. Tempting offers were made him to settle in Clinton, New York, in the practice of his chosen profession, but after carefully weighing all the facts, he decided to locate in Columbus, Wisconsin. his present home.
At the age of 26 he was united in marriage to Miss Orlina M. Sturges, daughter of a successful and prominent merchant of Clarendon. New York, and four children blessed the union. Henry S., who died at the age of 16 months; Selden J., who was named after Gov. Selden; Charles R., who was named after Mr. Lewis personal friend, the Hon. Charles D. Robin- son, of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Annie L.
The people were not long in recognizing Mr. Lewis as a man of su- perior executive ability, and his official promotions were rapid. First he was elected judge of the Probate Court, and after the expiration of his term as judge was appointed District Attorney, then member of the Constitutional Convention (1847) which formed the organic law of the state, member of the General Assembly (1851) State Senator (1852) member of the Court of Impeachment, Lieutenant-Governor (1853) Seere- tary of State (1861) and Governor of the state (1863. )
It was said of him while Secretary of State that "he was prompt, methodical and systematic in all the departments of his office: a true man in every sense of the word, kind and gentlemanly in his deportment, and posessing great executive ability. " One great compliment, and one which Gov. Lewis always appreciated, was, that when elected to the office of Sec- retary of State he received every vote cast in the city of his residence, and when elected Governor in 1863 his majority was over 25.000, being largely in excess of any majority ever accorded any candidate for that office until 1896.
The Governor has kept an interesting record of his experience in the pioneer days of Wisconsin. In the early "forties." when he first came into the territory, settlements in the vicinity of Columbus were scattered, and Fort Winnebago was the center of interest. Game he says, " was plentiful and deer abounded, often making sad havoc with the settlers' crops." The Indians had mostly emigrated to Northern Wisconsin, although they made occasional excursions through the coun- try over the old Portage road, which at that time was the great central highway of the territory. Sometimes they would stop at Columbus and entertain the people with some of their war dances.
Mr. Lewis' first act when a member of the Assembly was to present a resolution cordially welcoming Lonis Kossuth to the capitol of this country. It was largely through his instrumentality that the goverment granted the military reservation at Fort Winnebago to the state of Wisconsin.
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MRS. JAMES T. LEWIS.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Up to the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Lewis had been a consistent democrat of the true Jeffersonian stripe, and Jefferson was the ideal of his boyhood days; but when the South seceded and the life of the Union was threatened, he says " I thought I had gone far enough with them," and in his speech of acceptance of the nomination for Secretary of State, tendered him by a Union convention of all parties, he says: "I accept, gentlemen, not as a Democrat, not as a Republican, but as a Union man.
As a " war Governor," no state in the Union had a man at the helm in whom more confidence was reposed, whose executive ability was more marked, and whom the "boys at the front " and in the hospitals, loved more dearly, and who was more constantly on the lookout for his state's interests than had Wisconsin.
In his inaugural address as Governor, he pledged himself to admin- ister the government without prejudice or partiality, and with the strict- est economy, and his every official act showed that his pledges were well kept.
His familiarity with the needs of his state, and his willingness and ability to provide for them, well qualified him to make an ideal "war Governor." He felt "that for the time all political divisions should cease; that loyal men, forgetting party strifes, should rally around the country's flag and save it from dishonor; that rebellion should be crushed by hearty cooperation and earnest sacrifice, and that peace should be restored," and he often proclaimed "he who is not a faithful friend of the govern- ment of his country in this trying hour, is no friend of mine."
In March, 1864, when Grant was given command of the whole army, and the spring campaign was opened all along our lines in the West, Sherman and Banks were winning victories, and Meade and Butler were tightening their lines around Richmond, the Governors of five Western states, Brough, of Ohio, Morton, of Indiana, Yates, of Illi- nois, Stone, of Iowa, and Lewis, of Wisconsin, had a conference to de- vise means of aiding the government. The result of this conference was a visit to President Lincoln by the five Governors. An audience being granted them they said to Mr. Lincoln, "we propose to furnish the government within twenty days from the date of acceptance of this proposition one hundred thousand men, to be known as 100 day men, to serve on guard and outpost duty 100 days, unless sooner discharged, receiving no bounty, and being charged or credited to no draft." The proposition at first did not strike Mr. Lincoln favorably, and he was doubtful of its practicability, but in dismissing the gentlemen he said, "Well, gentlemen, I'll think it over. If I thought that would win, I'd go for it." They called next morning by appointment and were greeted with, "Boys, I've concluded to go for it. Send the men in," and gave the following official endorsement.
