Dane County, Wisconsin - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 4 of those read), 1880 (part 3 of 4)

He was no politician or office-seeker, but his upright and judicious character often caused his friends to confer -public trust iipon him. He was, therefore, often Chairman of the Town Board, and, as such, a member of the County Board, rendering full satisfaction to his constituents. His ability in these capacities induced his friends to seek his nomination as a candidate for the Legislature, but this nomination he informally declined, not desiring to leave his family.

At the time of his death, he was, and for two years previous had been, President of the La Fayette County Agricultural Society. He was a member of the Board of Trustees that built the Methodist Church in the village of Fayette.

He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, under Dodge, and distinguished himself for bravery in the battle of Bad Axe. In matters of business, he was practical and judicious, not speculative or adventurous, fully content with the slow but sure success of farm pursuits, which he followed with quiet diligence, and, in the end, acquired a handsome competence.

About three years previous to his death, he moved to the town of Willow Springs, on the old homestead of the family. There lived and died this good and just man.

To his immediate family, his loss was irreparable. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a considerate and indulgent father, a generous and obliging brother.

one of the early settlers of Madison, died December 23, 1860, aged sixty-one years. He was born in Kaskaskia, 111., September 30, 1799. His father, William Morrison, was a native of BucTiS County, Penn., and his mother was a French lady. In early life, Mr. Morrison was engaged with his father in the Rocky Mountain fur trade. He removed to Wisconsin in 1827, and his first business was a lead miner and smelter at Porter's Grove, near Dodgeville. He came to Madison in the spring of 1838, when he immediately engaged in business; was contractor for building the capitol ; in 1838, erected the American House, and was long a prominent citizen of Madison. He did not move his family there till near the close of 1839. He was Territorial Treasurer, under Doty's and Tallmadge's administrations, from 1841 to 1846. He was the owner of a large landed property in Wisconsin, Illinois, and St. Louis. He left a widow, who died at the residence of her grand-daughter, in California, August 28, 1866, aged sixty- six years, and three daughters - one, the Mrs. N. W. Dean, of Madison. The funeral took place December 26, 1860.

was born in Virginia February 25, 1810 ; removed to Pennsylvania at a very early age, and by trade was a millwright. He was one of the very early settlers of Grant County, Wis., where he arrived April 4, 1835, and for many years was a prominent business man at Platteville. He was a member of the Territorial House of Representatives in 1841-42, and, in 1846, was elected to the Constitutional Convention from the county of Grant, and served in that body on the committee on corporations other than banking and municipal.

He was inclined neither by habit nor training, to take much part in general debate ; but, in the qualities of clear judgment, strong reasoning powers and good native sense, he had no superior. In 1849, in company with many others from the mining region of Wisconsin, he went to California, first removing his family to Madison, to which place he returned in 1852, and remained there during the balance of his life. He devoted his latter years to mercantile pursuits. Mr. Gray was of a kind-hearted, generous nature, of upright and honorable character, quiet and unassuming in manners, a stanch friend, a kind neighbor, and an honest man, possessing many warm friends. He was patriotic, and took a lively interest in the war for the maintenance of the Union, which he aided by his voice and means, -and by sending his son,

Henrv L. Gray, to fight in the ranks of the country's defenders. Mr. Gray discharged, in a highly creditable manner, the duties of all public positions he held, but was seldom willing to accept of political preferments. He was, for a time, a member of the County Board of Super- Tisors of Dane County. He was in all respects an excellent citizen, and highly esteemed in all the relations of life.

He was married to Miss Adaline C. Starks in 1842. Their children are Henry L. Gray, married to Miss Nema Merrill ; Frank H. Gray, married to Fannie R. Robbins ; Ellen J. Gray, married to E. D. Pardee (of the firm of A. A. Pardee & Bro., druggists in Madison); and Arthur I. Gray.

was born in Hebron, Washington County, N. Y,, April 22, 1829. His early life was spent on a farm in Granville, in the same county. He received such an education as was afforded by the schools at his own home, and, though the opportunities were rather limited, he made excellent use of his time, and was deemed a good academic scholar. Farming was not to his liking ; though, being put to it in his boyhood, he was diligent and useful in this employment. His mind wiis too active for a farmer's life, and craved the more stimulating pursuits of the business world.

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

'Commencing his career is Wisconsin as a young man, without means and without friends, the complete success that attended Mr. Hopkins in his private as well as in his public life, gives conclusive evidence of his ability, shrewdness and keen foresight in all things. He began that career as an operator in a telegraph oflSce. In this position, as in all others in after life, he was accomplished in the execution of his work, attentive to every duty, gentlemanly and obliging to all with whom he came in contact. Previous to this time, the telegraph had proved very unsatisfactory to the people of Madison. On his taking charge oftlie iffice, a marked change took place. The business was performed promptly and well, and the iu'i\ operator soon became one of the most popular young men in the village. The business of the office was small, occupying only a portion of the time of Mr. Hopkins. The salary was aliu .small. He was not long in discovering that he was able to accomplish more than merely to .itteml the duties of that position.^ Madison was then a small village ; but the keen perceptive faculties of Mr. Hopkins soon convinced him that it must become a place of considerable importance, and that real estate must increase in value. He economized in all things, and, as soon as he had accumulated a small amount of money, he invested it in lots or lands. There was an immediate advance, and Mr. Hopkins would sell when a good offer was made and invest the proceeds again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jaietjs Cassitjs Fairchild

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He had a powerful frame, a large, intellectual head, fine features, a fair complexion, and bright auburn, curling hair. His physical strength was enormous. At one time, when a spirited horse which he was driving, frenzied by fright, had started to run, he stopped him by main strength, nearly pulling him back into the buggy. Though genial in his ways, and under habitual self-control, his passions were strong ; and his keen sense of honor led him to quick resentment of any attack upon his character. The first year of his residence in Madison, he walked steadily into a printing office, and, with his own unaided arm, broke up a newspaper form upon the press, then printing false words derogatory to him. This strength and self-reliance in his personal appearance made the feebleness and loss of sight of his last months peculiarly

