Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 48: The Legal Fraternity, 1912

Chapter 48: The Legal Fraternity

AYliatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that its members have a more prominent position in public affairs than any other class of a community. This is but the natural result of the ability and training -which qualify one to practice law, for this also qualifies him in manj^ respects for duties Avhich lie outside of the strict patii of his profession and touch the general interest of society.

His training as a public speaker gives him prominence and power; the study of the principles of jurisprudence qualify him above everything else for useful membership in law making bodies. The leaders in Congress and in our Legislature are usually lawyers.

During the war of the Rebellion no one class of people went earlier to the front, served their country more devotedly or with greater distinction than the lawyers; and of the men who remained at home during that contest, no class of citizens took a more active part in sustaining the soldiers in the field. Without any partiality it may be said that in every period of our country's history members of the bar have shown themselves to be patriotic; the Declaration of Independence was drawn by a lawyer; in the war of tlie Rebellion great aid Avas rendered by such men as Adams, Hamilton, King, Marshall, Jefferson, Livingston, Clinton, Granger and hundreds of others who belonged to the legal profession.

It is a peculiar fact that the legal mind has been and ever Avill be arrayed to the side of order, good morals and good government. A lawyer's experience with the affairs of men, his habits of thought and reflection all tend in that direction ; Avlien elevated to the bench his influence for good is unlimited.

The prominent part that members of the bar take in public affairs in this and in every other country, the weight of the influence they have exerted and the dignity they have imparted to the profession requires that in this work a permanent record of the lives of those men who have been chiefly instrumental in making the history of the bench and bar of this county should be here recorded. It may not be comph?te, as the difficulty of procuring data concerning the lives of the earlier practitioners has been great. In placing these sketches in this chapter the author has no favorites to please and has endeavored without discrimination to get the facts as they are.

The earlier lawyers at Tomah were George Graham, Henry C. Spaulding and James LeRoy; A. E. Bleekman started his practice at Tomah, being associated with Mr. Spauding for a time, subsequently removed to Sparta, forming a partnership with F. H. Bloomingdale under the firm name of Bleekman and Bloomingdale, which firm moved to LaCrosse. F. E. Campbell was also associated with Mr. Spaulding under the firm name of Spaulding and Campbell ; Mr. Campbell, however, soon retired from the firm and went west and in later years received judicial honors. Almon A. Helms, while an employee of the St. Paul railroad, studied law in Tomah with Judge George Graham and was taken into partnership as Graham and Helms, but soon moved to ]\Ierrill. Wis., where he has since resided.

David F. Jones was admitted to the bar in 1884 and began the practice at Sparta a few years afterwards, forming a partnership with S. AV. Button, which continued a number of years ; about the time of its dissolution Mr. Jones was apointed United States District Attorney for the "Western District of Wisconsin. In 1899 found a partnership with R. A. Richards, Avho moved over from Tomah, under the firm name of Jones & Richards which continued until the death of ]Mr. Jones about two years later.

B. H. Hackett came to Tomah about 1895, entered the office of Judge Graham, who moved to Sparta shortly afterward and was elected district attorney twice, but died in 1901 just before beginning his second term. H. C. Altizer and AV. B. Clark located in Sparta about 1898 ; Altizer was elected district attorney and served one terra beginning in 1899 ; a partnership was formed with AV. B. Clark, which continued a short time ; soon after the expiration of Altizer 's term of office he left the county; Clark continued practice for a time and then moved to Texas. Howard Teasdale began practice in 1891 and R. B. McCoy in 1894. Four Bowler brothers - Edward, Timoth}^ James J. and George - all received their legal education while residents of the county, the first two being now in successful practice in Sheboygan, having George associated with them.

few years, ]\lr. Kiehards enlerling into partnersliip witli Z. S. Rice which continued about two years. James J. Bowler and his brother George practiced for a term under the firm name of Bowler & Bowler, but in 1IK)9 closed up their office and moved elsewhere.

Of the older lawyers still in the county there remain Judge C. M. blasters, Judge George Graham, Judge S. AV. Button and George A. Richai-dson, none of whom are now in active practice except ]Mr. ^Masters and he has practically retired from court work.

"William ]5. Xaylor began practice at Tomah in 1894 having associated with him H. E. Glover, Avhich continued under the firm name of Xaylor & Glover for about a year, ]\Ir. Glover retiring in 1901.

AVhile Colonel Graham has retired from active practice, and is at the present time serving as postmaster at Tomah, his son John G. Graham, who has l)een associated with his father for a number of years, continues the firm of Graham & Graham.

A. 11. Smith practiced in the county for a time, later entering the employ of the Great Xorthern Railway, severing his connection Avith the road about two years ago and has since resided at ]\Ierrill, AVis.

Quite a number of young men received their early legal training in the county and though not engaging in practice in the county to any extent, a luunber of them acquired great prominence on the bench and at the bar.

In that same class was Julian Bennett, who was elected to a district judgship in South Dakota, while residing at Watertown; he died about 1905.

Of the sons of Romanzo Bunn all of them received their early education at Sparta ; George Bunn is now a district judge at St. Paul, INIinii. ; ( '. AV. Bunn is now general counsel for the Northern Pacific Railway Company, with headcpiarters at St. Paul; John Bunn is practicing at Spokane, Wash.; all very l)right men.

In a snbsequent chapter will be given a brief history of the county court of INIonroe county and included in it will be the lives of the men who have served as judges as far as it is possible to obtain them at this time, and naturally included in it will be those members of the bar who for a time practiced law as well as served as judges.

To attempt in this work to give an historical account of the litigation which was prominent in the courts during all these years would be a task which would require a volume in itself. Among the members of the bar have been men who attracted state Avide attention by their ability and skill and advocates; but of its number only two members of the bar in this county became judges of this circuit, Hon. Romanzo Bunn and Hon. Joseph M. Morrow.

As it is men Avho make history, the lives of the members of the bar furnish, perliaps, the best historical account of the bar itself, as each one unfolds its own peculiar matters of interest anil the story of the bar in this county may best be told by giving here, as far as we are able to get them, sketches of the lives of its members, past and present. Some we have been unable to get, in some instances because of failure to answer requests, and in others a lack of opportunity, by reason of the length of time, to get information.

On the 18th of September, 1854, the Circuit Court of Monroe County had its first term; the judge at that time who presided over this and over three sul)se(iuent terms of court Avas the Hon. AViram Knowlton ; unfortunately we are unable to learn anything of his liistorj' and except the fact that he held the first court in this county and tried a number of cases at that and the subsequent terms. E. AValrath was the sheriff and John II. Barker the clerk of the court.

It is interesting to know that in these days when grand juries are almost called a thing of the past in this county and when it has been the custom of circuit judges for a long series of years to file an order dispensing with the calling of a grand jury, that .at the earlier terms of court in this county for several years a grand jury was summoned; in the first panel appears several names which are still familiar. The jury at the term of court in September, 1854, found one true bill and was then discharged by the court ; its members were Morrison ]\Ic]\[illan, foreman ; R, J. Casselman, Lymon Prescott, Loyd Angle, W. "Wooldridge. C. IT. Blake, Tliomas Fawcett, Jr., S. AY. McLogan, Alva Heath. James Rath])un, E. I. Lathrop, David IMayward. J. C. Inman, T. Barker, E. AY. Dexter and John Foster.

Among the earlier practitioners we find the names of a great many of those who doubtless appeared in court in this county, but were residents elsewhere; at the first term the firm of Denison & Lyndes appears frequently upon the calendar, and at that term Ebenezer Lathrop, James H. Edsall and Carlton E. Rice were admitted to practice as attorneys; at the next term, in March, 1855, George F. Haswell and E. S. Blake were admitted to practice and Mr. Haswell, owing to the fact that there was no district attorney in the county, was appointed district attorney for the term by the judge.

At subsequent terms during the next few years J. C. Pratt, Lincoln Montgomery, Levi "VV. Barman, Goodwin AV. Lincoln, Samuel C. Lyon, L. AY. Graves, George AY. Pratt, L. Vanshirk, N. Leonard, Joseph AA". Losey, Thomas B. Tyler, Romanzo Buun and E. I. Lathrop were admitted to practice at various terms of court.

