USA > Wisconsin > Wisconsin, its story and biography, 1848-1913, Volume VII > Part 30
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ney was one of the candidates and was elected, and on the second Judge Newman was likewise circumstanced.
Judge Marshall was resolved not to take a place upon the Supreme Bench except under such circumstances as to indicate that it was in response to a request by the Bar and the people in general. In 1895, when a vacancy occurred by the death of Chief Justice Orton, the public call for Judge Marshall's advancement to the Supreme Bench was so unmistakable that the Governor bowed thereto and appointed him to the place. A distinguished characteristic of the Judge is seen in the circumstance that notwithstanding he had just closed his round of six terms of court, requiring disposal of six hundred or more cases, in two days after his appointment he had a clean docket and was able to resign and accept the higher position.
The work of Judge Marshall, for now going on nineteen years, upon the Supreme Bench has been what was anticipated by those who knew his work best as a Circuit Judge. That it has attracted special atten- tion is no exaggeration. The character of the work of the Supreme Bench has greatly changed during his time, the Code being restored, the common law doctrine of charities re-established, features of judicial administration greatly liberalized so as to terminate litigation in all instances, as near as practicable, according to the real justice of the case and with a minimum of delay and expense. It is only justice to say that, in constructive progressive work of this sort Judge Marshall has taken high rank. His legal opinions are found in sixty-five volumes of reports. Since his appointment to the place he occupies, he has been twice elected without opposition and once, after a spirited con- test, by a very large majority. In 1918, his present term will expire, and he will be seventy years of age. As seen from now, he will be in as good condition to take another term as most men are at the age of sixty. What the future will be no one can tell. Doubtless it rests with the bar and the people. Never by personal initiative has the Judge been a candidate for office and we venture the prediction that he never will be, while he will esteem it a duty and a pleasure to respond favorably to a popular demand upon him so long as health shall permit.
A few observations and we are done.
The environment of the Judge's formative period of life could not be exceeded for furnishing the Spartan-like exercises which develop a physique practicably incapable of having its capacity to do things limited by fatigue, and equal to all the strain of business and profes- sional activity. His associates have often marvelled at his endurance and admired him for his remarkable resources of physique and mind, as well as that early training characteristic of Wisconsin farm life in his boyhood. To that as much, as to any one thing, perhaps, should be accorded credit for what he has accomplished and what he is, as to
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the endowment of intellect and character which may well be accredited to his fine New England ancestry.
It is a matter of significance in Judge Marshall's career that while circumstances prevented him from completing a college course he so made up therefor by self-culture and actual doing of things, that Lawrence University, to which he turned to finish his school work, with his approbation, has been pleased to claim him as one of her sons and accord credit for his achievements by conferring on him the honorary degree of LL. D., and the University of Wisconsin has conferred upon him a like honor.
It is the opinion of the Judge's contemporaries, freely expressed to the writer, that no lawyer and business man of Wisconsin ever put aside greater rewards in order to accept the burden of public life than Judge Marshall. However, it seems that what is commonly regarded as a sacrifice in such cases, is to him a duty, and what is commonly regarded as a heavy burden, is regarded by him as the ideal pleasure of a professional career. His idea is that a candidate for admission to the bar asks for a privilege, and, by his oath of office, assumes such a solemn and broad obligation to serve his common- wealth, that he should answer favorably, if practicable, a call of the people to administer justice for them, and, therefore, the pleading of want of insufficient money consideration should not, ordinarily, be indulged in, and sometimes is not reputable.
In the well known publication of the "Bench and Bar of Wiscon- sin" it is said of Judge Marshall, "his career on the Circuit Bench has been an honorable one." It may well be added, the same is true of his career at the Bar, in business life and on the Supreme Bench. The marvellous industry and power of endurance characterizing him in one field did so in all others. It is said of him: "Few men in high judicial position in any state have shown greater capacity for per- forming the drudgery of judicial duty. His judicial opinions pub- lished in many volumes of State Reports speak not only of the care- ful attention to details, but also indicate a remarkable comprehension of the intricate issues involved in cases which cover practically every field of human interest and industry."
It is supposed that Judge Marshall's ambition is to some time return to the simple life of the grand old homestead, christened "Elm- wood," a farm of some eight hundred acres in Sank county, Wisconsin, and there, in the environment of his early life, beautified by his own work and planning of half a century, enjoy as best he can his declin- ing years, and, at the end, pass over the divide with the last picture upon the mental screen, that taken by a sight of the beautifully shaded lawn of "Elmwood."