His life went out in darkness. The war came. He had foreseen it with deepest pain. He was of those who thought that the election of Douglas over Lincoln would have averted it for the time, possibly would have shifted it along until diiferent circumstances had quietly accomplished the end which came only through blood and anguish. But when the call for men came and his son Lucius was one of the first five in the State to enlist to serve in any capacity required, he made no objection. It was his country ; and the Union was essential to his idea of it. And when Cassius, returning from the wilds of the pinery to find the country aflame with the war-spirit, added his name to the already tremendous list, he gave no sigh. He expected, as a matter of course, if there was work to be done, all his boys would do it. And though great tears rolled down his cheeks, already thin and pallid at the rapid approach of death, those precious lives were never recalled, even to comfort his la'st days. The fortunes of war sent his eldest son, Cassius, back on a stretcher, with a ball in his thigh, to occupy an adjoining bedroom during his father's last days, and, with his mother and sister, to follow, on crutches, the revered form to its last resting-place. But with all the sense of personal loss, with all the frightful sense of danger to his eldest son in the Western Army, his second in the Army of the Potomac, and his third son and youngest child in the navy, now on guard below Richmond, in James River, and then participating in the siege of Charleston, his great grief, his really first thought, was for his country - the fear that peace had fled from it for a long time, if not forever. No victories came to cheer his last days. With failing strength, and nearly extinguished sight, he went out in the darkest days" of the war, just when defeat after defeat had begun to teach our armies how large a task had been undertaken. He died July 18, 1862.

was born at Franklin Mills, now Kent, Ohio, December 16, 1829. He was the second son of Sally Blair and J. C. Fairchild, first Treasurer of the State of Wisconsin, first Mayor of the city of Madison, and a gentleman of fine ability, high character, and great prominence in the early history of the State. His mother's grandfather, Capt. George Howard, died in the service of his country just before the close of the Revolutionary war. He had been in Nova Scotia, most prosperously situated, at the declaration of independence, and, sacrificing all his property, had hastened home to fight for his country. His mother's other grandfather, Blair, had also served with honor in the French and Indian war. The elder son died early ; and the family removed to Cleveland, in 1834, where Cassius received his education, with the exception of one year spent at an academy in Twinsburg, Ohio, and a longer period, later, at the school which afterward became Carroll College, in Waukesha, Wis. He learned slowly, but had an accurate and retentive memory. Fond of fun, he had yet caution and self-control, so that he never got into difficulties.

At fourteen, he came to Milwaukee with his uncle, F. J. Blair ; and after his return to Cleveland, by most urgent entreaties, he obtained permission from his parents to go all the way back to Milwaukee on horseback, in company with a young man well known to them. Ihis first taste of adventure was enjoyed by him with a keen relish, and made him feel himself a man at once.

Vf . ^,'*^'^ "'J''^^ i° Milwaukee, in school at Waukesha, in the duties and pleasures of home me m his father's house in Madison, with an occasional business visit to New York City, his life passed smoothly on, with no more startling incident than his repeated election as Alderman (one year ftesident of the Common Council), and an election, in 1859, as member of the Legislature from the city of Madison.

he .","° known to most acquaintances merely as a young gentleman in society, IS said to have possessed at this time an unusual keenness and discrimination as to men, and

At about this time, little knowing for what they prepared themselves, some young gentlemen of the city formed a military company called the Governor's Guard. So rare was even the smallest knowledge of military tactics in the State, that nearly every member of this compaQv took high rank, and served with distinction during the war. Among its most indefatigable members were the brothers Cassius and Lucius Fairchild.

At the breaking-out of the war, Cassius was in the wilds of the Northern Pineries, attending, with patience and tact, to a most wearying and vexatious business, in which misplaced confidence and kindness had involved his father. Immediately after his return home, he offered his services to the Governor, and in October, 1861, was appointed Major of the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry. In December following, he was promoted to the oflBce of Lieutenant Colonel. At the battle of Shiloh, a ball entered his thigh, so close to the hip-joint, that amputation was impossible, and all tampering dangerous. By the almost superhuman exertions of his father's friend, Judge Thomas Hood, who went for him, he was brought home on a stretcher, down the Tennessee and the Ohio, and up the Mississippi to Prairie du Chien. During the eight months of emaciation and suffering, the ball and seven pieces of his clothing remained in the wound, baflding the search of a score of surgeons. Through all this suffering and anxious suspense, his cheerful courage and ever-flowing wit made his bedside a delight to his friends. The melancholy satisfaction of witnessing the last days of a revered and beloved father, and of sustaining his mother and sister through the bereavement, were secured to him by his prolonged suffering. The ball was found by Dr. Brainard, in December, and the foreign substances removed; but they had remained so long embedded in the bone that a new formation of bone had grown over them, and the consequent irritation was very slow to heal. He returned to the field and active service in May, while his wound still required dressing twice a day ; and twice during the succeeding campaign he received injuries which opened his wound, and prostrated him upon a sick bed. During the siege of Vicksburg, the lamented Gen. McPherson was his kind and constant friend ; and Gens. Force, Belknap and others of his companions remember him with expressions of affectionate respect.

In March, 1864, he was appointed Colonel. His regiment, belonged to the Seventeenth Army Corps, which achieved such a noble record at Atlanta and in Sherman's march to the sea. He remained in the service to the close of the war, and, upon being mustered out, was brevetted Brigadier General for gallantry.

In the summer of 1866, he was appointed United States Marshal, and again removed to the city of Milwaukee, where he resided till he received a strain while acting as pall-bearer at the funeral of a friend, which caused the breaking-open of his wound, with fatal results. He died October 24, 1868. He left two brothers - Lucius Fairchild, then Governor of the State, and Charles Fairchild, of Boston, who had also served in the navy during the blockade of James River, and participated in the siege of Charleston. He also left one sister and a widow, to whom he had been married ten days before his death. He is interred in Madison.

was born in Sterling, Lamoille Co., Vt., February 25, 1811. He received an academic education and a partial course in college. He studied law and was admitted to practice at the bar jn his native State in 1833. He at once entered into an extensive and lucrative practice, and soon ranked among the ablest and most successful lawyers in the State. In 1834, he was appointed Postmaster at Morrisville, Vt., but held the position only a short time, as he soon after settled ' in Johnson, in that State. From this town he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1835, and he represented the town in the Legislature in 1836 and 1837, and was in the latter year elected one of the Commissioners of the Deaf and Dumband Blind Institute of Vermont. During the same time, he held the office of Register in Probate. In 1838, he removed to Chelsea, and represented that town in the Legislature in 1840, 1841 and 1842, and was, in each of these years, the Democratic candidate for Speaker. He served on the Judiciary Committee all the time, and the last year was its Chairman. In 1844, he was the Democratic candidate for Congress, his Whig opponent being the late Jacob CoUamer. In 1845 and 1846, he served in the State - Senate and was unanimously elected President pro tern, of that body, which consisted of twentythree Whif's and seven Democrats, though he belonged to the minority party. He held the office of Probate Judge in Orange County for three years. In 1848, he was the candidate of his party for United States Senator against William Upham. In the same year, he was a candidate for Presidential Elector, and was also a delegate to the Baltimore Convention. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Vermont in 1850, and was the Democratic candidate for President of that body. Such was the public xiareer of Judge Vilas in his native State prior to the age of forty years. He had occupied many years in public life, but had given such attention to his professional work as to become distinguished at the bar, and had accumulated a respectable fortune. His success was such as is achieved by but few men in any State.