It seemed to be the rule among the earlier practitioners to form firms and to make frequent changes. For. during the years 1854 up to 1861, we find upon the court records the firms of Leonard & Tyler, Graves & Montgomery, Lathrop & Blake, Lathrop, Pratt & Blake, Lincoln & A^an Slyck, Lincoln & Rice, Graves, IMontgomery & Rice, Rice & Pratt, Montgomery, Leonard & Tyler, Graves & Rice, Graves & Leonard, Lincoln & Pratt, Montgomery & Tyler, Rice & Bunn, and several single practitioners.

A little later on came J. M. Morrow^ who was associated Avith L. AY. Graves for a time under the firm name of Graves & Morrow, then came S. N. Dickenson, and for some time the firm of Montgomery, Tyler & Dickenson existed ; soon after the admission of C. M. Masters to the bar. in 1871 the firm of Morrow & Masters was formed and existed for a long term of years until Judge Morrow was appointed to the Circuit Bench; with his defeat for election the firm, which had, when he went to the bench, been dissolved, was again united and remained until the death of Judge Morrow, after which Judge Masters associated with himself R. B. Graves, who had previously been employed in the office of Masters & Graves, and later the son, H. M., was admitted as the junior partner and the firm is today Masters, Graves & Masters.

AV. M. Graham came in the early eighties to Sparta and soon after formed a partnership with S. N. Dickenson as Dickenson & Graham. In 1891 both these gentlemen moved to AA^est Sueprior, where the firm of Knowles, Dickenson, Buchanan, Graham & AVilson was formed.

C. AV. Graves practiced in the county for a number of years and at one time formed partnership with A. E. Bleekman under the firm name of Graves & Bleekman, but Graves retired and went to A^ernon county, practicing in A^iroqua, Avhere he still resides.

L. W. Graves. In the earlier period of Monroe county, from about 1857 to 1874, there Avas no more prominent lawyer than Lewis AV. Graves, and there are many of the older residents of this and surrounding counties who still recall anecdotes of his forensic ability and caustic wit in tlie trial of notable cases, of which there were many in those days. "Lew" Graves, as he was familiarly known, Avas born at Attica, Wyoming county. New York, on February 28, 1825, and was the son of Rev. Xathaniel Graves, who lived for many years on Bush Prairie in tlie town of Lafayette. He received a common school education and studied law in East Aurora. Erie county, Ncav York, in the office of Humphrey & Sawin, and Avas admitted to the bar at Albion. X. Y., in 1853. lie practiced his profession in p]ast Aurora until 1856, when he came Avith his Avife and infant son to Sparta and at once Avent into active practice. He Avas married to J. AValdo, at Fast Aurora, on August 3, 1852, and three sons Avere born of the marriage: Charles AV. Graves, a avcII knoAvn laAvyer of Viroqua, Frank H. GraA^es, editor of tliC Vernon County Leader, of Virociua, and AVilliam Graves, Avho died in 1879. Mrs. Graves surviA^ed her husband many years and died at Sparta in June. 1909. L. AY. Graves serA^ed as district attorney of Alonroe county in 1859-1860. He died at his home in Sparta on Alay 3, 1876. During his career at the bar he Avas at ditfereut times connected, as a partner, AA-ith Carlton E. Rice (Graves & Rice), Alilton ^Montgomery (Graves & IMontgomery), E. G. AVheeler (Graves & AVheeler), J. E. SnoAv (Graves & SnoAv), and .J. AI. MorroAv (GraA'cs & AIorroAA-). He Avas at all times a Democrat in i)olitics and in 1864 Avas one of the delegates to the National Democratic ConA'ention. Avhich nominated George B. AlcClellan. Mr. Graves Avas a laAvyer of great force and ability and Avas especially strong in jury trials. He loved a sharply contested laAVSuit and AAas especially noted as a socalled criminal hiAvyer. His practice extended throughout the Avestern portion of the state and he Avas constantly bi-ought in contact Avith a lot of able laAA-yers, such as AVilliam 11. Tucker. .1. \V. Loscy and B. F. ^Montgomery, of La Crosse; Fnnnons Taylor, of Portage; G. C. Pope, of Black River Falls; .John Turner, of ^lauston. and George B. Smith, of Madison, and others of like calibre. During his career at the bar he ])articipated in many notable trials and Avas nearly alAA-ays successful. Among these may be recalled the famous Skippens nuirder trial (Viroqua). in Avhich, aft<T one conviction and one disagreement, he acquitted Charles Skippen for the killing of James Newell on a third trial ; the famous (in those days) slander case of Parshall vs. Remington (where one Baptist preacher sued another for slander). The long drawn out mill dam litigation between Oilman and Ilerrick, involving water power rights on the La Crosse river; the crim con case of Jones vs. Goss, the case of State vs. Joe Hull, Bell vs. Village of Sparta (where plaintitf fell into the pond through a hole in Franklin street bridge), Dinehart vs. Lafayette (a case involving the constitutionality of the Soldiers' Bounty Act), Cremer vs. Town of Portland, Randall vs. Ellis and McDonald, and many other notable cases that might be mentioned, all of which were earnestly and vigorously contested before Circuit Judges Gale, Flint, Messmore and Bunn, and which, in those days, seemed to attract more attention and draw to the trial from far larger crowds than important litigation of like character does nowadays, and it was no rare thing to have the old white brick court house crowded with people, drawn there to hear Lew Graves address a jury. Mr. Graves was a most companionable man, a universal favorite with his townsmen, and his fellow lawyers, and his untimely death, at the age of 51 years, was universally regretted throughout the region where he was so well know^n. At a meeting of the bar of Monroe county, held May 5, 1876, the following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas, Under Divine Providence, out late fellow-citizen, Lewis W. Graves, has been removed from us by death, and we are again reminded of the shortness of man's probation on earth, and

Whereas, the members of the bar in ]Monroe county and the western part of Wisconsin, from personal f;ssociation in their professional relations, are able to speak of liis noble qualities, greatness of heart, and marked ability, and the younger members especially, of his encouragement, kindness and assistance to theni. Therefore,

Resolved, That we have learned with regret the melancholy intelligence of the death of our lirother, Lewis W. Graves, a member of this bar for nearly a quarter of a century.

Resolved, That we recall with pleasure his many good qualities as a man and a lawyer; his mental accomplishments, and genial social qualities; his earnestness, ability, and eloquence as an advocate, and that we mourn his death as a loss to the profession and this bar.

needlessly obtrude ourselves ui)ou the notice of the bereaved friends, yet Ave are constrained to tender them our profound sympathies in this hour of their great sorrow.

Resolved, That in behalf of the bar of this county, that the court thereof, on the first day of next term, be respectfully requested to enter the foregoing preamble and resolutions upon its records. A. E. Bleekman, Secretary.

Thomas B. Tyler, a ])ioneer citizen of Sparta, was born at Coshocton, Sullivan county. New York, January 12, 1824, and died at Sparta, July 18, 1886. AVhen quite young he removed with his parents to Seneca, Ontario county. He received his education in the public schools and at Canandaigua Academy. Later he studied medicine with Dr. Francis Dean at Gorham, Ontario county, and married Sarah E. Dean, only daughter of Dr. Dean. During the gold excitement in 1849 he went to California, returning after an absence of two years. In 1852 he settled at Coudersport, Pa., where he studied law and held the position of prothonotary, or clerk of the court.

In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and the same year removed to Sparta, AYis., and formed a laAv partnership with ^lilton ]\lontgomery. Later S. N. Dickinson was admitted to the firm and on the removal of Colonel Montgomery from Sparta, the firm became Tyler & Dickinson. In 1884 Mr. Tyler sold his interest in the law business to Wm. M. Graham. Some years previous to this he had formed a partnership with Ira A. Hill, under the firm name of Tyler & Hill, conducting a general real estate and loan business.

Mr. Tyler was identified with the Bank of Sparta from its founding in 1858, and served as its vice-president from 1865 to 1883, and as president from 1883 until his death. He often served in the council of the village and was its president for four years, and after it was incorporated as a city was its first mayor.

Although he took a lively interest in all public questions of importance he could hardly be called an active politician, as he was not a seeker after public preferment. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention that met in New York city in July, 1868, when Horatio Seymour was nominated for president, and once he permitted his name to be used as a candidate for state senator and ran ahead of his party ticket. In 1884 he was urged by his party to become a candidate for governor of the state, but declined to accept the honor. In Masonic circles he was especially active and -widely known, taking an interest in the Consistory and in its constituent bodies. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler had one child, ]\Iary E. Tyler, who became the wife of Ira A. Hill, and was a resident of Sparta until her death in 1909.

