USA > Wisconsin > An illustrated history of Wisconsin from prehistoric to present periods : the story of the state interspersed with realistic and romantic events > Part 39
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In 1853, he was elected to the state senate, and was re-elected in 1855. In 1859 he was made secretary of state, and served most efficiently. He was considered one of the rising men of the state, and, in consequence of his ability and energy, was nominated for governor by the Republicans in 1861. He was elected, and on the 20th of January, 1862, delivered his first message, in per- son, saying: " No previous legislature has convened under equal incentives to a disinterested zeal in the public service. The occasion pleads with you in re- buke of all the meaner passions, admonishing to the exercise of a conscientious patriotism becoming the representatives of a Christian people, called in God's providence to pass through the furnace of a great trial of their virtue, and of the strength of the government."
Shortly after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, which occurred on the 7th of April, 1862, Governor Harvey organized an expedition for the relief of the wounded and suffering soldiers. In a few hours a large amount of supplies was gathered, and on the 10th day of April this benevolent expedition started southward. On their arrival at Chicago, they found nearly eighty cases of supplies which had been forwarded to accompany the party. These supplies had been sent from Milwaukee, Madison, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Kenosha and various other places in the state. After distributing their supplies, and administering to the wants of the soldiers at Mound City, at Paducah, and Savannah, their labors were :early completed.
On April 19th, Governor Harvey bade farewell to the soldiers at Pittsburg Landing, and after visiting Savannah, which is a distance of ten miles down the river, he retired for the night on the steamer " Dunleith," with the expec- tation of taking the " Minnehaha " on the following morning. That night, at ten o'clock, the steamer " Minnehaha " came along side the " Dunleith," and, in the darkness and the rain, while the governor was attempting to step from one boat to the other, or, as some authorities state, accidently stepped back- wards, missed his footing, and fell between the two steamers. Dr. Wilson, of Sharon, Wisconsin, being present, immediately reached down his cane, which the governor grasped with such force as to instantly pull it from the doctor's hand. Dr. Clark, of Racine, after securing himself from drowning by a rope attached to the rigging about the wheel, jumped into the water and made every effort to save the governor, but did not succeed in getting hold of him.
The rapid current, it is thought, immediately swept him down and under a flatboat, that lay just below, where he drowned. A few days later his body
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was discovered, sixty-five miles down the river, by children, and was buried by residents of the neighborhood. General Brodhead offered a reward of $1,000 for the recovery of the body. This offer was ratified by the state authorities. The governor's body was identified by his watch and other property found upon his person. The remains were sent to Chicago by express. From Chi- cago, a special train conveyed the body to the capital, arriving May 7th, where, after lying in state, they were buried with imposing ceremonies in Forest Hill cemetery.
Shortly after the death of Governor Harvey, his estimable wife entered the army as a nurse, and there carried forward the noble work her husband had so well begun. The memory of Mrs. Harvey will ever be entwined with rec- ollections of sympathy, love and esteem by all who knew her.
LOWER CANYON, YELLOWSTONE.
CHAPTER LIV.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR EDWARD SALOMON.
1862-1864.
Lieutenant-Governor Salomon Becomes Governor upon the Death of Governor Harvey .- Exigencies of War .- Messages .- Extra Session of Legislature .- Elections.
The gubernatorial chair has never been filled by but one German-Edward Salomon-who was a credit both to the nation he represented, as well as the state he served.
Edward Salomon was born in 1828, near the city of Halberstadt, in Prus- sia, where his father was a prominent civil and military official. In his native country he was educated in the Lutheran faith, and afterwards attended the University of Berlin. Being of an enterprising and ambitious turn of mind he emigrated to America in 1849, where he settled at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Being a polished, handsome and courtly gentleman, he soon came into public favor. After serving as a school teacher, county surveyor and deputy clerk of the court, at Manitowoc, he moved to Milwaukee, where he studied law. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar after a thorough examination by the justices of the supreme court, and at once formed a partnership with that estimable lawyer, Winfield Smith, which continued until Mr. Salomon removed to New York in 1869.