In 1851, Judge Vilas removed with his family from Vermont and settled in Madison. In the first few years of his residence in Madison, he devoted attention to the practice of his profession, but he gave it up several years ago, having accumulated a competency ; but it was among his regrets that he retired so early from active life in his chosen profession, one which he loved so well and in which he had been so eminently successful. He represented the capital district in the Assembly in the years 1855, 1868 and 1873. He was elected Mayor of Madison in 1862. He was appointed by Gov. Salomon Draft Commissioner in 1862 ; was Regent of the University twelve years ; was the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State in 1865, and for Speaker of the Assembly in 1873. In 1878, Judge Vilas was a prominent candidate in the Democratic convention for the nomination for Governor. These- are the prominent positions he has held since bis residence in Wisconsin, and he ever discharged his official duties with fidelity to the interests of the State and with distinguished ability.

He was a strong friend of education generally, and he illustrated this friendship in his own works for the State University. Five sons were graduates of this institution. In the University he took great pride, and was instrumental in rendering it efficient aid in many ways. He was also a valuable and working friend of agriculture, having done honorable service for many years as a member of the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society. He has rendered the State excellent service in many capacities.

In the death of Judge Vilas, Madison lost an enterprising and influential citizen - one who was ever alive in advancing the interests of the city in which his Western home was located. His zeal in promoting every city improvement never flagged, and big labors have been efiective in the procurement of many things that have resulted in the advancement of Madison.

In 1837, Judge Vilas was married to Miss Esther G. Smilie, daughter of the Hon. Nathan Smilie, of Cambridge, Vt. This union was one of long duration, and a happy one. It was blessed with ten children - nine sons and one daughter - five of whom, with the mother and wife, survive the father and husband. The four sons that now survive their .father are an honor to their parents ; three lawyers and one physician, all occupying prominent positions in their profession. Two (William F. and Edward P.) are lawyers in Madison ; Levi M. is located at Eau Claire, and Charles H.is an eminent physician in Chic&go.

Both houses of the Legislature took proper action in the passage of resolutions of respect ^ to the memory of the honored deceased. The flag on the capitol floated at half-mast during the day of his death. He died February 6, 1879.

catae to this country as a soldier in the army of Gen. Burgoyne, and, after his captivity, determmed to remam and become a resident of the country. He was married twice, his second wife being a niece of Gen. Ethan Allen. She died, when her son, the subject of this sketch tos about six years of age. A year afterward, his father removed to New Hartford, Oneida Co. N. Y. His circumstances were such that he decided to find places for his children, and break up housekeeping. He himself went to live with his oldest son, Edward, then about twenty-four years of age. His son, John Y., was sent to work in the cotton factory established in that place. He soon after went to live with a farmer, with whom he remained four years, and while with him and about eight years of age, he was kicked by a horse, which fractured his skull and displaced one eye. This injury nearly cost him his life. His employer was a tyrant, and the lad while with him was the victim of much ill usage. After this, he learned the carpenter's trade, reaching his majority and completing his apprenticeship about the same time. Prom these circumstances it will be apparent that his advantages for education were very limited. His literary training was not received at the schools to any considerable extent, but chiefly in a struggle for life, and under the influence of comparatively few books that he read ; but the training was none the less real, as he made it a practice to study and patiently digest what engaged his attention, eschewing all light and frivolous publications. The writings of Milton, Younc, Thompson and Wordsworth in poetry, Edwards and Butler in theology, Isaac Taylor in the field of speculative thought, and Say, Mill and De Quincey in political economy, were his favorite authors. Grammar he never studied, and he used to say that the only rule of it he knew was the one laid down in the book of Job, xxxiv, 3, " For the ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meat." Soon after finishing his apprenticeship, he made preparations to move to the West, fle engaged himself to go with a missionary to the Stockbridge Indians, near Green Bay, to erect or work upon the mission buildings. His employer paid his passage, and advanced him |20 to purchase a set of bench tools. He left Utica, N. Y., on a line boat on the Erie Canal, with f 1.25 in his pocket. In about eight day's, he arrived at Buffalo, then a village of limited pretensions, and took passage on a small schooner, the "Lady of the Lake," of seventy tons burthen, and in about four weeks landed safely at Green Bay, on May 18, 1828. His first employment was on the mission house near that place, and afterward at Kaukana, among the Stockbridges. He built the second frame house and the first flouring-mill in Wisconsin. After passing a year at Green Bay, he determined to return homeward. He was as far as Mackinaw, but after staying there three months, decided to return to Wisconsin - or Michigan Territory, as it was then called - intending to make Green Bay his permanent home. On September 27, 1832, while residing at the Bay, he married Anna Weed Kellogg, daughter of James and Martha C. Kellogg, of Northfield, Conn., who was at that time a missionary teacher to the Stockbridges. This lady died March 3, 1847, leaving one son, Hayden K. Smith.

In the year 1833 and the year following, in company with Asa Sherman, he erected a mill on the public lands near the present city of Green Bay, and a dwelling-house, occupied by them until the Government sale of 1835. Under the pre-emption law of 1834, they selected the quarter-section thus occupied, and each party was allowed a " float," as it was called - the right to enter at Government price, eighty acres anywhere in the land district. Mr. Sherman's "float " was purchased by Morgan L. Martin, and located in what now is the center of the city of Milwaukee. The court house stands upon its site. Mr. Smith located his " float " in Milwaukee, west of the river and north of Spring street, and it embraced parts of what are now the Second and Fourth Wards. He retained for a long time an undivided half-interest, having disposed of the remainder. The rise of property soon after, greatly improved his pecuniary circumstances.

In 1837, he removed to that city, where he remained nearly ^hree years ; a portion of this time working at his trade, and also in cultivating a small farm in the vicinity. In 1839, be removed to a farm about three miles from Waukesha, then known as Prairieville. In the wmter of 1840-41, he fell, while chopping in the woods, and sustained an injury in the back which confined him to his house for a number of weeks. His recovery was slow ; it was several years before he could perform hard physical labor. It was supposed his spine was permanently injured. This accident strongly influenced his subsequent career, and seemed to render it necessary lor him to engage in a somewhat less laborious occupation.

He first visited Madison early in 1842, in company with Rev. J. E. Quaw, a Dutch Reformed clergyman. The Legislature of the Territory in joint convention, February 18, elected him Commissioner of Public Buildings ; and at the succeeding session, in 1843, he was, on the 24th of March, elected Superintendent of Public Property, the former office of Commissionership having been abolished. The old capitol was completed, or nearly so, under his superintendence, he doing much of the finer work with his own hands.

In July of that year, he removed his family to Madison, and, in 1846, erected a dwellinghouse, still standing, on the corner of Carroll and Clymer streets, where he made his home until he removed to his farm, two miles and a half south of the city.

