History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 79

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304

USA > Wisconsin > Dane County > History of Dane County, Wisconsin > Part 79

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For a time, he was clerk in a country store, and showed a wonderful aptitude for this posi- tion. While yet a youth, the telegraph was brought into use. This wonderful process by which persons communicate with each other from all parts of the country-of annihilating time and dis- tance, as it were-was captivating to young Hopkins, and he at once obtained a situation to receive instruction in the mysterious process of telegraphing. He soon became an accomplished opera- tor. Then, at the age of twenty, having read of the great and growing West, he became con- vinced that it presented an inviting field for the development and growth of the mind of a young man. In October, 1849, he came to Wisconsin. He had been attracted to Fond du Lac, having friends residing at that point, and made his first stop in the State at that place. He remained there but a short time, as, in November in that year, we find him in charge of the telegraph office at Madison, a place that presented unusual charms for him, and which was ever after- ward his home. As a resident of that place, Mr. Hopkins was ever foremost in promoting its best interests. He gave to it the benefit of his counsel, was active in labor and liberal with his means in the advancement of any project having for its purpose the improvement of Madison, in adding to its business or to its beauty. The citizens of the capital city appreciate his valuable services and have great canse for lamenting his early death. His many acts of benevolence and kindness will be long remembered by her people. He acted nobly and well a citizen's duty, during his entire residence in Madison.

Commencing his career is Wisconsin as a young man, without means and without friends, the complete success that attended Mr. Hopkins in his private as well as in his public life, gives conclusive evidence of his ability, shrewdness and keen foresight in all things. He began that career as an operator in a telegraph office. In this position, as in all others in after life, he was accomplished in the execution of his work, attentive to every duty, gentlemanly and obliging to all with whom he came in contact. Previous to this time, the telegraph had proved very unsatisfactory to the people of Madison. On his taking charge of the ffice, a marked change took place. The business was performed promptly and well, and the new operator soon became one of the most popular young men in the village. The business of the office was small, occupy- ing only a portion of the time of Mr. Hopkins. The salary was also small. He was not long in discovering that he was able to accomplish more than merely to attend the duties of that posi- tion. Madison was then a small village ; but the keen perceptive faculties of Mr. Hopkins soon convinced him that it must become a place of considerable importance, and that real estate must increase in value. He economized in all things, and, as soon as he had accumulated a small

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY

amount of money, he invested it in lots or lands. There was an immediate advance, and Mr. Hopkins would sell when a good offer was made and invest the proceeds again.

The first public enterprise with which Mr. Hopkins interested himself was the organization of the Madison Mutual Insurance Company. In the winter of 1851, he drew up the charter of that institution, procured its passage through the Legislature, and, in April of that year, the company was duly organized with him as its Secretary. He served in this capacity five years, and was active in his efforts to promote the interests of the company, and establish for it a reputation for responsibility and promptness. In this, he succeeded in a most satis- factory manner. He was a Director and member of the Executive Committee of the company, from the day of its organization to the day of his death, and took a leading part in its manage- ment during the whole time. He was Vice President for six years, commencing with 1862.

In 1855, he took an active interest in the incorporation of the Madison Gas Company. He procured the passage of its charter in the winter of that year, and the company was fully organized in the spring, with him as its Secretary. At the end of five years, he was the owner of most of its stock,

Mr. Hopkins was not only a public-spirited man, but he was also a benevolent and kind-hearted man. He never turned a deaf ear to the wants of his fellows, but opened his purse liberally to the needy, as hundreds in the community can testify.

In the matter of public improvements, and the building of churches and other institutions, he was a free giver. No subscription paper passed him without his name opposite a liberal sum of money.

He was a patriotic man. At the commencement of the late rebellion, no man, in a private capacity, was more active in aiding to organize troops for the defense of the country, or more liberal, in proportion to his means, in the supplying of money in support of the dear ones at home, than was the subject of this sketch. He did not enter the service, as it was the opinion of his physician that it would not be safe for him to do so. For many years previous to the war he had been a great sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism, and it was felt that he could do more good at home, without endangering his life. But he was not an inactive sup- porter of the Government in the time of its peril. He was constantly devising measures for the comfort of the soldiers and for their families at home.