Samuel N. Dickenson Avas born in Neilsborough, Pa., July 24, 1833. He was educated at the schools of East Hampton, Mass., and read law in the office of Johnson & Brown at Warren, Pa., and was admitted to the bar of the court of common pleas at that place on August 17, 1857, and in the courts of Tioga, Pa., on the 25th day of September, 1857. Shortly thereafter he removed to Illinois and was admitted to ail the courts of that state on January 2, 1858 ; removing to Wisconsin he was admitted to practice in the circuit court in Clark county in this state, on motion of Carl C. Pope, September 6, 1858, and to the federal courts of the western district of Wisconsin February 24, 1871. He was admitted to practice in the supreme court on June 3, 1873. Practicing at Neilsville a short time, removing thence to Sparta, where he became a member of the firm of Montgomery, Tyler & Dickenson. Later ]\Ir. IMontgomery withdrew from the firm and it continued as Tyler & Dickenson. Another change was made when Mr. Tyler sold his interest to W. M. Graham, when the firm became Dickenson & Graham. In 1899 the firm dissolved and Mr. Dickenson moved to Chippewa Falls, where he formed a partnership with Dan Buchanan, Jr. In 1891 the firm removed to Superior, where the firm of Knowles, Dickenson, Buchanan, Graham & Wilson was formed. In April, 1897, Dickenson and Graham formed a partnership with E. C. Canady under the firm name of Dickenson, Canady & Graham. This firm did a general law business for a short time and dissolved, and for the last three years of his life Mr. Dickenson was alone in business. He died November 6, 1905, being killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle which he was engaged in cleaning.

"In his death, his associates as well as the legal profession, have lost one of its most distinguished members, and the city of Superior one of its best citizens; and not only Superior, but the state of Wisconsin as well.

"Judge Dickenson, as he was called, was a man whom all respected. He was plain, honest, courageous, true. He was a type of America's best citizenship. He worked hard, he persevered and he always gave the best service that was in him, there was no ^iiilc in his i'(iiii|i(isit ioti, he luitcd sham and ileceit, he Avas open and aljovc hoard in all his dealings, professional and otherwise. Jlc was a good man, a [jatriotic citizen and an able la wye I". "

Joseph M. Morrow, rci-haps no man who lived in Ihc county of .Monroe attained the pi-oniinence and wide accpiaintance in the state as that which .Judge ]\Iorrow enjoyed: the superiority of his intellectual and (jrofessioiud attainmenis won lor hiui fame, which went even l)eyond tiic lindts of the state. As a lawyer he was engaged in almost evei-y case of im|iortance which was tried in this section of the stale during the last forty years of his lifetime. As a judge he was impartial in his ruling, justly exacting regarding the conduct of lawyers in his court, yet treating them all Avith gentleness and courtesy which won the respect of all the meud)ers of the bar in the Si.xth Judicial Circuit.

Judge .Morrow was born in .\urora comity, New York, January 1, 1832, and received liis education at the Aurora Academy, after which he clerked in a store for three years, and following that he acce])1ed a i)osition with George A. Prince, a manufacturer, with whom he remained two years, Avhen he went to Boston to enter the employ of the ]\Iason & Hamlin Organ Company. He arrived at Sparta September 18, 1856, and resided in that city continuously up to the time of his death. He was admitted to the bar in 1859, and in 1S72 formed a partnership with Jiulge ('. M. Masters, whicdi contiinu'd, with the exception of the time a\ hen .Judge ^forrow was sitting as circuit judge, up until tlie time of his death.

Judge jMorrow sei-ved the county faithfully as district attorney for six diffei'ent terms, was ])resident of the \illage two years, clei-JN- of the Pxjai'd ol' iMlucation sexcii years; was I'nited States Internal Revenue Collector two yeai's dui-ing Clevelaiul's first term. .\t the end of this time his district was consolidated with the second, and the office moved to Madison under the collector (if that disti-ict. He was delcgate-at-large to tlu^ National Demociatic ('onxcnlion at (hicago in 1S84. and was appointed judge ol' the Sixth -Indicial Circuit in 1893 l)y Govel-nol' PiM'ls ;iii(l held the office until the next election when. owing to the district being ovei-whelmingly Republii-an. he was defeated, lie h;id sei-\cd as gi'and cliaucelor and past su]U'(Mnc represcnlatixc of the Knights of Pythias; lie was a mend)er of .\. O. r. AV. and a .Mason. He was married .\|.ril 9. ISHO. to

Miss Olive Graves, of Sparta, and to them v,as honi one daughter, Mary who still resides in Sparta in the old home. Judge Morrow died suddenly on the 28th day of -luly, 1899, dropping to the sidewalk and expiring almost instantly while going from his home to the office in the afternoon of that day.

Adalbert E. Bleekman, Sparta, was born nt Salisbury, Herkimer county, Xcw York, starch 26, 18-16. After receiving an academic education he studied law, came to Wisconsin in 1869, and settled in Toniah in the practice of his profession. In 1873 he was elected a member of the assembly. During the late w^ar he entered the military service as private in Company A, Second Ohio Cavalry, and was in the liattles of the AVilderness, Hanover Court House, Ackland Station, and all of Wilson's engagements during his raids in 1864. While residing at Tomah he was elected w^ithout opposition to the state senate in November, 1873. Removing to Sparta in June, 1875, he was elected district attorney for the county of Monroe for 1876, 1877 and 1878. Mr. Bleekman 's law firm in Sparta with Mr. Bloomingdale Avas Bleekman & Bloomingdale. Afterwards he moved to La Crosse, where he died June 27. 1908.

Henry C. Spaulding Avas a son of V. Spaulding, Avho came to Monroe county from Chelmford, ]\Iass., in the year 1855. Henry C. was born in Massachusetts on the lOtli day of January, 1844. He studied law at Tomah Avith the firm of Graham & Bleekman and Avas admitted to the bar in 1872. On the 24th day of June, 1871. he Avas married to Miss N. ]\L AYells, Avho was born in ^Michigan. Six children w^ere born to them, Clara B., Susie, Laura, Harry A., EdAvard, and Estella M.

In 1877 ]\Ir. Spaulding formed a partnership Avith A. E. Bleekman under the firm name of Bleekman & Spaulding, Avhich continued for about three years. He afterAvards entered into partnership Avith F. E. Campbell under the firm name of Spaulding & Campbell. Avhich firm continued for some tAvo years. After that ]\Ir. Spaulding practiced alone at the city of Tomah until the time of his death, Avhich occurred on the 7th day of ]\lay, 1907.

He attended Beloit College, taught school, studied laAV and Avas admitted to the bar in 1872. He served as a private in Company H, Tenth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, during 1861- 1862; in 1864 he again enlisted as a private in Company E. Forty-fourth Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Spaulding Avas a man of fine personality, a pleasing and forceful

David F. Jones was born in Ttiea, N. Y.. ]\Iay 11, 1859. He removed to Wisconsin with his parents at an early age and in 1874 beeaine a resident ol' the eity of Sparta. His early education was received in the Sparta schools and was completed by a thorough course at Gales\ill(' College qnd Lake Forest University. He studied law in the office of Morrow & ^Masters at Sparta and was admitted to the bar in 1884, and llu' following year Avas elected district attorney for Monroe eount^', which office he held for six consecutive years. He was elected again in the fall of 1893 and served one term.

About this time he became quite ])rominiut in state i)()litics and was elected a delegate to the National Republican Convention at St. Louis in 1896, which nominated i^resident ^McKinley. During 1897-1898 represented liis district in the assembly and made a l)rilliant record at this session; his ability was recognized on all sides and he was appointed a member of the committee to revise the Statutes of 1898 and rendered a valuable assistance in that work.

In July, 1898, he was appointed l)y President ]McKinley United States District Attorney for the AVestern District of "Wisconsin and his administration to that most important office stamped him as a lawyer of energy, ability and integrity. On January 1, 1899, he formed a partnership with R. A. Richards, Avho moved to Si)arta from Tomah, under the firm name of Jones & Richards, which continued up until tlic time of the death of ]Mr. Jones, which occurred on the 2()th day of December. 1900.

