USA > Wisconsin > The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men, Wisconsin volume > Part 23
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Upon the destruction of the main building of the institution by fire, in April, 1874, in his forgetfulness of self, and devotion to his pupils and the interests of the State, he periled his own life, receiving in- juries from which he never recovered, and which
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probably hastened the termination of his life. An intimate friend has written of him as follows :
As a private citizen he was quiet, unassuming and up- right; as a public officer he was thorough, untiring, efficient, and jealously watchful of the interests committed to his care; as an instructor, he was a recognized leader in his profession, a disciplinarian who knew how to govern with- out seeming to govern at all, and who was to his pupils far more like a kind and wise father than like a superintendent ; and as a Christian, he was manly, generous, humble, full of faith, given alike to prayer and good works, seeking to know and to do the Master's will, and trusting for salvation only in the merits of a crucified and personal Saviour. In his death the community has lost an upright and useful citizen, the State has lost a faithful, honest and valued serv-
ant, the church has lost an exemplary, prayerful member and an efficient officer.
The following tribute was paid to his memory by the trustees of the institution :
The board of trustees, desiring to place upon the record a simple and affectionate testimonial of their appreciation of Thomas H. Little, M.A., do unanimously adopt the fol- lowing resolution :
Resolved, That in the death of Superintendent Little our institution has lost its best friend, the State an eminent Christian citizen, and the cause to which his life was dedicated one of its foremost men. He was a man of varied and extensive learning, of great executive ability, of inde- fatigable industry; and his daily life was a continued testimonial of the faith that was in him and the motives that governed him.
REV. MILO P. JEWETT, LL.D., MILWAUKEE.
M ILO P. JEWETT, a native of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was born on the 27th of April, 1808, and is the son of Calvin Jewett and Sally née Parker. His father, an eminent physician, was a man of lite- rary tastes, and possessed a valuable collection of books, the reading of which had a great influence in moulding the tastes of the son. His mother, a highly endowed and accomplished lady, was educated at the Female Academy in Canterbury, Connecticut, under the direction of her relative, Mr. John Adams, afterwards the distinguished principal of Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. Milo received his preparatory education at the Bradford, Vermont, Academy, and in the year 1828 was graduated from Dartmouth College. He spent the next year as principal of Holmes Academy at Plymouth, New Hampshire, and also employed a part of that and the following year as a student at law, in the office of the Hon. Josiah Quincy of Rumney, New Hamp- shire. Abandoning the law in the summer of 1830, he entered the theological seminary at Andover, Massachusetts, remaining three years. Having spent his winter vacations during his college course, in teaching school, he had gained considerable reputa- tion as a successful educator, and upon the invitation of Josiah Holbrook of Boston, founder of the lyceum system, he spent his vacations during his theological course in lecturing on common schools in parts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. His work produced the happiest results. His ad- dresses on these subjects are believed to have been the first of a popular character delivered in the United States, and such was the interest taken in them by the people wherever he went, that parents,
children and teachers alike flocked to hear them. Through J. Orville Taylor, a fellow-student of Pro- fessor Jewett's, who became interested in the matter, a movement was inaugurated in New York city that resulted in the establishment of the present common school system of the Empire State. Such had been Mr. Jewett's success in teaching that he resolved to devote himself to it as a profession instead of enter- ing the ministry, and accordingly before graduating from the theological seminary, he accepted an ap- pointment as one of the first professors in Marietta College, Ohio. Before entering upon his duties, however, he spent several months among the Con- gregational churches of New England, soliciting funds for the college, basing his plea for aid on "the perils which