Mr. Salomon originally espoused the doctrines of the Democratic party, but, during Buchanan's time, became es- tranged from the cause on account of some of its leaders, who advocated slavery. In 1860 he openly advocated the Republican principles. In 1861 he was nominated and elected lieutenant- governor on the ticket with Louis P. Harvey. On account of the death of Mr. Harvey, Mr. Salomon was called upon to exercise the functions of chief
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executive, which position he well filled until January, 1864, at which time he was succeeded by Jamse T. Lewis. Governor Salomon has been one of New York's most able lawyers since he adopted that state for his future home.
EVENTS OF 1862-63.
On April 22, 1862, the Hon. Edward Salomon, lieutenant-governor, issued a proclamation announcing the death of Governor Harvey. He recom- mended that for a period of thirty days all public offices, court-houses and other public buildings be draped in mourning, and that during that time the people wear the usual badges of mourning. He appointed the Ist day of May, 1862, as a day of public rest, and recommended to the people that on that day, between the hours of ten and twelve in the morning, they assemble in their respective towns, cities and villages and commemorate the death of the late lamented governor by such public demonstrations as might be appropriate to the occasion.
Governor Salomon, on August 28th, issued a proclamation calling a special session of the legislature to meet on the roth day of September. On September 10th, the legislature convened according to the proclamation, and was in session until September 26th.
At the convening of the extra session on September 10, 1862, Governor Salomon in his message to the two houses referred to the fact that, since the previous adjournment, six hundred thousand men had been called for by the government for putting down the rebellion, and that it was necessary to rely upon a system of drafting to furnish the quota for this state. He recommended an effective organization of the state militia and a supply of arms and ammu- nition for emergencies. He also recommended the enactment of a law to give soldiers then in the army from this state the right to vote at the next general election.
During the extra session, which lasted until September 26th, seventeen laws were enacted, the most important of which was one for the levying and collecting a special tax of $275,000, to be applied for the aid of volunteers ; one to enable the militia and volunteers of this state, when in the military service of the United States or in this state, to exercise the right of suffrage; one to empower towns, cities and counties to raise money for the payment of bounties to volunteers.
The legislature, in 1862, in conformity with that portion of the governor's message relating to the extraordinary expenditures in the executive depart- ment, during the administration of Governor Randall, appointed a joint select committee, who, after taking testimony, made and filed a majority and minor- ity report. According to the majority report, the negotiation of the war bonds of the state was not conducted according to law, but that the same were
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sold to Wisconsin bankers at a depreciated value, and without any effort to negotiate them in Eastern cities, in consequence of which the state was de- frauded out of a large amount of money. They further reported that the man- ner in which army supplies were procured was injudicious, to the extent that a large amount of money had been squandered. This majority report was signed by senators F. O. Thorp and T. R. Hudd, of the senatorial committee, and J. V. V. Platto, S. F. Ellis, H. T. Moore and W. C. Hamilton, on the part of the assembly committee.
According to the minority report, the charges of waste and extravagances in the management and disbursement of funds in the offices of the quarter- master and commissary generals' department were greatly exaggerated. They concluded by saying that the majority of the committee, in their report, had discovered no facts reflecting in the slightest degree upon the integrity of the loan commissioners, but, on the contrary, the minority of the committee be- lieved that in the sale of such bonds, as large, if not a larger, sum was realized than could have been in an Eastern market.
The sixteenth session of the legislature convened on January 4, 1863, and adjourned April 2, 1863, after holding a session of seventy-nine days. The senate was composed of seventeen Republicans and fifteen Democrats, while in the assembly there were fifty-three Republicans, forty-five Democrats and two Independents. On January 15th the two houses met in joint convention and listened to the reading of Governor Salomon's message. The message re- ferred principally to matters pertaining to the military affairs of the state. Dur- ing this session of the legislature the majority of the most important bills were of a military character.
At the November election in 1862, James S. Brown, I. C. Sloan, Amasa Cobb, Charles A. Eldredge, Ezra Wheeler and W. D. McIndoe were elected members of congress for two years from March 4, 1863.
