(ISSN 0043-6534) WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY The State Historical Society of Wisconsin • Vol. 74, No. 4 • Summer, 1991
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•v-. THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN H. NICHOLAS MULLER III, Director Officers GEORGE H. MILLER, President H. NICHOLAS MULLER III, Secretary GERALD D, VISTE, Treasurer JANE BERNHARDT, Second Vice-President FANNIE HICKLIN, First Vice-President
THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN is both a state agency and a private membership organization. Founded in 1846—two years before statehood—and chartered in 1853, it is the oldest American historical society to receive continuous public funding. By statute, it is charged with collecting, advancing, and dissemi nating knowledge of Wisconsin and of the trans-Allegheny West. The Society serves as the archive of the State of Wisconsin; it collects all manner of books, periodicals, maps, manuscripts, relics, newspapers, and aural and graphic materials as they relate to North America; it maintains a museum, library, and research facility in Madison as well as a statewide system of historic sites, school services, area research centers, and affiliated local societies; it administers a broad program of historic preservation; and publishes a wide variety of historical materials, both scholarly and popular.
MEMBERSHIP in the Society is open to the public. Individual membership (one person) is $25. Senior Citizen Individual membership is $20. Family membership is $30. Senior Citizen Family membership is $25. Supporting membership is $100. Sustaining membership is $250. A Patron contributes $500 or more.
THE SOCIETY is governed by a Board of Curators which includes twenty-four elected members, the Governor or designee, three appointees of the Governor, a legislator from the majority and minority from each house, and ex officio, the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the President of the Friends of the State Historical Society, the President of the Wisconsin History Foundation, Inc., and the President of the Administrative Committee of the Wisconsin Council for Local History. A complete listing of the Curators appears inside the back cover.
The Society is headquartered at 816 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1488, at the juncture of State and Park streets on the University of Wisconsin campus. The State Historical Museum is located at 30 North Carroll Street. A partial listing of phone numbers (Area Code 608) follows:
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ON THE COVER: The law office of Lavinia Goodell, first woman admitted to the practice of law in Wisconsin, re-created as one of the exhibition rooms prepared by the Committee of Wisconsin Women for the Women's Building, Wisconsin Centennial Exposition, State Fair Park, Milwaukee, 1948. An article on her struggle to become a lawyer begins on page 243. [WHi(X3)28999] Volume 74, Number 4 / Summer, 1991
WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Published quarterly by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 816 State Street, Madison, Lavinia Goodell, Wisconsin 53706-1488, First Woman Lawyer in Wisconsin 243 Distributed to members as part Catherine B. Cleary of their dues. (Individual membership, $25; senior citizen individual, $20; family, $30; Hannah's Letters: senior citizen family, $25; supporting, $100; sustaining, The Story of a Wisconsin Pioneer Family, $250; patron, $500 or more.) 1856-1864: Part II 272 Single numbers from Volume 57 Edited by Elizabeth Krynski and Kimberly Little forward are $5 plus postage. Microfilmed copies available through University Microfilms, James J. Blaisdell, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106; reprints Wisconsin's Eclectic Environmentalist 297 of Volumes 1 through 20 and Nelson Van Valen most issues of Volumes 21 through 56 are available from Kraus Reprint Company, Route 100, Millwood, New York 10546, Accessions 312 Communications should be addressed to the editor. The Wisconsin History Checklist 315 Society does not assume responsibility for statements Contributors 318 made by contributors. Second-class postage paid at Madison, Wisconsin, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Magazine of History, Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1488. Copyright © 1991 by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
The Wisconsin Magazine of History is indexed annually by the editors; cumulative indexes are assembled decennially. In addition, articles are abstracted and indexed in America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Index to Literature on the American Indian, and the Combined Retrospective Index to Journals in Editor History, 1838-1974. PAUL H. HASS Associate Editors Photographs identified with WHi negative numbers are from the WILLIAM C, MARTEN Historical Society's collections. JOHN O. HOLZHUETER Lavinia Goodell of Janesville, the first woman admitted to the practice of law in Wisconsin. Photo courtesy the author.
242 Lavinia Goodell, First Woman Lawyer in Wisconsin
By Catherine B. Cleary
AVINIA Goodell of Janesville, Wis the Wisconsin Supreme Court on the basis of L consin, was one of the small the new law. The determination, dignity, and number of women in the Middle West who ability with which she pursued her goal and the opened the legal profession in the United support she received from unexpected sources States to women shortly after the Civil War. are a bright chapter in Wisconsin history.' Most of these women—in Iowa, Missouri, Mich Rhoda Lavinia Goodell was born in Utica, igan, Ohio, and Indiana—were admitted by the courts in their states without question. Only in
Wisconsin and Illinois did the state supreme '/n the Matter of the Motion to admit Miss Lavinia Goodell court refuse to admit a woman. The opinion to the Bar of this Court, 39 Wis. 232, 245 (1875); Application Chief Justice Fdward G. Ryan wrote for the of Miss Goodell, 48 Wis, 693 (1879); James Willard Hurst, Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1876, denying The Growth of American Law: The Law Makers (Boston, Goodell's first petition for admission to its bar, 1950), 255. Arabella Babb Mansfield was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1869, Lemma Barkaloo in Missouri in 1870, is powerful evidence of the obstacles women Sarah Kilgore in Michigan in 1871, Nettie Cronise Lutes faced—not the law, because that could be in Ohio in 1873, and Elizabeth F^aglesfield in a lower court changed—but the widespread belief in "sepa in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1875. Several years later, in rate spheres" for men and women and a sense 1877, it took a statute to open the Minnesota bar to of outrage on the part of men like Ryan that women. The Iowa statute made "white males" eligible, and the Indiana statute referred to "voters," Even so, both any woman would dare to seek entrance into courts admitted women. The profession was opened to this masculine domain. Such efforts were, he women in a few other isolated jurisdictions in this early said, "a departure from the order of nature" period: Phoebe Couzins (Couzens) and Georgia Snow, Ter and "treason against it." But Lavinia Goodell, ritory of Utah, 1872; Charlotte E. Ray, District of Colum already admitted to the bar in Rock County, bia, 1872 (first black woman admitted); Clara H. Nash, Maine, 1872. Myra Bradwcll's petition for admission to the persuaded the Wisconsin legislature to remove Illinois bar was denied in 1869. In re Bradwell, 55 III. Sup, the barrier to women the supreme court had Ct, 535 (1870) affirmed 21 Law. Ed, 442 (1873) [or see erected; and, three and a half years after her 83 U,S. (16 Wall,) 130]. Alia Hulctt was the first woman first petition, she was admitted to the bar of admitted in Illinois, in 1873, after the Illinois legislature passed a statute making it possible, FUlen A, Martin, "Ad mission of Women to the Bar," in The Chicago Law Times, 1:76 (1886); Karen Berger Morello, The Invisible Bar: The Woman Lawyer in America, 1638 to the Present (Boston, EDITORS' NOTE: The editors wish to express their appre 1988). For a discussion of rulings under different state ciation to Denise Rail of the Madison Academic Computing statutes, including cases in the 1880's denying women ad Center, University of Wisconsin, for her assistance in trans mission to the bar in Massachusetts and New York, see ferring the manuscript from one magnetic medium to an "NOTE: The right of women to practice law," 21 Lawyers' other. Reports, Annotated 701 (1893).
243 Copyright © !991 by The State Historical Society of Wisconsin Alt rights of reproduction in any form reserved. WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I
New York, on May 2, 1839, the third daughter in the heart of the "burned-over district" in of William and Clarissa Goodell. The oldest western New York, which got its name from daughter had died in infancy. The middle the evangelical religion which had reached its daughter Maria, twelve years older than Lavi peak between 1825 and 1835. For the next nia, helped bring her up and was close to her fifteen years this movement continued to in as long as they both lived. It was Maria, after fluence not only churches but also the abolition she had married and moved away, in whom and temperance movements, and William Lavinia confided through long letters. It was Goodell was deeply involved in these devel Maria who saved the family papers and who opments.* wrote the first biography of Lavinia.^ As a child Lavinia's health was delicate, and William Goodell was undoubtedly the great she attended school only spasmodically. There est single influence in his youngest daughter's were, however, many opportunities for edu life. An abolitionist, editor, and reformer, he cation at home. Every evening after supper and shaped her interests and character, and the two family worship, Maria read to her parents and of them enjoyed a close working relationship. sister as her mother knitted and Lavinia sat Clarissa Cady Goodell was "much more con quietly with her kitten on her lap. The reading servative than her husband," but at the time was not light, but Lavinia is reported to have of Lavinia's birth she was a member of the liked a history of the Reformation and Macau- Moral Reform Society, which, in addition to its lay's History of England. At eight o'clock when concern with moral purity, stressed work as "a the girls went to their room, Lavinia quizzed safeguard to woman" so that they would not Maria on what she had learned in school. Over feel "their utter dependence on man."-' time, Lavinia developed disciplined habits of William Goodell had come to Utica from studying by herself which stood her in good New York City in 1836 at the urging of the stead when she took up the study of law. Fven executive committee of the New York State at this early age, she was able to ignore physical Anti-Slavery Society to edit a weekly antislavery weakness and focus her attention on intellec paper to be called The Friend of Man. Utica was tual pursuits, a trait that marked her later years.'' Concerns about slavery affected every aspect of the family's life. Fugitive slaves were wel come guests. The girls had pictures of kneeling '' After Lavinia's death, Maria wrote the story of her slaves on work bags, pin cushions, and needle- sister's life in a handwritten manuscript of over 230 pages, books with words such as, "Am I not a woman Maria Goodell Frost,"Life of Lavinia Goodell," It may be found in Box 16, F"ile 6, of the William Goodell Family and a sister?" A passage from the Declaration Papers, Hutchins Library, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky. of Independence beginning "We hold these These papers also include Lavinia Goodell's diaries for truths to be self-evident: that all men are cre 1873, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1879, and 1880 (Box 12) and ated equal. . ." was printed on Lavinia's plate letters filed by year (Box 15, 1869-1877, and Box 16, in blue letters. "When I sat down to dinner 1878-1892), In this article diary entries are identified by date, and the "Life of Lavinia Goodell" is cited as Frost, every day I read my plate, till I had learned it "Life," with relevant page numbers. The page numbering all by heart—learned it so well that 1 never for of the manuscript is imperfect, and on many pages there got it."" are two page numbers—for example, 72 (79). All quota tions are from Frost's "Life," unless attributed to other sources, ' Frost, "Life," 3-4. Years later, when Lavinia became a lawyer and Maria suggested it would be disagreeable to ^In Memoriam: William Goodell (Chicago, 1879), 26, avail "encounter men alone," Lavinia replied, "I do not think able in the library of State Historical Society of Wisconsin, it is when you are not tied to them for life but are free Madison; Whitney R, Cross, The Burned-Over District: The and independent, and can get away from them if they are Social and Intellectual History of FMthusiastic Religion in West disagreeable." Ibid., 131, For a description of Utica at this ern New York, 1800-1850 (Ithaca, 1950), See also Meyer time and the importance of the moral reform movement, txon Perkal, "William Goodell: A Life of Reform" (doc see Mary P, Ryan, "The Power of Women's Networks: A toral dissertation. The (>ity University of New York, 1972), Case Study of Female Moral Reform in Antebellum Amer ' Frost, "Life," 23-24, 31-32, ica," in Feminist Studies, 5:66 (Spring, 1979). '•Ibid., 7, 28,
244 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL
Guests in the Goodell home included min I think the study of law would be pleasant, isters of all denominations and reformers in the but the practice attended with many em cause of abolitionism in this country and in the barrassments. Indeed I fear it would be British abolition of slavery in the West Indies. utterly impracticable. Our folks would not Underlying the constant discussion of public hear of my going to college; I should not issues were strong religious beliefs: "A theo dare mention it—Mamma is very much logical sauce flavored every meal." It was only afraid I shall become identified with the many years later that the family realized that "women's rights movement." little Lavinia, by the time she was eight or nine, had followed the discussions attentively and be This was in 1858, eleven years before the first gun to form religious beliefs quite different woman was admitted to the bar in this country from her family's.' and the first women were admitted to law A year after Lavinia's birth the family moved school." Her sister apparently raised objec to nearby Whitesboro and then in 1843 to the tions: "false and vain ambition," "trying to be small village of Honeoye, south of Rochester, a man," "out of the common course," and so New York. There William Goodell, although on. Lavinia denied these charges, saying that not ordained, became the minister of a new she was motivated by a sense of duty and a nondenominational congregation made up of desire to do good and that the choice would seceders from Presbyterian and Methodist involve sacrificing personal happiness. She churches who, believing that slavery was a sin, concluded, "What is more womanly than the broke with the established churches that re desire to defend and protect the widow and fused to take a position on the issue. Church the fatherless and in a field where they have meetings were held after the service so that the been wronged hitherto?" Mrs. Goodell never congregation could discuss the topic of the day, accepted the idea that Lavinia should study law, and women and blacks participated equally but in time Maria did because it met Lavinia's with white men in these meetings.** need for a "high aim."'"-^ In 1852 the family returned to New York Lavinia worked in her father's office at a desk City where William Goodell became the editor side by side with his, and learned the job of of an antislavery paper. The Principia. The fam editing. On at least one occasion she got out ily lived in Green Point in West Brooklyn, and the paper when he was out of town. When pub Lavinia attended the Brooklyn Heights Semi lication of The Principia was suspended in 1864 nary. She graduated at nineteen with a repu by its backer, her parents moved to Connect tation as an orator and a scholar.^ icut to live with relatives, but she stayed in In the spring of her senior year, she wrote Brooklyn. She lived with a family and taught her sister about what she would do after grad school for several years, and then in about uation. Stressing the need for women to de 1867 she went to work for Harper's, whose of pend on themselves, she went on: '" fice was close to the old Principia office. She found the work and the people very congenial, and referred to Fletcher Harper, the senior member of the family, as her "guardian angel." One of her co-workers remembered her as "a
''Ibid., 30-31. Maria does not spell out what those dif ferences were, but Lavinia did not formally become a mem ber of the Congregational Church until she was thirty-six or thirty-seven years old. She recognized it would have "In 1869 two women were admitted to the Law School been good for her business if she had joined earlier, but at Washington University in St. Louis: Lemma Barkaloo she was unwilling to act until she was fully prepared to and Phoebe Couzins. Miss Barkaloo, who came from New accept the church's doctrine. Frost, "Life," 31, 139 (147), York, had been refused admission by the Law School of ^Ibid., 29, In Memoriam: William Goodell, 27; (^ross, (jolumbia University. Martin, "Admission of Women to the Burned-Over District, 278-280, Bar," 76. t^elia J, Robinson, "Women Lawyers in the 'Frost, "Life," 38. At first the paper was a monthly called United States," in The Green Bag: A Useless but Entertaining Radical Abolitionist but it later became a weekly. Magazine for Lawyers, 2:10, 13 (1890). "'Ibid., 40-41, 'TTost, "Life," 42-43, 96.
