History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 44

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168

USA > Wisconsin > Green County > History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 44

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The brothers who have been members of Congress are Israel, from Maine; Elihu B., from Illinois; Cadwallader C., from Wisconsin, and William D., from Minnesota. The two governors were Israel, of Maine, and Cadwalla- der C., of Wisconsin. The two that have been ministers to foreign countries are Elihu B. and Charles A.

The subject of this sketch-Cadwallader Colden Washburn-was born in Livermore, Maine, April 22, 1818. He was, as a boy, noted for his quiet manners, never in trouble, and liked by every one who knew him. He was observing, studious and persistent. He lived mostly at home until 1835, working on his father's farm -- "The Norlands"-and attending the town school. He was apt to learn, fond of reading, and possessed of a retentive memory. He left his parents during the year last men- tioned, commencing an independent career of life at the early age of seventeen.

The first employment of Cadwallader after leaving home was clerking, sometimes in a store, at other times in the postoffice, at Hallowell, at that date one of the most considerable trading towns in Maine. While here he enjoyed oppor- tunities for study and observation until late in December, 1838, when he engaged to teach through the winter the principal school in the town of Wiscasset. And here it may be said that the youthful Cadwallader had not only received a good common school education in his native town of Livermore, but afterward attended a private school that had been estab- lished there, in which was taught the higher branches of education. He also devoted some time to the study of the classics under the in- struction of his uncle, Ruel Washburn. Well grounded in substantial business and moral qualities, with excellent health, he, in accord- ance with a long-cherished intention, left his native State in the year 1839, to seek a new home in the west. He was now just arrived at the age of twenty-one.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Young Washburn made his first stop at Daven- port, then a small village in the then newly or- ganized Territory of Iowa. For three months, he kept a private school, and their took a posi- tion on the geological survey of Iowa under David Dale Owen. This survey had been ordered by Congress. Subsequently, he made his residence at Stevenson, near Rock Island, where he entered upon the study of the law, in the office of Joseph B. Wells. IIe was elected surveyor of the county of Rock Island in 1840. He brought his law studies to a close in 1842, in Stevenson (then become Rock Island), and settled in Mineral Point, Wis., when on the 29th of March of that year, he was admitted to the bar, at a session of the United States district conrt, at Lancaster, Grant county. He at once opened a law office at Mineral Point, and soon secured the confidence of the people by the promptitude and scrupulous fidelity with which he attended to whatever was entrusted to his care in a business way. He had a successful practice, largely in the line of collections. In August, 1844, he entered into partnership with Cyrus Woodman, and the firm had an extensive and lucrative business. It was here that the foundation was laid that resulted in the accu- mulation of a large fortune by Mr. Washburn.

The firm of Washburn & Woodman gradually abandoned the law, and engaged largely in the entry of public lands for settlers. The partners also purchased large quantities of pine lands, and mineral and agricultural lands, in their own right. After the State banking law of 1852 went into operation, they established the Mineral Point Bank, which stood the test of all financial reverses, and never suspended specie payment. When its affairs were wound up, every dollar of its liabilities were paid in specie. The partnership was dissolved March 1, 1855, Mr. Woodman retiring from it, and Mr. Wash- burn assuming the responsibility of its entire business. Leaving, at this point, for some time, further mention of his private affairs, it is here

proper to bring before the reader the commence- ment of Mr. Washburn's career as legislator.

The home of Mr. Washburn was in the 2d congressional district of Wisconsin, compre- hending an extended territory. Ilis name, in 1854, was suggested as a candidate of the anti- Nebraska party for Congress in his district; and, at the convention, he received the nomina- tion without any effort on his part or even desire. The result was, he was elected to the 34th Congress. His colleagues were Daniel Wells, Jr., from the first district, and Charles Billinghurst, from the third, there being at that time but three congressional districts in Wis- consin. He was re-elected as a republican in 1857, and again in 1859. After serving six years in Congress, he declined another election, and soon after the expiration of his third term he changed his residence from Mineral Point to La Crosse, Wis., his home at the time of his death.