threaten our civil and religious liberties from the progress of Roman Catholicism in the val- ley of the Mississippi;" being the first to sound the alarm on this subject in a series of popular addresses. Professor Jewett entered upon his work in Marietta College in 1834. In the autumn of 1835 or 1836, at the first State educational convention of Ohio, held at Cincinnati, he, with Professor Calvin E. Stowe and William Lewis, was appointed a committee to urge upon the State legislature the establishment of a new common school system. They were not only successful in their undertaking, but also procured an appropriation to send Professor Stowe to Europe to investigate the Prussian school system. His report awakened universal interest, and led to Horace Mann's famous mission, with its grand results. Wil- liam Lewis became the first State superintendent of public schools in Ohio. A change of views on bap- tism led Professor Jewett to resign his position in
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Marietta College, and in January, 1839, he estab- lished the Judson Female Institute, in Marion, Ala- bama. This soon became the most flourishing insti- tution for young ladies in the Southwest, comprising among its pupils many daughters of wealthy planters in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Texas. In connection with his school he established the "Alabama Baptist," a paper which was adopted as the organ of the denomination in that State, and which is still published. In the summer of 1855, leaving his school in a prosperous condition, and taking such of his servants as were willing to accept their freedom, he returned to the North, receiving from his pupils and patrons the most flattering tokens of confidence and affection. In the following autumn he purchased the Cottage Hill Seminary at Poughkeepsie, New York, and at that time entered on the most intimate and confidential relations with Matthew Vassar, senior, the well known brewer. Finding him wealthy, childless and ambitious to per- petuate his name, Professor Jewett suggested to him the idea of a college that should be for young women what Yale, Harvard and Brown are to young men. As the result of this suggestion, Mr. Vassar revoked his will, in which he had left the bulk of his estate to create a hospital at Poughkeepsie, and re- solved to build and endow the proposed institution for young ladies during his life-time. Thus "Vassar College " came into existence, being incorporated in the year 1861, and was then the only endowed insti- tution for young ladies in the world. Professor Jewett, who had been the trusted counselor and the constant inspirer of Mr. Vassar in this noble enter- prise, planned and organized the college, and was chosen its first president. In April, 1862, at the re- quest of the trustees, he visited Europe, spending
eight months inspecting the universities, libraries, art galleries, etc., in all the principal cities of Great Britain and the continent. Two years later he re- signed the presidency of the college, and in 1867 removed to his present home in Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin. Here he has found congenial occupation in devoting himself to the interests of education, phi- lanthropy and religion, as commissioner of public schools ; trustee of the Milwaukee Female College ; chairman of the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin ; president of the Milwaukee board of health ; president of the Wisconsin State Temperance Society ; president of the Milwaukee County Bible Society ; member of the Western Advisory Commit- tee of the American Baptist Educational Commission, and chairman of the State Baptist Centennial Com- mittee.
In the midst of his active duties, Professor Jewett has not neglected self-culture, and aside from his contributions to papers and magazines, has issued several publications, and has a wide and worthy reputation as a scholar and reformer. In 1840 he issued " Jewett on Baptism ;" in 1863, " Report of the President's Visit to Europe," and "Report on the Organization of Vassar College ;" in 1874, " Re- lations of Boards of Health to Intemperance," and " A Plea for Academies ;" in 1875, " The Baptist Centennial," an address to the Baptist churches of Wisconsin, and " The Model Academy."
Politically he was formerly a whig, and is now identified with the republican party.
He was married in 1833 to Miss Jane Augusta Russell, daughter of Hon. Moor Russell of Plymouth, New Hampshire, the founder of what is now the oldest mercantile house in the northern part of that State, which still flourishes under the family name.
HON. EPHRAIM BOWEN,
BRODIIEAD.