]\Ir. Jones was interested in local politics and served as chairman of the Republican County Committee for six years and was r)HM[ucn11\' a delegate of state and congressional conventions and in llie year 189.. lie l)ecame a candidate for the state senate, and the history of that memorable fight in which the senatorial dislrid met several times in the different pai'ts of tlie senatorial disti-iet. wliicli consisted ot Jackson, Moni-oe and Vernon counties, is still fresh in IIh' minds of some of the participants. Mr. Jones was defeated for the nomination, but his course marked him as a man to be reckoned with in the future. lie served file city of S]iarta in the caiiacity of its attorney sevi^ral terms, he was a Knight 'i'eini)hir anil i)rominent in ]\Iasonic and Odd Fellow lodges and at all times enjoyed the contideiieo of his friends. While attending a term of the United States Court at ]Madison in the month of December, 1900, he was taken suddenly ill and came home to take to his bed with a severe ease of typhoid fever and after a gallant fight for his life he gave up and passed away deeply mourned and his death sincerely regretted by the community at large.

]Mr. Jones was quite prominent in church and temperance work in his own connnunity and for five consecutive terms he was superintendent of the Sunday school of the First Congregational Church ; he was a deep student of the Bible and his lectures to the school were interesting and instructive and delivered in that eloquent manner of which he was a master they were very interesting, indeed. He was married at Sparta, AVis.. on March 12, 1884, to Miss Flora Smith and to them were born three children, ^Marcus, Augustus and Ida.

Frank H. Bloomingdale, Sparta, was born at Coudersport, Pa., October 15, 1854, and in the spring of 1863 he came to "Wisconsin with his parents. His education was connnenced in the public schools at Sparta, and in the fall of 1872 he entered the state university, Avhere he completed his sophomore year. In the fall of 1874 he entered the law school of Michigan State University, and was admitted to the bar at the December term of the Monroe County Circuit Court at Sparta in 1877. In January, 1879, he commenced practice of the law at Sparta, in partnership with A. E. Bleekman, and the firm continued as Bleekman & Bloomingdale. Later on the firm moved to La Crosse when after practicing a few years it was dissolved and Mr. Bloomingdale moved to California, where he is now engaged in practice.

George A. Richardson Avas born in the town of Manchester. Bennington county, Vermont, March 22, 1834; he was educated in the common schools and fitted himself for college at Burr Seminary and graduated from Middlebury College in the class of I860.'

He taught school for a time and then enlisted in the Fourteenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry of Nine ^Months' Men and served nearly a year, being discharged at Brattleboro, Vt., about two months after the Battle of Gettysburg. After his discharge from the service ]Mr. Richardson taught school and attended the Albany Law College at Albany, N. Y., for some time and came to Sparta, Wis., in April, 1866, and finished his law education in the office of Graves & Wheeler and entered upon the practice of his profession. He was elected district attorney of ]Monroe county and served for one term in 1871-1872 and receiving an advantageous offer from ^1. A. Thayer he entered into his employ and served as l)ookkeeper and cashier in llic hank of ]\I. A. Thayer (t ('<». until lS9'.i; since that time '\iy. Richardson has retired from active practice of law hul mainlains an office where he occupies his time with light office work, more as a matter of having something to do as he is a very industrious man hy nature.

lie has served the Sparta Free Lihrai-y as chairnuui of the library hoard for over twenty years and rendered invaluable service in and about the construction of the new librai'y building. He has also served as secretai'\' and ti-casui-ei- of the Sparta cemetery since it was organized in 188H. He and his estimable wife still reside in their pleasant home nn Watei- street, which is situated (»n the same lots Avhere they began housekeeping in the spring of 1809. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are prominent members of the Congregational church and arc active in religious work and highly respected in the comnninit.w

William B. Naylor, Jr., Avas born in Grand Rapids. "SVis., and moved to Tomah with his parents in 1878. He attended the Tomah public schools, worked as a clerk in the office of II. M. Sowle and through that became much interested in handling pensions and in ])ension laws, all of which aroused his interest in law as a profession. lie determined to become a member of the bar; he attended the I'niversity of Miiuiesota for one year and then attended the University of Wisconsin Law College from which he graduated in 1894. He opened an office in Tomah. July 20, 1894, "with II. E. Glover, who was a classuuite in college of Mr. Naylor 's and whose home was originally at Spencer, Iowa. This firm. Naylor & Glover, engaged in practice for about a yeai- when .Mr. (ilover I'ctired and Naylor continued the l)usiness alone. He served as city attorney and city clerk a inunber of different terms and was school district clerk, of School District No. 1. of the city of Tomah. for about nine years and resigned this office when he became disti'ict attoi'uey of ^Fonroe county, which position he served witli distiiu-tion fi-om 1904 to 1908; and by his conservative iiu'thods. thorough preparation and his alert interest in the county's affairs he left behind him in that office an envial)!e i-ecoi'd. having to his ci-cdit a colh-ction of about $10,000 in sums of various sizes for supj^ort due I'oi- inmates of the insane as\lums and lor other matters affecting the financial interests of the count\-: as district attorney h(> conducted the prosecution of the two trials of Samuel ^Montgomery for the niurdci- of his wife, which rc^sulted in the con\'iction of ^Font- gomery, and the appeal from the Circuit Court was sustained by the Supreme Court of the State. In 1901 a partnership was formed between Mr. Naylor and William McCaul under the firni name of Naylor & IMeCaul. which firm still continues at practice in Tomah. At the present time ]\Ir. Naylor is serving his school district as president of the school board.

He is a pleasing and forceful speaker, has always been an active Republican worker and takes great interest in the local affairs of his ow^n community and the county at large.

Howard Teasdale, state senator, of Sparta, has made an indelible impression on the public life of Sparta and throughout the state of Wisconsin. He was born at Janesville, Rock county, on August 9, 1855, son of John and Sarah (Seymour) Teasdale (sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work).

Mr. Teasdale first attended the schools of District No. 8, of Sparta township, where his parents were early settlers ; he afterward pursued a course of study at the Sparta high school which was supplemented by a modern classical course at the Wisconsin State University, and afterwards a special one-year course, then took up the study of law in the law department of the university, graduating with the class of 1882. During the years of 1881 and 1886 he was engaged in the machinery business, retailing binders and other machinery with his father, who was an extensive operator in this line. It was this business and the management of the homestead farm of 1,000 acres, that engaged Mr. Teasdale 's attention until 1889, when he moved to Sparta and opened an office and engaged in the practice of law, which he has since carried on successfully in addition to many other business enterprises in the city.

Senator Teasdale 's life has been one of constant activity since early boyhood. During some ten years he followed the vocation of teaching country schools during the winter months, eight years were spent in the Monroe county schools, and two years in Dane county. He has taken an active interest in politics and has been called upon to fill many local offices of trust. For one year, 1890 to 1891, he was justice of the peace, and from 1891 to 1896 was city clerk ; it was largely through his influence that the city waterworks system was installed in Sparta, he having charge of the system as superintendent for ten years, until October, 1910, when he resigned on account of his pressing senatorial duties. He was city attorney ten years, has been treasurer of city schools fifteen years, and in 1905 was appointed by Governor LaFollettee as district attorney for Monroe county, filling the office for nearly two years, and vras then elected for a two-year term. He was elected state senator in 1910 from the district conii)osed of Jackson, ^Monroe and Juneau counties. His opponents in this campaign were AV. B. Nay lor, W. S. Hake and G. il. Frohmader, ^Ir. Teasdale winning in the four-cornered contest by a majority of 500. During his term of office Mr. Teasdale has taken an active part in all the important legislation coming before the senate ; he represents the Progressive Temperance element and he literally opposed the Income Tax Act and the Teachers' J'ension Act. He introduced a bill for ad valorem tax of telej)hone property ; a hill forcing the physical connection of the two railroads entering cities and villages; a bill requiring owners of cemetery lots to give them care; a bill requiring uniform accounting of all asylums; a bill permitting county court to be held at Tomah ; a bill on drainage; the law requiring physicians to make thorough examination of patients before prescribing liquor; a bill for the protection of shredder operators against injury while their machinery is in operation, and many other matters of legislative importance.