The Wisconsin Argus was established at Madison, and the first number issued April 22, 1844. The members of the firm were Simeon Mills, Benjamin Holt and John Y. Smith - the latter having entire control of the editorial department. It was Democratic in politics, and was in favor of free trade and a hard-money currency, and ranked high as an exponent of those measures. Mr. Smith remained connected with the paper, with some business changes, until April,

While engaged in his editorial labors, he was chosen to represent part of Dane County in the First Constitutional Convention, that met in October, 1846. It does not appear that Mr. Smith made any elaborate speeches, or took a very active part in the work of the convention, except on a proposed section to abolish the death penalty, when he made a speech against such action, which was published in the Argus at the time. The constitution as framed, as is well known, was rejected by the vote of the people. It is believed he was not in favor of its adoption. Mr. Smith married the second time, July 5, 1847, at Madison, Harriet, daughter of John and Abigail Wright, of East Hampton, Mass. She died September t, 1851. The children by this marriage were two ; both are now deceased. He married again, on the 18th of March,

1852, at Brookfield, Wis. His third wife is Sarah Ann, daughter, of Jonathan 0. and Achsa, D. Warner, of Amherst, Mass., by which marriage he had two sons now living.

Mr. Smith soon became known as a writer of ability. The first of his publications that attracted attention, was a mock message, written by him as the first " Peoples' Governor," or Governor of the Sovereigns, delivered in the Assembly Hall in 1842. This was the commencement of a series of similar messages delivered at the opening of the sessions of the Legislature. It was the means of introducing him to the favorable notice of C. C. Sholes, who engaged him to report legislative proceedings for his paper. This was his first connection with the press, and from this time until 1851 he was steadily engaged in editorial labors.

In 1861., Mr. Smith purchased the interest of E. A. Calkins in the Argus and Democrat, a^ daily and weekly newspaper, and the publication was continued by the firm name of Smith & Cnllaton, H. K. Smith being an associate editor. The daily issue was continued to January 4, 1862, and the weekly until June 10 of that year, when the publication was discontinued. During the war he wrote some army letters to the Chicago Tribune, and other papers, but did not devote himself to the work of a correspondent. In the winter of 1866-67, he wrote for the Milwaukee Sentinel, during the illness of his son, who was engaged on the editorial force of that paper. He was the editorial writer for the Western Farmer in 1867-68, and a part of the wmter of 1868-69 for the Sentinel. For about three months in the summer of 1870, he was the editor of the Peoria (111.) Transcript, when he ceased his connection with the press.

On the 24th of April, 1874, while on his farm near the city of Madison, he had his left leg severely fractured from the kick of a horse he was endeavoring to train to service. He re- TTl f k'* <'"tical condition, with but slight hopes of his recovery, and for several days reason A u V *° ^""^ ^ degree that he hardly recognized his friends. His sufferings were intense, and he Imgered until the 5th day of May. when death came to his relief. He was in the sixtyeighth year of his age. J J- J oth t . ''^'s tastes were inclined towards economic subjects, though he wrote readily on ent^'^t -''^"'^' ^'"^ °^ ^'^ letters, those particularly descriptive of scenery were graphic and

As a thinlier he was logical, untiring and conscientious rather than rapid. He was usually clear, because he always thought out his subjects patiently and thoroughly before writing.

" It is our boast, indeed," says one who knew him well, " that, in its infancy, Wisconsin had connected with her press, as its most prominent figure, a master mind, deeply versed in the very elements of fundamental law, with sagacity to forecast the future; who would make men think, and of consequence make them studious and thoughtful."

" His mind, it can be truthfully said," continues the writer, "was of the Miltonic cast. He had carefully read and deeply pondered almost every branch of human learning, but his specialties were logical and metaphysical authors. No writer was so subtle or acute as to confound his clear judgment, confuse his understanding or elude his grasp of mind. He examined every problem with severe minuteness ; traced it to its fundamental principles, and subjected it to an analysis and critical test that left little or no residuum for error. He commenced to question just where other men accept without examination. He spent hours and days in profoundest thought upon propositions the world accepted as standard truth. He was a hard and tireless student, and every production of his pen bore the impress of deep reflection and .closest examination."

In his religious belief, Mr. Smith was a Presbyterian, and took an active part in the organization of the church of that denomination in Madison, in October, 1851 ; and was for a long period identified in its management, holding for a number of years the ofiice of Ruling Elder, nearly a quarter of a century. While not conspicuous in late years in the daily walks of business life, he was universally esteemed for the uprightness of his character, as well as for distinguished ability.

Mr. Smith was one of those men that pass a long life's thoroughfare in a quiet, peaceful way. Under the surface of an unpretending and somewhat rough exterior, there was a deep and over flowing fountain of kindness, and a fund of humor that sometimes sparkled with peculiar brilliancy - of the " clear, sharp kind that was full of point."

9. A series of articles published in the Argus, in 1861, advocating the doctrine that States by revolting lapsed into the Territorial condition.

13. A paper read before the Wisconsin Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters, February 15, 1870, on the Laws which Govern the Configuration of Comets.

Albion

Mr. Smith began in the year 1851 collecting materials for a work on " Currency." He spent several months in the libraries of New York and Washington, and subsequently wrote a few chapters, but never completed the work.

son of Thomas Stoughton, was born in a sturdy New England family, in the town of Weathersfield Vermont, on the 10th of December, 1799. While he was still a child, his father removed to Westfield, in the northern part of the State, then an almost unbroken wilderness. Here, of course, his opportunities for acquiring an education were extremely limited ; but he was trained to habits of strictest industry, economy and integrity. He learned a mechanical trade and followed it for a number of years, spending a part of his time in Boston, Mass., and Mobile, Ala.

Returning to his native State, he married Miss Eliza Page. In 1837, he visited Wisconsin. In 1838, he removed his family to Janesville. He entered the mercantile business, built the American House, and otherwise aided in promoting the growth of the young town. Here he resided for twelve years, and accumulated a handsome property. In 1847, he purchased of Daniel Webster a large tract of land in the county of Dane, upon which the village of Stoughton is now located. Although in feeble health, he soon bent all his energies to improving the water-power, and building up a large village. He induced a large number of his old friends to settle around him, started several kinds of business, and influenced the railroad company to run the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien road through the place. Stoughton is beautifully situated upon the banks of the Yahara, and in appearance resembles a New England town. It has grown into a thriving village, and is now the busy center of trade for a large extent of country, and contains several large manufacturing establishments.

Mr. Stoughton was a man of strong practical sense, sound judgment, a trusted friend, and wise counselor. Modest, retiring and deferential to others, he never sought any public position, but has held the high esteem of all who knew him. He loved truth for truth's sake, and was uncompromising in his regard for justice.