Perhaps the most pleasing and satisfactory labor of his life, to himself, was performed immediately after the close of the war; and certainly it has proved a great blessing to the State. I have reference to his efforts in establishing the "Soldiers' Orphans' Home." He took an early, active and leading part in this great benevolent institution, fraught with such un- told blessings to the orphan children of Wisconsin soldiers.

The institution was put in operation, and Mr. Hopkins was a leading member of the Board of Trustees, from the commencement, so long as he lived. He was efficient in promoting its affairs, and took a lively interest in everything pertaining to this noblest of our State charities.

He was a politician in its best and most enlarged sense. He was versed in the science of government and skilled in the execution of his plans. In early life, he belonged to the the great Whig party, and entered actively into the work of advancing its interests, and contin- ued to act with it so long as that party had an existence. On the organization of the Repub- lican party, he became identified with it, and, during the balance of his life, was one of its lead- ing members.

His first political office was that of Private Secretary to Gov. Bashford, in which position he served with marked ability and fidelity, and to the great acceptance of the people, during the years 1856 and 1857. In the fall of 1861, he was elected to the State Senate, in which body he distinguished himself as a ready debater and as a legislator of great efficiency. He had no superior among his fellows in the Senate. In 1865, he was elected to the Assembly of Wiscon- sin. In both of these cases, he was elected in districts where his party was in a large minority ; but his popularity with the people was very great, and he was rarely defeated in a popular election.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

Mr. Hopkins was an ambitious man-ambitious to be of use to the world. His efforts were well matured and systematized. He first accumulated a fortune in private business, and then devoted himself to the public service. His ambition led him to seek place-not merely for the sake of place, but to enable him to do a greater good than could be accomplished without it. He was a man of wonderful tenacity of character, and, when he put his mind upon doing a thing, was not easily turned from his purpose. This characteristic was clearly demonstrated in his efforts to obtain a seat in Congress. He aspired to that position in 1862, but failed to reach it till 1866.

Mr. Hopkins had just completed his first term in Congress and been re-elected when disease took a strong hold upon him. During the time he served in Congress, he stood high in the estimation of the members as a man of unusual sagacity and as possessing remarkable abilities.

His greatest strength was in his superior knowledge of men. He made this his study, and was a very successful student. His manner was pleasing, and he readily won the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. This gave him immense power; and this power was manifest in the marked success that attended all his efforts. For the length of time he served in Con- gress, few men, if any, ever made a prouder or more successful record than did the subject of this imperfect sketch. Although cut off in the prime of life, and in the midst of his useful- ness, he leaves a name and fame that but few persons can hope to attain.

As a public speaker, Mr. Hopkins was fluent and pleasing. His talent in this direction was natural. He was not an educated orator. It was only in the few latter years of his life that he made any effort in this direction. His progress, after he did commence, was very marked. In the campaign of 1868, he spoke in a large number of places in his district with decided success. In Congress, he made but few speeches ; though when he did address the House it was with good effect, and he received marked attention from the members. He was one of the youngest men in that body, but in influence stood among the first. He was affable and courteous to his associates ; a keen observer of events; an accurate judge of men ; a warm and sincere friend.

Socially, he occupied a high position. He was the life of all circles in which he partici- pated. Pleasing in manners, fluent in conversation, jovial in his nature, Mr. Hopkins was a brilliant ornament in the social walks of life.

In personal appearance, Mr. Hopkins was a noble specimen of manly grace and elegance. In height, he was about five feet and ten inches, erect in form, dark hair and complexion, with large, expressive eyes. Until within a few months of his death, his appearance indicated the most perfect health.