245 WHi(X3)2341
Janesville, 1877, looking down the river. Lavinia Goodell's office on Milwaukee Street at the middle bridge over the main channel was on the right side of the Rock River in this bird's-eye by C H. Vogt & Company, Milwaukee.
246 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL shrewd, quick-witted girl, fond of humor, stu at Harper's had given her a sophistication in dious and argumentative." ''^ tellectually and socially that would stand her in good stead as she moved into a new arena. She was slender and, though of medium height, seemed taller than she was because of her erect N January of 1870, thanks to a carriage. Curly brown hair framed her pleasant I "competence" that Mrs. Goodell face, and her eyes were blue, accented by heavy inherited from her brother, the parents were eyebrows. "^ able to move to Janesville, Wisconsin, to be In January, 1872, Lavinia wrote her sister near their older daughter, who lived there with (who had moved away from Janesville): "I have her husband, Lewis P. Frost. The following year commenced my new study & am much pleased Lavinia followed them, and the family's new with it." In April of the following year, she resources made it possible for her at last to wrote, "I read no books now but law books." study law. Her father approved, believing she At that time most students, rather than at was "cut out for a lawyer."'* tending law school, "read law," usually in a Janesville, first settled in 1835, had grown lawyer's office. This apprenticeship had no by 1870 to a thriving city of 8,789 people, specified length or content. The student copied many from New York state. It was the county legal papers and performed miscellaneous seat of Rock County, and had traditionally had small services for the lawyers. Some students a strong bar. It had good railroad service, and simply prepared for the bar by reading legal the Rock River on which it was situated pow treatises on their own. This was the only option ered diverse mills and manufacturing firms. Its for Lavinia in the beginning. "I wanted to go wheat and produce markets as well as its gen into a law office, like any other student, and eral stores served the rich agricultural area sur get office practice, but human nature in these rounding the city. Known as the "Bower City," regions is not educated up to that." " Janesville had attractive residential areas and One firm allowed her to use its library and as early as 1855 it was said to have "quite a gave her occasional "instruction and advice in metropolitan air." The local newspapers cov [her] study." It also employed her as a copyist. ered international and national news. Papers In frustration she wrote: presented by members of the literary clubs to which Goodell belonged dealt not only with There were no other law students here Shakespearean plays but also with major En when I commenced: just think of it! a glish and American writers such as Words dozen or twenty law offices suffering for worth, Swift, Byron, Scott, Thorcau and Wash the want of students to help and keep of ington Irving. '^ fice while the lawyers were off to court, Lavinia Goodell was thirty-two years old and yet they would not let me in, because when she came to Janesville in 1871. Her years I was a woman. They would sooner hire shiftless, incompetent boys, that are con tinually bringing them to grief, than take
'•'Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, 23:387 (March, 1879), Goodell had had a story printed in Harper's New Monthly Magazine in June, 1866: "A Psycho '^Ninth Census of the United States, 1870: Population, 293 logical Experiment," 33:106. Mary L. Booth, the editor of and 377, "Historical Sketch of the City of Janesville, Wis Harper's Bazaar, recruited Goodell for her staff. Rev. T. P. consin," in Owen's Janesville City, Rock County Gazetteer and Sawin, "In Memoriam," The Round Table (1880) 25, 26, in Directory, 1876; John Fleckner, "Poverty and Relief in the library of State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Nineteenth-Century Janesville," in the Wisconsin Magazine '•"Frost, "Life," 96. In Memoriam: William Goodell, 33. of History, 61:279-299 (Summer, 1978); "History of Janes Lewis P, Frost is listed (p, 85) as a farmer in Holland's ville, Wisconsin," and "Courts and Legal Profession," in Janesville City Directory for 1870-1. Later he served as a William Fiske Brown, ed.. Rock County, Wisconsin, (2 vols,, minister in a number of small communities and was re Chicago, 1908), ferred to as "Rev." Maria's marriage to him was not a '" Lippincott's Magazine (March, 1879). happy one, and shortly before t,avinia's death, Maria was "Letter to sister, January 22, 1872; Frost, "Life," 100- contemplating a divorce. Diary, December 19, 1879. 103; Hurst, The Growth of American Law, 256.
247 WHnX3)46417 Maria Goodell Frost, Lavinia's sister, and her husband Reverend Lewis P. Frost, about 1852. From William Goodell Frost, For the Mountains.
my services gratis, when they know how women but to their fear of being laughed at, steady 1 am and anxious to learn. adding that she did not blame them "as it re quires so much more strength than the average The firm took on a young man shortly after man possesses to do a new thing." After a they had told her they had no work for her. succession of young men wearied of their stud Lavinia confessed to envying the advantage this ies and left the firm, she commented, "1 think gave the young man in "getting an insight into they have had some pangs of remorse, as they practical law, through their cases learning have apologized by saying that they wanted more in a week than I could in a month of 'someone to do chores and go [on] errands' unaided study." She attributed the refusal of for them." By 1873, A. A. Jackson and Pliny lawyers to accept her as a student in their of Norcross were partners in the firm, and her fices not to a prejudice against strong-minded situation improved. She wrote her sister.
248 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL
"Spend a good deal of time in the office now, patcd, only feel lonesome having no one as the men are out of town much of the time.""* to talk them over with.
Then, as now, society expected women working outside the home to continue to carry their jNE of the pressures on the first traditional responsibilities.'^" o women in a profession domi nated by men arises from their visibility be I don't think anybody who stops to con cause they are "different." They do not fit the sider that 1 am keeping house, studying a stereotype of the profession, yet they are profession, teaching in the Sunday School, breaking out of woman's sphere. Lavinia was Secretary of the Temperance Union, treas conscious of being in the public eye when she urer of the benevolent society, a member supplemented her reading by going to court as of the Woman's Board, and make my own an observer.'^ clothes need be either greatly surprised or amused that I manage to 'keep busy.' It is quite an innovation for me to go into When a young man is studying a profes court in this small, conservative, gossipy sion he is supposed to be doing something, town, and requires some moral courage. if he isn't doing anything else. But I think of the primitive Christians, who had to fight with wild beasts in the am In the summer of 1873, when Goodell had phitheatres, or live in the catacombs, or been studying law for about a year and a half, be beheaded, or buried alive, and con she had read sixteen volumes of law and was clude I can stand it. The community looks reading a three-volume treatise on evidence. at me a little doubtfully as not knowing She had become acquainted with Judge Har what kind of a woman I may be, but as [I] mon Conger, the local circuit court judge, who, develop no other alarming eccentricity she reported to her sister, "is very polite and than a taste for legal studies, wear fash pleasant to me [and] complimented me on my ionable clothes, attend an orthodox courage in attending Court and sitting through church, have a class in the Sunday school, such dull and tedious proceedings." Conger attend the benevolent society, and make had been elected to the bench in 1870 when cake and preserves like other women, 1 am the new Twelfth Judicial Circuit, consisting of tolerated. Meantime, I enjoy my Black- Rock, Jefferson, and Green counties, was cre stone and Kent even more than antici- ated. Born in upstate New York, he had prac ticed law there and served two terms in Con gress before coming to Janesville in 1855.^' In February, 1874, Goodell set June as the time for her admission to the bar. She gathered '"Frost, "Life," 103-104. The identity of the firm prior her courage and told Norcross what she wanted to 1873 is not clear, F'rost used a pseudonym, Seldcn and ("arroll. While all obituaries state that C70odell studied law to do and asked his help. "He came around in the office of Jackson and Norcross, that firm was not lovely, and promised to aid and abet me all in founded until 1873, Prior to that, Jackson practiced alone, his power." Norcross was an able, energetic, and Norcross was a partner of John R, Bennett, so that it restless man. Known as "Captain Norcross" for appears that she first used the library of Bennett and Nor his service in the Civil War, he was admitted to cross and then followed Norcross to his new firm. Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography, 145; Portrait and Biographical Album the Rock County bar in 1866. He practiced law of Rock County, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1889), 253-255; The in Janesville until 1883, and in that period at United States Biographical Dictionary (Wisconsin Volume) (Chi cago, 1877), 485-486; letter to sister, February 24, 1873, "Trost, "life," 102, Sir William Blackstonc's Commen taries on the Laws of England and James Kent's Commentaries '^"Letter to Maria, November 18, 1873. Goodell at this on American Law are two classic legal treatises which were time was also doing "considerable reporting for the [Janes basic to legal study at that lime, Rosabeth Moss Kantor ville] Gazette." Frost, "Life," 101, with Barry Stein, A Tale of "O": On Being Different in an ^'Letters to Maria, July 2[?], June 27, 1873; Brown, Rock Organization (New York, 1980), County, WiscoTLsin, V 249 WHi(X3)46422 Pliny Norcross as a member of Company K, 13th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. various times he served four terms in the state Admission to the Wisconsin bar, then as now, legislature and was district attorney, city attor was based on a state statute which referred to ney, and mayor of Janesville. When he gave up a "person" being admitted or licensed to prac the practice of law in 1883, he became a suc tice law. The masculine pronoun was used cessful investor in a variety of local businesses throughout the statute. Admission to the bar and in commercial and industrial real estate in of the circuit court was by order of the judge Janesville.^^ of that court, in open court, after the person had been examined by the judge, or by ex aminers he had appointed, as to the person's legal knowledge and ability to practice law. The person had to be a resident of Wisconsin, more ^'^Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wiscon sin, 253-255, than twenty-one years of age, and of good 250 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL moral character. Admission to one circuit court then asked Goodell and the lawyers in the bar entitled the person to practice in any court courtroom their opinion. To invite Goodell to in the state except the supreme court which, speak on her own behalf was a courtesy on the under the statute, made its own orders licens judge's part worth noting. There issued some ing attorneys to practice before it.^^ favorable opinions (including Goodell's) and After some delay, Norcross made the motion some expressions of hesitancy or doubt; but no in the circuit court for Lavinia Goodell's ad one expressed a firm opinion that she could mission on June 11. Word had come that the not be admitted. Without ruling formally on judge was going to deny her petition on ac the point, the court turned the proceedings count of her sex. While waiting for the court over to the examining committee of three "old to act on the motion, she wrote around to get and able" lawyers who questioned the candi precedents on the admission of women to the dates for over an hour. Then the judge ques bar in other states. Meanwhile she learned that tioned them himself in what seemed to Goodell while the judge's "impression" was that he "quite an alarming manner," and finally di could not admit her, he was going to examine rected them to draw an affidavit in his pres a couple of young men from Beloit within the ence. (There is a standard form for an affidavit, next few weeks and, if she wished, she could which is a statement given under oath before be examined with them. "Very kind!" she wrote a notary public. Lawyers have books of forms her cousin. "I shall do so, and shall study up to use in drafting, and Goodell had never in the meantime and come down on him with drafted any legal paper without a form book what thunder 1 can command.'"-^'' before.) However, she "did it without mis Late on the afternoon of June 17 it appeared takes." The committee returned with a favor that ongoing trials would prevent the court able report, and both she and Dow were sworn from holding the hearing that day. However, in and signed the roll of attorneys.^'' Goodell went to the courthouse since one of The Rock County Recorder reported her ad the men, J. B. Dow, had come up from Beloit mission in one sentence and added, "She is a and wanted to take the train home that night. lady of acknowledged ability and will no doubt Dow's lawyer persuaded Judge Conger to hear be a shining light among the legal profession. the matter that evening. Goodell and Dow im Success to her." A stor)' on her admission also mediately became friends, and she described appeared in the Milwaukee Sentinel on June 19, him as "very cordial and gallant. "^^ noting, "She possesses a pleasing and modest At six o'clock they were summoned before address and sufficient intellectual vigor to rank the judge, "more dead than alive with fright," among the foremost of the profession." People according to Goodell. A trial had just been ad at the courthouse told her she passed a better journed, and there were some lawyers in the examination than Dow and than candidates court room even though the hour was late. The generally did:'-^' judge began by noting that Goodell was a fe male, said he had had some doubt as to whether I have been receiving compliments and she could legally be admitted but, having done some studying, was convinced she might. He ••'''Frost, "Life," 115-117; Diary for June, 1874; letter to sister, June 18, 1874, Because the hearing was held on ^'Chapter 189, Laws of 1861, such short notice, William Goodell was not there, and Lav ^••She also wrote to Milwaukee to inquire about Lilly inia did not wear a dress incorporating in its waist and Peckham, whom she believed had studied law. Milwaukee overskirt her graduation dress from Brooklyn Seminary, Sentinel, October 11, 1871. One article said that F'lizabeth which she had planned to wear "for the romance of it!" (Lila) Peckham was a law student in Milwaukee but died ^'I^etter to sister, June 22, 1874; Rock County Recorder, before admission. Martin, "Admission of Women to the June 19, 1874. By a strange coincidence, that same edition Bar," 76; Frost, "Life," 114, of the Milwaukee Sentinel carried several comments from ••'•''Frost, "I,ife," 116. Chronological list of Rock County newspapers in Janesville and Waukesha about the new lawyers by date of admission, April 15, 1839-January 11, Chief Justice Edward G. Ryan and what kind of a judge 1898, in the A. A. Jackson Papers, Box 3, Wisconsin State he would make with his "impulsive temper" and "violent Archives, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, prejudices." 