His religious views were liberal. He read extensively and possessed a large fund of general information. His manner was characterized by a quiet but manly dignity. At his home he was hospitable in the highest degree, genial in spirit, discussed freely and intelligently the public topics of the day, in regard to which he was stable and conscientious in his opinions. In his domestic relations he was distinguished for kindness and tenderness. His many years of feeble, failing health, a great trial to one of his active temperament, were borne uncomplainingly-

He died on the 15th of August, 1874. The Masonic Order, of which he was a member, took charge of the body on the occasion of his funeral, and at the grave read their beautiful and impressive ceremony.

was born at Painesville, Ohio, October 10, 1827. He first attended the common schools in his native village, becoming afterward a pupil of the Painesville Academy, where he graduated with distinction. He then read law with his father, James H. Paine, who, in November, 1847, settled in Milwaukee. About this period, the son commenced the study of German, pursuing I' ""'il ^® °°^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ language fluently and speak it readily. He was admitted to the Milwaukee bar in 1849 ; and, on the 20th of June, 1854, to the bar of the Supreme Court of the State. He was industrious in his profession, and soon became an able and powerful advocate.

In 1858, he acted as Madison reporter of >the Milwaukee Free Democrat On the 19th of May, 1854, he made an argument before the Supreme Court of the State in the celebrated

Booth case, involving the appellate jurisdiption from State to United States courts, and the constitutionality of the fugitive slave law. His effort was directed against the validity of tiie enactment. This placed him at once in the front rank of the leading lawyers of Wisconsin and gave him a widespread reputation. He received congratulations from eminent men in various parts of the country. It was, indeed, the foundation of his legal reputation. It was regarded not only as one of the ablest efforts of his life, but one of the best arguments ever made on that side of the question. On the 7th of October, 1854, he married Miss Clarissa R. Wyman, of his native place. He addressed the young men of Waukesha College at the commencement, 1855, of that institution ; and, in the fall following, canvassed a part of the State, speaking on the Republican side during that contest. In January, 1856, he was elected Chief Clerk of the Wisconsin Senate. On the 10th of November following, he was appointed County Judge of Milwaukee County, and'was elected to the same oflSce in April following. This was a very strong evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by the people. He retained the position until June 21, 1859, when he was called to the ofBce of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, being elected the April previous, as the successor of Justice A. D. Smith. As it was a question when the term of the latter ended, whether on the 31st day of May, 1859, or on the first Monday in January, 1860, he went through with the formality of resigning his office, and the Governor appointed Judge Paine as his successor on the 20th of June.

Judge Paine held his position on the bench of the Supreme Court until the 15th of November, 1864, he having resigned on the 10th of August previous, to take effect on that day, to enter the army. He enlisted in the Forty-third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed Lieutenant Colonel. His post was in Tennessee, where he remained until May, 1865, when the death of an only and much-loved brother called him home. On returning to civil life, Judge Paine again entered on the practice of his profession in Milwaukee. This he continued until re-appointed, on the 16th of August, 1867, to the Supreme Court of the State, to succeed Justice Downer, resigned. In April, 1868, he was elected to fill the term expiring June 1, 1871, holding the office until his death, January 13 of that year. During his practice at the bar, he was associated with his father and brother, and for a time with Halbert E. Paine. While op the bench, he worked hard, and justified the most sanguine expectations of his friends. His published opinions show patient and careful examination, laborious research and investigation, a proper deference to authorities, just discrimination of adjudged cases, a clear and firm grasp of sound principle. His mind, in a legal way, was critical but not revolutionary. He laid no violent hand upon the long-established systems of equity and common-law jurisprudence. Many of his decisions might be cited as fine specimens of judicial reasoning and clear, persuasive argument. He was liberal in his views ; and, as a citizen, humane and benevolent, frank and open-hearted. He had, in private life, a large circle of friends. He continued his law lectures in the university with general acceptance, until stricken down by the disease which terminated his useful career. In 1869, the University of Wisconsin conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws.

Mr. Carpenter was born in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y., August 7, 1831. His early education was given him at his home. He prepared for college at Munro Academy, Elbridge, N. Y. In 1848, he entered the Freshman class of Madison University, at Hamilton, that State, afterward, in 1850, entering the Junior class of the University at Rochester - graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1852. He had early shown a predilection for the classics ; and having been taught Latin at home, in his youth, he was enablea to continue the study in college with more than ordinary success. To the Greek, also, he gave a good deal of attention ; so that, at his graduation, his reputation was excellent for his attamments in both languages. After graduating, he came to Wisconsin.

Of his arrival in Madison, says one who was then of the faculty of the university : " He had come to join the small body of us then constituting the faculty, who were striving in the midst of narrow and discouraging conditions to lay the foundations of a great institution of learning for Wisconsin. He was then just arrived at legal manhood - just turned of twenty-one years of age, and was just graduated from college. In personal appearance, however, and in the extent and range of his acquirements, he seemed four or five years older.* He occupied the position of Tutor in the University, at the commencement of the third university yekr (1852-1853), taking the place of 0. M. Conover, who was promoted to the chair of ancient languages and literature. He retained his position until July, 1854, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Augustus L. Smith.

After being a few months employed in selling cabinetware in Madison, as senior member of the firm of Carpenter & Lawrence, he associated himself in that city with S. D. Carpenter in the publication of the Daily Patriot - he being announced, on the 20th of November, 1854, as its local editor and publisher, while S. D. Carpenter became the political editor. On the 17th of July, 1855, he succeeded to the position of co-editor; and, on the 29th of January, 1856, of joint publisher. On the 28th of July following, he retired from the Patriot, having disposed of his interest to Rolla A. Law. On the 31st day of January, 1857, he established, in Madison, a neatly printed weekly paper, devoted to news and literary and miscellaneous reading, but non-political, called the Western Fireside. It was 'a good family paper, and was ably edited, but its support was not sufficient to justify its publication ; so, on the 8th of January, 1858, it was discontinued. The materials of the office were afterward purchased by the proprietors of the State Journal. This ended his career as editor and publisher. He continued in it, however, long enough to be recognized by the public not only as a man of ability, but as a graceful writer.f

For the years 1858 and 1859, he was Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction for Wisconsin. Being a very methodical man, he introduced order and system into the internal administration of the office. In 1860, he was elected Professor of Ancient Languages in St. Paul's College, Palmyra, Mo. This position he held until the war of the rebellion broke up the institution. Returning North, he taught a select school one winter in Richland, Wis. Afterward, failing to fiid more congenial employment, he maintained himself, for a time, by working at the printer's trade in Madison, setting type in the offices of the Wisconsin Farmer and State Journal. He also gave lessons in German. During these years all his spare time was devoted to literary studies.