In entering upon his first term in the National legislature, Mr. Washburn brought into its halls a thorough knowledge of the State he repre- sented, and was instrumental in securing much legislation of value to its people. In the Congress he served as chairman of the committee on Private Land Claims, and as a member of the special committee of thirty-three on the State of the Union. In January, 1861, he introduced a resolution declaring "that the provisions of the constitution" were "ample for the preservation of the Union, and the protec- tion of all the material interests of the coun- try"; that it needed to be obeyed rather than amended; and that the extrication of the conn- try from the difficulties then impending was "to be looked for in efforts to preserve and protect the public property and enforce the laws, rather than in new guarantees for particular inter- ests, or compromises, or concessions to unrea- sonable demands." In support of this resolu- tion, he closed his remarks by declaring that if the Union was to be dissolved, "whether by peaceable secession or through fire and blood

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and civil war," there would be left to those who survived it the consolation of knowing that they would be, what they never had been, "inhabit- ants of a free country." Mr. Washburn was ever true to the cause of liberty, and the slave found in him an able advocate and staunch friend.

In the Civil War which immediately followed his retirement from Congress, Mr. Washburn took an active part. He was commission colonel of the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, Oct. 10, 1861 ; reported for duty the same day, and was mus- tered into the United States service Feb. 6, 1862. He left Wisconsin with his regiment March 24, following, and served in the army under Gen. Curtis, in Arkansas, to the next July. Col. Washburn was appointed brigadier-general of United States volunteers on the 16th of that month, and major-general, November 29, there- after.

Gen. Washburn commanded a cavalry brigade in Arkansas, and also the post of Helena, that State, from July to October, 1862; and of cav- alry forces there to November of the same year. Ilis commands for the next twelve months were of a division in the Army of the Tennesse to February, 1863 ; of a cavalry division in the 13th Corps, to April 9; of cavalry in West Tennessee, to June 8 ; of two divisions of the 16th Corps, at Hyane's Bluff, Miss., to July 28; of the first division, 13th Army Corps to August 1; of the 13th Corps, to September 15; of the first division, same corps, to October 20; of the same corps to October 23 ; and of the first division of same corps to December, 1863. Gen. Washburn was in command of the troops at Matagorda Peninsula, Texas, from the last mentioned date to Jan. 13, 1864, and was then on leave of absence to March 29, fol- lowing. He was under orders from that time to April 23, when he took charge of the district of West Tennessee, continuing there to Novem- ber. He was then transferred to the command of the district of Vicksburg, where he remained till March 4, 1865. The general then assumed

direction of affairs in the district of West Ten- nessee, continuing there until his resignation, May 25, 1865 Such is the chronological record of his various commands as colonel, brigadier- general and major-general. But before dis- missing him as a military commander, it may not be amiss to recount some prrtienlars con- cerning the capacity and bravery exhibited by him in the army.

At the breaking out of the war, Mr. Wash- burn raised the regiment of cavalry of which he was commissioned colonel. At the time Gen. Grant made a movement south for the capture of Vicksburg, the colonel had been pro- moted to major-general, and with 2,000 cavalry- men, he dislodged a force prepared to obstruct the progress of the army at the crossing of the Tallahatchie. In February the general con- ducted an expedition which opened the Yazoo Pass. At the battle of Grand Coteau, La., he, with his command saved the fourth division, un- der Gen. Burbridge, from annihilation by an overwhelming force of the enemy. On Nov. 29, 1863, Gen. Washburn landed on the coast of Texas with 2,800 men, and compelled the evac- vation of Fort Esperanza. This movement gave the Union forces control of the entire coast of Texas, from Matagorda bay to the Rio Grande. "During the war, in the year 1862," says a Congressional associate of Mr. Washburn,* "I first met the general in Washington. He had been assigned to duty in the department of the gulf, under Gen. Grant. It was at a time when the cause of the Union seemed to be enveloped in a dark clonld. The most courageous were despondent, and the minds of all were filled with grave doubts as to the future. At such an hour, I shall never forget how refreshing it was to meet such a strong, brave man, fresh from the field of conflict. He inspired all with whom he mingled with new hope and courage, and allowed no one for a mo- ment to doubt the ultimate triumph of our canse. He impressed you, at first, as a man * Ex-Gov. Wm. B. Washburn, of Massachusetts.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

of indomitable will and energy, determined to show the sincerity of his convictions by his deeds, and ready to risk, if need be, everything he possessed, in order that victory might be ours. He remained in the army until he saw his predictions in regard to the ultimate triumph of the Union arms fully verified."