At this election James T. Lewis received 72,717 votes for governor, and Henry L. Palmer 49,053. The whole Republican ticket was elected.
Мт. TACOMA.
CHAPTER LV.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR LEWIS.
1864-1866.
Life of Governor Lewis .- Inaugural Address .- Legislature .- War Measures .- Drafts. -Political.
JAMES TAYLOR LEWIS, one of Wisconsin's able war governors, was born at Clarendon, New York, October 30, 1819, his father being a New Englander and his mother of good old Scotch parentage. After receiving a common school education, he was sent to Clarkson academy, and then to the Clinton seminary, where he obtained a thorough English classical course. Being fond of military tactics, he, at an early age, joined the state militia, and became an active and enthusiastic soldier. In 1840, after first being sergeant, he was made lieutenant of the 25th regiment. In the early 40's he gained a deep knowledge of human nature by teaching school. By patience, economy and integrity he earned and saved enough money to pur- sue the study of law, which he began in the office of Governor Henry Selden, at Clarkson, in 1842. After his admission to the bar he started westward without money or books, and finally settled at Columbus, Wisconsin, where he has since continuously resided. From the time that he established his residence at Co- lumbus, in 1845, his law practice continued to increase, as well as his promo- tion in public favor. After holding the important positions of district attorney and county judge, he was chosen a member of the constitutional convention of 1847.
In the intervening years, between 1847 and 1863, he occupied the posi- tions of colonel of the Fourteenth regiment, brigadier-general of the Wisconsin state militia, member of assembly, state senator, member of the court of im- peachment that tried Judge Levi Hubbell, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, and regent of the state university.
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In 1863, Mr. Lewis was elected governor by 23,664 majority over Henry L. Palmer, his Democratic opponent. The administration of Governor Lewis was marked by extreme wisdom and judiciousness. In 1865, by his able ad- ministration, the state tax was reduced several hundred thousand dollars, while, during his incumbency, none of the military contingent fund was used. In order to further economize he requested the legislature not to vote the usual appropria- tion of $5,000. as a contingent fund for the use of the executive.
In 1865 Mr. Lewis declined a renomination, whereupon the Republican Union convention passed appropriate resolutions, commending the able ad- ministration of Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Lewis visited Europe during the Franco-Prussian war, and after- wards, in 1882-83, made a journey round the world. During Mr. Lewis' whole public career he has not changed his place of residence, his business, political principles, his friendships, nor has he lost the love and esteem of his neighbors.
IMPORTANT EVENTS OF 1864.
The Seventeenth session of the state legislature convened January 13, 1864, and was in session until April 4, 1864.
Governor Lewis, in his inaugural address, pledged himself to use no patronage for a re-election, to administer the affairs of the state without preju- dice or partiality, to preserve economy, promote agriculture and the arts, to foster education, and to inculcate morality and benovolence, to employ his executive power to suppress the rebellion and to terminate the civil war. The records of Governor Lewis' administration show that he made no idle promises, but lived up to those sacred pledges he made to the people in his inaugural address.
The governor, in his first annual message, gave a condensed statement of the different funds in the state, together with a report of the state officers and state institutions, and a synopsis of the statistical status of our financial affairs.
The governor, in his able message, recommended the continuance of a generous policy by the state for her army citizens, and their families at home. He recommended the completion of the south wing of the capitol at a cost not exceeding $30,000, and the immediate selection of the agricultural col- lege lands donated to the state by the general government.
One of our able writers, in speaking of the legislature of 1864, used the following language :
" It was one of the most intelligent and harmonious public bodies that ever convened in the state. There was less political discussion and fewer exhi- bitions of party feeling than we have witnessed in any previous legislature. The measure which excited most public interest was the pro rata bill. It failed
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to pass. Its death, however, was not solely attributable to railroad opposition. As the subject was discussed, quite a powerful hostility was developed from sections of the state interested in unfinished or projected railroads, and from the districts of the state lying upon portions of completed railways distant from the markets. These found that, under a pro rata bill, their freights were likely to be increased ; the others feared that the bill would retard and discourage the building of roads. The agitation of the subject, however, will not be without beneficial results. Its effect will be to restrain the railroads from adopting exorbitant tariffs, and will exert a wholesome influence, and may ren- der legislation unnecessary."