251 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, iggi congratulations ever since, till I fear I am the district attorney whom they regarded as a in danger of becoming intoxicated with "liquor man." They had failed to find a lawyer success. Most of the prominent lawyers with enough courage to take their case but have extended the right hand of fellowship thought "the lady lawyer might have!" Goodell to me, and welcomed me to the profession. participated in the prosecution of the cases in justice court and won both.''" Like other pioneers, she felt a responsibility to The decisions were appealed to the circuit women who would come after her. She wrote court in Jefferson where they were tried anew. her sister that she hoped to do well, "for the She won the first case. In the second case the sake of other women as well as for my own.'"-^** jury was out six hours before returning with a verdict against her. Still, the Fort Atkinson la dies later reported to Goodell that the defend ant "was so discouraged that he gave up his ATE in June, Goodell attended an business," so Goodell felt "it was a moral vic L ice cream festival at her church. tory after all." Goodell was exhilarated by her John B. Cassoday, a rising star in the Janesville first experience with litigation. When she saw bar, took her in to supper. He was a leading Judge Conger later, he "congratulated [her] on Republican in the state and ultimately became her success, said he never saw a young prac chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. titioner do better, and seldom as well, and that He dealt with the unfamiliar role of his supper all the members of the bar present said the partner that evening by calling her his sister- same thing." The Wisconsin Chief, a temperance in-law. Most of the women at the gathering weekly published in Fort Atkinson by Emma congratulated Goodell warmly, but a few, in Brown, reported on September 26 that the la her words, "[felt] it their duty to be shocked dies who had employed Miss Goodell as counsel at me." The men were also friendly, though "were very much pleased with her tact and abil like Cassoday some of them handled this new ity in managing the suits."-" role for a lady through humor. Several men Shortly afterward she received a letter from took delight in calling her "Squire" ("Esquire" one of the ladies speaking "grudgingly of [her] being a courtesy title frequently given to law fees," and she confided in her diary, "It has yers), and one man couldn't look at her without quite disheartened me. ... 1 work so hard & laughing. Goodell was not upset by this and get so little & even that is grudged me." She simply remarked, "I fear I shall never induce went to see Norcross about it, "and he was him to regard it in any other light than that of quite amused at my feeling bad over it. He a good joke.'"-^-' made so much fun of it that I felt better."•'-^ Pliny Norcross had held out the hope of her Her relationship with Norcross was severely having an office with the firm, but when the strained by a case the following month. Goodell time came, his partner did not agree. Goodell, represented a Chicago firm which was suing a therefore, rented an office and started to prac man named Davis to recover the value of a sack tice. She earned her first fee the day after the of peanuts which Davis refused to pay for on church festival and other clients consulted her; the ground they were worthless. Norcross was and then she got her first court case from some Davis' attorney. She felt he deliberately took a Fort Atkinson temperance women. They number of steps to delay the trial, expecting planned to prosecute two liquor dealers for her to make legal mistakes which would give selling liquor on Sunday, but they did not trust him a victory. When the case came to trial, he seemed nervcjus. Goodell explained to her sis ter, "You see people laughed at him about it. '•"•Undated letter, "Dear Sis," Goodell Papers, Box 15, File 8. '•'"Letter to Maria, June 30, 1874; E. Ray Stevens, "John "Frost, "Life," 118, 126, B, Cassoday," in Proceedings of the State Historical Society of ••'Ibid., 127-129, 134, Wisconsin for 1908 (Madi,son, 1909), 136-164, •"Diary, September 4, 8, 1874. 252 J^^. . ^ WHi(X;^)46420 John Bolivar Cassoday. Photo by Nielson, Madison. and told him he was going to be beaten by a professional manner, she was aware of the chal woman, and he got his blood up, and that lenge having a woman as an adversary pre raised my grit and we had at it hot and hea-vy." sented to her male colleagues. As she confided She did win the case, although the judgment to Maria, "So far in my experience the mas was for less than she had asked. The Janesville culine lawyers have acted a good deal more Gazette reported, "Miss Goodell managed the afraid of me than I have of them. It is quite case with considerable case and ability."•'•' an 'unexpected pleasure' to me and a very While Goodell handled her cases in a highly pleasing and encouraging circumstance."''* While Goodell's career as a lawyer was evolv ing, she was also deeply involved in temperance •'•'Frost, "Life," \3\-\32; Janesville Gazette, October 8 and 15, 1874; Diary, September 14 to November 4, 1874; letter, "My Dear Girl," September 27, 1874. "Letter of October 8, 1874. 253 ' ^ 1 \i? • mV¥' "inrcirr TODDS B^"^ •' f WHi(X3)15048 Janesville, looking east on Milwaukee Street, sometime in the period 1860-1880. activities and woman suffrage. She attended temperance convention in Chicago. Many tem the meeting in Milwaukee in October, 1874, at perance workers believed they would weaken which the State Temperance Alliance was or their cause if they also supported woman suf ganized and delivered a paper on "What Shall frage. The convention by a divided vote "amid we Ask of our Legislature?" The Milwaukee an uproar" tabled a resolution seeking to put Sentinel called the paper "very able," but after the convention on record in favor of woman summarizing it, did add that it was "very long suffrage. Goodell then proposed a resolution and severe on liquor and liquor dealers." The "That in the judgment of this convention the followingjune she attended the eighth national question of the prohibition of the liquor traffic 254 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL should be submitted to all the adult citizens of court record does not indicate the events lead this country, irrespective of sex," and this car ing up to the formal hearing on her petition ried by a heavy majority.^^ for admission.*5 The hearing was held on December 14, 1875. The three-man supreme court was dom inated by the chief justice, Edward G. Ryan. A ANY of Goodell's clients were native of Ireland who had been educated at a M'women . In November, 1874, Jesuit college outside of Dublin, Ryan had she was retained by Mrs. Lydia Burrington, a come to New York when he was twenty. By the widow who was administratrix of her husband's time he was appointed to the Wisconsin Su estate. The probate of the estate had been han preme Court in June, 1874, at age sixty, he dled by another lawyer, but when the estate had been admitted to the bar in New York, lost an appeal to the circuit court involving a published a newspaper and practiced law in claim against the estate, Mrs. Burrington con Chicago, and for over thirty years had been an sulted Goodell. The claim was filed by a young attorney in Wisconsin. He had left the Catholic woman who had lived with the family of the church and become an Episcopalian. He deceased for about ten years, beginning when brought to the bench a brilliant intellect and she was about fourteen. She was asking to be extensive knowledge of law but also a violent paid for her services in the home for the family. temper and a record of stormy professional The legal issue turned on whether she had relationships. As a delegate to the 1846 Wis joined the family in the relation of a child. If consin Constitutional Convention, he had op so, she had to prove an express contract to pay posed a provision giving married women prop for her services. Shortly after Goodell was re erty rights as violating "both the usages and tained by Mrs. Burrington, she asked Pliny customs of society and the express commands Norcross to work with her on the case, but he of the Bible." In 1854 Ryan gave a speech on was too busy. She then approached John R. Mrs. Jellyby, the character in Charles Dickens' Bennett who, according to her diary on No latest novel Bleak House, dealing with the psy vember 20, "thinks he can't help me after all." chology of what were then known as "strong- And she added, "Wish I knew whether it was minded women," based on his belief in "the honest or prejudice. Saw Mr. Hudson who was necessity and morality of distinctive sex roles— kind and gave me some advice. I didn't ask him domestic for women and public for men." to go in with me & have a strong impulse 'to Ryan's speech was so popular that he repeated go it alone.'" In spite of the assurance Goodell it regularly until he went on the bench.'" displayed in public, she was aware of her lim Goodell's petition was presented by I. C. ited experience, and she often asked another Sloan, a leading Janesville lawyer who was then lawyer (of necessity male) to serve as her co- serving as assistant attorney general. When the counsel. In this case Bennett did finally agree court convened, Goodell wrote, Ryan "bristled to serve. The claim was allowed in the probate all up when he saw me, like a hen when she court, and Goodell appealed to the circuit sees a hawk, and did not recover his wonted court, where she lost again. In July, 1875, she serenity during my stay. It was fun to see him! appealed the case to the Wisconsin Supreme I presume I was the coolest person present." Court. Initially the question of her being able Goodell's eighteen months' experience in prac- to argue the case before the supreme court apparendy did not occur to her. Under the custom of the court, a male la^wyer would have been admitted automatically on the basis of his '"Goodell's 1875 diary is missing. admission to the circuit court bar. The supreme ""Alfons J. Beitzinger, F.dward G. Ryan, Lion of the Law (Madison, 1960); "Negro Suffrage and Woman's Rights in the Convention of 1846," in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, 3:228-229 (December, 1919); Beverly Cook, "Lec turing on Woman's Place: 'Mrs. Jellyby' in Wisconsin, •''•Milwaukee Sentinel, October 22, 1874; Chicago Times, 1854-1874," in Si^i, 9:361 (Winter, 1983); John B. Wins June 4, 1875, low, The Story of a Great Court (Chicago, 1912), 328-330. 255 %" 3 m-•'N#, WHi(X31)10902 Edward George Ryan. ticing law since she had been admitted to the clerk of the Rock County Circuit Court as to bar in Janesville had given her a new confi Goodell's admission to the bar on June 17, dence.''** 1874, and then presented an argument which Sloan began by reading the certificate of the he asked that the record show was prepared by Miss Goodell.•'« "Letter of December 20, 1875, "I, C. Sloan had been admitted to the bar in Oneida, 256 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL OODELL'S argument in favor of Other states) could result in women attorneys G her admission was in three parts. from other states being admitted in Wisconsin. First, there was nothing in the statute on ad Further, under the Wisconsin constitution pro mission to the bar which can be construed to viding for the conduct of suits by a party or exclude a woman. The law refers to admission his agent, a woman would have the right to of a "person" and the use of the masculine conduct a suit in court for herself or as agent."" pronoun in the text is covered by the law on Goodell's second point was based on the statutory construction which provides that statement of the Illinois Supreme Court in the "every word importing the masculine gender Bradwell case that its discretion on admission only may extend and be applied to females as to the bar was subject to at least two limitations, well as males." Citing the decision of the Illi one of which was "that the court shall establish nois Supreme Court in September, 1869, de such terms of admission as will promote the nying Mrs. Myra Bradwell admission to the bar proper administration of justice." She argued (which held that admission of women could not that the proper administration of justice be deemed to be within legislative intent under "would be better promoted by the admission conditions existing when the law was passed in of women to the practice of law than by their 1845 or as evidenced by subsequent legisla exclusion" for four reasons. A class, and par tion), Goodell argued that this reasoning could ticularly one including one-half the human not be applied to the Wisconsin statute "en race, could never obtain justice in courts where acted in 1861, when progressive ideas con its members were not represented. Combining cerning the sphere of woman's industries were "the peculiar delicacy, refinement and consci more widely known and adopted." In addition, entiousness attributed to woman with the de the subsequent legislation in 1867 admitting cision, firmness and vigor of men" was not only women to every department in the University desirable but necessar)' to achieve the goal. It of Wisconsin except the military indicated an was unjust to the community to prevent "free intent to include women."*" and wholesome competition of the best existing talent." Finally, she argued, it was unjust to Goodell pointed out the inconsistency of al one-half the community to shut them out ar lowing women to study in and graduate from bitrarily from "an honorable and remunerative the law department, thus being entitled to ad field, for which many of them have both taste mission to the bar on the basis of their diplomas and ability.'"'''