Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:

Read More About It

"Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography" by Wisconsin Historical Society

"Wisconsin Blue Book" 1960

Vocabulary:

probate

margin

Interesting Fact:

President Abraham Lincoln offered Lewis a diplomatic post but he (Lewis) declined the offer.

Study Questions:

What were the primary issues in Wisconsin while Lewis was governor?

Who was Lewis' opponent in 1864 and what were the vote totals? What was the name of the opposition party?

Why did Lewis refuse to run for a second term?

U.S. historical events that occurred on August 4:

1830: Plans for the city of Chicago are laid out.

August 4

Wisconsin Governors
James T. Lewis, ninth governor of Wisconsin, died on August 4, 1904. He was born on October 30, 1819 in New York state. In 1845, Lewis settled in Columbus, Wisconsin to practice law. He quickly became involved in politics, serving as district attorney, county judge of probate, a member of the state Constitutional Convention, state Assembly and Senate, lieutenant governor and secretary of state. He was elected governor by a wide margin, taking office in 1864. He refused to run for re-election and returned to Columbus.

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