F PHRAIM BOWEN, a native of Evans, Erie county, New York, was born on the 14th of January, 1824, and is the son of Pardon and Maria Bowen. His father, who was of Rhode Island stock, cleared a farm on the "Holland Purchase," in western New York, and there reared a large family, giving them such educational advantages as could be afforded by the common schools. When eight years of age, Ephraim was bereft of his mother, and
of his father at the age of fifteen, and being thus early thrown upon his own resources, he developed that spirit of self-reliance, independence and deter- mination that have marked his entire career. After conducting the farm for one year after his father's death, he engaged to work as a farm hand for three years at ten dollars per month. At the expiration of this time he spent one year traveling as a dealer in patentrights, for eighteen dollars per month. He
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had long cherished a desire for mercantile life, and at the age of twenty-one years, with a capital of three hundred dollars from his hard-earned savings, he removed to Wisconsin and settled at Exeter, Green county, and there accepted a clerkship in a store at fifteen dollars per month. Later he became a part- ner in the business, and after six years of successful trade found himself in possession of three thousand dollars. With this then large sum he removed to Albany, Wisconsin, in 1853, erected a building and established himself in the mercantile and produce business, and also engaged in real-estate operations. Here he conducted his business with uniform good success till 1867, at which time he removed to Green Bay and there purchased two thousand acres of pine land in connection with a mill, and with that energy that had characterized his mercantile career con- ducted a successful lumber trade for a number of years, and added largely to his already ample for- tune. Returning to Green county, he established the First National Bank of Brodhead, of which he is both president and principal stockholder. He also erected a fine residence, surrounded it with comforts and luxuries, and lives now in the quiet enjoyment of the fruit of his industry, economy and honorable dealing. As a business man, Mr. Bowen possesses remarkable financial ability, and is widely known for his shrewdness, cautiousness, and his decided, vigor- ous and confident action.
In political affairs he holds decided views, and
though an earnest worker, has no desire for official honors; formerly a whig, but now a republican.
His early religious training was under Baptist influences, but he is now liberal in his theological sentiments. Sympathizing with all enterprises cal- culated to better the condition of men, he liberally contributes of his means, regardless of sect. He has traveled extensively with his family throughout the southern and Pacific States, and is thoroughly con- versant with all matters of public interest.
Mr. Bowen was married on the 8th of June, 1853, to Miss Mary Ann Pearsons, of Sheldon, Wyoming county, New York, a lady of excellent family, amia- ble and refined, and possessing in an eminent degree those delicate sensibilities and noble impulses that combine with fidelity and devotion to make the true wife and mother. She has contributed largely to her husband's success in business, while for moral and intellectual improvement he is no less indebted to the air of purity and intelligence that has daily surrounded his home, inspiring all the diviner attri- butes of his nature. They have had three child- ren, two daughters and one son. The eldest, Ella Amanda, a most amiable and beautiful girl, died in September, 1864, at the age of ten years. The other daughter, seventeen years of age, is now a student of high promise in the University at Madison. The son, Myron Pardon, a bright and promising boy of fifteen years, is now attending school, and bids fair to become a worthy representative of his parents.
JAMES McGEE,
OCONTO.
T 'HE subject of this sketch, a native of St. An- drews, Charlotte county, New Brunswick, was born on the 18th of June, 1845, and is the son of Charles McGee and Ann Jane née Rodgers, both of whom were of estimable character, devoted piety, and careful in the training of their children to habits of honesty and uprightness.
James received his education in the common schools of his native place, and after closing his studies, in accordance with the desire of his father, entered a printing office ; finding, however, that the work was impairing his health he closed his engage- ment at the end of seven months, and resumed his studies and spent the next six years in school. At the expiration of that time he went to sea, making
an eight months' voyage; but it being against his father's wishes that he should follow this life, he ac- cepted a clerkship in a store of general merchandise and held it for three years. Wishing for a wider field of action, and drawn by its superior induce- ments to young men, he removed to the West in 1866, and settled at Oconto, where he has since con- tinued to reside. Not being able to find employ- ment suited to his tastes, upon his arrival, he spent the first winter in felling trees in the Oconto woods. In the ensuing spring he obtained a clerkship with the "Oconto Company," a lumber-dealing firm, and remained in that position four years, and then be- came a clerk in the hardware store of a Mr. Barlow. Remaining here till the spring of 1874, he then
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opened the drug trade in which he is at present occupied. Public-spirited and enterprising, he has taken a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the . growth and welfare of his town and State, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens by positions of responsibility and public trust. In 1872 he was elected city clerk of Oconto, and reëlected in the following year, and in 1874 was chosen treasurer of his county, receiving a majority of four hundred and forty-two votes. In his political sentiments he is identified with the republican party. His religious training was under Episcopalian influences, and he is now a worthy member of that church. He has been a careful, observing man, and in his travels, which have extended over most of the States in the Union,
he has gained a most valuable experience, and is well versed in many interesting and important topics.