Among the numerous important acts passed by this legislature pertaining to military affairs were the acts authorizing towns, cities and villages to raise money by special tax for the payment of bounties to volunteers; an act revis- ing, amending and consolidating all laws relating to extra pay of Wisconsin soldiers in the service of the United States; to authorize the governor to pur- chase flags for regiments ; providing for levying a state tax of $200,000 for the support of families of the volunteers ; authorizing the governor to care for the sick and wounded soldiers, and appropriating $100,000 for that pur- pose.
Two important acts were also passed, authorizing the state to borrow money for repelling invasions, suppressing insurrections and protecting the state in times of war. One of these acts authorized the state to borrow $350,- 000, and the other for $300,000.
Governor Lewis, on February 18, 1864, sent to the legislature a message, accompanied by a document from W. Y. Selleck, the military agent for Wiscon- sin at Washington, D. C., in reference to the establishment of the Soldiers' Na- tional cemetery at Gettysburg. The legislature, to aid the establishment of this cemetery, appropriated the sum of $3,523.
On April 24, 1864, a proposition was made by the executives of the states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and lowa to President Lincoln, tendering for extra service 85,000 troops for the term of one hundred days; this organization to be governed by the War department ; the proposition was gratefully accepted, and Governor Lewis proceeded at once to carry out the arrangement.
The Thirty-ninth, Fortieth and Forty-first regiments were soon organized, and left the state about the middle of June, for Memphis, Tennessee. On July 18th, President Lincoln called for 500,000 volunteers for one, two and and three years' services. The Wisconsin quota was given at 19,032. The state having already sent forward three regiments, in accordance with a proposition made to President Lincoln, Adjutant-General Gaylord proceed at once to Washington, and succeeded in reducing the state's quota 15,341.
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On September 14th, the governor was authorized to organize eight com- panies to complete the First regiment of heavy artillery. The companies were soon organized, and before November 12th, were en route for the field. The state's quota not yet being filled, a draft took place on September 19, 1864. The following are the draft statistics :
Total number subject to draft, 94,068 ; number drafted, 17,534; mustered in, 2,494 ; substitutes after draft, 945; discharged after draft, 6,724; failed to report, 7,367 ; paid commutation, 4; amount of commutation, $1,200.
At the November election, in 1864, the Union Republican party elected W. W. Field, George C. Northrop, Henry Blood, Jonathan Bowman, Allen Warden, H. J. Turner, H. F. Belitz and A. S. McDill, electors. At the electoral college these electors cast the vote of the state for Abraham Lincoln, president, and Andrew Johnson, vice-president.
EVENTS OF 1865.
The eighteenth session of the state legislature convened at Madison on January 11, 1865, and adjourned after a session of ninety days. Governor Lewis, in his message to this legislature, in speaking of the financial condition of the state, said: "The financial condition of the state, considering the drafts that have necessarily been made upon the treasury, is very flattering . . . Great credit is due to the secretary of state and state treasurer for their man- agement in bringing about this result, and for the able and efficient manner in which they have discharged the duties of their respective departments."
On February 17, 865, Governor Lewis submitted to the legislature the proposed constitutional amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. The governor, in his message, says : "Upon its adoption hangs the destiny of four millions of human beings, and, it may be, the destiny of the nation. 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, and show by our action that we are worthy of the name of free men."
This legislature passed a long list of important measures, both civil and military. On the 10th day of April, the last day of the legislative session, Gov- ernor Lewis sent to the legislature the following message :
" Four years ago, on the day fixed for adjournment, the sad news of the fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the legislature. To-day, 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 sur- render of General Lee and his army, the last prop of the rebellion. Let us rejoice, and thank the Ruler of the union for victory, and the prospects of an honorable peace."