Mr. Hopkins was twice married. His first wife was Miss Ethalinda Lewis, with whom he was united on the 25th day of May, 1853. She died in about two years after marriage. His second wife was Miss Mary E. Willcutt, whom he married on the 14th day of September, 1857. He left no children. He enjoyed home, and provided liberally for its pleasures and its comforts.

At the close of the first session of the Forty-first Congress, in the spring of 1869, Mr. Hopkins returned to his home in Wisconsin with his health much impaired. His condition was not deemed alarming, either to himself or his friends. Being a member of the Committee on Pacific Railroads in the House, he was permitted to pass over that road, then recently finished, to the Pacific Coast, with a limited number of friends of his own selection; and during the summer he made up a party of some thirty chosen companions and took the trip to San Fran- cisco, visiting many prominent points on the way and in various parts of California. The journey was performed in considerable haste, and, in his enfeebled condition of health, was too much for him to endure; and, although one of the objects of his taking it was for the improve- ment of his health, the reverse was probably the effect from it. Soon after his return from California, business called him to Washington, from which place, in the month of September, he returned very much prostrated. He immediately put himself under medical treatment, and, for a time, his friends had entire confidence in his recovery to perfect health.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

He was confident that he would be able to resume his seat in Congress during the month of December. Soon after this, he experienced a relapse, and one side became partially para- lyzed. There was a slight rallying 'from this prostration, but only sufficient to kindle a hope in the minds of his friends to be immediately blasted. The best of medical skill and the kindest attention that friends and relatives could bestow were of no avail. Death had marked him as an early victim, and no human power could save him. He died January 1, 1870.

JAIRUS CASSIUS FAIRCHILD

was born in one of the northern towns of New York on the 27th of December, 1801. A younger son of a large family, he might have remained there but for the loss of his mother at an early age. As he used laughingly to express it, he " found he could not govern his step-mother," and so, at eleven years, he started ont to seek his fortune. Probably, among the hardy pioneers of the time, this did not seem so doubtful a venture as it might now do. It must be added that the same step-mother afterward paid him a visit at his home in Ohio, and received most affectionate attention from himself and his wife, to whose children she became much attached. Unfortunately, there is no clear record of these early years, full of adventure and of persevering effort. Doubt- less a most entertaining book might be made of them, if any friend could clearly recall the stories he has related of scenes through which he passed. He recollected vividly the news of the attack on Sackett's Harbor, brought by a man mounted on a horse detached from the plow, who, seeing a fresher one standing harnessed at his father's door, threw himself from one to the other, and continued his journey over hill and dale to warn the people of the approaching enemy.

Fifteen months would cover all the time spent in schools. But he was a careful obser- ver, with retentive memory ; and, whether he earned his bread at the weaver's loom, or by business journeys through the country, on both sides the River St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, he laid up stores of practical knowledge which made him a cyclopedia for those who sought information from him in later years.

An indefatigable and critical reader, nothing came amiss to his inquiring, thoughtful mind; and, even at this early period, he had reasoned and drawn conclusions upon subjects not specu- lated upon by his companions ; and theories now commonly received were reached by him alone and unaided. One fact, unimportant in itself, shows a marked character and capacity. He always rose late. Entering upon any employment, this fact was always mentioned by him, and the hope expressed that he should make himself so valuable after he was up as to make up for the loss of time. One smiles to think of the young boy thus frankly dictating terms to his mas- ters, expressing a hope that he might overcome his tendency, but, if it proved impossible, asking consideration-a consideration which was never denied. This is mentioned, not as a good precedent, but only as showing a characteristic.

At twenty-one we find him, with an elder brother, Marcus Brutus, entering Ohio in search of a permanent home. They separated at Cleveland, agreeing to meet there at a certain time, and report progress. But the brother never returned ; and, after weary and anxious waiting, the subject of this sketch entered upon an engagement with Owen Brown, the father of that John Brown whose devotion to the cause of Anti-slavery and raid into Virginia have given him so wonderful a place in the history of our country. . This Owen Brown was a remarkable man : a volume might be written of his sayings, full of wit, and of keen, shrewd good sense. An indus- trious and prosperous man, he stood high among his fellows, and was a valuable friend to & young man starting in life.