The next year after the return of Gen. Wash- burn to civil pursuits, he was elected a repre- sentative in Congress from the sixth district of Wisconsin, and was re-elected in 1868. In the 40th Congress he served on the committees of Foreign Affairs, and on Expenditures of Public Buildings; and, in the next Congress on the committees of Appropriations, on Private Land Claims, on Causes of the Reduction of American Tonnage, and was chairman of the special committee on the Postal Telegraph. "He did not labor to make himself conspicuous by the frequent sound of his voice, but rather by wise counsel and faithful service to guard the interests of his constituents, and to promote the welfare of the State. He was rarely absent from his post of duty, and seldom, if ever, found recorded upon the wrong side of any of the great questions of the day. He was affable and courteous, frank and generous in his intercourse with his fellow-members, and thereby gained a wide and powerful influence, to secure the suc- cess of any important measure in which he might become interested. He always guarded with jealous eare the rights of the people, and was ever on the alert to secure the passage of such measures as, in his view, would specially promote their welfare."

In the year 1871, at the close of his last term in Congress, he was nominated by the repub- lican convention of Wisconsin for the office of governor, and was elected. He was inaugurated as chief executive of the State on the first Mon- day in January, 1872. In the year 1873 he was re-nominated for the same office, but was de- feated. Gov. Washburn's official career in the gubernatorial chair of Wisconsin was one of marked success. His great executive ability,

his energy, his strong practical sense, and his long and successful business experience, gave him much power, and he exercised it in doing good work for the State. "As governor," says one who knew him well, and was a close ob- server of his official acts, "he assumed no doubtful executive powers, and he was content to do his full duty within the requirements of the Constitution. Ile treated all offices as pub- lic trusts to be administered solely for the pub- lic good, and not for his own aggrandizement and cheap glory. He was even greater than the office which he filled, and honored it more than it honored him. His strict impartiality to his friends and enemies, both personal and politi- cal, and his almost captious particularity in official business, in matters small as well as great, his rigid scrutiny into the subordinate public service, and his selection of the best only to fill the offices within his own appointment, made him unpopular with those who look only to the profits of political friendships, and expect dishonest rewards to be paid out of the public treasury for political services. From his subor- dinates he exacted no personal or political loy- alty to himself, but only obedience to law and a strict discharge of duty."*

With the close of Gov. Washburn's single term in the executive chair of Wisconsin, ended his official life. Previous to this, a laudable ambition had awakened in him a desire to be- come a member of the United States Senate. His first candidacy for that office was in 1861, when, at the start, he was the strongest candi- date before the State legislature. However, in the end, the choice fell upon Timothy O Howe. the present postmaster general. Again, in 1869, he was, at the outset, the leading candidate for the same position, but was defeated finally, the majority of the votes of the legislature being given to Matt. II. Carpenter, who became sena- tor. In 1875 he was again brought forward as

*Memorial Address of Hon. Harlow S. Orton, one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, July 25, 1882.

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a candidate; but, as he did not receive the can- cas nomination, his friends refused to vote for the regular nominee, and Angus Cameron was elected by their uniting for that purpose with the democratic members in the legislature.

After the expiration of Gov. Washburn's term of office, on the first Monday of January, 1874, he at once directed his entire attention to the management of his private business. In the manufacture of lumber and flour, he accu- mulated a large portion of an ample fortune. The success of his early investments in pine lands demonstrated his far-seeing sagacity; so, also, those in the water-power at St. Anthony's falls, he becoming the principal owner of the west side power. Here, being interested in the man- ufacture of flour, he erected, in 1876, an im- mense mill-the "Big Mill," of Minneapolis, Minn. At 7 o'clock in the evening of May 2, 1878, an explosion occurred in this mill, at- tended with great loss of property and that of a number of lives. There were fourteen men in the mill at the time, every one of whom perished. The building had first caught fire, and the flames had come in contact with the dust of the mill, which, it is said, mingled with the air, made it of an explosive character; hence the disaster. The destruction was not confined to the "Washburn A"-called, as we have seen, the "Big Mill," it being 100x138 feet on the ground, seven and a half stories high, filled with the most approved machinery, and having forty-one run of stone. Six mills, in all, were destroyed, and five more damaged; among the latter was the "Washburn B," which was badly shaken up. The number of lives lost, in and out of the mills, in Minneapolis, by reason of this fire and explosion, was eighteen; the total loss of property was estimated at nearly $1,000,000.