^ under an 1870 law, and at the same time with holding the power of admission from the court. Similarly, she pointed out that Wisconsin law (which provided for the admission to the Wis consin bar of attorneys already licensed in ""This argument may very well have been responsible for the decision at the next term of the court, adopting a very narrow construction of the statute to deny an Illinois law yer admission to the bar of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and saying that if the legislature had a broader intent, it would not be binding on the court. In tfie Matter of the Motion to Admit Ole Mosness, Esq., to the Bar of this Court, New York, and practiced law there before coming to Janes 39 Wis. 509 (1876). Ryan's biographer says, "Mosness cor ville in 1854. He served two terms in Congress from 1862 rectly discerned that the opinion was another warning to to 1866. He was described as "one of the most eminent the state legislature that any law providing for the admis lawyers in the slate," Brown, Rock County, Wisconsin, sion of women would be regarded merely as an expression 2:738-739. of the desire of the legislature and not binding on the "'In re Bradwell, 55 111. Sup, Ct, 535 (1870) (the full court." Beitzinger, Lion of the Law, 141. Wisconsin Consti proceedings, including the court's opinion, are in the Chi tution, Art, VII, sec. 20, cago Legal News, April 5, 1890, 263-265). The provision ^^The second argument distinguishing the traits of men of Chapter 17, Laws of 1867, on admission to the Uni and women should be noted, in view of the emphasis fem versity of Wisconsin is qualified by the phrase "under such inist legal scholars are currently placing on the issue of regulations and restrictions as the board of regents may "difference." Sec, for example, Eileen Boris, "Looking at deem proper," but Goodell argued that whether or not Women's Historians Looking at 'Difference.'" in the Wis this gave the board power to exclude women, it certainly consin Women's Law Journal, 3:213 (1987). A careful read allowed it to include them. ing of the quoted language suggests that Goodell decided 257 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I Since the Wisconsin Supreme Court had strated ability as a lawyer in strong terms. never decided this issue, decisions in other "While women practice medicine, preach and courts could be persuasive. As her third point, teach successfully," the story said, "we see no Goodell noted only two precedents against her: reason why they may not be permitted to prac the Bradwell case and the case of Mrs. Belva tice law also." After giving details about the Lockwood, who was refused admission to the case on appeal, the article concluded, "The Court of Claims in Washington, D.C, on the expression of attorneys so far as we have heard basis of her legal disabilities as a married it is, 'Give Sister GOODELL a chance.'" The woman. On the other hand, she cited the in full text of Goodell's argument was printed on dividual women admitted to the bar in Iowa, page two of the paper. Missouri, Michigan, Maine, the District of Co The justices who heard Goodell's case were lumbia, and federal district courts in Illinois members of a profession which had always and Iowa. She also cited statutes in Illinois, been an exclusively male preserve. In 1875 the Iowa, and Ohio.''^ Wisconsin bar was just emerging from the fron After the hearing, Goodell by invitation tier period when lawyers and judges traveled called on Mrs. Emma Bascom, wife of the lib the circuit together. At day's end they relaxed eral president of the University of Wisconsin. together at the tavern where they all stayed, It was Mrs. Bascom who suggested to her that and what discipline there was for the legal she get the State Journal to publish her argu profession took place in the give-and-take of ment. Goodell described Mrs. Bascom as "an that setting. Roujct D. Marshall, who became intelligent and cultured lady and in full sym a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in pathy with all the advance views of woman's 1895, remembered the Chippewa County bar position; . . . She and her husband sympathize in the 1870's as "a lot of good fellows who warmly with my effort to be admitted. . . .""'"* readily turned aside from the business of the On December 16 the Wisconsin Stale Journal profession at most any time during business carried a story under the heading, "Lady Law hours to enjoy a social game of cards with more yers in Supreme Court," setting out the facts or less drinks by the side." Fortunately for of the case and describing Goodell's demon- Goodell, the Rock County bar was farther re moved from the frontier than Chippewa Coun ty's, and by 1875 improved transportation and communications and increased law business had made it possible for lawyers to spend more time in their home communities. Nevertheless, as a matter of strategy to place her argument in a frame lawyers continued to prize the conviviality that work t)f the judges' social views, as she saw them, marked life on the circuit and to cherish the •'•'Goodell's argument is set out almost verbatim in the Wisconsin Supreme Court report of the case. The original distinctively masculine culture of their profes handwritten brief is in the archives of the State Historical sion."*^ Society of Wisconsin. (Public Records Series 1633, Box No. 20). In re Bradwell, 55 111. Sup. Ct. Rep. 535 (1870); In re Mrs. Belva A. Lockwood, 9 Court of Claims 346 (1873). '•''Letter dated December 20, 1875. When John Bascom came to Madison from Williams College to become pres N February, 1876, the Wisconsin ident of the University of Wisconsin in 1874, he was "a Supreme Court denied Goodell's well-known champion of coeducation, women's rights, and I of social and economic justice." Merle Curti and Vernon petition for admission to its bar. The opinion Carstensen, The University of Wisconsin: A History, 1848- 1925 (2 vols., Madison, 1949), 1:247, Emma Bascom, who was active in the cause of women's rights, had no illusions about the difficulties Goodell faced in entering the legal '•''William R.Johnson, "Education and Professional Life profession. She wrote Goodell in 1880, shortly after Good Styles: Law and Medicine in the Nineteenth Ontury," in ell had moved to Madison, "This is such a conventional the History of Education Quarterly, 14:185, 188-189 (Sum community that I fear you will find your path a very rough mer, 1974); Hurst, Growth of American Law, 255, 286; Gil- and rugged one, and I wish most sincerely I could help son G, Glasier, ed.. Autobiography of Roujet D. Marshall (2 you," Letter dated February, 1880, Goodell Papers, Box vols,, 1923 and 1931), as quoted in Johnson, "Educational 16, File 3, and Professional Life Styles," 189. 258 I'." WHi(X3)46421 Emma C Bascom. Photo by E. R. Curtiss, Madison. was written by Chief Justice Ryan. It fell into been the pleasure of the courts to act upon two parts. The first began by raising the ques such statutes, in deference to the wishes of a tion of whether setting the rules for admission coordinate branch of the government, without to the bar was exclusively in the discretion of considering the question of power." After a the courts. He noted that from time to time not-too-subtle warning to the legislature the legislature had assumed power to prescribe against any future assault on the court's pow such rules, and "when these have seemed rea ers, Ryan stated that the case would be decided sonable and just, it has generally, we think. "on the present statutes, without passing on 259 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, iggi their binding force." Then, turning to the case ent with these radical and sacred duties of at hand, he began: their sex, as is the profession of law, arc departures from the order of nature; and This is the first application for admission when voluntary, treason against it. The of a female to the bar of this court. And cruel chances of life sometimes baffle both it is just matter for congratulation that it sexes, and may leave women free from the is made in favor of a lady whose character peculiar duties of their sex. These may raises no personal objection: something need employment, and should be welcome perhaps not always to be looked for in to any not derogatory to their sex and its women who forsake the ways of their sex proprieties, or inconsistent with the good for the ways of ours. order of society. But it is public policy to provide for the sex, not for its superfluous members; and not to tempt women from Ryan's opinion dealt only with Goodell's ar the proper duties of their sex by opening gument on statutory construction. Starting to them duties peculiar to ours. There are from the premise that common law excluded many employments in life not unfit for fe women from admission to the bar and pointing male character. The profession of law is out that the rule of statutory construction on surely not one of these. the use of the masculine pronoun was permis sive only, the Chief Justice concluded that the effect of applying the rule in this case would After describing "the peculiar qualities of produce results in state government and in law womanhood, its gentle graces, its quick sensi clearly not within the legislative intent. Con bility, its tender susceptibility, its purity, its del struing the statute to include women would icacy, its emotional impulses, its subordination lead to "judicial revolution, not judicial con of hard reason to sympathetic feeling," Ryan struction." He also construed the statute on referred at length to all of the "unclean issues" the University of Wisconsin as not contem and matters "unfit for female ears" which plating the admission of women to the law de come before the courts and concluded that ex partment. The first part of the opinion con posing women habitually to this kind of liti cluded: gation "would tend to relax the public sense of decency and propriety. If, as counsel threat ened, these things are to come, we will take no So we find no statutoiy authority for the voluntary part in bringing them about.""" admission of females to the bar of any court of this state. And with all the respect and sympathy for this lady which all men owe to all good women, we cannot regret that we do not. We cannot but think the ••""A hater of verbosity, his opinions, except perhaps in the Railroad and Goodell cases, demonstrate that he pos common law wise in excluding women sessed the rare faculty of knowing when to stop," Beitzin from the profession of the law. ger, Lion of the Law, 146-147, The New York Tribune in a long editorial which agreed with Ryan's opinion on the issues said: "We think, however, that having thus correctly Ryan might have concluded here, but he did laid down the law. Judge Ryan should have stopped. Having not.'"' Instead, he went on at length about why determined that there was 'no statutory provision for the women are not suited to the practice of law. admission of females to the bar,' there was little need that The essence of his position is in the last two His Honor should enter into an elaborate argument against pages of the opinion: female lawyers. This, we beg leave to suggest, was a matter not before him," (Reprinted in the Milwaukee Sentinel, March 24, 1876.) The law of nature destines and qualifies ""John B, Winslow, himself a distinguished justice of the the female sex for the bearing and nurture Wisconsin Supreme Court, said Ryan's "idea was not that of the children of our race and for the woman was inferior to man, but that she was intended by the Creator for a different and really nobler sphere of custody of the homes of the world and action, and that it was a pers'ersion of the divine purpose their maintenance in love and honor. And to attempt to take her from that 'sphere.'" Winslow, Story all life-long callings of women, inconsist of a Great Court, 317. Ryan's opinion and the opinion of 260 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL ^HF reaction to the court's deci some time to come. Reforms are of com T sion and especially to Ryan's paratively slow growth; and this advance opinion was immediate and widespread. The in women's rights which Miss Goodell has State fournal concluded:"*** begun, will doubtless be retarded by public prejudice. Success in her profession, a There will be very decided dissenting opin spirit as bold as Luther's, a faith that can ions expressed by members of the bar and not be shattered, and a courage that will by the people, respecting the policy of ex not be crushed will conquer the prejudice cluding from the bar a citizen over twenty- sooner or later. It will take time to work one years of age, of good moral character, the reform. learned in the law, and well qualified to practice, solely on the ground that the ap The Central Law Journal, while agreeing with plicant is a woman. If her purity is in dan the decision, said ". . . viewing the question ger, it would be better to reconstruct the one of justice to women, we should say, give court and bar, than to exclude the women. them a chance to earn a livelihood even at the practice of law, if any of them shall be disposed After a somewhat jocular summary of the hold to enter upon a calling so unsuited to them."^' ing of the case finding no statute authorizing On March 25, 1876, The Woman's Journal ran the admission of females to the bar, the Chicago a long article on the decision by Lucy Stone, Tribune concluded:"*-' one of its editors and a pioneer in the woman's rights movement, which pointed out that And Chief Justice RYAN is glad of it, for women were often involved as parties or wit he doesn't think the Bar of the State nesses in the sordid kinds of cases to which the Courts the proper place for the exercise chief justice referred. The piece concluded: of a woman's peculiar qualities, or for the "After such a decision, one prays for the day preservation of her purity. If the latter to come when a woman may be legally entitled phrase of the decision is satisfactory to the to stand by the side of her sister as her coun Wisconsin lawyers, it ought surely to af selor and representative!" Myra Bradwell, the ford some consolation to the unsuccessful editor of the Chicago Legal News whose appli applicant from Janesville. cation for admission to the Illinois bar had been denied in 1869, printed Ryan's opinion The Janesville Gazette called the decision in full with an introductory paragraph:-"^^ "clearly unjust" and warned:-''" The learned Chief Justice, in delivering the Still, Miss Goodell may expect to meet with opinion, uses very strong language in giv difficulties in her career as a lawyer for ing his own personal views. We call the especial attention of our readers to this opinion, hoping they will read it with care, believing that it will not only aid in ob taining legislation which will allow women the Illinois Supreme C^ourt and the concurring opinion of as well as men to practice law, but hasten Justice Bradley of the United States Supreme Court in the Bradwell case are the classic statements in American legal history on the subject of woman's sphere as it relates to women practicing law. Bradwell v. State of Illinois, 21 Law. Ed, 442, 446(1873) [or .see 83 U.S, (16 Wall,) 130], Ryan's •'"3:186-187 (March 24, 1876), biographer says of the opinion: "One gets the impression "•^March 11, 1876. The year before Myra Bradwell ap that the Chief Justice was reciting 'Mrs. Jellyby' from the plied for admission to the Illinois bar she had launched bench just as much for the benefit of the legislature as for the Chicago Legal News, which became a very successful the 'strong-minded women,'" Beitzinger, Lion of the Law, enterprise. She never again applied for admission to the 140, bar, but in 1890 the Illinois supreme court on its own "February 22, 1876, motion admitted her, Ada M. Bittenbender, "Woman in ""February 16, 1876, Law," in Annie Nathan Meyer, ed.. Woman's Work in Amer '"February 18, 1876, ica (1891; reprinted. New York, 1977), 218, 222-224. 