History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 93

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 958

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612

HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

HON. MOSES MEEKER.

Moses Meeker was born in New Jersey in 1790. His education was received in his native State, and in 1817 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in the manufacture of white lead. While on a visit to St. Louis in 1822, he was informed of an expedition to the lead- mining region, the Fever River. Imbibing of the spirit of adventure, he disposed of his busi- ness in Cincinnati and joined fortunes with Col. Cole. At that time the journey from Cincin- nati to the present site of Galena was dangerous, from the natural contour of the country and the presence of the insatiable Indian who not having ceded the mining territory, guarded it most jealously from encroachment. The journey led through a tangled wilderness, without roads or bridges, and only after a perilous voyage did the adventurers ultimately reach their destination on the 12th of November, 1822. An exploration of the region satisfied him of the mineral wealth, and Mr. Meeker determined to embark in mining operations. IIe then returned to Cin- cinnati on horseback, and entered into a correspondence with John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, soliciting information regarding the method of mining. This correspondence having been submitted to President Monroe, resulted in the issuance of an order, permitting Mr. Meeker to build furnaces, operate the mines and make other improvements. On receiving this order in Cincinnati, Mr. Meeker purchased a substantial keel-boat, enlisted several families, numbering forty-three persons in all, and on the 5th day of April, 1823, started for the lead regions by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and arrived at Galena in June of the same year. He at once commenced the building of furnaces, and in August of that year a census was taken, show- ing the population of Galena to be seventy-four whites and 500 Indians. The furnaces were completed in the spring of 1824, and during the first year 425 pounds of smelted ore was pro- duced.

The disruption of business, occasioned by the Black Hawk war, caused a temporary suspen- sion of work. During the interregnum, Mr. Meeker took a prominent part in the war, acting under a Captain's commission. After the Indian troubles had been effectually quelled, he removed to Iowa County and commenced the erection of a blast furnace on the Blue River. The accumulation of business absorbed his entire attention until 1842, he was elected to the Terri- torial Legislature, and at the expiration of his term of office was re-elected in 1843.

In 1846, he represented Iowa County in the First Constitutional Convention, and served in the responsible capacity of Chairman of the Committee on Internal Improvements. To his innate sense and sound wisdom, the country is indebted for the embodiments of the article gov- erning public improvements, which alone has often prevented the Legislature from plunging the State into irretrievable debt.

He resided in Iowa County until 1854, when he removed from Mineral Point to his farm at Meeker's Grove, in La Fayette County, and withdrew from active life. In 1865, he removed to Shullsburg, where he died very suddenly of paralysis, ou the 7th day of July. Dr. Meeker was a man of high moral and religious character ; he was patriotic, courageous, honest, hospitable, and his house was ever the welcome asylum of the stranger and homeless.

Dr. Meeker was twice married, first in 1818 to Miss Mary R. Henry, who died in 1829, and again in 1837 in Cincinnati, to Miss Eliza P. Shackleton, who still survives. He had a large family of children, who occupy prominent social stations in the walks of life.

HON. CHARLES DUNN.

Among Wisconsin's distinguished men, both at a very early day and during the subsequent career of the State, for many years Judge Dunn, as he was generally known, occupied a prom- inent and leading position. He was born December 28, 1779, in Bullitt County, Ky., his father being a native of Dublin, Ireland, and his mother, Amy Burks, being an American, and a daughter of " Old Virginny." In his youth, Judge Dunn received only an ordinary education -his way to distinction being unheralded. either by the honors of Yale or some less pretentious college. After passing his majority, he began the study of law in the office of Worden Pope,

John fi Rop,

MINERAL POINT.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

of Louisville, in his native State, with whom he remained for a brief time, then continued with John Pope, of Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky. In 1819, he removed to Illinois, then the " Land of Lead " for large numbers of the ambitious youth of the South. Here he finished his legal studies under the tutelage of Nathaniel Pope, then one of the leading advocates of the Northwest, and United States District Judge of Illinois.

Judge Dunn was admitted to the bar in 1820, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession in Jonesboro, Ill. Very soon after, he was appointed Clerk of the House of Rep- resentatives of that State, a position which he retained five years. From this time forward, al- mnost to the end of his life, he filled a variety of eminent public stations in a worthy and service- able manner.