Senator Teasdale is a man of pleasing personality, courteous in manner, quiet in demeanor, of generous impulses, and Avithal public-spirited and charitable, and whatever relates to the moral or material betterment of the community fiiids him an ardent advocate and hearty supporter.

Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Independent Order of Good Templars, the ]Modern "Woodmen of America and the Rebekahs. He is one of the largest stockholders in and has had charge of the local telephone system since 1898 ; he is a stockholder and director in the Electric Light & Power Company, a stockholder and director in the Bank of Sparta, and stockholder of Citizens' Bank, ]\Ionroe County Bank, of Sparta, and Bank of Ontario, special state treasury agent for Wisconsin, and has been court commissioner for several yeai's. He also has large property holdings both in Sparta and other localities of the county.

In 1897 Senator Teasdale married IMiss Carrie E. Davis, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of Thomas Davis, of Tomah. ^Irs. Teasdale is a woman of fine endoAvments, whose superior qualities of mind and heart attract to her- the admiration of all who come within the range of her influence.

William R. McCanl was born in Tonmh. December 5, 1872, and has resided in that city all of his life. He is a graduate of the Tomali high school, studied law in the office of Judge Graham and was admitted to the bar in 1900. He practiced for one year alone and in 1901 formed a partnership with Mr. Naylor under the firm name of Naylor & jMcCaul, which firm still continues in practice at Tomah. Mr. McCaul has been city attorney for several years, of the city of Tomah, and has conducted the affairs of this position with marked ability ; outside of that he has never held any office. He is a public spirited citizen and interested in the affairs of his community of the county; is a Democrat in politics and has become prominent in the affairs of his party.

John Jacob Esch, Republican, of La Crosse, was born near Norwalk, Monroe County, Wisconsin. ]March 20, 1861, of German parents; in 1865 his parents moved to ^Milwaukee, and five years later to Sparta, Wis., where both still reside; after graduating from the Sparta high school entered the modern classical course of the state university at Madison, and took his degree with the class of 1882; for three years following engaged in teaching and the study of law, and in 1886 entered the law department of the state university and graduated in 1887 ; since being admitted to the bar has practiced law in La Crosse ; th-3 only elective office held by him was that of city treasurer of Sparta in 1885; in 1883 organized the Sparta Rifles, afterwards known as Company I, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, and was commissioned captain, retaining the office until 1887 ; upon his removal to La Crosse helped organize Company M, of the same regiment, being first lieutenant and afterwards captain; in January, 1894, was commissioned acting .judge advocate general, with the rank of colonel, by Gov. W. H. Upham, holding the office for two years; was elected to the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth and Sixty-first congresses, and reelected to the Sixty-second congress, receiving 15,365 votes to 7,365 for Paul W. Mahoney, Democrat; 1,180 for John Marquet, Socialist- Democrat, and 458 for A. A. Merrill, Prohibitionist.

James N. Gillett

I w^as born in Viroqua, Vernon county, Wisconsin, on September 20, 1860. Within a month after the great tornado which destroyed that town my parents moved to Sparta, Wis. This was about August, 1865. My father was Cyrus F. Gillett. He had two brothers. Ransome and Abraham, who also moved to Sparta about that time. I went to school at the North Primary

Sc-liool, \vlu'ii the oUl brick liijili scliuol was iiiiislictl 1 went to it. I did not prradiiate from high school, ))ut was in the class that graduated in the spring 1870.

Tlu' first lawsuit I ever tried was in Sparta before Justice Samuel Iloyt. It grew out of a horse trade between R. B. Sabins, a deacon in the Baptist church, and a man l-y tlie name of Lee. G. AV. IMeadows, who was studying law with Moi-row & blasters, represented the defendant. ]\lr. ]\Ieadows is now a judge in the northern part of Wisconsin. Air. Iloyt was also a deacon in the Baptist church. The case was decided in my favor, but in looking at it from this distance, I am inclined to l)elieve that the greater factor in the case was the fact that my client and the justice were both deacons of the same church.

In the spring of 1883 I had decided to go AVest, not knowing just particularly where, but Avould locate in any favorable spot from Alontana to the Pacific ocean. Before leaving, AI. A. Thayer, who at that time was a ])i'omineni banker in Sparta, requested me to remain there and kindly otfered to provide me with a law library and an office free of rent until such time as I could pay for it. This to me Avas an exceedingly kind offer and coming as it did at that time to one Avithout anything, it gave me a feeling of admiration and friendship for Air. Thayer which I never forgot.

However, I was firm in my intention to go AVest and I did, leaving on tlie l-lth day of Alay. 188.}. for St. Paul, from Avhence I intended to lake my hearings. 1 had >\^47} wlien T started, but I considered this sufificient capital for any young man going into a country having the great possibilities that I dreamed the AVest had. I remained in Alontana for several mouths, working in a saw mill ni'ar Bozeman to earn enough money to take me further on m\- journey. I learned that the thermom(>ter fre(|uently fell as low as 40 degrees below zero and as 1 li;id lived many years in a cold climate I Avanted to get away if I could.

About tlie iiiiddh' of July. 1883, I reached Seattle, Avhich Avas then a siiKill town of about five thousand. I took a contract for clearing a block of land overlooking Lake AVashington. I cleared the land all right, according to contract, hut the felloAA-s for whom 1 was working were as poor as I was and tliey failed to pay me $83, the bahmee due in my behalf. Both of them afterwards became millionaires. While in Seattle, Henry Ward Beecher appeared there and lectured in one of the churches, his subject being "The Common People," and charged $1 admission. I happened to be in from my work getting supplies and I thought this would be my only opportunity to hear and see Beecher. I was not dressed at all for the occasion, but inasmuch as his subject was on the common people and as I represented that class about as thoroughly as anybody could at that time, I concluded to go and hear what he had to say about me and the rest of us and I hid my supplies in an alley near the church and went in. After M'orking a while in Seattle I met a couple of young lawyers who were just locating. Both w^ere from La Crosse. I believe one's name was Kellogg, although I am not sure. I got them the first business they had. After this 1 found employment in a saw mill at Port Gamble, owned by Pope, Talbott & Co. I worked for them through the fall and winter of 1884, when I decided to go to California.

I arrived in California about the 22nd day of April, having been seasick all the way. AVe had a storm and a rough voyage. I was traveling steerage and somehow or other I did not seem to get along just right and remained for several days in San Francisco recuperating and in looking over the situation. I finally decided to go to Humboldt county. I was told that Eureka was a thrifty little city and the center of the great redwood forests. As I had always lived in a country where there was timber and hills I thought I would feel more at home if I settled in such a place and I arrived in Eureka on the 5th of May, 1884. I worked there for a while in the woods and in saw mills until I had earned sufficient money to get a small law library and some office furniture. Having secured enough to get started I bought my library, furnished my office and commenced the practice of law. At that time Eureka was a very prosperous community. There was considerable litigation and in a very short time I had Avorked myself into a very good practice which continued to grow as time rolled on.

In 1896 I became a candidate for the state senate from the First Senatorial District and was elected for a term of four years. In 1902 I became a candidate for Congress from the First Congressional District of California and was elected and served through the Fifty-eighth and Fifty-ninth congresses. While I was in Washington I was a member of the Judiciary Committee.

]\ly life in AVashington was very pleasant. I met there ]\Iiss Anna Smith, who was tlim cinployed in the Interior Department. She was my teacher in Sparta for many years in the primary, intermediate, and higli school grades. I also met Henry Casson, sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, and AVilliam Kern, who lived in Sparta a iuiml)er of years ago and who will be rememl)eri'd by all the old settlers. I also had the pleasure of again meeting my old ehum and schoolmate, John Esch, who at thai lime was, and is now, one of the most prominent and highly respected iiicinbers of the House of Representatives.

In 1906 I was elected governor of the State of California I have had four children, two l)oys and two girls. My oldest boy died about eight years ago. Tlie youngest boy, James, is now nearly eleven. J. N. Gillett.