261 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I the day when the right of suffrage shall be dards. Women would expect to compete on the extended to women in Wisconsin. same basis as men. To Ryan's second point—that the court's When Goodell heard about the court's de power over admission was paramount to that cision, but before she had seen the opinion, of the legislature—she referred to the appoint she too focused on legislation being the next ment of attorneys by the King in medieval En step. The case which had been argued in De gland. Later in England, and then in the United cember was not decided until February, and States, statutes authorized courts to admit at she believed that the court deliberately held it torneys. This was the situation when the Wis up until the day after the last day for intro consin constitution was adopted. ducing bills in the legislature, thus delaying re Goodell deemed Ryan's third point—that the medial legislation until the next session. But common law had always excluded women from she was not beaten. "If I don't come out and the bar and the Wisconsin statute did not give old Ryan a skinning over this, it will be change this—inconsistent with his second ar because I can't, and I think I can!"^-' gument. Further, to say that the common law In a more serious vein, Goodell wrote a long excluded women was incorrect because women review of Ryan's opinion which appeared in had not applied until very recently in the Myra Bradwell's Chicago Legal News on March United States."*"* There was no precedent 25 and April 1, filling seven columns. She against admission as there was no precedent/or broke down the judge's conclusions into four it. In fact, at common law, a woman could ap points and responded to each separately. From pear at the bar in her own behalf. In four states his assertion that "a good bar may be said to women had been admitted under statutes not be a necessity of a good court," she inferred expressly authorizing the admission of women. that he was saying that "the admission of Two states (including Wisconsin) and the Court women to the bar would 'lower the standards of Claims had decided to the contrary. She of professional excellence.'" Her response was dealt at some length with the rejection of her that in fact the supreme court had paid little original arguments on the application of the attention to the mental and moral qualifica masculine pronoun and the law relating to the tions of its bar (a statement with which most admission of women to the University of Wis lav\yers then and legal historians now would consin. agree!) and that the refusal to admit an appli Goodell called the Judge's fourth point "the cant on the basis of a certificate of admission social argument." She began: to the lower courts of the state was "unprec edented." This in effect made sex the only test His Honor, with a humility at once touch of admission. Full and free competition by all ing and naive assumes that matrimony is qualified individuals was necessary to get the so undesirable a state for a woman that, highest quality, and excluding half the popu were she allowed freely to earn an hon lation from competing inevitably lowered stan orable and lucrative support in any other manner, she would never enter it. The well-being of society requires her to marry. "'Frost, "Life," 137-138 (144-145). In December, right after the hearing before the supreme court, she wrote her " The first woman. Ivy Williams, was called to the bar sister, "If they don't admit me, 1 shall try the legislature (a barrister) in England in 1921. Dictionary of National Bi with a bill to have me admitted. Shall keep things stirring. ography, 1961-1970 (Oxford University Press, 1981), Don't much care. It will advertise me splendidly and 'the 1081, Information on the first woman solicitor in F^ngland blood of the martyrs is the feed of the church,' you know," is less certain. The first woman to practice law in the British Letter of December 20, 1875. After the court's decision, F'.mpire was called to the bar and admitted as a solicitor in Bennett argued the Burrington case before the Supreme Canada in 1897. Constance B, Backhouse, '"To Open the Court and won a reversal on the record he and (ioodell Way for Others of My Sex:' Clara Brett Martin's Career had made at the trial. Tyler v. Burrington, 39 Wis. 376 as Canada's First Woman Lawyer," in the Canadian Journal (1876), of Women and the Law, 1:1 (1985), 262 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL and she should therefore be forced to do dealing with them as criminals. I do not so by having no other alternative! think the wrong will be righted till women learn to assume their duties as citizens. . . . As to Ryan's concern that the practice of law Jails and prisons could just as well be made would expose women to the baser side of life, schools of virtue as vice if the people chose she argued that the reverse was also true: that to have it so and would give a very little the practice involved the administration of jus thought to the subject. tice, the righting of wrongs, and important questions affecting the welfare of humanity For the rest of her life Goodell took an active where "the peculiar qualities of womanhood interest in individual prisoners and in jail re which the honorable court sets forth so elo form and penal legislation. She conducted quently are needed no less than the sturdier prayer meetings, Sunday school, and classes in and hardier traits of manhood." To the argu jails, took books and newspapers to the pris ment that practicing law was a peculiarly mas oners to read, corresponded with them when culine prerogative, she cited several examples they were released from jail, and tried to help of other activities which were formerly re them get back into society. At one time her garded as masculine prerogatives but which class published a newspaper. When she went had been accepted as suitable for women, in to a state temperance convention in Waupun, cluding education. she went to visit some of her "boys" who had She concluded with a forceful argument ad been transferred to the state prison.^^ dressed to Ryan's belief in separate sex roles Goodell's interest in temperance related di ordained by nature: rectly to her jail work. She believed that drink, along with lack of family ties, was at the heart If nature has built up barriers to keep of many prisoners' troubles. When she went to woman out of the legal profession, be as see the governor about a pardon for one pris sured she will stay out; but if nature has oner, she told him she regarded the community built no such barriers, in vain shall man as responsible for most crime by licensing sa build them, for they will certainly be over loons. He responded it was a "difficult ques thrown. tion," but she rejoined that "it was men's self interest that made it seem difficult to them," that it was "clear enough."^" Maria saw her sister's emotional investment in her "boys" as an outlet for her maternal '"HILE Goodell was waiting for instincts, and indeed some of them did call her the Wisconsin Supreme Court w Mother. When Lavinia died, Maria found to hear her petition for admission to its bar in among her effects "hundreds of letters from November, 1875, an event occurred which had prisoners, many of them touching and tender, a significant and lasting effect on her life. Judge many of them telling tales of deep and tragic Conger appointed her to represent two indi interest. . . ." To be sure, Lavinia was realistic gents charged with crimes—one with stealing about the limited success of her efforts in many some small articles from a store and the other cases, and she dealt with them openly; but she with stealing a watch. She got the second man acquitted, and in the first case she got the charge reduced to simple larceny. She went to jail several times to see this young man. Within ""Frost, "Life," 13.3-134 (140-141), 136-137 (143- a few weeks she wrote her sister about her 144), 170 (179). (ioodell's reactions to her first encounter thoughts on the management of criminals: with the two prisoners arc set forth more fully in two pieces entided "My Tramp" which were published in The Christian As it is, the jails are schools of vice and Union on December 1 and 15, 1875, copies of which are in the Berea College archives. Box 16, File 15, On the crime. Nothing could be more admirably newspaper, see "The Row Boat," in the Janesville Gazette, conducted to educate young men to every December 5, 1877. form of evil than the present system of ""Frost, "Life," 171 (180). 263 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I never ceased to care for the individuals. Her consulted doctors in Hartford and Boston who investment of herself in these men was enor recommended surgery, but not until fall when mous.^' the weather would be cooler. That fall there Also while she was waiting for the supreme are references in her diary to the difficulties court decision, Goodell tried a bitterly con she was having with her mother, who was ap tested divorce case. It came to trial on Decem parently becoming senile. At the end of the ber 28, 1875, and took nine days to try, gen year her cousin Sarah Thomas came from Con erating extensive press coverage. Goodell necticut to help, but finally, in July of 1877, represented the plaintiff, who sought the di Mrs. Goodell was placed in an institution. Dur vorce on grounds of cruel and inhuman treat ing her eastern trip in June of 1876, Goodell ment, and she had spent months gathering evi had an opportunity to see a number of the dence. Mrs. Leavenworth, Goodell's client, people with whom she corresponded and testified to physical mistreatment by her hus worked on reform causes. After a stop in Wash band over a period of twenty-five years and to ington, where she spent most of the day at the his securing by fraud her signature on papers Capitol, she spent a week in Philadelphia at the deeding the homestead out of his name to free Centennial Exposition and also attended the it from any claim she might have to alimony. Woman's International Temperance Conven The defendant denied all of these charges, and tion where she presented an essay entitled, the court refused to grant the divorce on the "Am 1 my brother's keeper?"8° She went to basis that there was "not sufficient cause for granting the decree." Goodell's diary for Jan uary 29 reads: "Finished Leavenworth case & lost it. Too mad to say any more." The Janesville ""Letter of December 20, 1875. The Janesville City Times Gazette commented, "The effort of Miss Good in an editorial on February 24,1876—which generally sup ell added, in the estimation of all who heard ported the court's decision—specifically raised the issue of the effect of the supreme court ruling on Goodell's right her, to the flattering reputation she has made to practice in the lower court. It objected to depriving for herself as an advocate at the bar."-"*" women of the right to earn their living by practicing law. The editorial concluded: "Even a Supreme Court has been After the supreme court decision, no ques known to strain a point. They might have done so in this tion arose as to Goodell's continuing to prac case, and the world would still move on. They say they tice in the lower courts. While the language of could find no plea or precedent in her favor. We are of the opinion seemed to rule out the practice of the opinion they could have made both and have allowed law by a woman in "any court in this state," her the benefit of their doubts." In Illinois, after the Brad well case was decided and before a statute was passed mak Goodell had written her sister before the de ing women eligible for admission to the bar, Ada H. Kepley cision, "This will not affect my right to practice was admitted to the bar in her hometown of Effingham, in the lower court. Judge Conger will stand by Illinois, by a local judge, "While the Supreme Cxjurt had me. He is my good friend."^^ refused license to a woman in another case, he yet thought the motion was proper, and in accord with the spirit of For Goodell 1876 was a bad year, and her the age, and if it was the unanimous sense of the Bar, he diary contained frequent references to "feeling did not feel at liberty to deny the motion." Kepley grad blue." In January she lost the Leavenworth case. uated from the Union College of Law in Chicago in June, In February the supreme court handed down 1870, the first woman in the country to graduate from law its decision denying her petition for admission school. Martin, "Admission of Women to the Bar," 78. to its bar. That spring she discovered she had "Frost, "Life," 149 (158); Diary, June 8-16, 1876, Her certificate of admission to the Rock County bar and "Su an ovarian tumor. She did not tell anyone preme Court Briefs" were on exhibit at the Exposition. about it, but on a trip east that summer she There is no record that she saw Rep, William Pitt Lynde, the Congressman from Milwaukee, when she was at the (japitol, but the following January, when a group of Con gressmen from various states introduced petitions asking for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit the states from "'/6;rf,, 189 (198). There is no record of Lavinia's having disenfranchising voters on account of sex, Lynde intro been exposed to any female prisoner. duced the petitions from Wisconsin (with 477 signatures) ^Janesville Gaz«(te, January 25, 31, 1876. The court file in the names of Lavinia Goodell, Mathilde Franceska An- is in Drawer 209 at the Rock County Historical Society, neke, and Carl Doerllinger. Congressional Record (January Janesville, but the final order and opinion are missing. 19, 1877), 752, 264 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL New York where she called on Charlotte Ray, talked to 1. C. Sloan who had represented her the first black woman lawyer in the country, in the supreme court, and to a reporter for the who had moved to New York from the District State Journal "who promises to make favorable of Columbia where she had been admitted to notices of my bills." Again she visited with Mrs. the bar in 1872. In Boston she spent a day with Bascom. Emma Bascom was to play a significant Lucy Stone, who also took her to call on Wil role in the struggle for woman suffrage in Wis liam Lloyd Garrison, an old friend of William consin, and her staunch support for Lavinia Goodell.''