In 1829, Mr. Dunn received the appointment of Acting Commissioner of the Illinois and Michigan Canal enterprise, from Gov. Edwards, and, during this year, he, in connection with several others-official associates and interested parties-laid out and surveyed the first plat of Chicago. The Commissioners commenced the sale of lots immediately after, and, during the ensuing two years, the sales were continued. The entire amount received for lots during that time would not pay for one business lot to-day in the Garden City.

When the Black Hawk war broke out, in May, 1832, Mr. Dunn entered the militia service, and, being commissioned as Captain, raised a company in Pope County, Ill., which he com- manded during the campaign, through which he passed honorably, but not fortunately. His misfortune consisted in being shot and severely wounded by a timid sentinel, in what is now known as the town of Dunn, Pope County. While Capt. Dunn, who was officer of the day, was approaching, in company with the Sergeant and relief guard, the sentinel on post, becoming alarmed, instead of giving the usual challenge, drew up and fired at the party, striking Capt. Dunn in the groin and inflicting a wound which confined him at Fort Dixon until the close of the war.

In 1835, Mr. Dunn was elected a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, and, during the session, served acceptably as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

When the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, in 1836, Mr. Dunn received the appoint- ment of Chief Justice of the Territory, a position which he filled with credit until May, 1848. when Wisconsin was admitted into the Union of States, and the bench was changed. . His asso- ciates during that time were Judge Miller and Judge Irvin, both of whom were appointed with Mr. Dunn.

Judge Dunn was elected a member of the Convention that formed the State Constitution, and served as President pro tem. at the organization of the Convention. He also acted in the capacity of Chairman of the Judiciary Committee during the proceedings, and wielded an influ- ence at once potent and salutary in shaping many of the organic provisions of the State law. He spoke frequently, readily, and with good judgment during the action of the Convention ; but his speeches were never long; they were rather, brief, and to the point, and were always listened to with respect.

After the organization and admission of the State, Judge Dunn turned his attention to the practice of his profession as a lawyer, taking up his residence at Belmont, in La Fayette County, the first seat of government. Subsequently, in 1853-54, 1855-56, he represented La Fayette County in the State Senate, and again occupied the responsible position of Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. In 1856, he ran for Congress against C. C. Washburn, and, in 1870, he was a candidate for the State Senatorship against H. S. Magoon; but was in both instances defeated.

On the 7th day of April, 1872, at the advanced age of seventy-two years and nearly four months, and after a life of great prominence and usefulness, Judge Dunn died at the residence of his sister, Mrs. David W. Jones, in the city of Mineral Point. The bar of the Supreme Court held a meeting, and paid that respect which was due to his great worth and eminent position. The proceedings were placed on record, and may be found in the thirtieth volume of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Reports.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

In polities, Judge Dunn was an ardent and outspoken Democrat ; and, being a Kentuekian, he clung instinctively to the Southern sentiment regarding slavery and State rights. When the organization of the Republican party was effected, he opposed the measures with all the ardor of his strong nature and political faith. It is said. though he was so enthusiastic in his convictions, that he was not unfair or rancorous toward his opponents; and, as a member of the bar, was generally acceptable to the people. During the time he was on the bench, his duties were quite onerous, as the district over which he presided was the most populous and important in the Territory, and also produced the greatest amount of litigation at that time.

Socially, Judge Dunn was highly respected and well liked. He was courteous and dignified in his manners, and possessed of qualities that made him very popular with his acquaintances. and agreeable as well as instructive in conversation. At the time of his death, he was the oldest member of the legal profession in the State, and one of the most esteemed.

The following extracts, from the report of the Supreme Court proceedings, from the resolu- tions adopted by the bar of the State, and from an address to the bench of the Supreme Court. by Moses M. Strong and others, will fully illustrate the character of this illustrious pioneer, and the high appreciation in which he was held by his compeers.

From the Supreme Court Reports :

Resolved, That in the death of our brother, Hon. Charles Dunn, the bar has lost one of its most distinguished members, the profession one of its truest friends, the public one of its ablest defenders, The State one of its most esteemed citizens, and society one of its brightest ornaments.

Resolved, That Charles Dunn will be remembered as a learned jurist, an able advocate, a sound exponent of constitutional principles, and a true Americau citizen.