C. W. Bunn, tlie son of Judge Ronumzo l^unn, who moved to Tomah with his father in 1861, at which time he was six years of age. lie attended the public schools of Sparta and from there, in 1870, went to the University of AViseonsin, graduating there, B. S., in 187-4, and from the law school in 1875. He then moved to La Crosse, Avhere ho lived until 1885 and Mas a member of the firm of Cameron, Losey & Bunn, which firm afterwards became Losey & Bunn, upon the retirement of Air. Cameron. In 1885 he removed to St. Paul, forming a partnershij) with J. AV. Lusk. who formerly had lived at Reidsburg, AVis., under the firm name of Lusk & Bunn, which was succeeded by the firm Lusk, Bunn & Iladley and afterwards by Bunn & Hadley. In 1896 he became the general counsel of the Northern Pacific Railway Company, M'hich position he still holds.

Frank Fredrick Cster was born at Sparta, AVis., June 3, 1860, his parents being Alidiarl Peter Oster and Alagdalene Oster (nee Titus). Attended llic public schools of Sparta and graduated from the Sparta high school in June, 1876. Entered the University of AVisconsin tlie same fall and graduated tlu^refrom in June, 1882, Avith the degree of bachelor of letters. Read law with Alorrow & Alasters and was admitted to the bar in 1885, While reading law, was elect(>d justice of the peace and police judge (two offices) for tlie tei'iii of Iwo years, served one year, rcsigiKMJ iiiKJ. in the fall of 1886 removed to California, where 111' lias since resided. On the organization of the city of Colton, in 1887, he was a]ipi)inted its first city attorney and held that office niitil 1892. when he resigned. In 1890 he formed law ]iart- nership with W. J. Curtis, at San Bernardino, under the name of Curtis & Oster, but continued to reside at Colton until January 1, 1893, when, on taking office as district attorney of San Bernardino county, he removed to the city of San Bernardino - the county seat. Served two years as district attorney, declined renomination which was offered him. In 1895 he was nominated and elected judge of the Superior Court of San Bernardino county for the term of six years ; was reelected in 1901 and again in 1907, the last time without opposition either in convention or at the polls. Still holds that office. In politics he has always been a Republican. He was married at Colton, Cal., October 15, 1891, to ]\Iiss Elsie ]M. Donald and has one child - a son named Donald Titus Oster, now 17 years old.

He is a Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner, belongs also to the Elks and Knights of Pythias. He is active in all public atfairs. Secured $20,000 from Andrew Carnegie for a library at San Bernardino, was first president of the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce, and was chairman of the committee appointed to prepare and was the principal author of the present Juvenile Court Law of California, generally believed to be the most advanced measure of its kind in existence. He was also chairman of the campaign committee which recently sought to raise $75,000 for a Y. M. C. A. at San Bernardino and succeeded in raising donations aggregating nearly twice that amount.

Randolph A. Richards Avas born at ^Milwaukee. Wis., January 5, 1863 ; in 1867 his parents moved to Tomah. his father. Dr. J. F. Richards, there entering upon the practice of medicine.

He attended the public schools at Tomah, graduating from the high school with the class of 1882; was the valedictorian of his class. Soon after graduating he entered the law office of Hoii. George Graham as student and clerk; he passed the examination of the State Board at ^Milwaukee and was admitted to the bar December 28, 1887 ; his practice has been principally confined to this county. AVhile living at Tomah he served as city attorney several terms and as district attorney one term and was a member of the Board of Education of Tomah for four years and served on the county board for three years.

He was one of the organizers of Company K, Third Regiment W. X. G., being mustered in as a corporal with the Company May 28, 1884; was elected second lieutenant in 1886 and captain in 1887; he commanded Company K from September 5, 1887. until his promotion to the rank of major in 1897; during this term he was instrumental in causing the erection of the armory.

Upon the reorganization of the Third Regiment after the Spanish-American war he was commissioned major and assigned to conniiand of the First I^attalion, companies B, La Crosse; K, Tomah ; L, Sparta, and M. La Crosse; on ilay 6, 1910, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, which rank he still holds.

Clark M. Rosecrantz was horn in .Mauston, Juneau county, June 2;], l.S()!). wwd removed from there to ^McTIenry county, Illinois, in IST;^ He went to S])arta in 188') and attended ])ublic school one year, lie then went to Carroll College, Waukesha, AVis., to fit for the university; entered the University of Wisconsin in Septend)er, 1889, and graduated with the degree of ]i. L. in 189.S. and gi-aduated fi-om the law school at the University of Wisconsin in 1S94. Shortly afterwards he entered the office of Sullivan & Cromwell, counselors at law, offices at Fortyfifth and Wall streets. New York City, and remained there until Septendiei'. 1S!)(). when he came to ^Milwaukee and joined Charles P. Spooner and Cliarles II. George in the ])ractice of law under the firm nann' of Spooner, Rosecrantz & George; this fii'm contiiuuMl until about 1900 when ]\Ir. G(»orge retired from the tiiiii. Shortly after .Mr. George's retireuient, .Mi'. Willett ]\L Spoonei' joined the linn and continued for about a year under the lirm name of S|)ooner. Rosecrantz (!c Spooner; after >\Ir. Willett M. Spoonei- "s retirement from the tinn Charles P. Spooner continued under the firm name of Spooner l^ Rosecrantz until 1890 when S|)ooi;er left Alilwaiikee to engage in the practice of law at Seattle, Wash. Mr. Rosecrantz continued the practice alone until .May, 1910, when tli(> firm of Van Dyke, Rosecrantz, Shaw & Van Dvke was formed, which still continues.

]Mr. Roseerantz has for a great many years been the general attorney of the ]\Iihvaukee Light & Traction Company, which control the street car lines in that city and several interurban lines.

M. E. Powell Avas born at Farmsville, Cattaraugus county, New York, April 11, 1840, and came to Sparta in 1853; resided on a farm until 1858 when he connnenced th.e study of law in the office of L. AY. Graves, which continued until the time of his enlistment in the First AVisconsin Battery of Light Artillery at La Crosse in 1861. He served throughout his term of three years and was mustered out in 1864, then returned to Sparta and completed his legal studies in the office of lion. Romanzo Bunn and was admitted to practice l)y Judge Edwin Flint, September 25. 1865 ; he removed to Redwood Falls, Minn., in 1867 and there practiced law for about forty years; he has retired from active practice and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor at Redwood Falls.

John Anderson was born at Fox Lake, AYis., January 22, 1855, his family soon removing to Tomah. He attended the schools at Tomah and Sparta and later graduated from the University of AVisconsin. He taught the ]\Iauston High School for two years as principal, came to Sparta and studied law in the office of Morrow & ^Masters ; was admitted to the bar and began practice at Chippewa Falls, soon afterwards being elected county judge, Avhich ot!ice he held for twelve years; was at one time city attorney and mayor of Chippewa Falls. He died Alarch 25, 1911.

Almon A. Helms was l)()rn in the town of Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, state of New York, October 18, 1846. Received a common school education in the schools of the counties of St. Lawrence and Franklin, in that state.

After he became abont 14 years of age he worked at farming summers and taught school two winters in the district schools of the state of New York. Canu^ to AVisconsin in the spring of 1866, locating at Durand, in Pepin county, and resided there nntil the spring of 1874. AVhile at Durand he worked one sunnuer in the Knopp, Stout & Co. saw mill, clerked in a drug store one summer, clerked on a steamboat on the Chippewa river four summers, taught in the county schools four winters and two summers, read law with Hon. II. E. Houghton one winter.

He moved to Tomah with his family in jNlarch, 1874, entering the employ of the Chicago, iNlilwaukee & St. Paul Railway as a clerk in the Tomah depot, remaining there about a year and a half; afterwards entering the employ of the Wisconsin Valley

Conipany until January 1, 1876, at wliich time he entered the olilicc of Hon. George Graham as i-h-rk and student. He "vvas admitted to the bar by Hon. Romanzo Bunn, eireiiit judge, in September, 1876, entering into partnership with Judge Graham, continued until August, 1881. He removed to Osseo, "Wis., in September, 1881, and from there to ]\Iei'rill, Wis., in ]\Iay, 1882, entering into partnership with S. ^I. Hoyt, which continued until 1885. He was elected county .judge of Lincoln county, serving one term, and was elected municipal judge in 1891, and has been the incumbent of the office as municipal and superior court judge ever since. Served as mayor of the city of ^lerrill for one year JNIay 1, 1887, to ]\Iay 1, 1888; is now a member of the Board of Education of the Merrill schools and has been for some time.