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The State Journal, in speaking of this legislature, says :
" About all the important Republican measures brought before the legisla- ture were disposed of. The appropriation bills all passed, except that of $30,000 for the enlargement of the hospital for the insane, and also the bills for a temporary loan and special tax of $850,000 for war purposes and a general tax of $350,000 for general expenses. The bill increasing the rate of interest was defeated in the assembly ; also the bill allowing the Racine and Mississippi railroad to build branches to Milwaukee and Chicago."
The Republican convention, held at Madison, September 6, 1865, placed the following ticket in nomination : Governor, Lucius Fairchild; lieutenant- governor, Wyman Spooner ; secretary of state, Thomas S. Allen ; state treas- urer, William E. Smith ; attorney-general, Charles R. Gill ; bank comptroller, J. M. Rusk ; state prison commissioner, Henry Cordier ; superintendent of public instruction, J. L. Pickard.
The Democratic convention, held at Madison, September 20th, nomi- nated the following ticket: Governor, Harrison C. Hobart : lieutenant-gover- nor, D. W. Maxon ; secretary of state, L. B. Vilas; state treasurer ; J. W. Davis ; bank comptroller, Thomas McMahon ; state prison commissioner, C. Horneffer ; superintendent of public instruction, J. B. Parkinson. The whole Republican ticket was elected by an average majority of 9,000.
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YELLOWSTONE RIVER.
CHAPTER LVI.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD.
1866-1872.
Biographical Sketch of Governor Fairchild .- Legislation .- Mrs. Harvey Establishes a Home for Soldiers' Orphans .- Political.
The ninth governor of Wisconsin was General Lucius Fairchild, who was born September 27, 1831, at Franklin Mills, Ohio. Colonel J. C. Fairchild, the father of Governor Fairchild, was of English descent, while his mother, Sallie Blair Fairchild, was of pure Scotch-Irish ancestry. In 1837, Colonel Fairchild, with the view to the better education of his children, removed with his family from Columbus, Ohio, to Madi- son, Wisconsin, then a thriving village. Lucius, being an energetic young man who preferred to glean knowledge by exper- ience, and not wholly from books, started, in 1849, with a horse and saddle and "prairie schooner " for California. Six years later, he was one of the few who returned with a " pile of gold." His mental and physi- cal powers had been greatly improved and strengthened by coming in contact with the vicissitudes of western life, which well fitted him for his eventful future.
The first shot fired at Fort Sumter found Mr. Fairchild occupied as clerk of the dis- tric: court of Dane county. He responded to Lincoln's call for troops with the same zest that he had started for California in '49, by offering his services to the government as a private. Governor Randall, knowing the material with which Mr. Fairchild was made, offered him the lieutenant-colonelcy of the First regiment. His knowledge, however, of military affairs being that gained by belonging to the governor's guard, he felt himself inefficient to
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occupy a position so responsible. However, he was elected captain of Com- pany K in the First regiment.
At Gainsville, Colonel O'Connor was killed and Captain Fairchild as- sumed full command of the Second Wisconsin. At the battle of Gettysburg, the Second regiment, which was a part of the " Iron Brigade," was reduced to a handful of men, whose field officers were either killed or wounded. At this battle Colonel Fairchild left an arm as a reminder of that eventful occasion, For gallantry at Gettysburg he was made a brigadier-general of volunteers.
Prior to 1863, Mr. Fairchild, while not active in politics, was a Democrat, but became estranged from the party on account of their indifference and cold- ness towards him. In the fall of 1863, he allowed his name to go on the Union Republican ticket. In order to accept the office of secretary of state, he was obliged to give up his hard-earned rank in the army. In November, 1865, General Fairchild was elected governor, which office he held for three consecu- · tive terms.
In January, 1872, he retired to private life, but on the following October was appointed by President Grant to serve as consul at Liverpool. At the end of five years of useful and pleasant service as consul at Liverpool he received a commission as consul-general at Paris, where he again had an honorable and successful public career. Again, when he had decided to resign and return home, he was appointed by President Hayes to succeed James Russell Lo well as minister at the Spanish court. After serving in this capacity for two years with honor to himself, and credit to the government he represented, he felt that he could no longer keep his family in exile, and therefore resigned.
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