* Goodell could hardly have been overlooked by Madison's social and political elite. By the time Goodell went home, she was assured that her supreme court bill would be reported favora '^HEN Goodell returned home in bly, and she had hopes for some of the other w August, she resumed the prac bills.6-'' tice of law. The divorce case she had handled The Rock County Recorder ran an editorial on for Mrs. Leavenworth and trouble Maria was February 23 supporting both the supreme having in her marriage had made Goodell sen court bill and the other bills "for the further sitive to the inadequacy of the rights of married protection of married women, and for the women under the law. Her own problem in more careful supervision of our common jails gaining admission to the Wisconsin Supreme and the employment of the prisoners therein Court bar and the legal barrier to woman suf on certain conditions," concluding: "It is a frage as well as possible legal solutions to prob good thing to have women lawyers to look after lems associated with liquor and jail reform all the interests of humanity, when the men are motivated her to try to get laws changed."''^ so completely absorbed in their own personal When the legislature convened in January, struggles that they can give little time to the 1877, she had sent eight bills to John B. Cas consideration of matters of justice and philan soday, the assemblyman from Janesville who thropy." Goodell's supreme court bill passed was the new speaker of the assembly. One was the assembly on a voice vote, an indication of her bill prohibiting denial of admission to the no substantial opposition. It was acquiesced in bar on account of sex. She supported this with by the senate, signed by Governor Harrison a petition she had circulated, carrying the sig Ludington, and became law on March 22, natures of Judge Conger and every single law 1877.'"* yer in Rock County. In her diary on February In May, after visiting doctors in Chicago and 2 she wrote: "Am made happy by finding that consulting a trusted doctor in New York by Mr. Cassoday introduced all my bills & the pe correspondence, Goodell decided to postpone tition." A few days later she went to Madison surgery. Instead, three Janesville doctors and spent several days at the capitol, where drained the tumor, "letting out Ifi'A pounds Cassoday introduced her to a number of leg of villainous black stuff." The procedure took islators. She had a "pleasant interview with the place at home with only her cousin Sarah in Committee (Joint) on Penal Institutions" and also met with the Judiciary Committee. She "••'Diary, February 6-8, 1877. In Assembly. Journal of Pro ceedings of the Thirtieth Annual Se.s.sion of the Wisconsin Leg "'Diai-y,June 26,July 22, July 24, 1876, William Goodell islature (Madison, 1877), 109; Frost, "Life," 157 (166), The differed with tSarrison on how to abolish slavery, but they Wisconsin State Journal of January 30, 1877, in the summary remained personal friends for life. In Memoriam: William of the proceedings of the Assembly on January 29, lists Goodell, 53. bills introduced by John B, Cassoday, including an amend "•'Her diary for February 3, 1877, includes: "1 am all ment to the law on admission of attorneys, bills on jails stirred up over the sinfulness of people & the pitiful weak and prisoners, a bill on husbands and wives testifying in ness of defenseless wives. Feel as if I should boil over." cases in which either is a party, and another in support of She wrote an article, "A Day in the Life of a Woman Law married women and their minor children and the custody yer," for the Woman's Journal which gives an indication of of minor children by their mothers, her activities at this time. Sec 8:354 (November 10, 1877). "Wisconsin State Journal, March 22, 1877. 265 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, 1991 attendance. Two weeks later she was back at she returned to Janesville, rented a suite of work."'^ rooms to live in, and took a desk in a law office. At the end of August she moved her office Soon she was as busy as her health permitted. home, partly because her father was lonely with Over the years in Janesville, Goodell had had his wife in the asylum at Mendota and probably many contacts with Angle King. She was in the partly for financial reasons. Throughout this courtroom on January 10, 1879, when King period Kate Kane, who was studying law in A. (who had been studying law at home for many A. Jackson's office, was in and out of the office years) was admitted to the bar. Shortly there and house almost daily."^ after the two women formed a partnership for Goodell's personal life changed dramatically the practice of law. Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1878. William Goodell died in February at sent them large lithographs of herself and Su age eighty-five. Lavinia closed the house in san B. Anthony to hang in their office."** March and began to write a memorial to her father which was ultimately printed. She had noted a recurrence of her tumor as early as the previous August, and in April she went east and N retrospect it seems extraordinary underwent surgery in New York. Her mother I that the first three women lawyers died while Lavinia was in the hospital, too weak in Wisconsin all were admitted to the bar in to be told the news for some time. She spent Janesville. Angle King had lived there all her the summer in New York and Connecticut. Af life and began studying law before Goodell ter her operation, she weighed only eighty- came to town. Lavinia Goodell had come to be eight pounds, and recovery was a long, slow with her family. Why Kate Kane came to Janes process. ville is not known, though it is quite possible While she was in the East, she went to Prov it was because she knew Goodell had been ad idence in October to attend the Woman's Con mitted to the bar there. In any event, Janesville gress where she made two short speeches. She was a relatively favorable environment for also participated in a Woman's Suffrage Meet "strong-minded women." A significant num ing where she delivered a long speech which ber of Janesville lawyers had come from upstate was reported in the Providence Journal. After New York in the area where the woman's rights tracing the growing acceptance of women on movement had its origins. Goodell belonged to the platform and in the professions, she dealt two literary clubs that had both men and with the arguments for and against woman suf women members, all of whom were eligible to frage, including specifically the question of vote and hold office. She was a founding mem "woman's sphere." Despite the time required ber of The Round Table, one of these clubs for their home duties, she said women had time organized in 1876, and she served on its ex for "the questions of the day" and disputed ecutive committee for the rest of her life. the claim that "woman would lose her charm Goodell's speaking schedule showed the com if she came into politics." With irony she re munity acceptance of women on the platform. called that "there had always been a feeling Frances Willard, the noted temperance advo among men that woman would lose her charms cate who had lived on a farm outside Janesville when she undertook to do anything they did for twelve years while she was growing up, not want her to.""' Later in the fall of 1878 preached in the Methodist church on a Sunday morning. A woman doctor had a good practice in Janesville. Small wonder, Goodell wrote, "Altogether Janesville is in a fair way to become "••'Diary, May 18, 1877, 'educated up' to woman suffrage, and is getting ""Kate Kane is listed as a student (p, 87) with A. A. Jack son in the Jane.sville City Directory 1878-79. She was ad mitted to the bar in Janesville on September 6, 1878, the second woman lawyer in the state. She moved to Milwau kee, where she practiced law, and then to Chicago, "'Frost, "Life," 187-188 (196-197); Providence Journal, '^•''Milwaukee Sentinel, January 31, 1879; diary, January October 19, 1878, in the Goodell Papers, Box 12, File 20. 10, 1879; letter to sister, April 5, 1879, 266 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL to be one of the most 'strong-minded' towns the Supreme Court of the United States had in the State.""^ been denied, had succeeded in getting a bill In May, 1879, Goodell wrote her sister, through Congress which became law on Feb "Court is in session, and our firm has three ruary 15, 1879, changing the rule of that case. important cases in hand. ..." One of these was She became the first woman admitted under a criminal case involving a young man, Thomas the new law.'^ Ingalls, who in early December had been As Goodell prepared for the argument, she charged for stealing clothing from a tailor's wrote, "It is thought that Judge Ryan will fight shop. In many ways Ingalls typified the pris to the last, there is however a probability of oners whose lives were of such concern to the other judges going against him." On April Goodell. Kate Kane and Angle King assisted 22, 1. C. Sloan again made the motion for Goodell in preparing for the defense.'" The Goodell's admission. Emma Bascom and a case came on for trial in May. The stolen goods friend were in the courtroom, a gesture of sup had been found in the possession of Jacob port for Goodell that reminded the court of Bender, who said that Ingalls and another man the public interest in its decision.''* had awakened him the night of the robbery and The argument made on Goodell's behalf was left the clothing with him. The robbery itself printed in the Chicago Legal News. It was di was executed by cutting a hole in a shop win rected to the question raised in Ryan's earlier dow just big enough to permit the robber to opinion as to whether rules on admission to remove a nail fastening the sash, open the win the bar were solely within the power of the dow, and remove the clothing without disturb judiciary, since Goodell was now relying on the ing the remaining items, which were left un legislative act. The argument dealt with the sub touched. Goodell, denying that Ingalls had ject from a historical perspective and then cited committed the theft, attempted to show that recent precedents in the United States of on the evening in question Ingalls and his com women being denied admission and being ad panion were so intoxicated that they would mitted subsequently on the basis of legislation. have been incapable of doing such a neat job. Not only the Lockwood case in the United States The trial court refused to allow the evidence, Supreme Court but also state court decisions holding that intoxication is a defense only to in Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota were show that a person does not know what he is cited.'"* doing. The jury found Ingalls guilty and, this The Milwaukee Sentinel commented: "The being his second offense, he was sentenced to prejudice of sex is the most imbecile, the least five years at hard labor in the state prison. excusable, of all prejudices—and yet it is one Goodell was devastated. She was convinced of the strongest." After noting the persistence that he was innocent and that Jacob Bender of opposition to woman's rights and women had stolen the goods. Ten days after the trial Goodell recorded in her diary, "Heard that Ja cob Bender is breathing out threatenings "''The History of Rock County, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1879), against me, and half resolved to invest in a pis 583; Goodell letter in Milwaukee Sentinel, January 3i, 1879. tol but went to prayer meeting instead."" '"Frost, "Life," 196 (221). In the meantime Goodell had made her sec "Diary, May 15, 22, 1879. Goodell described herself as ond application for admission to the bar of the "broken-hearted" for her client. '•^W. Elliott and Mary M. Brownlee, Women in the Amer supreme court. The hearing was set for April ican Economy: A Documentary History, 1675 to 1929 (New 22, 1879. By that time Belva Lockwood, whose Haven, 1976), 307. earlier application for admission to the bar of "Frost, "Life," 218; diary, April 22, 1879, Mrs, Bas- com's presence must have added to the Chief Justice's un- happiness. He had been infuriated by remarks President Bascom had made several years earlier which he believed "Tte History of Rock County, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1879), reflected on the ethics of the judiciary, Clara Lyons Hayes, 583; Goodell letter '\n Milwaukee Sentinel, January 31, 1879. "William Penn Lyon," in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, "Trost, "Life," 196 (221). 9:251, 269-270 (1926); Winslow, .Story of a Great Court, "Diary, May 15, 22, 1879, Goodell described herself as 355-356, "broken-hearted" for her client. 'lApril 26, 1879. 267 WHi(X,?)19099 The Wisconsin Supreme Court photographed in its old chambers, February 4, 1916, by Edward C Nielson, Madison. The justices, with the names of those on the court who acted on Lavinia Goodell's appeal in bold: top row, Edward V. Whiton, Samuel Crawford, Abram D. Smith, Orsamus Cole, Luther S. Dixon, Byron Paine, Jason Downer. Middle row, William P. Lyon, Edward G. Ryan, Harlow S. Orton, David Taylor, John B. Cassoday, Silas U Pinney, Alfred W. Newman, Charles V. Bardeen. Bottom row, John Barnes, James C Kerwin, Roujet D. Marshall, John R. Winslow, Robert G. Siebecker, William H. Timlin, AadJ. Vinje. working in fields deemed to be outside their essary.'"'^ On June 18 the Wisconsin Supreme sphere, particularly at the bar, the paper con Court handed down its decision. Lavinia Good cluded: "Miss Goodell in her petition makes a ell's petition was granted. Chief Justice Ryan strong and apparently unanswerable argument dissented. The court's opinion by Justice Or in favor of the legislative power. She has made samus Cole was brief. Without conceding that a good fight, has demonstrated her fitness for rules on admission to the bar were a legislative admission, she has all the arguments on her function, the court followed the reasoning of side, and if, on constitutional or other grounds, the chief justice in the earlier case, accepting she is denied admission, it will be a disgrace to the statute as the basis for the decision in de the State which cannot too soon be removed ference to a coordinate branch of government by constitutional amendment if that is held nec- since the legislative rule seemed reasonable and just. The opinion was not printed for some time, and when it did appear, a footnote was appended by the reporter: "The publication in "April 25, 1879, the reports has been delayed in the expectation 268 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL that a dissenting opinion would be prepared over the partnership accounts—income not re by the chief justice."'" corded, expenses charged, shares of earnings withdrawn—that could not have been settled in discussions over a period of several weeks. It appears that King raised the issue, whatever it ^HE bar of Wisconsin was at last was, and one can only speculate that Goodell, T-fully open to women. The cam who was not used to having her decisions ques paign Lavinia Goodell had launched three and tioned, may have decided to free herself from a half years before had finally been won. She any further accountability to a partner. Good had been right when, impatient with the ell and King maintained a social relationship judges' delay in issuing their decision on her and visited back and forth in the short time first petition, she had written, "They can't keep Goodell remained in Janesville. Goodell's will, out the rising tide with their mops very long." executed July 7, 1879, left her law books to The great day was, however, anticlimactic for King, and this was never changed.'