"The foregoing propsosition of the Governors is accepted and the secretary of war is directed to cary it into execu- tion. "
[Signed.] A. LINCOLN."
Later President Lincoln, in a private letter to Governor Lewis, took occasion to say:
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PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
"I did not fully appreciate that plan when it was first proposed, but if Grant hadn't had those men I don't know how he could have got through and taken Richmond. "
Mr. Lincoln had no more ardent admirer and hearty supporter than Governor Lewis, and in answering a letter addressed to Horace Greely, Park Goodwin and Theodore Tilton, under date of September 7, 1864, says:
"Yours of the 2nd inst., asking my opinion of the proba- bility of the re-election of Mr. Lincoln, is at hand. I take pleasure in answering the questions propounded by you in the order in which they are presented.
You ask, First. 'In your judgment is the reelection of Mr. Lincoln a probability?' Answer. I think it is a strong proba- bility.
2. 'In your judgment, can your state be carried for Mr. Lincoln?' Answer. I have no doubt this state will give Mr. Lincoln a large majority.
3. 'In your judgment, do the interests of the Union party, and so of the country require the substitution of another candidate in the place of Mr Lincoln?' Answer. In my judgment, the interests of the Union party, the honor of the nation, and the good of mankind, demand that Mr. Lincoln should be sustained and re-elected.
I have the honor to be, Yours truly,
JAMES T. LEWIS,-Governor of Wisconsin."
Early in 1864 Governor Lewis, becoming convinced that there was a radical wrong in the quota of troops being called from Wisconsin, at once took active measures to correct the matter in Washington, and success crowned his efforts. He also succeeded in obtaining from the government money, long past due from the sale of lands, and for military expenses.
In 1865, in a special message to the legislature concerning the pro- posed Constitutional Amendment abolishing human slavery in the United States, he said: -
"I trust and doubt not, the legislature of Wisconsin will record its decision firmly, and I hope unanimously in favor of the amendment. Let us wipe from our escutcheon the foul blot of human slavery, andshow by our action that we are worthy of the name of freemen."
The following telegrams were exchanged and, being given to the press, were published throughout the country, and were enthusiastically received:
Jefferson City, Mo., January 11, 1865 .- To the Governor of Wiscon- sin :- Free Missouri greets her elder sister.
J. C. FLETCHER,-Governor of Missouri.
Madison, Wis., January 12. 1865 .- To the Governor of Missouri:
Wisconsin greets free Missouri and is rejoiced to welcome her as a free state.
JAMES T. LEWIS,-Governor of Wisconsin.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
April 10, 1865, he sent the following message to the legislature: "Four years ago on the day fixed for adjournment the sad news of the fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the legislature. Today, thank God, and next to Him the brave officers and soldiers of our army and navy. I am permitted to transmit to you the official intelligence just received of the surrender of General Lee and his army, the last prop of the rebellion. Let us rejoice and thank the Ruler of the universe for vic- tory, and the prospects of an honorable peace. "
Two days later Governor Lewis issued a Thanksiving proclaim- ation in part as follows:
"Richmond has fallen. The rebel army that held it in defi- ance of national authority has been destroyed. The national honor has been vindicated, and peace, and a restored union with all their countless blessings, are smiling through the clouds which have for the last four years surrounded us."
It is therefore recommended that Thursday, the 20th day of the present month, be observed by the people of the state, as a day of thanksgiving, prayer and praise to Almighty God, and of general rejoicing. And in our praise and re- joicing may we not forget Father Abraham, who in the good- ness of his heart to the down-trodden hath said, 'The year of jubilee has come,' and do the followers of Lee and Davis 'Return, ye ransomed sinners, home.'"