Charles W. Meadows was born at Trenton. X. J., February 24, 1847; in the fall of 1855 his parents moved to ]\Ionroe county, locating in the town of Leon and meeting with their full share of the hardships and inconveniences which fell to the lot of the pioneers of early days. At the breaking out of the Civil AVar his two older brothers, AVilliam H. and Thomas p]., enlisted and went to the front, leaving him at home with his father, mother and little sister.

Plowever, early in January, 1864, although not yet seventeen years of age, being five feet seven inches tall and weighing one hundred and twenty-five pounds, passed him into the service and he enlisted and served with bis two lirothers until the close of the war; he enlisted in Company A of the Third Cavalry and joined his comj^any at Fort Curtis. ^lo., where the troops of whicli lie was attaclied were engaged in contesting with Price, Shelby and Quantrell as to who should occupy that jiart of the country. From the time he joined the company until he was nuistered out. September, 1865, he saw a great deal of service, chietly scouting and escoit duty, but also quite a battle of sharp fighting during the campaign against Pric(» in the fall of 1864, taking part in several battles Avhere from fifteen to twenty thousand cavalry engaged on a side.

Til tlie summer of 1878 he began the study of law in the office of \V. J. llahn, Lake City, ]\Iinn., and in the fall of the same year entered the office of ]Morrow & ]\Iasters at Sparta and was admitted to tlie bar there by Judge Newman at the October term of the circuit court in 1880; he remained with ]\Iorrow & Masters until the spring of 1881 when he married jMiss Kdna L. Tri.sh, at Viroqua, when, in company with S. 'M. Hoyt, also a student of Morrow & Masters, opened a law office at Merrill, Wis. ; when there, he states, they practiced "economy" for several months, when, owing to the death of his father, he returned to Sparta, remaining there until the following spring and then removed to Barron county, which he has since called his home, although he spent a year or tAvo in Georgia and four years in AVashington, D. C.

Mr. Meadows was in Sparta during the days of J. N. Gillett and he states that his first lawsuit was tried in the winter of 1881 and that if he had known that he was fighting against the future governor of the state of California it is quite probable, he says, that he would not have gone into the case, as Governor Gillett was at that time a student in the office of Bleekman & Bloomingdale and the case referred to Avas also the time Avhich Gillett had the honor to try as his maiden effort. As Mr. Meadows very tritely phrased it : "It Avas a horse trade case and I had not a oit of eA'idence and what Avas still Avorse my client had no money; besides, Jim, like the red nose man in 'PickAvick, ' had the 'gift of the gab Averry gallopin,' and he just 'Avoke the cathedral music of the universe' in trying the case, entirely submerging my penny whistle, and of course I lost, but I do not believe Jim has collected his judgment yet."

Charles W. Graves, of Viroqua, was born at East Aurora, Erie county, Ncav York, on November 29, 1854; is the oldest son of Lewis W. Graves. His mother's maiden name Avas I\Iary J. Walds. In 1856 his parents removed to Sparta, Avhere JNIr. GraA^es spent his years until 1879, receiving a common high school education in the Sparta schools. In 1874 he began the study of laAV in his father's office and in January, 1876, Avas admitted to the l)ar at Sparta before Judge Romanzo Bunn. He began practice in Sparta and in 1876 Avas associated Avith Fred T. Condit and later (1877-78) Avith A. E. Bleekman. In 1876 Mr. Graves Avas toAvn clerk of the town of Sparta. In May, 1879, he removed to Viroqua, forming a laAV copartnership AA^ith Col. C. M. Butt, of that city, Avhich continued for fifteen years. During the years 1891-1892-1893 he served as secretary of the State Board of World's Fair Managers in connection Avith the Chicago AVorld's Fair and during these three years gave nearly his entire time to the duties of the office. In May, 1894, he Avas appointed county judge of Vernon county and served until January 1, 1898. Since then he has practiced laAV in Virociua and is still in active practice.

In 1875 he married Miss Ida Reas. of Sparta, four children l)ein^ born to them, viz., Earl AY. Graves, R. B. Graves, of Sparta, Allan ]\I. Graves and Mrs. S. M. C'offland. In 1897 Mrs. Graves died, and in the fall of 1899 he married Miss Nettie McMichael, of Viroqua.

E. R. Bowler was born in Uic town of LaFayette, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, on September 25, 1869. lie attended the Bush Prairie school, wliicli Avas known as one of the leading district schools of ]\lonroi' county. He afterward attended the Sparta high school ; after completing the course he was appointed to the position of railway mail clerk under the United States Civil Service Act, and served in that capacity for a period of about three years, his principal route during that time being between Chicago and j\Iinneai)olis. He lefr the railway mail service to enter the University of AVisconsin. and when taking the academic course he belonged to the Philomathea Debating Society, as well as other prominent debating societies at the University of AVisconsin, and w'as chosen as one of the joint debators to represent the University of Wisconsin in joint debate between that institution and the university of the state of ]Miunesota. His associates in this debate were ]\Ir. E. A. Evans, of Baraboo, and Mr. AY. J. Kalaher. Milwaukee, and with them he won the first debate that had been won from the University of Minnesota in a number of years. He completed the law course at the University of AVisconsin in 1896, after which lime he was employed in the office of D. F. .lom^s. who was then United States district attorney for \ho western district of AVisconsin, In P^ebruary, 1898, he formed a pai'tnership Avith his ])rother, T. ]\I. Bowler, and under the partnership name of Bowler & Bowler they entered into the practice of law at the city of Sheboygan. Wis. His advancement as a lawyer was very rapid, and he has been recognized throughout the state as one of the leadinir lawyers. He has been engaged from tiine to time in some of Ihc most important litigations in the eastern jiart of the state. During the last sessions of the legislature he has represented large interests before that body in framing l.>gislation. he having represented the State Bankers' Association ol' the State of AVisconsin: State AFanufacturers' Association of th(> State of AVisconsin, as well as many other large interests.

He, together with his brother, T. AI. Bowler, who comprise the firm of Bowler & Bowler at Sheboygan, are enjoying the confidence of the entire community, and have a very large practice in thcii" profession in that section of the state. He was united

T. M. Bowler was born in the town of LaFayette, Monroe county, Wisconsin, on August 26, 1871. He attended the district school during his early boyhood, and thereafter attended the high school in the city of Sparta, and taught school in several parts of Monroe county, after which he attented normal school, and shortly after being a graduate of the normal school in 1892, was elected county superintendent of schools of Monroe county on the Democratic ticket, he being one of the few Democrats elected to county office at that time. During his term as county superintendent he established the summer school for teachers in this county, which has been conducted yearly ever since, and has been a great help to the common schools of this county. He was defeated for reelection in 1894, on account of the large Republican majority in the county, and at the expiration of his term as county superintendent on January 1, 1895. entered the law school at the University of Wisconsin, and finished that course with his brother, E. R. Bowler, in June, 1896. He was excused from taking final examinations in the law school on account of his high class records, and in February, 1898, he entered the practice of law at the city of Sheboygan, AVis., in partnership formed wnth his brother, E. R. Bowler. He was elected city attorney of the city of Sheboygan in the spring of 1899, and held that office for a period of four years. During this time the firm of Bowler & Bowler had become employed by and represented large interests, such as the Chicago & North- Western Railway Company, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, the Sheboygan Railway & Electric Company, as well as other large interests, and for this reason he declined to accept further political office, and has since that time devoted his entire attention to those interests which his firm represent.

He is a member of the Knights of Columlnis, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, and has held the highest office in all those orders, and Avith his brother, E. R. Bowler, enjoys a very successful practice. He has succeeded from a business standpoint, at this time being president of the Citizens' Telephone Exchange, and is interested in a financial Avay in many other large interests in Sheboygan. He married a Monroe county girl. Miss Mary Ebert, Tomah, Wis., and one child was born, Dorothy, aged eleven years.

county, on the 0th day of ^March, 1877. He obtained his common school education in the liush Prairie sclioois, and entered the Sparta high school in 1800, and graduated therefrom in ]S04. Upon graduation from tlie Sparta high school he taught school in j\Ionroe county for three years, being principal of the Tunnel City and Cashton graded schools. Cashton school became a high school the year ]\Ir. Bowler gave up the vocation of Tcniching to enter tlie law department of the state university at ^ladison, which he did in the year 1897. He received his degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1000. While at the university, "Jim'' was prominent both in debating circles and in tlie management and direction of the athletic affairs at the university, being selected as a member of the joint debate of the Missouri intercollegiate debate and also acting in the capacity of baseball manager and assistant football manager.