Thus we have only touched, as it were, the significent features of an interesting, valnable and distinguished life. It is hoped that some
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time, by some competent hand, it may be expanded into a full detail history. Too few there are of such works. Such a one as the subject of this sketch, would furnish a most valuable object lesson to every boy who might have opportunity to read it. There he would learn the lesson of what a boy can make of himself; that if he will work steadily and firmly to accomplish a laudable purpose, the chances are very much in favor of success. There he would see illustration of those Words of Wisdomi :
"Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time."
LORENZO D. HARVEY, PH. D. For the long period of forty years has Dr. Harvey been identified with educational interests in Wisconsin and his earnest, efficient and indefatigable labors in the pedagogie profes- sion have made his influence one of ever widening beneficence. He has been an enthusiast in his chosen vocation, has shown the deepest and most abiding interest in furthering the cause of popular education and in aiding the many young folks who have profited through his instruc- tion and counsel. He stands today as one of the widely known and highly honored educators of the state that has long represented his home and to the furtherance of whose educational affairs he has contributed in most generous measure. He is held in affectionate regard by those to whom he has been teacher, as well as guide and friend, and many who are now prominent in professional, public or business life accord to him a tribute and also perpetual gratitude for the aid given by him in the years of their aspiring efforts to gain education and to prepare them- selves for the active responsibilities of life. At the present time Dr. Harvey has the distinction of holding the office of president of the Stout Institute, one of the educational institutions of the state and one which has given special precedence to the city in which it is established,-Me- nomonie, Dunn county, a thriving and beautiful place that has been consistently designated as the "city of educational initiative." The inception of the broad and important line of educational work repre- sented in the varied curriculum of Stout Institute dates back to the late '80s, and the title of the institution perpetuates the name and mem- ory of its most gracious benefactor and promoter, who is thus given a consistent and enduring monument. Hon. James H. Stout, former representative in the senate and a member of one of the extensive lum- bering firms of Menomonie, was the broad-minded and generous founder of the institute which bears his name, and concerning the noble under- taking the following statements have been written: "Senator James B. Stout conceived the idea of the establishing of a school of manual training to supplement the traditional courses of the city schools by the injec-
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tion of some important phases of industrial training and instruction. In 1891 his first school was opened for work and offered courses in man- ual training and domestic science, in conjunction with the city school system. From this small beginning has grown the magnificent group of industrial schools known under the corporate title of The Stout Insti- tute. This important system of schools offers admirable facilities in the various lines of normal and manual training, domestic science, home-making and the trades. It brings students from nearly every sec- tion of the United States and Canada, and annually sends out teachers to all parts of the country to install equipments and to direct the instruction of boys and girls along industrial lines of education. The rapid growth of this service now taxes the capacity of the institute and that of the city to care for the students coming for the offered instruc-
tion. * * * The name, Stout Institute, dates from 1908, in which year was effected a complete separation of the special schools and the city system." The broad and practical advantages offered by the Stout Institute have given to it a national reputation in educational circles and it may be said at this juncture that full details of the work and facilities of the splendid school may be obtained through direct appli- cation to the institute for the literature issued in its behalf. The pres- ident of the institute is known as a man of high intellectual attainments, broad experience and marked administrative ability, the result of his labors being shown in the work of the really great institution of which he is the executive head.
Dr. Lorenzo D. Harvey was born in New Hampshire, on the 23rd day of November, 1848, and is a scion of staunch colonial stock of New England. He has been a resident of Wisconsin from his early childhood and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this commonwealth, his parents, John S. and Mary (Sanborn ) Harvey hav- ing come to Wisconsin in 1850 and having numbered themselves among the early settlers of Rock county, where the father reclaimed a farm from the wilderness and became otherwise a factor in industrial and civic development and progress. Lorenzo D. Harvey was about two years old at the time of the family removal to Wisconsin, and the days of his childhood and youth were passed in Rock county, where he gained his preliminary education in the common schools. His ambition was quickened to definite action and it was largely through his own efforts that he was able to acquire a liberal academic education. He devoted his attention to teaching in the district schools during the winter terms for a period of about four years, and in the intervening periods he pur- sued his scholastic work in Milton College, at Milton, from which institu- tion he was graduated as a member of the class of 1872 and from which he received the well earned degree of Master of Arts. In 1898, in recog- nition of his distinguished services in the educational field, Milton Col- lege conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Dr. Har-