** her. She wrote in her diary: "Went to Sup. Ct. Goodell continued to practice actively, but Got admitted, but poor Miss Kane left out, family ties no longer kept her in Janesville. In which spoiled all my pleasure. Tired from not the fall she attended temperance conventions sleeping the night before." (The reference to in Madison and Racine as well as the Woman's Kate Kane is not clear. There is nothing to show Congress in Madison, at which she read a paper that she had applied for admission.)" on penal legislation. She was thinking about Goodell's seemingly disinterested response moving away from Janesville, and while she was to her great victory may have been a product in Racine, she went up to Milwaukee to look of both her deteriorating health and the loss it over. In the end she decided Madison had of her parents, especially of her father, who the most to offer her. She moved to Madison had shared her triumphs and defeats and al in the middle of November and made an office ways been there as a source of moral support. arrangement with J. M. Bowman, a local at These same factors may have influenced the torney. While at the capitol one day, she visited dissolution of her partnership with Angle King with Justices William Penn Lyon and Harlow that summer, though the events leading to the South Orton and saw Chief Justice Ryan who, dissolution are not clear. From the end of Jan she supposed, "was made unhappy by her pres uary to late July Goodell enjoyed a very close ence." Her health was failing rapidly, but, al relationship with King and her sister Mary. though her friends urged her to limit herself They were together not only in the office but to literary work, she said, "I shall practice law socially, and the King sisters were generous in as long as I can hold together." She did not their help to Goodell in her rather frequent have many friends in Madison, but the respon spells of illness. On July 25 there is a brief entry siveness of the prisoners with whom she began in Goodell's diary: "Trouble about partnership working shortly after her arrival made her feel accounts which unnerved me for anything." welcome and needed.'" Three days later, "another horrid financial A brief entry in her diary ten days after her struggle." After three more days with similar arrival in Madison cried out: "A day of dark, entries, Goodell moved out of the office August black despair. O God be merciful & let me die 9, since King wished to stay, and in her diary rather than have any more such bitter expe- wrote: ". . . closed up everything quite satis factorily on the whole." While lawyers changed partners frequently in the late nineteenth cen tury, it is difficult to imagine a disagreement '"Diary, August 22, September 20, October 29, 1879. Mary King was blinded when she was struck by lightning as a small child. She and her mother (who was hit in the same accident) were revived by an Indian woman who hap pened to be passing. Angle had Mary as her constant com panion. Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis ''"Application of Miss Goodell, 48 Wis, 693 (1879). consin, 327-330, "Frost, "Life," 136 (143). '"Frost, "Life," 203 (228), 205 (230), 269 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I riences!" In January she went to Milwaukee— ing her accomplishments. The Chicago Times first to a turkish bath establishment run by a reporter in Milwaukee, after interviewing a doctor who had been a friend of her father and number of leading lawyers, judged her a suc then to the home of a former neighbor where cess in her profession, well respected by her she was under the care of a nurse and used colleagues; but he too emphasized her lifelong morphine to alleviate pain.**" On March 11 she role as a reformer, speaking of her stand was cheered by the news she had won the In against slavery and her concern for the welfare galls case, and she wrote in her diary: "... I of women. have beaten the Attorney General of the State Lavinia Goodell's death did not end the and reversed Judge Conger's decision. I had struggle she had begun to open the bar to no assistance, so it was apure woman's victory!"^^ women. When Moses M. Strong, president of She was told on March 29 that there was no the State Bar Association, paid tribute to its hope, and early on the morning of March 31, deceased members in 1881, he emphasized his 1880, she died, a month before her forty-first agreement with Chief Justice Ryan's views on birthday. *'2 the distinction between the sexes. He noted "as a matter of proper satisfaction" that only one other woman had been admitted to the bar, and she had "wisely selected so circumscribed AVlNlA Goodell's funeral was held a sphere as New London, in Waupaca County, D on April 1 at the First Congre for the exercise of her professional powers." gational Church in Janesville. The services were Strong's words were a reminder of the pow conducted by its pastor. Rev. T P. Sawin, be erful current of opinion that continued to sup fore "a large congregation." He did not speak port Ryan's point of view and a warning that about her career as a lawyer but emphasized social and cultural obstacles to men and women her work as a reformer. "Many who have never working together in the legal profession would entered a church, whose home has largely been not disappear in the next century.**'* [spent] in haunts of vice or within prison walls, Happily for Goodell, the views of Moses will speak gently when they hear that she is Strong and Chief Justice Ryan were not shared dead."*^ Newspapers in Janesville, Milwaukee, by the Rock County bar, or by the newspaper Madison, and Chicago carried obituaries not- men of the state, or by the legislature. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Goodell's career is the generous help and encouragement she received from the bench and bar in her own <'<'Ibid., 206-207 (231-232), community and from newspapers in the state. '^'Ingalls V. The State, 48 Wis. 647 (1879), A memoran The lawyers who helped her—Harmon Conger, dum at the beginning of this volume of the Wisconsin Re Pliny Norcross, John B. Cassoday, I. C. Sloan, ports states that the Chief Justice took no part in the de and others—were leading figures in the bar and cision of cases heard after January 10, 1880, Ryan was in the community. Once they saw Goodell's se desperately ill in early 1880, and he survived Goodell by only six months, rious commitment and her real ability as well "nhe death certificate gave as the cause of death cystitis, which is rarely fatal. Newspaper stories blamed sciatic rheu matism. The deterioration of Goodell's health after the operation to remove the ovarian tumor two years earlier indicates cancer as the almost certain cause of death, and ''^Report of the Proceedings of the Meetings of the Stale Bar Maria traced the cause of her death back to the tumor. Association of Wisconsin for the Years, 1878, 1881 and 1885 Frost, "Life," 149 (158), (Madison, 1905), 57-58, 249, The Milwaukee Sentinel re "'Janesville Recorder, April 2, 1880, A piece by Rev, Sawin ported the admission of Frances A. Arnold to the bar of on Goodell's life which appears to be the text of his remarks the circuit court of Waupaca County on January 31, 1881, at the funeral appeared in The Advance and was reprinted and of the supreme court on March 17, 1882. Kate Kane (m the first page of the Woman's Journal, 11: No. 17 (April and Angle King had also been admitted in Rock County 24, 1880). The obituary, which appeared in the Chicago before Goodell died. On the issue of male/female rela Times on April 1, 1880, was reprinted in the Janesville tionships within the bar in the 1970's, see "Ambivalence Gazette that same date, (The minister's name is spelled "Sa and Collegiality," in Cynthia Fuchs F.pstein, Women in Law win" and "Savin" in different places,) (New York, 1981), 270 CLEARY: LAVINIA GOODELL as the community's acceptance of her new role, they she found it—and helped its victims. Her initial accepted the idea that being female was not a interest in the law grew out of her desire to disqualification to being a la-wyer, and they re defend widows and orphans. In the course of ceived her as a colleague. Her case in the Wis her own struggle to gain admission to the bar, consin Supreme Court and the legislature was she strengthened her identification with other strengthened by the evidence of her initial suc women working for women's rights. Her belief cess in Rock County, particularly because of in woman suffrage was reaffirmed by seeing the the influence of Rock County lawyers in state political ineffectiveness of women temperance government. The ease with which Goodell workers. Encounters with married women's moved in public and professional circles, not lack of control over their own lives led to her only in Janesville and Madison but also in the efforts to change the law to increase that con towns she visited around the state, showed the trol. Exposure to prison conditions inspired extent to which society had accepted a public her lifelong advocacy of jail reform and help role for women. The editorial support Goodell to individual prisoners. Her life revolved received from the Milwaukee Sentinel and the around her profession, and the activities of the Wisconsin State Journal, both politically pow church, reform organizations, and literary erful papers, was impressive, and was further clubs to which she belonged. Known as the or evidence of the growing acceptance of women ator of her class at school and trained as a in the professions. (It is worth noting that journalist, her communication skills added to Goodell was skillful and adroit in "using" the her effectiveness as a reformer and aided her press to advance her own cause.) The coverage career as a lawyer at a time when lawyers were and support Myra Bradwell's Chicago Legal judged by courtroom performance. Her un News and Lucy Stone's Woman's Journal gave derstanding of strategy was evident in her legal Goodell were not surprising but were never arguments and her reform work. Even as a theless significant. Bradwell was an influential young woman she was at ease with public fig voice in legal circles far beyond Chicago; the ures through her father's associations; and her Woman's Journal was an important part of the early experience in the local courts added to national network of women working in differ her assurance when she took her own case to ent fields: woman suffrage, temperance, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the state entry into the professions, including law. These legislature. Only rarely did a sense of insecurity women corresponded, saw each other at con lead her to question the motives of male at ventions, and actively supported one another torneys in their dealings with her. For the most in a wide variety of endeavors. part, her sense of humor—sometimes playful, sometimes acerbic—helped her deal with the Lavinia Goodell symbolized the best of those pressures inherent in her pioneering role. women as they moved into public life and the professions. She was a reformer in the tradition She was unapologetically direct and forth of her abolitionist father. She grew up in a right in expressing her opinions, but while she world focused on reform, primarily abolition reacted with flashes of anger on occasion, she and temperance, and on Christian values. It never displayed any personal vindictiveness. was a world of intellectuals who attached little She worked easily with and among men, a pat importance to material goods, a world in which tern that began at home and developed as she men and women shared concerns and worked worked at Harper's and with lawyers in Janes together, dealing with large, frequently con ville. Her seriousness, her civil approach to troversial issues without rancor. As the dearly conflict, and a personal style characterized as loved youngest child in her family, intelligent, "kind and gentle" added to her credibility and idealistic, and intellectually curious, she early her acceptance in the legal profession and in developed independence of thought and a con the community at large. The legal career of fident sense of her own identity. She was an Lavinia Goodell lasted less than ten years, but activist, and, believing in the dignity and worth her life made a difference, and she still stands of each individual, she attacked injustice where as a model for women lawyers today. 271 Hannah's Letters: The Story of a Wisconsin Pioneer Family, 1856-1864 Edited by Elizabeth Krynski and Kimberly Little PART II N January, 1858, Herman Aldrich and her health deteriorated. The family re I and Hannah Thompson Aldrich turned to New Hampshire for a visit in late were spending their first winter in Sylvan, Wis summer and early fall, 1860. At the conclusion consin. Herman was teaching school to pay the of this installment of Hannah's letters, the Civil mortgage, while Hannah tended the cabin, the War begins. farm, and their two sons, Walton and Bertie, For Hannah, each rising sun meant a new aged two and a half years and eighteen months. day of work. She casually mentions her chores, The Aldriches had moved from the factory all part of a routine that was broken only by town of Swanzey, New Hampshire, in fall, the seasons—fall for butchering and making 1856, and had spent that winter near relatives soap, winter for making and remaking clothes, in Walworth County, Wisconsin. They were spring for making maple sugar, and summer prompted to move from New Hampshire by for collecting nature's wild bounty. Year round what they believed to be greater opportunity Hannah had several tasks to occupy her time. in the West and a desire for independence from Daily she had to tend the cow, chickens, and their parents, particularly the Thompsons. pigs. She milked the cow and made butter reg Sylvan was an infant community, still almost ularly, two jobs which require much strength completely wooded. Located in the unglaciated and stamina. To milk a cow, one needed strong region of Richland County, the settlement was forearms and hands. Butter is made by re crossed with ridges and deep valleys. The Ald peatedly ramming a specially-designed stick riches were friendly with their neighbors to the into a churn, with the process taking up to extent that they could meet them, for houses several hours on intemperate days. Lacking a were widely spaced and roads through the cellar with relatively consistent temperatures mountains were few. Hannah felt her isolation for a large part of the time she was in Sylvan, intensely through the winter months when this task was probably especially difficult for Herman was teaching, and a sense of desper her. Hannah also made her own cheese when ation is evident in her letters home. the cow gave enough surplus milk.' In Part II, Hannah's letters reveal the vir When Hannah wasn't preparing food, she tually ceaseless chores of a pioneer woman, provide fragments for understanding Her man's work as a pioneer farmer and teacher, and introduce the Civil War from the perspec 'Mary Davison Bradford, Pioneers! O Pioneers! (Evansville, Wisconsin, 1937), 105-108; Glenda Riley, "Not Gainfully tive of a remote civilian community. During Employed: Women on the Iowa Frontier, 1833-1870," in this time, Hannah gave birth to a third son, the Pacific Historical Review, 49:243 (May, 1980). 