Among his other enterprises he had a tannery, and tanght the young man this trade; and soon after John Brown and Mr. Fairchild became partners in the business. But John Brown- stern, unbending, a man of " one idea," the stuff of which martyrs are made-grand and sub- lime though he be in history, was not the most suave and agreeable companion one could find for social relations ; and this arrangement was very brief, though a friendship continued. For when, some years later, John lost his wife, the fact was announced in a letter to his former part- ner, beginning, " My good, faithful, obedient wife, Diantha, is dead."

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

About this time, Mr. Fairchild met with Sally Blair, a handsome, energetic daughter of New England, of Scotch-Irish descent, gifted with Scotch persistency and Irish kindliness. One brief meeting left upon each so strong an impression, that the acquaintance was voluntarily renewed; and a few months later, in the spring of 1826, he brought his bride home to Franklin Mills (now Kent), Ohio, where they lived in a loghouse a year, till their own house was built.

After all his wanderings and struggles, we find the homeless, self-instructed boy anchored by his " ain fireside." Here four children were born, and one laid under the sod. He built a. brick store, now pointed out as the first brick building ever erected in the town. Very small it looks ; but it was regarded with no contempt then. No success or position of later years was brighter or more beautiful than these few years passed by him in the thriving little village, as the proprietor of a large tannery, of " the store," and his own cottage close by it, a Justice of the Peace, and known as " the Squire" in all the neighboring counties. He was an active temperance man. So prevalent was drunkenness at this time that nothing short of total absti- nence could remedy the evil. Tobacco and stimulants in all forms were fought against with all his youthful vigor ; and not till near his fiftieth year did he, by the advice of several physicians, adopt the occasional use of them. This period, uneventful in a written history, afforded time for maturing and assimilating the experiences and observations of his previous years ; for reading law, in order that he might faithfully and justly act as " Squire ;" for investigating financial and political questions to fit him for business and citizenship. But to him personally this was a period of intense interest. His busy days were followed by sleepless nights of study of the Bible, and thoughtful talks with his clergyman and others. An active and prayerful church-member, his views of Christian duty were extreme and vigorous ; and though these most conscientious strug- gles resulted in a positive rejection of the miraculous claims of theology, they gave an enviable familiarity with the teachings and spirit of the Founder of Christianity, and a steadfast faith in the wisdom of the command to " do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God."

During all these years, one of the delightful domestic events was the frequent visits of his good old friend Owen Brown, whose affection extended to the wife and children, and whose habit of frightful stammering only added a charm to the keen wit and kindly good-humor which made him a delight to children as well as to the older ones.

In 1834, he removed to Cleveland-then rushing on in the full tide of speculation-just in time to be stranded by the tidal wave of 1837, which wrecked so many imaginary millionaires. His little brood, incapable of comprehending the prosperity, were taught by this adversity that opportunities for education were to be made the most of; and much of the sons' perseverance, and faithful performance of small duties, may have been unconsciously derived from their father's humbling experiences in this " crash." While engaged in the wearisome and mortifying busi- ness of adjusting these affairs, there came to him, unexpectedly, a position in the secret service of the Government, which gave him active employment and means of subsistence during the period in which his hands were tied by his embarrassments. It also afforded him an opportunity to choose a home wherein he should start anew.

One dreary March day, driving against a biting north wind, in the year 1846, he arrived in Madison, Wis .; and, after a stay of less than twenty-four hours, he wrote to his wife in Cleve- land that he had found the place wherein he should live and die. This active, far-seeing help- meet was ready for the summons, and, bringing children and household goods, joined him in Milwaukee.

Driving two and a half days over green prairies and through "oak openings," where shadows danced upon a brilliant carpet of flowers, they reached Madison June 8, 1846.