]\Ir. BoAvler, upon being admitted to the practice of law, entered the law office of Jones & Rieliards, at Sparta, and shortly after the death of Mr. Jones became the junior member of the firm of Richards & Bowler, which partnership continued until January 1, 1007, when he entered into partnership with liis brother George under the firm name of Bowler & Bowler, which partnership continued until Januai-y 1. 1008. George then went to Sheboygan with his older brothers FA and Tim, and Jim engaged in the practice of law at AYausau. AVis.. where he remained until the first of December, 1011, when he removed to IMilwaukee, AYis.. where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession.

George J. Bowler was horn in tlie town of LaFayette, ]\Ionroe county, Wisconsin, July ]0. 1870. He attend<'d the district school of that town and later entered the high school in the eity of Sparta, graduating from thai school in -hine, 1805. lie tlien taught school in the county of IMonroe, afterward conducting Avitli his brother, John Bowler, the Bowler Brothers' Fruit Farm, whieh has been generally known as one of the pioneer fruit farms of this section of the state. He later entered the I'niversity of Wisconsin, and graduated from the law department of that institution in June, 100:^. after which he entered the employ of the firm of Richards & Bowler at S]iarta, Wis., and continued in their employ until January 1, lOOo, at which time he, with his brother. James J. liowler, formed a partnership and practiced law at Sparta under the firm name of Bowler & Bowler until Januarv 1, 1008, at wliich time he went to Shel)ovi]ran, Wis., and has been associated there with his brothers, E. R. Bowler and T. M. Bowler, until January 1, 1912. He is now practicing law in the city of jMilwaukee, now" being associated with the firm of McGee & Jeger, Nos. 1126-1180 AVells Building, of that city.

William F. Sawyer was l)orn in La Crosse county about two miles northwest of what is now the town of Rockland and attended the country school near Big Creek, afterwards attending Viroqua high school for a time and then came to Sparta, attending the high school there and graduated in the same class with John J. Esch, Frank Oster and others. After leaving the high school he taught school for a time and then attended Valparaiso university where he obtained the degree of A. B. and afterwards entered the Colombia Law School in New York City, finally completing his legal education at the Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, which is a part of the University of California, where the degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him. He w^as then admitted to practice law and located at San Francisco^ Avhere he has practiced for over twenty years.

At the time of the great earthquake and fire in April, 1906, he had his offices in the ]\Iills building, which was burned and in which he also resided in apartments. He saved some of the records and a few books from his office at the time of the fire, but in order to do so, he had to move them five times and was from four o'clock in the afternoon of the day of the earthquake until the forenoon of the next day in saving what few things were not burned. Immediately after the fire he was in doubt as to what to do, but finally decided to establish an office again and he found that since the earthquake and fire there has been more legal business in the city than there was prior to that time. ]\Ir. Sawyer engages in the general practice of law, except that he does not take criminal cases; and gives special attention to the law of real estate and corporations.

For about ten years Mr. A. C. Freeman, George E. Bates and Mr. Sawyer had offices together, Mr. Freeman being the author of "Freeman on Judgments" and the editor of the "American Decisions" and of the "American State Reports."

Mr. Sawyer is unmarried ; and is a member of the Union League Club of San Francisco and takes an active part in political matters. He is interested in the growth of the city and believes that San Francisco, wdien fully rebuilt, will be one of the finest cities of its size in the world.

Ray B. Graves was born at Sparta, AVis., October 1, 1878, is the son of C. W. Graves; his parents moved to Viroqua soon after his birth or during early boyhood and his early education was received in that city, graduating from tlif X'ironua high school in 1897. lie studied law in tlie otficc of ('. AV. Graves and passing the state bai- examination successfully, was admitted to the bar August 28, 1898. He came to Sparta and entered the office of Morrow & Masters in January. 1899. After the death of Judge ]\I()rrow, the fii'm of blasters & Graves was formed and some time later tlie fii'm Ix'came Masters, Graves & ^Masters, by the admission of II. J. .Masters. Mr. Graves is a successful trial lawyer and has been engaged in much of the important litigation in the county, notably being selected by the court and appointed to assist the district attorney in the Montgomery murder trial.

John G. Graham was born at Tomah. September 2. 1875. and is the son of Col. George Graham. He received his early education in the schools of Tomah, graduating from the liigli school in June, 1898; he afterwards took a two-years' collegiate course at the University of Wisconsin. He studied for three years at the law sehool of the T^niversity of AVisconsin and then entered his father's office, being successful in passing the state bar examination and was admitted to practice January 1, 1900. He commenced the practice of law with his father the same year under the firm name of Graham & Graham, which is still the firm name, though Colonel Graham has retired from active practice. Mr. Graham has won good success at the bar and is considered one of the growing young men in the profession.

Harry J. Masters was born at Sparta, AVis.. Alay 29, 1880. and is the son of Judge C. JVI. IMasters. He was educated in Sparta, graduating from the high school with the class of 1899, afterwards entering the University of AVisconsin. taking uj) the study of laAV ; graduated in 1904, and after a period of rest, took nj) the practice of his i)rof(\ssion as the junior member of the firm of Masters, Graves & Alasters. lie is a close student, endowed with a good stock of common sense, and is one of the <'omi]ig young members of the bar.

Thorwald P. Abel, district attorney of Sparta. Among the well-known attorneys of Alonroe county is he whose name heads this sketch. His parents, John J. and Laura (Johnson) Abel, immigrated from Denmark, their native country, to the United States in the sixties, and settled at Kenosha. AVis., where our sul)ject was born April 24. 1878. Among the many responsible positions held by the si'uior Abel may be mentioned that of United States inspector of immigration at Portal, X. D.

The Legal Frateenity 471

the Kenosha public schools, which was supplemented with a thorough course in the law department of the Wisconsin State University at Madison, where he was graduated wath the class of 1902. In October of that year he located at Sparta and commenced the practice of his chosen profession, which he has since followed wnth gratifying success. In 1908 he was elected district attorney for ]\[onroe county, and so well did he discharge the duties of the office that he Avas re-elected in 1910 for a second term of two years.

In fraternal and social matters he is an active participant, being a member of the Knights of Pythias order and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was united in marriage on February 8, 1905, to Miss Charlotte C. Kent, daughter of William and Florence (Cooper) Kent, of Beloit, Kan.

Zelotus S. Rice, attorney at laAv, and one of the substantial citizens of Sparta, is a native of Monroe county, and was born at Wilton, August 7, 1881. His father, Mr. J. P. Rice, who is prominent in business circles throughout the county, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. O'Leary, are also natives of Wisconsin.

Mr. Rice received his education in the public and high schools of Sparta, graduating from the latter w^ith the class of 1901. He spent a year in the law department of the University of Minnesota and finished his course at the University of Wisconsin, graduating with the class of 1904. After completing his law studies, he located at Sparta in 1905 and formed a partnership with Col. R. A. Richards in the practice of his profession, the firm name being Richards & Rice. This partnership continued for about three years - 1908, at which time it was dissolved and Mr. Rice moved into the Knudson building, on Oak street, where he has since carried on a general practice on his ow^n account, and has been eminently successful. He is serving his third term as city attorney of the city of Sparta, and has made for himself an enviable record during his incumbency. He holds the office of the local examiner of the Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Rice is one of that coterie of young men of the Sparta high school who were developed under the tutelage of Professor Doty. His ambition to become a lawyer was manifested early and met with the approval of his father, whose knowledge of the law is broad because of his w^ork as an abstractor and county officer, and his success in his home city has been w^ell earned -and notable. During the past four or five years he has attracted to his office a great deal of the eoinmereial and real estate law business of the better sort. His practice is firmly established and is more extensive than his county. lie has the appearance and demeanor of a lawyer and is endowed with a great brain and much talent.

ilr. Rice has. up to lliis time, given his entire attention to his law i)ractice and avoided tlie many temptations and opportunities to enter politics, although he has been twice elected to the office of supervisor from the Fonrtli ward of the city of Sparta, without opposition and without his having sought the office, and has served on the county board and has been one of the leaders there and a great power for good.