In 1864, he was elected Clerk of the city of Madison, continuing in that office until October, 1868, when he resigned. Meanwhile, he filled, temporarily, the chair in the University made vacant by the resignation of Prof. Read, as before mentioned. He was also a member of the City Board of Education, Madison ; and, from January 1, 1868, to the 1st day of October following, was Superintendent of the Schools of Dane County. His resignation of these offices was made imperative because of his acceptance of the professorship of rhetoric and English literature in the University. This chair was changed, in 1874, to logic and English literature, but Prof. Carpenter was continued therein until his death, which occurred at Geneva, N. Y., December 7, 1878.| lOTo ^^' *^^ degree of Master of Arts was conferred up6n him by his alma mater, and, in 1872, that of Doctor of Laws. He was married to Miss Frances Curtis, of Madison, Wis., on the 14th of May, 1856. In 1875, he was elected to the Presidency of the Kansas University, V,' '1^?^'"*'^ ^^^ office, believing he could do a greater and better work in the institution with which he was connected. In 1876, he was appointed by the State Superintendent of Public of Prof'&nMnle '^'If^'f'^^"""'' by 0. M. Conover, LL. D., before the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, December 17, 1878, in mc^mory College whnhnri^' T ^^® never personally known," continues Dr. Conover, "any man of his years, any graduate fresh from an American Wems ihronirh ..'" Yf.' '" acquaintance with Greets literature, especially with the Greek poets. He had already read all the Homeric tAdSrt 1 1 "*' "" '"'^ einpularly familiar with several of the Greek dramatists, especially iEschylus and Sophocles." l£il!torialAR.SHu.i,.'^°.V''°?,"4 History of the Press of Dane County, Wis.," written by David At'wood, and furnished the Wisconsin

Protessor of Srtinf "° "" indebted to a biosraphical sketch of Prof. Carpenter, from the able pen of B. B. Anderson, A. M., 1878. - Kb "'*""""'"«n Languages in the University of Wisconsin, printed in Bobinson's Epitome of Lileraiure, Philadelphia, December,

It may be said that, as teacher, Dr. Carpenter had few equals in the United States. His favorite fields were rhetoric, logic, and English literature; these he cultivated assiduously. Although at home in the classics, in political and moral science, in French and German, and in mathematics, it was in the English language and literature that he was especially erudite - especially profound. Outside this department, "his knowledge was not of the sort that would be called erudition; it was rather general than detailed; and consisted, principally, of such facts as had an importance outside of the science to which they belonged. It was such knowledge as a man of vigorous mind and retentive memory (whose leading trait was the clear perception of the bearing of things) would gather from an extensive field of reading and study."*

The fame of Dr. Carpenter rests largely, therefore, upon the wonderful power he exhibited as an educator. " He loved his work and threw his whole being into it. His class-room was never a tedious place. A student never sought that room in doubt of receiving help, or left it unsatisfied. Every one felt the remarkable permeating presence of the beloved instructor. Prof. Carpenter put his stamp upon every intellect. He reached out with a strong arm and raised the young men and women to a higher intellectual plane. He made himself felt. A student knew he was standing upon solid ground in the Professor's presence." f "His thought," says another, "was pre-eminently logical. He saw quickly and traced rapidly the relations of things. Logic was a favorite science with him, and he gave it more enforcement in the minds of pupils than any other teacher I have ever known. It was the stronghold of his instruction."! Says Prof. J. B. Parkinson: "Prof. Carpenter was distinctly an educator - teacher. In his ability to impart instruction - his aptness to teach - lay his special power. Not one man in ten thousand could equal him as a teacher. Here was his chosen field. In it was the work that lay nearest his heart. He thoroughly appreciated the chief requisites of the successful instructor." "Prof. Carpenter seemed to aim," continues Prof. Parkinson, "at a thorough mastery of his department ; and his familiarity with what he had in hand, his wealth of happy and forcible illustrations, and his genuine enthusiasm, constituted the chief secrets of his success in the class- ' room. As a teacher, then - and I use the term in its technical sense - his impress has left tlie deepest furrows. As a teacher, his influence will reach the farthest and abide the longest."||

In 1867, Prof. Carpenter published his first work - a book entitled " Songs for the Sabbath School." It consisted of a collection of melodies - embracing a variety of new tunes; these, with one exception, were composed by himself In the preface, the author says : " The music in this little book is all new and is believed to be serviceable. The words do not inculcate error, but are in accordance with evangelical truth." The hymns, also, several of them, were written by him. These are, generally, to be commended for their sweetness and tenderness.

As the result of his studies of Anglo-Saxon and the English language. Prof. Carpenter has given to the schools of the country three excellent books: "English of the Fourteenth Century;" "An Introduction to the Study of the Anglo-Saxon Language;" and, "The Elements of English Analysis." The first mentioned is, in fact, Chaucer's "Prologue" and "Knight's Tale," illustrated by grammatical and philological notes, designed to serve as an introduction to the study of English literature. The author's notes are ample ; and these, together with a glossary, are intended to remove every difficulty that would meet a student of average ability. In his second book - " An Introduction to the Study of the Anglo-Saxon Language " - he comprises an elementary grammar of the Anglo-Saxon; also selections for reading, with explanatory notes, and a vocabulary. In his last book - " The Elements of English Analysis " - ^he uses a system of diagranis to represent to the eye the outline structure of a sentence, in order the more readily to fix the principles of analysis in the mind of the student. This is a small but carefully written work.

Memorial address before the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, December 17, 1878, by President John Bascom, of the State unmraw. Address, in memory of Dr. Carpenter, before the State Historical Society of Wiscousln, December 17j 1878.

After the publication of his Anglo-Saxon grammar, Dr. C.irpenter devoted the most of I is leisure hours to the translation and annotation of the celebrated poem, "Beowulf," the oldest monument extant of Anglo-Saxon literature. He had just completed the translation when he died and was preparing a somewhat elaborate introduction, which -he left not quite finished. This' last important work of Prof. Carpenter, one on which he bestowed much care and to which he gave his ripest scholarship, will be published under the editorship of Prof. R. B. Anderson, who was, through many years, his bosom friend.

reader" but, to the religious and educational periodicals of the country, he contributed extensively. His communications took a wide range. His style of writing is marked and strikingly characteristic of the man. When he said anything he said it ; and, at times, the fire of his thouffhts consumed his words. Although largely wanting in the imaginative element, his diction is nevertheless, peculiarly attractive because of its smoothness and clearness. Take this paragraph, as an example, from "The Relations of Skepticism and Scholarship," in the Baptist Quarterly, for January, 1873 :

" Faith is the condition of progress. Belief grasps actual possession by the strong han d of demonstration ; while faith rises superior to reason, and grasps greater truth by the stronger hand of conviction. Faith is not an abandonment of reason ; it is the condition of reason. It places the crown of universal dominion upon the head of man ; puts in his hands a scepter, which the future as well as the present obeys - eternity as well as time. It asserts our kinship with God, who does not discover truth by the slow process of reason, but who reaches his conclusions by the same intuitive action by which faith apprehends principles. Reason adapts man to the present life. Faith is a pledge of immortality. Destroy faith, and man is hedged in by humanity - is limited to the now and here - to the little segment of the infinite circle which lies immediately before him. Add faith to reason, and out into infinity, onward into coming eternity, upward to God Himself, sweep the slowly arching sides of the mighty circle of truth, whose round will, nevertheless, forever bafiie finite measurement."