Resolved, That in remembering his amenity of manners, his kindly forbearance and uniform courtesy, both on the bench and at the bar, we will endeavor to emulate his virtues and strive to cultivate the friendly relations and courteousness of professional character, both before the courts and toward each other, of which be gave sueli good example, and that is always praiseworthy in every member of the profession.

From the resolutions of the State bar, presented by E. G. Ryan, Chief Justice, since deceased :

" It was Judge Dunn's lot in life to fill many stations, professionally and lay, executive, legislative and judicial. So far as I know or have been able to learn, these rather sought him than he them. There was a modesty in the man that was rare in his generation. I think his own estimate of his own powers was below, not above the estimate of all who knew him well, and he was a thoroughly earnest man. He filled all his offices with singular fidelity and zeal, as if each in its turn were the chief end of his life. To say that he filled them with ability would be faint praise. He did not achieve success in them by just escaping failure. He was a faithful officer; his officers were never below him, but he was always above them. None of them gave opportunity of showing all that he was, of calling out the strength that was in him. They were all respectable, some of them were high ; but his intellect, his culture, his general capacity, towered far above every station he ever occupied. We mourn for the untried powers that die out of the world with the young. Let us mourn for the world when it suffers great powers to die, unused in its service, with the old. * He was truly a great man in a private station ; while his intellect was calm, it was solid ; while it was not brilliant. it was comprehensive and far-reaching. It was deliberate, discriminating, clear, wise, just. I doubt if he has left among us his intellectual equal. His character was solid, strong and reso- lute. but not stern or harsh. His stronger qualities were softened by great sense of humor and great kindness of heart. * He was generous and trustful to a fault. * It is little to say that he was the soul of honor. He could not be false or mean. He did not know what treason was; that which he believed, that which he loved, that to which he gave his faith, were part of himself. He could not desert faith, or friend, or duty, without betraying his own life. Dishonor in him would have been moral suicide."

From the remarks of Moses M. Strong : " While Judge Dunn, always as an essential part of his nature, displayed upon the bench the suavite in modo, it was invariably accompanied with the fortiter in re. Numerous illustrations might be given, but one most remarkable, and bordering on the tragic, must suffice :

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

" In 1838, an atrocious murder had been perpetrated in Grant County, and a person charged with the crime was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury. He was brought before the Judge upon a writ of habeas corpus, who, after a full investigation, admitted the prisoner to bail, which he obtained and was set at liberty. The inhabitants in the vicinity of the murder were very much incensed, and assembled in large numbers, with the avowed inten- tion of lynching the accused, who only saved his life by flight. His sureties were also com- pelled to leave the Territory, at the hazard of their lives. The mob, in which were some very respectable citizens, also passed a resolution, of which they notified the Judge that if he at- tempted to hold another court in that county it would be at the risk of his life.

" On the day appointed by law for holding court, the Judge appeared, as usual, without guard or escort, as calm and undisturbed as though he was entirely ignorant of the menaces of the mob, many of whom, as he knew, were in attendance. Without having spoken to any mem- ber of the court or to the Sheriff of the danger with which he was threatened, he took his seat upon the bench, with his accustomed quiet dignity, and ordered the Sheriff to open court. It was observed that he took with him, to his seat, his saddle-bags, and placed them immediately by his side. This was his arsenal. The firmn, determined and resolute purpose of the Judge to hold that court at that time and at that place, in despite of all threats of personal violence, was so unmistakably developed in every lineament of his unblanched features, that all appearance of mob violence was effectnally subdued. The Sheriff opened court, and its business was pro- ceeded with in its usual orderly manner. * * But it was neither on the bench, at the bar, in office, or in political contests, that those traits of character were developed which endeared Judge Dunn most to those who knew him best. In social life, and in every-day intercourse with his friends and neighbors who knew him so well and who prized him so highly, he lived and moved, the object of the highest esteem and warmest friendship all of with whom he came in contact."

George B. Smith, since deceased, and Justice Cole, also spoke in extended and eulogistie terms similar to the above.

HON. STEPHEN P. HOLLENBECK.

One of the early settlers in Iowa County was S. P. Hollenbeck, who came to Mineral Point in 1834, and was, from that time until 1863, considered one of the representative men of this portion of the State. The subject of this sketch was a native of Vermont, his parents, Abram and Abigail, having been residents of Richmond, Chittenden County, of that State. He was born on the 28th day of March, 1801, and after reaching manhood, having received a common- school education, he embraced the honorable vocation of millwright. After arriving in Wiscon sin, he remained single until 1841, when he married Harriet Blair.