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vey has continuously devoted his attention to the pedagogic profession since the days of his youth, and there is no need of conjecture or uncer- tainty in determining the value of his work, his character and services having made him a power for good in all the relations of life. In earlier years Dr. Harvey served in turn as principal of the graded schools of Albany, Green county, and Mazomanie, Dane county, and in September, 1875, he assumed the position of principal of the high school at Sheboy- gan, the judicial center of the county of the same name. He retained this ineumbeney five years, and the high estimate placed upon his serv- ices is indicated by the fact that he was then advanced to the office of superintendent of the public schools of the same city, a position in which he continued to serve with characteristic ability and zeal for the ensuing five years. He then became the Institute Conductor of the Wis- consin State Normal School at Oshkosh, where he did most effective work and greatly advanced his professional reputation. He continued with this school until 1892, and thereafter held the responsible office of pres- ident of the Wisconsin State Normal School in the city of Milwaukee until 1899. when there came to him merited and distinguished recogni- tion, in that he was elected state superintendent of public instruction, with official headquarters at Madison, the capital of the state. He re- tained this important post for four years and his administration was marked by utmost circumspection, fidelity and progressiveness, with the result that he did much to further the efficiency of the work of the public schools throughout the state. Upon his retirement from this office, in 1903, Dr. Harvey accepted the position of president of the Stout Training School, at Menomonie, and upon the segregation of the school from the city schools he became president of Stout Institute, which title was adopted in 1908, as already noted in a preceding paragraph. No greater meed of satisfaction could be asked by any man than to have accomplished so great and worthy a work in the educational field as has Dr. Harvey, and the fine institution of which he is now the head has profited greatly by his wise and discriminating administration. He stands today as one of the pioneers in the educational circles of the state of Wisconsin, and he is honored alike for his sterling character and his distinguished achievements. He is a member of the National Educa- tional Association, and was twice elected president of the Library Depart- ment of that Association ; was president of the Department of Superin- tendence in 1900, and president of the general association in 1908-9. In 1899 he was appointed by act of the legislature of Wisconsin a special commissioner to formulate and present a report on the subject and matter of industrial education, his incumbeney of this position continuing four years. within which he made exhaustive and careful investigation and study of the assigned subject and was able to make a report of great and lasting benefit as touching educational work in the state. In the time-
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honored Masonic fraternity Dr. Harvey has received the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
FRANK G. ROTH has passed his entire life this far within the con- fines of LaCrosse and vicinity, and here he has been identified with va- ried branches of industry, in all of which he has experienced success and prosperity. His business activities of more recent years have been confined to the real estate field, and he is now a member of the Roth Realty Company, organized in December, 1911, and already conducting a flourishing business in and about La Crosse.
Frank G. Roth is the son of Andrew and Eva M. (Neth) Roth, both born in Bavaria, Germany. The father came to America in 1851, being accompanied by his wife, and in 1855 he came to the middle west locat- ing in La Crosse at a time that entitles him to consideration as one of the oldest settlers of the place. Andrew Roth was a tailor by trade, but he worked at that business only a short time in this country. He began the operation of a steam bakery in La Crosse in his earlier years here and was thus occupied for eight years, after which he engaged in the gro- cery business. During the course of his activities in that enterprise he built a fine new building on Main street between Fourth and Fifth streets, and moved his grocery stock to the new building, and contin- ued there for some years. He retired some time previous to his death, which took place in 1888. Mr. Roth was twice married and Frank G. Roth was the fifth child of his second marriage.
Until he was thirteen years old, Frank G. Roth continued in attend- ance at the parochial schools, but at that age he entered upon active work, his first position being that of a clerk in a grocery store at the wage of six dollars a month, including board. He continued thus a short time, then entered the employ of a wholesale grocery house, where he remained for two years. His next venture took him into the retail field in the grocery business, and for nine years he was thus occupied,-being four years with one firm and five years with another. It was after this long experience that Mr. Roth decided that the time had come for him to engage independently in business, and he accordingly opened up a gro- cery establishment, taking his brother Joseph in with him under the firm name of Roth Brothers. This partnership endured for ten years, or from 1885 to 1895, when Mr. Roth bought the interest of his brother and for two years conducted the place alone. He then disposed of the business and engaged in the real estate business, which he prosecuted successfully for three years and then bought a confectionery and cigar store, which he operated for some fifteen years. At the end of that time he disposed of the establishment to his younger brothers and again iden- tified himself with the real estate business in La Crosse, continuing until December 1, 1911, when he formed a partnership with O. Z. Johnson, and they conduct a thriving business under the name of The Roth Vol. VII-17
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Realty Company. They are well known as successful handlers of city property, and enjoy the confidence of all who have had business deal- ings with them. Especially is the latter statement true of Mr. Roth, who has all his life been known to the citizens of LaCrosse, and who has long enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the people. Mr. Roth is a Democrat in his political faith, and for four years he served the city as a member of its board of aldermen. He is a Roman Catholic, and has membership in the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church Society.