This terrible and unusual calamity did not have the effect to discourage the indomitable Washburn. He proceeded at once to the work of rebuilding his mills on a still larger scale, and with improved machinery. The massive

"A" mill has been described as the largest mill in America, and the most complete one of its size in the world. It is twice the size of the old "A," and covers a ground space of 100x240 feet. Its height is eight stories above the canal. The full capacity of the mill is 3,000 barrels of flour a day. The "B" was built in 1866, is 60x90 feet on the ground; three stories high in front, and five in rear. Its daily capacity is 500 barrels. The "C" ranks next to the "A," cover' ing ground of 95x145 feet; is five stories high; its capacity is 1,250 barrels a day .* Mr. Wash- burn was the first man in the United States who introduced what is known as the "patent pro -. cess" in the manufacture of flour, and the "Hungarian roller system." He visited Europe for the purpose of investigating all the improved processes for making flour, determined to secure the very best. ITis efforts, though attended with much expense and hard labor, were crowned with success. It may be said that Mr. Wash- burn was the champion miller of the United States. No man in this country was so thor- oughly versed in milling, or possessed so com- plete a knowledge of every detail in the manu- facture of flour, as he. Besides the interest al- ready spoken of as engaging his attention, Mr. Washburn was one of the early projectors and builders of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- road. Hle was interested also in a number of other enterprises, requiring skill and energy to manage. Indeed, it may be said that nearly all of his life was full of activity and hard work, indicating large will-power and a capacity for great physical and mental endurance.

The career (and a noble and successful one it was) of Mr. Washburn was now nearing its end. During the year 1880 he frequently complained of indisposition, and of a sense of weariness and lassitude; still, his attention to business and his activity were unabated; but a dreadful malady (Bright's disease) was seizing hold of his powerful frame. On the last day of Janu-

* History Hennepin County, Minu., pp. 391, 392, 394, 395.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

ary, 1881, he left Washington for La Crosse. passing the 2d of February at the home of his brother, E. B. Washburne, in Chicago. Here he complained of feeling quite ill; however, he continued his journey, reaching La Crosse next day. In a few hours after his return, he was stricken down with paralysis, the result of the progress of the malady before mentioned, which was tightening its grasp upon its unfortunate victim. He rallied, however, from this first pronounced attack of illness, and, as soon as he was able to travel, he went to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, receiving some apparent benefit while there. In May he went to Europe, hop- ing the journey would be an aid to his recovery; but he returned in November worse than when he left the United States.

Mr. Washburn now put himself under the care of an eminent physician of Philadelphia, but with no favorable results. He then went to At- lantic City, in hopes the climate there might prove beneficial to him; but, instead of improv- ing he grew worse. He next tried the waters of the Eureka Springs, in Arkansas. In about two weeks after his arrival there, he began to improve, and soon became hopeful, and even cheerful, under the apparent change for the bet- ter. As his health now seemed to be on the mend, he commenced taking up the threads of his business interests, with which, for some time, he had not occupied himself. Everything now came within the grasp of his powerful fac- ulties. He called to him, from their distant homes, his partners, his chief engineer, as well as his business agent, for consultation. Noth- ing escaped him. But it was the last of gigan- tic efforts. On April 22, 1882, he did not feel well; and in three days thereafter he went to his meals for the last time. . His days were numbered. He gradually failed, and on May 14 he breathed his last.

The remains of the departed were embalmed, and then started, accompanied by sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends, for their last resting place, in Oakwood Cemetery, La-

Crosse. They were met, upon their arrival in Chicago, by a committee from Wisconsin, com- posed of the governor and others of its distin- guished citizens. A special train was placed at the disposal of the party by Alexander Mitchell, president of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and all taken to the last home of the deceased. Besides this, free transportation was tendered by the same liberal hearted railway offi- cial to friends from all points in Wisconsin, and from Minneapolis, in Minnesota, who desired to attend the funeral ceremonies. The proces- sion which followed the body to its last rest on May 18, 1882, was a long one, and presented a remarkable scene of love and respect for the departed.