Mr. McGee was married in May, 1872, to Miss Anna J. Juneau, daughter of the late Paul Juneau, a prominent citizen of Juneau, Dodge county, Wis- consin, and grand-daughter of Solomon Juneau, the founder of Milwaukee.
Their happy union has been blessed by one son and one daughter.
Though still a young man, Mr. McGee has estab- lished a worthy reputation as a business man of worth, integrity and principle. From a comparative- ly obscure beginning he has rapidly advanced to his present high social and business standing, and is still growing in wealth and popularity.
IRVING M. BEAN,
MILWAUKEE.
T HE subject of this sketch, a native of Willsboro, Essex county, New York, was born on the 27th of April, 1838, and is the son of J. L. Bean and Jane E. née McCollough. His maternal grandfather was a commissioned officer in the revolutionary war. His mother was a cousin of the poet, J. G. Saxe. His father, an influential business man, after remov- ing to the West, was connected with many public enterprises in Wisconsin. He took an active part in railroad affairs and was the first president of the Milwaukee and LaCrosse Railroad Company. His remarkable executive ability secured to him the highest respect of the public, while his excellent per- sonal qualities made him the center of a large social circle. He died at the early age of forty-six years, leaving to his family the legacy of a true character and spotless reputation. Irving received his early education in Milwaukee, and in 1857 graduated from Carroll College, having pursued a regular classical course. Soon after leaving college he began the study of law, and in the summer of 1868 entered the law school at Poughkeepsie, New York, and there, in addition to his regular studies, he gave especial attention to elocution and literary culture. Leaving the law school, he entered the office of Messrs. Jack- son and Wilkinson, of Poughkeepsie, and in 1869, after a rigid and prolonged examination, was admit- ted to the bar from a class of twenty, of whom twelve were rejected. Returning to his home, he became a partner of Mr. Calvert C. White, and began the prac-
tice of his profession. In the fall of 1860, associat- ing himself with Mr. Totten, under the firm name of Bean and Totten, he continued his practice a few months and was doing a successful business, when, by reason of both he and his partner entering the army, the firm was dissolved. Enlisting as a private in the 5th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, he was soon transferred to the army of the Potomac. In November, 1861, he was promoted to a captaincy, and, serving in General Franklin's corps, participated in all the battles in which it was engaged up to April, 1863, when he resigned. He was soon after- ward appointed provost marshal for the first district of Wisconsin and held that office till October, 1865, when he was mustered out. As a soldier and officer he made for himself a most worthy record, and while in the discharge of his duties in the last-named posi- tion had the satisfaction of knowing that his services were appreciated and approved by the government and the people. In the summer of 1863 he was elected president of the Forest City Bank, and acted in that capacity for over two years. Visiting the South in 1866, his intention was to resume his pro- fession, but the unsettled condition of both political and business affairs caused him to abandon his pur- pose, and returning to Milwaukee, he turned his attention to business pursuits. In the spring of 1867 he was elected president of the Northwestern Iron Company, and still continues to act in that capacity. On the Ist of July, 1875, he was appointed collector
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of internal revenue for the first district of Wisconsin, a capacity in which he has rendered most efficient service. He is at the present time president of the Young Men's Library Association.
His career, though varied, has been marked by upright and fair dealing, and he has become known as a careful manager and a man of fine executive and financial abilities.
In his political sentiments Mr. Bean is identified with the republican party.
Though orthodox in his religious principles in all
essential points, he is liberal in his views and not connected with any church organization.
Personally and socially he possesses excellent qualities, and by his polite manners, gentlemanly demeanor and generous actions, does not fail to im- press all with whom he has to do with a sense of his genuine worth.
He was married in November, 1868, to Miss Alice H. Blossom, and lives in the enjoyment of a happy home, surrounded by a host of true and substantial friends.
SAMUEL JOHNSON GOODWIN,
BELOIT.