Before the day of "Thanksgiving" arrived, the sad news of the assassination of President Lincoln was flashed over the wires, and the appointed day of thanksgiving was, by proclamation, changed to a day of fasting and prayer.
"But, " said the governor, "if the day of thanksgiving could have been observed, we would have had a day that Wisconsin could never have forgotten, for the people were wild with enthusiasm, and every town and village was making preparations to celebrate our victories on the grandest scale." Joy was in the twinkling of an eye changed into mourning, and among all the mourners none were more sincere than Governor Lewis, whose personal relations with the dead president had been exceptionally friendly.
In a conversation with Mr. Lincoln, when he informed him that he would not stand for reelection, Mr. Lincoln said: "Then pick out the place you want as foreign minister, " but the Governor thanked him and said he had enough of public life, and when he went abroad it would be as a private citzen.
Governor Lewis was untiring in his efforts in behalf of the soldiers in the field, and his administration will long be remembered and his memory cherished by the children and grandchildren of Wisconsin sol- diers. He went to the front, visited the boys in camp, field and hospi- tal, and looked after their interests as a father would after the interests of a child. He thoroughly investigated the condition of the hospitals, and being convinced that changes were necessary for the comfort and recovery of the sick and wounded, he lost no time in perfecting plans which were successfully carried out, although the task was arduous
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PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
and no troops were made more comfortable and better cared for than the "boys" from Wisconsin. As a result of his efforts he has the satis- faction of knowing that hundreds of noble lives were saved to the state and nation.
The war having ended, Governor Lewis. under date of September 2, 1865, issued the following proclamation:
" An allwise Creator has permitted us to triumph over treason. As the smoke of battle clears away, and we behold the great work which has been accomplished by the army and navy of the Union, when we consider that they have stood as our bulwark in the darkest hour of the republic, and when we remember that Wisconsin's sons formed parts of these great forces, and view the honorable and im- portant positions taken by them and the record they have made, our hearts swell with pride, and we feel that the grati- tude and thanks of our people are due and should be tendered the noble men who have taken part in the greatest struggle the world has ever known.
For the bravery which has distinguished Wisconsin sol- diers and sailors in every battle in which they have been engaged, for the patriotism displayed by them on all occa- sions, for the gallantry with which they have borne the stars and stripes, and the noble manner in which they have sustained the state and nation, I, James T. Lewis. Gov- ernor of Wisconsin, tender to Wisconsin officers, soldiers and sailors of every grade, the heartfelt thanks and grati- tude of its people. And while we remember with grati- tude the living, we will not forget the heroic dead: their memories will be honored and cherished by our people. Their fame survives, they will live on in the hearts of their countrymen.
After retiring from the office of Governor. many political honors were tendered him, and the list includes renomination for offices that he had held, as well as the nomination for Congress, which honors he steadily declined, as well as many appointive offices, such as State University Regent, Railroad Commissioner, Commissioner of Internal Revenue and Foreign Minister.
In 1864 Lawrence University conferred upon him the degree of L. L. D,, an honor which wasjustly bestowed and worthily won. In the spring of 1870, desiring to investigate personally the Franco-Ger- man war, he visited Europe, and in 1882 started to fulfill his long- cherished desire to take a trip around the world.
CLARK- ENG-CO-
LORENZO DOW FARGO.
MRS. L. D. FARGO.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LORENZO DOW FARGO.