A number of his educational addresses have been published. His direct way of giving utterance to his thoughts is well illustrated in the opening paragraph of one of these - " Industrial Education " - delivered before a convention of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, February, 1874: "There are two essential requisites to success in any trade or profession : A knowledge of the principles forming the science of which the profession is the practical application; and skill in the application of these principles. The one requires cultivated mind ; the other, cultivated muscle. Every profession presents these two sides, but notably those which are largely dependent upon mechanical operations for their success."

An address on " Reading," delivered before the State Teachers' Association of Wisconsin, in July, 1871, at Madison, and published in the August number of the Wisconsin Journal of Education for that year; also an article in the Examiner and Chronicle, on " The Education Question - Conflicts Between the Old and New," are worthy of special commendation. His centennial F"ourth-of-July address, in Madison, added to his reputation as an orator and man of culture. " The Relation of the Different Educational Institutions of the State " and " Rambles in the World of Words," contributions to the periodical first named, exhibit, in a striking light, . the wide range of his thoughts and his extensive scholastic attainments.

Of Dr. Carpenter's published lectures, one on " Moral Forces in Education," and a series ot twelve on " The Evidences of Christianity," have received a merited recognition from some of our country's ablest and best men. His translations from the French have also been highly complimented. The most notable of these efforts are (1) articles on political economy and the °f Catholic nations, of Emile de Laveleye, and (2) stories of George Sand, from Revue mdeux Monies. Dr. Carpenter was a member of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. He contributed two papers to its " Transactions " : (1) " The Metaphysical Basis ot bcience;" (2) "The Philosophy of. Evolution." These papers attracted wide attention, especially the last mentioned. His very latest contribution to the press was a solution of an algebraic problem, to be found in the January number, 1879, of the Wisconsin Journal of Miucation.

The sudden death of Dr. Carpenter produced a profound impression in Wisconsin. Resolutions expressing appreciation and esteem were adopted by the faculty and regents of the university, also by the State Teachers' Association and by the State Historical Society, of which he was a member and an officer. His mortal remains lie buried in the beautiful cemetery near the city of Madison, not far away from the institution where many of his years were so profitably pmployed, and where he gathered unto himself a name and fame that Wisconsin will long remember with pride and respect.

was born at Madison on the 4th of June, 1850. He had the education of the printing office, supplemented, however, by attendance upon the public schools and by a partial course in the State University. As he approached the age of manhood, he began his work in journalism as a reporter of legislative proceedings, and by occasional correspondence published in the State Journal. In 1870, he made a short excursion across the continent, and wrote some interesting letlers from California. In the autumn of 1872, he received from President Grant an appointment as Consular Clerk. The office of Consular Clerk was created by an act of Congress in 1864. The whole number of such clerkships is limited to thirteen ; a careful preliminary examination is required, and, the appointment once made and the examination passed, the Clerk is only removable for cause. The purpose of the act was to create a school for training a few young men for Consular life. It was intended that the Consular Clerks, after becoming familiar with Consular duties, should, from time to time, as they proved themselves worthy, b? promoted to Consulates. The plan was an excellent one, but, unfortunately, for our foreign idrvice, has never been carried into full effect, the trained Consular Clerk having almost without exception been ignored, while the Consulates continue to be filled with raw material supplied by politicians at home. Young Atwood, having passed a creditable examination before the board at Washington, was assigned to duty at Liverpool, under his fellow townsman Bx-Gov. Fairchild. He sailed in November, 1872, and soon afterward received' the additional appointment of Vice Consul at that port. His various duties were performed with much skill and judgment. His gentlemanly bearing, his capacity, trustworthiness and fidelity were such as to command the espect of all who were brought into social or business relations with him.

In 1874, he visited his old home, and, on the 8th of September of that year, formed a happy marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ward, of Madison. Shortly afterward, he returned with his wife to Liverpool, and resumed his official duties there. During his residence abroad, he saw much of England, and something of the continent, and wrote occasional sketches of travel for his father's paper, the Madison State Journal, which indicated much power of observation, and were characterized by an easy and graceful style. While he found a great deal that was attractive and pleasant in his life in England, his home attachments were strong, and he felt a longing to be back once more among the scenes of his boyhood. The bright waters of Monona and Mendota, the pure air and umbrageous streets of this Interlaken of the West, possess a strong attraction for all who have for any considerable time felt their iniluence. Moreover, with riper years and wider knowledge gained from books, from travel and observation, came the prompting to devote his future life to journalism. Accordingly, in the. spring of 1876, he resigned his position at Liverpool, and returned to Madison. From that time until his final illness, he was actively engaged as one of the editors of the State Journal. A severe cold finally terminated in an acute attack of pneumonia, which resulted in his death on the 6th of February, 1878.

Mr. Atwood was gentle, courteous and truthful. There was no malignity in his nature. AH who knew him loved him. He was a gentleman, too, with graceful manners and refined tastes. He was dignified without being pretentious, cheerful and sunny in his disposition, generous and obliging, with a vein of quiet humor that made him a pleasant and welcome companion. What he miflit have accomplished in his chosen calling, can, of course, only be surmised. He had but just taken up the serious work of life, when his career was brought to an untimely close. He died with , , ^ ,. ^ ^ was born at Parma Corners, Monroe County, N. Y., May 22, 1823. His father, Reuben Smith, was a native of Rhode Island. His mother's maiden name was Betsey Page. She died when the subject of this sketch was but ten weeks old. Both father and mother possessed much strength of character, and the father filled many places of honor and trust, discharging faithfully every duty. In 1825, the family removed to Cleveland, Ohio ; and in 1827 took up their residence in Medina, Ohio. It was in this place that George received a few years' schooling, and entered upon the study of the profession of law, with H. W. Floyd, of Medina. In about a year thereafter he entered the office of Andrews, Foot & Hoyt, of Cleveland, where he pursued his studies with great diligence for about one year. Being a young man possessing much selfreliance - a characteristic that never left him in after life - his mind naturally turned to the great West, which was then attracting attention in all parts of the country, and, with his father, came to Wisconsin, locating first at Kenosha (then Southport), and there pursued his studies in the office of the late 0. S. Head. He was admitted to practice at the bar of the United States Court, A. G. Miller presiding, on the 4th of July, 1843. Spending a short time in Kenosha after his admission, he returned to Ohio, and united himself in marriage with Miss Eugenia Weed, of Medina. Then, with resolute courage, he again turned westward, and in the fall of 1845 located in Madison, the capital of the Territory of Wisconsin. It was here that he literally fulfilled the Greeley advice of growing up with the country. Wisconsin then contained but a email population ; Madison was a village of three or four hundred souls. The young attorney at once took a leading position in his new home, and, rapid as was the growth of the West, he kept pace with it, and in all after life was found in the front rank of its citizens. He at once entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, and one which he dearly loved, in the several courts of the then Territory, and continued a prominent member of the Wisconsin bar to the time of his death.