ALVIN F. ROTE. Not only is Mr. Rote numbered among the leading business men and honored and influential citizens of Monroe, the thriv- ing and attractive little city of Green county, but he also has the dis- tinction of being a native of Monroe and a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of this county. He is a man of distinctive business acumen and of high intellectual attainments, so that he naturally stands exponent of the most loyal and progressive citizenship, even as he has inviolable vantage-ground in the confidence and high regard of the community that has ever represented his home, so that in his case there can be no incidental application of the scriptural aphorism that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." Mr. Rote is one of the alert and enterprising business men of Monroe, where he controls a large and substantial trade as a dealer in lumber, coal and cement, besides a general contracting business. He is also a director and the executive head of the Rote Lumber Company, which is suc- cessfully established in the same general line of enterprise at Orange- ville, Stephenson county, Illinois. Prior to entering upon business ac- tivities of this order he had given long and effective service in the peda- gogic profession, and his admirable intellectuality and cultivated tastes have not made him a dreamer or visionary, for the great success which he has gained in connection with industrial affairs of broad scope and importance gives evidence of his excellent initiative and executive pow- ers. As one of the resourceful and representative business men and valued citizens of his native county and state he is well entitled to spe- cific recognition in this history, his parents having been numbered among the early settlers of Green county, where they established their residence more than sixty years ago.
Alvin F. Rote was born at Monroe, Green county, Wisconsin, on the 6th of July, 1858, and is a son of Lewis and Vashty C. (Hitchcock) Rote, the former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania on the 3d of August, 1827, and the latter of whom was a native of Ohio. Lewis Rote gained a liberal education, as gauged by the standards of the locality and period, and he was a young man of about twenty-five when, in 1852, he established his residence in the embryonic village of Monroe, Wisconsin. He gained success and prestige as a popular
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teacher in the pioneer schools of Green county and his tastes and in- elinations finally led him to enter vigorously upon the course of close study through which he admirably fortified himself for the legal pro- fession. In 1856 he was admitted to the bar of Wisconsin, and by his character and services he dignified and honored the profession of his choice. In Monroe he served many years as justice of the peace, and in this connection he did all in his power to make the office justify its title. He was earnest and indefatigable in his efforts to conserve justice and equity and in disputes or contentions that were referred to him for advice or adjudication he invariably discouraged recourse to litigation if he could effect a settlement of differences by arbitration. His attitude in this respect gained to him the unqualified confidence and esteem of all who appeared before him in his judicial capacity and his counsel was sought and observed by all classes of citizens, so that he wielded large influence in the community that long represented his home and that looked upon him as a wise leader in sentiment and action.
In the climacterie period culminating in the Civil war Lewis Rote was an adversary of the system of human slavery which obtained in the southern states, and his wife's family were active in the operations of the historie "underground railway," through the medium of which many negro slaves were assisted in gaining their freedom. Tidel Hitch- cock, the father of Lewis Rote's wife, was likewise a strong abolitionist and gained special distinction as an advocate of the cause of freedom for the slaves. He was educated in Massachusetts. Concerning Lewis Rote the following appreciative statements have been made by John Luchsinger, long one of the prominent and honored citizens of Monroe : "I was acquainted with 'Squire' Rote for thirty-five years and always counted him as one of my most valued friends, by reason of his up- right character and his determined effort to do the right under all con- ditions and circumstances. His knowledge of the law rendered him specially efficient as justice of the peace and he always was ready to urge litigants to arbitrate their legal difficulties. He was a well informed man, conversant with legal principles, and his sterling character, quiet and unassuming ways, and unvarying tolerance and kindness gained to him the friendship and good will of all who knew him." Lewis Rote identified himself with the Republican party at the time of its organi- zation and ever afterward continued an ardent and uncompromising sup- porter of its cause. He voted for each of its presidential candidates from its first standard-bearer, General John C. Fremont, until his death, which occurred in 1884. Several years prior to his demise Lewis Rote removed to Nebraska, where he engaged in the real estate business and where he also served two years as district judge. He passed the closing period of his life at Pierce, that state. His wife was summoned to the life eternal in 1873. They had one son and one daughter. The latter, Mary E., married F. F. White, and is now deceased.
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Alvin F. Rote, whose name initiates this review, is indebted to the public schools of Monroe for his early educational discipline and was graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1876. He soon afterward entered the engineering department of the University of Wisconsin, in which he was graduated in 1882 and from which he received the degree of A. B. and B. Met. E. After leaving the university Mr. Rote turned his attention to practical pedagogy, and in this important field of labor he achieved marked success and popularity. He served four years as superintendent of the public schools at Neenah, five years in a similar capacity at Berlin, and four years at Beloit, which is one of the leading educational centers of the state, as Beloit College has long held high prestige. It was a matter of distinctive consistency and appreciation when Mr. Rote was next called to the superintendency of the public schools of his native city of Monroe, where his labors in this office covered a period of seven years and were attended with most gratifying success. He has continued to maintain the deepest inter- est in popular education, and after his retirement from active pedagogic work he served three years as president of the board of education of Monroe.
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