One peculiar and somewhat remarkable pioneer experience, in which he was engaged as the most prominent actor, is especially worthy of note, as it illustrates very fairly some of the traits for which he was most remarkable. It appears that, in 1840, the Winnebago Indians, who were then on the north side of the Wisconsin River, became somewhat restive, as ever becomes the Indian nature, and, contrary to treaty, made with them previous to 1840, by which their lands on this side of the river were ceded to the Government, they returned to their old tramping grounds, thus violating the conditions of the treaty; and if they did not make any very hostile demonstrations, greatly alarmned the settlers.

Orders were immediately despatched by Gov. Dodge to Mr. Hollenbeck, instructing him to take men and go into Richland County and arrest the Indians. Without delay or ceremony. Mr. Hollenbeck at once started, taking but three men to assist him in the arduous undertaking. Pushing boldly forward, they arrived at the Indian camp, in the wilds of Richland County, about 10 o'clock at night, and then and there Mr. II. proceeded to arrest the whole band of one hun- dred. They quietly submitted to be taken, and were soon after turned over to the tender mer- cies of a United States Army Captain. This officer pronounced this act of these three or four men rash and foolhardy in the extreme, and one that might have resulted very disastrously.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

However, the courage and nerve displayed on this occasion by the men speaks volumes in their favor.

When the State Constitutional Convention convened in 1847, Mr. Hollenbeck was se- lected as one of the representatives from this section of the State. Although he took no very prominent part in the proceedings, yet the record of his votes on the various propositions sub- mitted for consideration displayed a keenness of apprehension, accuracy of information, and deptli of judgment, as well as honesty of purpose, at once creditable to himself and useful to the interests of his constituents.

Subsequent to the time of the State organization, he took no prominently active part in politics, until 1855. when he was chosen a member of the Assembly. Aside from this, he held numerous important local offices, until 1863, when he removed to Green County. Eventually. Mr. Hollenbeck removed to Minnesota and out of the political and public arena of Wisconsin. but not beyond the reach of the remembrance of appreciative and admiring friends-friends to whom he is endeared by many useful and worthy acts, and that no time or distance can alienate.

COL. THOMAS STEPHENS.

Col. Thomas Stephens, by birth and lineage an Euglishman, but American by adoption, was born in Tavistock, Devonshire, May 3, 1815. He was, at an early age, inured to the hard- ships inseparable from a miner's life, but as his magnificent frame 'slowly developed by time, his fine figure attracted the notice of certain court officials, who interested themselves in his behalf, and procured for him a commission in the Royal Life Guards. At Windsor Castle, his preparatory studies included the arts of fencing, broad-sword exercise, and the manly art of self-defense. He evinced a remarkable aptitude in handling the sword, and, on graduating in May, 1837, he vanquished his instructor, and was thence accorded first rank in the class. Dur- ing his three years' service with the Guards, he won many emoluments and encomiums, and, at the expiration of that period, his pre-eminent ability as a swordsman was acknowledged through- out the United Kingdom. Aspiring to greater deeds, he removed to the United States in 1840, and settled in the iron regions surrounding Pottsville, Penn. Here his wondrous skill was turned to profitable account, by imparting instructions to tyros, and his exhibitions elicited the warm approbation of Gen. Winfield Scott and other military authorities. Removing to Phila- delphia, he taught swordmanship for two years, during which time he gained the mastery of such professionals as Prof. Newton, of Norwich University ; Prof. H. V. Morris, of the Penn- sylvania Military Institute; and N. H. Davis, Sword Master and Military Instructor of Vir- ginia. French, German and Polish experts were alike disarmed by him. His "New Method," as taught in his Sword Manual, was the subject of approbatory testimony from hundreds of military heads, and professional and amateur fencers. Among the number, Gen. Scott and Prof. Wayne, of West Point, recommended it for the use of the United States Army. Col. Stephens was a man of noble stature, six feet two inches in height, of muscular and well knit frame, and could wield his weapons with equal facility either with the right or left hand, changing from right to left and vice versa with a movement that defied detection. He taught fencing at West Point and New York, although his first classes were organized at Williamsport, Penn., where he also mnet his future wife, Miss Jane W., daughter of Isaiah Hagerman. In 1845, Col. Stephens was attracted to the lead fields around Galena, Ill., whence he visited the Lake Supe- rior iron mines. On his return East, his marriage with Miss Hagerman was consummated, on August 5, 1847, and two days subsequently they departed on a bridal tour, extending toward their new home in Dodgeville. Soon after his arrival here, Col. Stephens built the Western Hotel, which was burned and re-built. In 1851, he visited California, and returned to Dodge- ville for permanent settlement. In 1857, he was appointed Inspector General of the Wisconsin State Militia, and afterward he embarked in the real estate and loan business. At the announce- ment of the secession, he volunteered his services in defense of his adopted country, and went forth to the field of carnage in 1861, as Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry. After a brief experience of the glory of war, he returned home on sick leave. On conval-