Champion of right! But from Eternity's far shore Thy spirit will return to join the strife no more. Rest, statesman, rest! Thy troubled life is o'er.

Cadwallader C. Washburn was a philanthro- pist. The gift to the University of Wisconsin of an astronomical observatory, fully supplied with the best apparatus obtainable; to the Do- minican Sisters, of his charming suburban villa at Madison, Wis., as a school for girls; of a public library to the city of LaCrosse; and of an orphan asylum to the city of Minneapolis, Minn .; all attest the generosity of his nature. Private benefactions, also, were by no means wanting, either in his lifetime or by his will. In view of the many important services ren- dered by him to education in Wisconsin, the legislature of the State by law made him a life regent of the university, an honor never before conferred npon any of its citizens. That insti- tution in 1873, gave him the degree of doctor of laws, a distinguished mark of respect very wor- thily bestowed. In his religious views there was no bigotry. He accepted earnestly the fundamental truths of Christianity. He was liberal in his opinions and charitable toward all. His public spirit prompted him to make fre- quent and valuable contributions to the Histori- cal Society of Wisconsin, of which institution he has been president since Jan. 3, 1878.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

In early manhood Mr. Washburn married Jeanette Garr, a most inteligent and estimable young lady; but in a few years she became in- sane, and for more than thirty years have the family been deprived of her presence and cheer- ing influence. In all this period she has been tenderly cared for. Nothing that money could procure has been omitted to alleviate her terri- ble malady. The husband in his will made the most ample provision for her future support. Mr. Washburn leaves two daughters, both mar- ried; the eldest, to A. W. Kelsey; the youngest, to Charles Payson, late United States minister to Denmark.

Luther Hunchett

was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 1825. He received a good education at Fremont. He studied law and commenced the practice when twenty-one years of age. He moved to Wis- consin in 1849. For some time he was engaged in the lead and lumbering business. He was for four years district attorney for Portage county, in his adopted State. From 1856 to 1860 was a member of the Wisconsin Senate. In 1860 he was elected to the 37th Congress (1861-3). He died at Madison, Wis., Nov. 26, 1862.

Walter D. McIndoe

was born in Scotland March 30, 1819. He emi- grated to New York city in his fifteenth year. He was elerk in a large mercantile house. 'He followed the same pursuit in Charleston, S. C., and in St. Louis, Mo. He subsequently settled in Wisconsin and engaged in the lumber busi- ness. He served in the Wisconsin legislature in 1850, 1854 and 1855. He was a Presidential elector in 1856 and 1860, and was elected to Congress, as before noted, in place of Luther Hanchett, deceased. He was re-elected to 38th Congress and also to the 39th-representing the sixth congressional district during these three terms.

Amasa Cobb,

was born in Crawford Co., Ill., Sept. 27, 1823. He received a common school education and

moved to Wisconsin Territory in 1842. He spent five years in the lead-mining business and served in the Mexican war as a private soldier, -during which time he occasionally read law, and at the end of the war he began to practice the legal profession. In 1850, he was elected district attorney in Iowa county, and served four years. In 1854, he was elected to the State Senate, and served one term, of two years. In 1855, he was appointed adjutant-general of the State, and again in 1857. He was elected to the State legislature in 1860, re-elected in 1861, and chosen speaker. In 1861 and 1862, Mr. Cobb served as a volunteer-being colonel of the 5th Wisconsin regiment. He was elected, as before stated in this chapter, to the 38th Con- gress (1863-65), from the third congressional dis- trict, of which district, Green was one of the counties, and was re-elected for three successive terms,-closing his career in Congress in 1871. During the recess of Congress, he was commis- sioned a second time, colonel. He raised the 43d Wisconsin regiment and commanded it un il July, 1865. He was brevetted for gallant services at Williamsburg, Golding's Farm and Antietam. He afterward moved to Nebraska, where he was elected to the Supreme bench.

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History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 44

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168