T 'HE ancestors of Samuel Johnson Goodwin were of old New England stock, and were early settlers of Hartford, Connecticut. His grandfather took part in the revolutionary war. His parents were Samuel and Abigail Goodwin, both born in Hartford, Connecticut, from where they removed in the year 1810 to Madison, Madison county, New York, where his father was engaged in business as hotel keeper, mail contractor, stage proprietor and merchant, for over twenty years, a thorough business man, and to his example and teachings his son Sam- uel attributes much of his success.
Samuel Johnson Goodwin was born at Madison, Madison county, New York, August 19, 1812. He received a common school education in his native town, and when he was fifteen years old he entered the store of E. F. Gaylord, in Madison, as a clerk, where he remained for two years, and then went to Utica, Oneida county, New York, where he was en- gaged in a dry-goods store for about four years, when he returned to his native town and bought out his former employer, and remained in trade there for five years. He then sold out, and in the fall of 1838 he landed in St. Louis with a stock of cloths, prints, etc. He there purchased a pair of horses, wagon, etc., loaded his goods upon the same, and started for Galena, stopping at all intermediate set- tlements to dispose of his goods. He continued in that business until May, 1840, when at the urgent solicitation of his father and brother he returned to Waterville, Oneida county, New York, where his father and brother had removed, where he became connected with the firm of Bacon, Tower and Co., woolen manufacturers and merchants. He was soon
placed in charge of the woolen mill, which was then manufacturing about two hundred and ten yards per day, which was a losing business. He at once com- menced an increase of speed to every part of the machinery, and in less than six months the same machinery was turning out four hundred and fifty yards of the same cloth daily, and he so continued for sixteen years. He then sold out, and in 1858, in connection with Dean Richmond, Hamilton White, John Wilkinson and Charles B. Sedgwick, formed a company called the Moline Water Power and Manu- facturing Company, of which he was elected secretary and treasurer. The company purchased the entire water power at Moline, Illinois, and erected the first stone dam and other improvements, costing some one hundred thousand dollars. He sold out his in- terest in that enterprise in the fall of 1860; then came to Rochester, and soon after purchased the farm of three hundred and twenty-five acres which he now owns, and commenced the growing of hops and the manufacture of butter, having the most com- plete arranged creamery in the Northwest. In the fall of 1868 he purchased at Beloit, of Professor J. J. Bushnell, the hotel property then known as the Bush- nell House, now known as the Goodwin House. The property was then in a bad state of repair and in poor reputation as a hotel. He at once com- menced putting the place in a perfect state of repair, adding all the modern improvements to make it a first class hotel in all its appointments, and it so remains to this time. In 1869 he erected, adjoining the hotel on the north, a beautiful opera house, mod- ern and complete in all its appointments, and in 1875 he added on the east of the hotel a block of
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three very handsome brick front stores, and he iden- tified himself fully with the best interests and growth of the city, and in 1870 was elected its mayor.
He has been a stockholder in the American Express Company since its organization, also of the Western Union Telegraph Company. Mr. Goodwin has always been found ready to take part in all that tends to the improvement of the city, and although not a member of any church, he has helped liberally for their support; in fact he is distinguished for his
liberality and excellent business capacity. In poli- tics he has been a republican since the organization of the party. In 1840 he was married at Waterville, Oneida county, to Miss Margaret Bacon, daughter of Reuben Bacon, Esq., in whom he has found a good and faithful wife, whom he has ever consulted in his different enterprises. She has been to him a good counselor and always a cheerful companion. They have had two sons, one of whom, the younger, survives.
OTIS HARVEY WALDO,
MILWAUKEE.
O TIS HARVEY WALDO was born in Pratts- burgh, New York, April 1, 1822. His father, Otis Waldo, was one of eight children whose parents very early emigrated from Connecticut, and settled in Prattsburgh, where their children were brought up, and where most of them remained during their lives. Otis, the second son, grew to be an honest, industrious, strong-minded, clear-headed man. His occupation was that of farmer, his faith that of a Christian of the old New England type. Two sons were born to the earnest Christian parents, the eldest of whom is the subject of this memoir.
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