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

escing. he resumed command of his regiment, and, by distinguished bravery, augmented his hitherto renowned achievements, receiving, as marks of personal esteem, autographic acknowl- edgments from the leaders of the campaign. At the close of the war, Col. Stephens was pre- sented by the Second Wisconsin Cavalry with a handsomely chased and richly mounted sword, a brace of costly revolvers, a belt, sash, spurs and other equipments, together with an oil painting of himself. His first commission as Colonel, signed by Gov. Porter, of Pennsylvania, in 1841, was granted as testimony of services rendered in suppressing riots.

Together with a brother, the subject of this sketch visited Great Britain in 1869, and while there was received with universal honors at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The seeds of disease sown while battling for the honor and unity of his adopted home were surely germinating. In spite of the sea voyage, the delightful sojourn in his boyhood's home, and the most skillful medical care, he gradually failed, and went to his long rest July 22, 1871.

Few men enjoyed a more extended acquaintance than Col. Stephens, and his friendship once acquired bloomed with the never-fading vigor of a perennial plant. As a gentleman of liberality, wealth and honor, he was the self-constituted protector of the poor and friendless, and an orphan's appeal to him was never made in vain. As an instance of his generosity to a fallen foe, the following incident of his relations with an adversary is a powerful illustration : While in New York City, he was challenged to mortal combat by a French preceptor. The challenge was accepted, the spot was designated, and swords selected as the weapons. At the third round, the Frenchman's sword was wrenched from his grasp, and, after describing a para- bola in the air, fell to the ground at some distance. The vivacious Gaul, crestfallen, with the last trace of mirth departed from his countenance, threw himself back on his horse and appealed loudly for mercy. Afterward, to testify his appreciation of his foeman's magnanimity, he gave a dinner, at which Col. Stephens presided, and carved the fowls with his host's sword, then fashioned into a carving-knife.

HON. HENRY M. BILLINGS.

Henry M. Billings was born at Chaghticoke, N. Y., on the 18th day of May, 1806, and passed the earlier years of his life amid home influences and home surroundings. Notwith- standing the difficulties attend ng the procuration of an ordinary education in those days, he succeeded in securing a partial collegiate and military experience. The fever of Western emi- gration, as is well known, became almost epidemic half a century ago, and Mr. Billings, joining in the tide that, flowed hitherward in 1828, came to Galena and established his home in that flourishing settlement. He remained here but two years, however, when he went to Centerville. Wis., where he remained nearly twenty years, actively engaged in the discharge of his duties as a man and a citizen, and receiving numerous evidences of the appreciation in which he was held by his neighbors and friends. In 1838, he was elected a member of the 'Territorial Legis- lature of Wisconsin, which convened that year at Madison, and the discharge of his trust so commended him to his constituency that he was re-elected to the same position in 1839, 1840 and 1846. In the latter year, he was commissioned Colonel of Militia by Governor Dodge, and on March 5, of the same annual, he was united in marriage to Ann Broy. In 1848, he was elected State Senator from the Fifth Senatorial District, and, during the year following, became a resident of the town of Highland (now Eden) in Iowa County. In 1858, he was again elected to the General Assembly, and, in 1861, received the nomination of Lieutenant Governor on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by Edward Salomon. He was the first President of the State Agricultural Society, a prominent member of the Masonic order, and identified with reforms and the correction of abuses without regard to the source whence the same originated. He was killed by a runaway team February 6, 1862.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 93

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 958

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 958