The First Constitutional Convention, occurring this year, not only brought most of the lead- ing men of the State together in Madison, but made political questions the subject of every-day common conversation. Into these he threw himself with eager interest; and, though some of the progressive measures most pleasing to him led to the rejection of the constitution by the people, he lived to see most of them adopted by the State.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

He had been a Henry Clay Whig, a " stump " speaker during the campaign which elected Harrison ; and was one of the few who sustained John Tyler in bis course after the death of the President brought him to the head of the administration. Perhaps it was not so much that he agreed with him in the abstract as that he claimed for him the right to carry out the principles he had always held, and his known advocacy of which had given strength to the efforts which resulted in the triumph of the party. So few were the Tyler men that they were known as the " corporal's guard "-a sobriquet cheerfully accepted by himself and others.

This state of things naturally drifted him with the Democrats ; and he was elected State Treasurer at the first State election, on the Democratic ticket, at the head of which was Gov. Dewey, and was elected to the same office, for a second term, in 1849. In 1851, and again in 1853, he was pressed by his friends for the Democratic nomination. for Governor, and on the second occasion lacked only two votes of the number required to confer the nomination.

He was the only State officer who kept house in Madison ; and his own and his wife's unfailing hospitality made their simple, unpretending home a delightful social center, and familiarly known to all whose business or tastes brought them to the City of the Lakes. Per- haps in this way, more than in any public positions, was their united influence exercised in the rapidly-increasing community. All his efforts went to develop the resources of his own vicinity, and to advance the interests of his neighbors. If he gained a little money, instead of seeking some safe investment, where he could profit by the industry of others, he put it into improve- ments of the town or State. Immediately upon his arrival in Madison, he set about getting a home for life. His first step was to buy a saw-mill in the pinery ; and, running his own lumber down to Prairie du Sac, he had it hauled by teams, twenty-five miles, to Madison. Then there was no brick. The beautiful stone now easily procured, was then inaccessible : so he started a brick-yard, and made enough brick for all his own buildings, and to go far toward paying for the other materials used. These things being ready, the architect who was to have taken charge failed, and so he completed the job by giving his own daily personal attention to the details of the work to the end. A home gained under such difficulties and enriched by memories of years of hospitality is not to be bought with mere money.

While he was a State officer, he became intimately acquainted with the whole State, through his ex officio connection with the Commissioners for the Care of Schools and University Lands ; and, though he was strongly averse to much they were obliged to do, considering it a waste or misuse of a noble endowment, yet he enjoyed giving his time and strength to the work, and was faithful and efficient in efforts to avert evils, and accomplish good.

Not much is it to tell-the first State Treasurer in a new State, the first Mayor in a very small city, the builder of an unassuming home and of other modest buildings. But his influence was widely felt in his day ; and who shall say where it will end ? He could not sleep comfort- ably in his bed if he knew others to be homeless and suffering. He was foremost in every public work. No widow or orphan was ever turned away till his best thought and kindest aid had been given. No man, not even the worthless, ever appealed to his friendship in vain. He felt that want of success often stamped a man as worthless among his fellows ; and the unfortunate was sure of his aid. At one time his banker refused to accept his name as an indorser, giving, as a reason, that his name was on two-thirds of the paper in Dane County. Of course he had losses ; of course he a very few times aided scamps; of course he had no millions to divide among his children. It is not a good example to follow to that extent. And yet who would not prefer the troubles and embarrassments brought on by such a life, to those attending a selfish life ?

He had a powerful frame, a large, intellectual head, fine features, a fair complexion, and bright auburn, curling hair. His physical strength was enormous. At one time, when a spirited horse which he was driving, frenzied by fright, had started to run, he stopped him by main strength, nearly pulling him back into the buggy. Though genial in his ways, and under habitual self-control, his passions were strong ; and his keen sense of honor led him to quick resentment of any attack upon his character. The first year of his residence in Madison, he

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History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 79

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 1304

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304