Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Odd Wisconsin Archive

Dictionary of Wisconsin History

When Wisconsin Had Two Governors (Milwaukee Journal)


Read More About It

"The Scottish 100: Portraits of History's Most Influential Scots" by Duncan A. Bruce

"Wisconsin Blue Book" 1960 edition, page 84.


Vocabulary:

lieutenant governor
avert


Interesting Fact:

McArthur's son, Arthur MacArthur, was a Civil War hero and received the Medal of Honor, and his grandson, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, also received the Medal of Honor.


Study Questions:

  • Why did McArthur feel he was entitled to the governor's office?
  • McArthur was elected a circuit court judge in 1857? Where was his court and how effective was he as a judge?
  • Where did McArthur go once he left Wisconsin in 1870 and why?


    Search these newspaper databases for additional stories about Arthur McArthur:

  • Wisconsin State Journal/The Capital Times
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • BadgerLink Wisconsin Newsstand
  • Wisconsin Historical Society


    U.S. historical events that occurred on January 26:

    1802: An act is passed by Congress calling for a library in the U.S. Capitol.
    1837: Michigan becomes the 26th state.



    • January 26

    January 26, 1815: Wisconsin governor Arthur McArthur was born on this date. McArthur is officially listed as Wisconsin's fourth governor, but served for only four days. McArthur was elected lieutenant governor in 1855, and replaced Governor William Barstow, who resigned due to voter fraud. Coles Bashford, Barstow’s opponent, was named governor by the state Supreme Court. Bashford asked McArthur to step down peacefully, if possible, but by force, if necessary. McArthur stepped aside to avert violence, ending his four-day term as governor. He died on Aug. 26, 1896.

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