In January, 1846, Mr. Smith was appointed District Attorney for Dane County, and for six years held this position, giving to the discharge of its duties rare ability, close attention and thought, and a fidelity to the trust reposed in him. He was prompt and efficient in the discharge of every duty, and rendered the county and State valuable service. He soon became marked as a young man of more than ordinary ability. This was shown in his being selected by his fellow-citizens, when he was less than twenty-four years of age, to represent them in the Constitutional Convention that assembled in Madison in October, 1846. He was the youngest man there was in that distinguished body. Young as he was, Mr. Smith was able to sustain himself with great credit in contests with these brilliant minds, and was acknowledged to have been one of the most active members of that convention. He was Chairman of the Committee on a Bill of Rights, and performed much labor on other committees. He favored liberal exemption laws, and to him, perhaps, more than to any other man, are the people indebted for the liberal laws that now exist on that subject. He urged with great vigor that the matter be engrafted into the constitution, and the instrument produced by that convention contained advanced views on this subject. The principles were so advanced, and carried out so much in detail, that this feature was strongly objected to in the discussions of the constitution before the people, and afforded one °* "l'^ strongest reasons for its rejection, not so much on account of the principle involved as in

Mr. Smith served as Mayor of the city of Madison in the years 1858, 1859, 1860 and 1878. In the years 1864 and 1869, he represented the Madison district in the Assembly, and deemed one of the ablest men there, both as a worker on committees and as a debater on the floor of the House. He occupied the position of party leader on all political questions. His ability and experience fully entitled him to that distinction. The interests of his constituents never suffered in his hands.

In 1864, and again in 1872, Mr. Smith was the Democratic candidate for Congress in his district. In both instances, he canvassed the district with ranch ability and thoroughness but met with defeat on both occasions, not on account of his own unpopularity, but from the fact that his party was in the minority. In 1869, he received the Democratic vote for United States Senator, in opposition to Matt. H. Carpenter, the successful candidate.

He was a candidate for Presidential Elector in 1868 and in 1872. In the latter campaign he took an active part in favor of the election of Horace Greeley to the Presidency. He represented his State twice in national conventions of his party. At St. Louis, in 1876, he made a speech deemed the greatest political effort of his life, which gave him much national reputation, and would doubtless have been followed with distinguished preferment had the candidates there nominated been successful before the people. The only other public position of prominence that Mr. Smith has occupied was in 1876, when he was designated as one of the distinguished visitors to Louisiana to supervise the canvass of the vote of that State for Presidential Electors.

Having been an early pioneer of the State and a conspicuous member of the first Constitutional Convention, Mr. Smith naturally took a deep interest in the affairs of the Wisconsin Pioneer Association, and in the meetings of the surviving members of the two Constitutional Conventions. In July, 1879, he delivered an address before these two organizations, in Madison, a duty he performed faithfully and ably, not only giving the history of these conventions, but furnishing also a very interesting and valuable sketch of the early history of Wisconsin.

Mr. Smith has not occupied the high positions in public life which his talents would have commanded had his party been in the majority. He had the ability and acquirements to make his mark in any position. This has been shown in his practice at the bar, which has been very extensive, and where he has maintained a high standing, ranking among the ablest lawyers in the Northwest. As an orator, as an advocate, and as a political speaker, he has had few superiors in the country. He had a fine presence, a splendid voice, a forcible manner of speaking, that rendered his oratorical efforts fascinating and effective. His private life was without spot or blemish. He has been a great reader of the general literature of the day, and his mind was richly stored with its treasures. Socially, he was one of the most engaging and entertaining of men ; instructive in conversation, quick at repartee, bright and witty, pkasant in manners, he endeared himself to all who met him in the social circle.

As a politician, Mr. Smith belonged to the Democratic party. He was positive in his opinions, and bold and uncompromising in advocating them. As a strong partisan, he was always armed, ready to defend his own party and attack the opposition. Few men in the State performed more effective work for his party. His labors upon the sturap were great, and acceptable to his friends.

On the 29th of Augiist, 1844, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Eugenia Weed, of Medina, Ohio, an estimable lady, worthy of him, and one to whom he was devotedly attached in all the relations of life. They were blessed with five children, two of whom, James S. and Anna, now Mrs. Robert J. McConnell, survive, and the other three preceded the father to the grave, and it is hoped they are now joined with him in the life of the blessed.

In his family relations Mr. Smith was peculiarly happy, and it was at his home where his real character shone out most brightly. As a son, he was dutiful, affectionate and considerate ; as a husband, father and grandfather,, he was kind, loving, patient and tender, and doted with the strongest affection upon his wife, his children and his grandchildren. It is in these sacred relations of life that the the true and noble character of the real man is shown ; and herein our friend stood pre-eminent, and beautifully illustrated the truth of the words of the poet, in the

Of Paradise, that has surviyed the fall I Thou art the muse of virtue ; in thine arms She smiles, appearing, as in truth she is. Heaven-born, and destined to the skies again."

As a citizen, Mr. Smith was generous, and labored earnestly and zealously for the development of the material interests of his own beautiful city, the State of his adoption, and of the whole country.

Mr. Smith stood eminent in his chosen profession. For many years he was a prominent member of the Dane County bar, and the senior in the years of practice. In the State, most of the associates of his early years in practice before the several courts, preceded him to the grave. He died on the 18th day of September, 1879.

was born in the city of Worms, Germany, February 12, 1838. Until his tenth year, he was educated at the public school in his native city ; he then attended the gymnasium, from which he graduated in 1857, with a first degree, afterward entering the university at Giessen to study philology. His studies there were interrupted by being called to serve in the army, but he soon returned and passed his public examination in 1860. From this institution he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He gave private instruction while at the university, and, after leaving the institution, he accepted a position in the Institute of St. Gowishausen on the Rhine, as teacher of Latin and Greek. Later, he spent two years at the Bibliotheque Imperiale, in Paris, mainly in the study of philology and in acquiring a conversational mastery of the French language.