MAN'S life and character is determined mainly by his ideals ; that is, by the things he lays to heart and lives by, often without himself being aware of it; by those things which he in his inmost soul loves, desires, aims at, as the best possibilties for himself and others; by patiently mastering details, whilst others have ignored them; by being strong, absolute and whole - hearted in his undertaking. Such has been the career of the subject of this sketch, and such a life should be held out to the coming generations as a model of noble achievement, one that should stimulate every youth to some nobler sentiment, some higher thought, some grander action,
Lorenzo Dow Fargo was born at Westchester, New London county, Connecticut, November 22, 1824, and he traces his lineage on the paternal side of the family to two Welshmen bearing the family name who settled near the Massachusetts line in the seventeenth century, and on the maternal side his ancestors were among the Pilgrim Fathers. He was named "Lorenzo Dow " for the gifted, noted and erratic preacher of that name, whose fame was not bounded by state lines. Whether Lorenzo ever displayed any of Dow's cha- racteristics history does not record, though his intimate friends often assert it. In one thing, however, he is a true disciple of his prototype, namely, his untiring and fearless advocacy of the temper- ance cause. On this subject he has pronounced opinions. and has, moreover, the bravery to stand by those opinions in the face of every foe, and he never acquiesced in immoral or pernicious opinions.
Beginning life in an humble way, he, by industry and the intelli- gent manner in which he performed every duty, was enabled to gain the confidence of those around him. When but seven years old his parents and family emigrated to Genesee county, New York, and settled on a farm in the town of Stafford, when, with seven brothers older and younger than himself, he hustled on a farm partly reclaimed from the forest.
With the annual winter terms of a district school, and a limited period at the Wyoming Academy, with access to one of Harper's District Libra- ries, and by enriching his mind by solid reading of great variety, he acquired the education that has served him since in the conduct of his affairs. In 1845, the year and month he attained his majority, in company with his brothers Lyman and Enoch, he emigrated to Wis- consin, his brothers to pursue merchandising, and he to locate a farm. They reached Lake Mills in November of that year, and he was not long in selecting land that suited him, which he purchased and at once went to work with ox teams and grubbing tools, on the very spot where he now resides. After getting things in good shape, in the fall of 1847 he
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PROMINENT PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN.
went back to New York, and returned the following spring with a w ife to occupy his one-story, single-room log house, in his new western home, to economize, save and grow up in, and with the country.
Industry and economy brought moderate returns; other acres were added to their domain, and in time a new home and home comforts were in the midst of their broad acres, and children came to bless and sweet- en their lives.
Mr Fargo attributes much of his success in life to his faithful. lov- ing wife, who has indeed been a helpmeet to him, whose wise counsel and economy, have been appreciated by him, and who by her genial, generous and pleasant disposition, has made a "sweet home" for him. and their children.
Mrs. Fargo was born at Batavia, Genesee county, New York. De- cember 30, 1825, and was the granddaughter of Captain Ebenezer and Sarah (Knowlton) Rich; and the daughter of Esquire Ebenezer and Polly (Hunting) Rich. Her father was born January 5, 1794, at Greenwich, Massachusetts, and died November 14, 1874. aged 80 years. 10 months and nine days. Her mother was born January 17, 1793, at Belchertown, Massachusetts, and died June 10, 1865, aged 72 years, 4 months and 23 days. They were married May 8, 1817, settling in Genesee county, New York and had six children. Mrs. Fargo, like her husband, traces her ancestry back to about the time of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers.
Mr. Fargo is a man of pronounced religious and political views. and keenly alive to the social problems of the day. and makes his impress on any circle in which he moves. He is naturally open and above-board, and underhanded and corrupt methods have no place in his makeup. While unobtrusive, he is religionsly tenacious of what he believes to be right. He is proud of the fact that the blood of the dissenter courses in his veins, and finds expression in his life. He has always been a friend to education, voting liberal allowances to his dis- trict, and from time to time making liberal contributions to schools for higher education.
The great grandfather of Lorenzo Dow Fargo, was Deacon Robert Fargo, and it is understood that he was born in Montville. Con- necticut, in the year 1725. To him and his wife, Prudence, two sons and four daughters were born, namely; Stanton, Robert. Amy. Prudence, Mary and Sarah. Robert, being the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born at Montville, Connecticut. November 28. 1776. and his wife, Esther Whipple, daughter of Titus and Lucy Whipple, was born at Montville, December 9. 1771. The grandfather was a clergyman of the old school, an independent Congregationalist, baptizing by immer- sion. He died at Stafford, New York. January 26, 1849, at the age of 84. Esther, his wife, died at the same place October 14, 1845, at the age of 73.
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