272 Copyright © 1991 fry The State Historical Society of Wisconsin All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS had time to clean the cabin (or sod shanty, in in the tree by hand and inserting a spout. He Spring Prairie) and do the laundry. Both tasks would have constructed large troughs to catch were made more difficult by having to go to the sap. Hannah boiled the sap to syrup or the cistern or stream to get wash water. The sugar in a huge open pot over steady heat. If obvious difficulties of cleaning a cabin are the the weather was good—cool, damp weather was rough surfaces of the wood and the many best to make the sap flow—the run could last cracks and crevices through which dust and two months.* Walton remembered being cra creatures may enter. Laundry, whether the sea dled in one of the sap troughs while his mother son was warm or cold, was done by boiling the worked outside during the off-season, and he clothes, pounding out the dirt, wringing the always attributed his sweet tooth to this sugary fabric by hand, and then hanging the clothes cradle.^ to dry. Afterwards, Hannah pressed the clothes With the coming of summer, the Wisconsin using heavy irons heated repeatedly on the hills could be counted upon to produce nu stove.^ If clothes were well-cared for, they merous wild greens, and Hannah faithfully might be remade for other family members gathered these to vary the Aldrich diet. She later. gathered uncultivated herbs and roots such as anise and ginseng that would have been costly in the Northeast.'' And she picked and dried wild berries—blackberries especially—to make 'ANNAH also had to guard her sauces in the winter. She also kept a vegetable H family and animals from attacks garden, where she grew potatoes and other es by humans and predatorial animals. While she sentials for the Aldrich household. When her does not mention Native Americans in her let health was good, she helped Herman with the ters, she did tell her children and grandchil crops. dren that they made frequent stops at the cabin, usually wanting food. Hannah was warned by her family to watch her children, lest they be bitten by snakes or carried off by 'These stories were collected and transcribed by Esther Aldrich, a descendant of Hannah and Herman Aldrich in bears. The advice was wise, because Hannah "Eight Years in a Prairie [sic] C^abin" (n.p, n.d.). Hannah's lost a set of piglets to a large black bear. Family courageous attack on the bear rings true in light of an history also relates that in another instance incident that took place a few miles south of the Aldrich Hannah saved some piglets from a foraging home, near Knapp's Creek. There, Mrs. Barney Hallen bear. Reportedly Hannah grabbed a flaming discovered a bear in the act of attacking her dog. Like Hannah, she grabbed a weapon close to her: an ax, "with log from the fire and struck the lumbering bear which she soon dispatched the bear," See Harry Bailey, across the nose just as he was about to make "Richland County," in John Gregory, ed.. Southwestern Wis off with the squealing piglets. The story may consin: A History of Old Crawford County, II ((Chicago, 1932), be apocryphal, but undoubtedly it reflects the 1282. F.li Sabin, one of the first doctors in the Sylvan area, real danger she and the children faced living encountered a bear that was a bit bolder than Hannah and Mrs, Halien's bears. Sabin's bear jumped into his cabin in such an isolated cabin.-' through a window one morning while he and his family Some of Hannah's work changed with the were eating breakfast! Remarkably, no one reported how seasons. In the spring, other work ground to this story ended. See Twylah Shaw Kepler, Sabin: A History (Richland Center, Wisconsin, 1981), 4. a halt for maple sugar season. Hannah and ••Sec "Spring Comes to the Sugar Bush," in Wisconsin Herman put up as much as 500 pounds of ma Tales and Trails, 5:2-7 (Spring, 1964), for an excellent ple sugar a year, each pound having been dis description of old and newer methods of making maple tilled from about ten gallons of sap. The letters sugar. don't elaborate on the procedure, but the Ald 'T'.sther Aldrich, "F.ight Years." riches probably followed local custom. Herman "See Simon T Atherton, "Catalogue of Herbs, Roots, Barks, Powdered Articles, prepared in the United Society, Harvard, would have tapped the sap by drilling a hole Massachusetts," (Boston, 1860) and "Catalogue of Medicinal Plants, Barks, Roots, Seeds and Flowers," (Watervliet, New York, n,d,) for prices of herbs and roots. For example, ground golden seal root was 60 cents a pound from the ^Bradford, Pioneers!, 102-104. Massachusetts Shakers, 273 € **?:^ f I .1 A Hannah Thompson and George Herman Aldrich. Photos courtesy Elizabeth Krynski, Durham, North Carolina. Fall was the season for butchering pigs, so which was kept in jars and used for laundry that extra pigs would not consume valuable and other cleaning jobs, and hard soap (more fodder during the winter. No useful part of like semi-soft), which was less alkaline and used them was overlooked when they were killed and for human cleaning. Hannah usually made her processed. From the pigs Hannah made lard, own soap, although she does mention Grandma sausages, perhaps some pigskin items, and Wood doing it for her once when she was con smoked ham. Curing the meat was a family ven fined. At this time in urban areas, mills were ture, since a steady, smoldering fire tended and being set up which would trade ashes for pro fed regularly with corncobs was best to smoke cessed soap, but there was no such mill near a hog just right. The ham fulfilled many needs Hannah and Herman.** through the winter.' In the winter, Hannah put her soap to good All through the year, and especially during use, laundering and making and remaking the butchering process, Hannah saved the fat clothes. Her winter days must have been par and drippings from any meat and meals. She ticularly tedious when Herman was teaching, also would have kept an ash barrel, where she and perhaps she also played with the children would combine wood ashes with water and let when she had time. Through the winter her the concoction sit. Over time, lye would form animals required more attention than they did and would drip from holes cut in the bottom of the barrel. When Hannah had enough fat and lye, she boiled them together to make soap. This produced two kinds of soap: soft soap, 'Ibid., 101-102; Riley, Not Gainfully Employed, 248-249. W,H, Downs in Richland Center proposed to build an "ashery" in 1858, but either it was never built or Hannah and Herman lived too far from the venture to benefit from it. "Save Your Ashes!" in the Republican Observer, Septem 'Bradford, Pioneers!, 98-99, ber 14, 1858, p. 2, 274 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS in warmer months. In warm, pleasant weather house and all of his records in 1865, and any they were allowed to forage, but after snow fell records he might have had of the Aldriches they were kept under cover and fed and tended were lost. Eli Sabin was the other local doctor, regularly. This added to Hannah's workload, and he lived in eastern Sylvan." Hannah must since Herman was teaching and could not do have had difficult labor with the children who all of the tending probably. Hannah's daily were born in Wisconsin because she required tasks wore her down so that in times of high the services of a doctor. She is typically reticent stress, such as pregnancy, illness, or especially on the subject of maternity, although she did tight finances, she had difficulty keeping body write about weaning Herbert and getting and soul together. The Aldriches like most pi "stout" before one of the births.'^ Each birth oneer families had several bouts with disease. and some of the illnesses required the Ald In particular, both parents and children had riches to hire help—"a girl"—to handle some "sore mouths," and Hannah and Herman lost of the day to day tasks. Also, Herman egali- most of their teeth. Poor hygiene and nutrition tarianly washed the floor and did the laundry probably contributed to their painful mouth when the work was too much for Hannah. infections, related to the dreaded trenchmouth suffered by soldiers. Hannah wrote that the children suffered from boils, also probably ERMAN'S time was taken up caused by inadequate opportunities for proper H with clearing land, raising hygiene.^ Hannah used home remedies to treat crops, and teaching. As aforementioned, clear her family whenever possible, even to the ex ing land was by necessity a constant objective tent of trying to cure one child of what she of pioneer farmers. Herman probably devoted diagnosed as scrofula, an early form of tuber all of his spare time to this. A pioneer farmer culosis. in Wisconsin would begin to clear the land as Family tradition of the Aldriches relates that soon as he arrived in early spring. In the first one child was treated by a Native American season the farmer could expect to put up a healer after the local doctor failed to heal her. cabin and make a small clearing in which to Unfortunately, Hannah did not write home plant his first crop—corn. This crop would be with details of the treatment.'" planted between the stumps that he had left to Two medical doctors served the Sylvan area rot, and throughout the growing season he during Hannah and Herman's time there. Luke would clear more land. Only by enlisting the Dean, who lived south of the Aldriches near aid of his wife and children could he clear six what is now Bosstown, served Sylvan first as a or seven acres a year.'-' Details about Herman's Baptist minister and later as a doctor. He began farming are not included in the letters, but one to practice medicine in the early 1860's, and can form a picture of it based on other ac the Aldriches probably used his services be counts. Most pioneers planted their first crop. cause they knew him and he lived relatively nearby. Unfortunately, a tornado destroyed his "Margaret Helen Scott, Say, "Ah": The Story of a Hundred Years of Medicine in Richland County, Wisconsin (Richland "Peter T. Harstad, "Health in the Upper Mississippi Center, Wisconsin, 1981), 43, passim. James J. Miner, ed.. River Valley, 1820-1861" (doctoral dissertation. Univer History of Richland County, Wisconsin (Mad'ison, 1906), 175, sity of Wisconsin-Madison, 1963) and Harstad, "Disease recorded that E.S. Stebins, also in eastern Sylvan, was a and Sickness on the Wisconsin Frontier: Small Pox and local doctor as well and does not mention Sabin. Other Diseases," in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, 43:4 "^Women rarely wrote about maternity or labor in letters (Summer, 1960) have good descriptions throughout of or diaries from the West, so Hannah's veiled references sickness in Wisconsin during the period the Aldriches were are typical. See Lillian Schlissel, Women's Diaries of the West there. ward Journey (New York, 1982), 108, 116-117, 129; and '"Lillian Krueger, "Motherhood on the Wisconsin Fron Julie Roy Jeffrey, Frontier Women: The Trans-Mississippi tier," Part I, in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, 29:2 West, 1840-1880 (New York, 1979), 69. (December, 194.5), discusses home remedies. Sec especially "Richard N, Current, History of Wisconsin. Vol. II: The 181-182, Civil War Era, 1848-1873 (Madison, 1976), 86-87, 275 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, 1991 corn, among the large old tree stumps that cult time getting paid for his work. Just because were left after cursory clearing. After a few his salary was twenty or thirty dollars, there was years, the stumps would rot enough to be re no guarantee he would be paid that. Following moved, and farmers would plant wheat and the panic of 1857 and the subsequent depres other grains. Herman worked with oxen and sion, all of the public school systems had dif draught horses while in Wisconsin, although ficulty finding cash to pay their teachers. At their usefulness was limited by the tree stumps. the conclusion of these letters, Hannah in Most work, such as hoeing and harvesting, was formed the folks in New Hampshire that Her done by hand. man was forced to take land sale certificates Herman's school was typical of backwoods instead of cash for his salary. In the spring of Wisconsin schools. Only a rudimentary edu 1861, the Wisconsin banking system collapsed. cation was required for a teaching certificate, Many banks in the state had invested heavily in although Herman had better than that judging future Confederate states' bonds during the by his writing ability and the praise of the 1850's, unaware of the four years of trouble county examiner. At the time, some country that lay ahead. After secession and the fall of schools had upwards of one hundred scholars, Fort Sumter, the value of notes backed by Con although the average number was forty. Text federate bonds was discredited. The comp books were whatever was available, and stu troller repeatedly requested that more suffi dents only learned the basics of reading and cient backing be provided for notes from banks writing. "Grammar school" and "spelling in the state, but not all of the banks could com school" were held one evening a week for stu ply. By late April, around one third of Wis dents who wanted to learn more. Herman be consin banks had been discredited, and on gan teaching under the system of town super June 21, the situation reached a crisis level. A intendents, but in 1861 the state legislature riot and run on the remaining banks was pre reorganized schools under the jurisdiction of vented through a hasty deal between the banks county superintendents.'* This change did not leaders and the government to use Wisconsin affect Herman much, although he did have to state bonds to fund the war effort and save the be re-certified. Herman also may have been the banks. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the district school clerk, which Hannah implies in state ran short on money again, this time be one letter home. Unfortunately, the earliest ex cause the federal government did not pay a war tant records for the Sylvan schools are from debt to the state government. Similar situations after the time when Herman was teaching reoccurred throughout the Civil War era, and there, so it is not possible to confirm the the Aldriches' are but one example of individ schools in which he taught and positions he uals who were hurt by the unstable financial held on the school boards. For their work, situation."' teachers received from about ten to thirty-five Despite these financial setbacks, the years dollars a month.'"^ Herman's salary was better from 1858 to 1861 were years of hope and than average. Coupled with his farming in promise for the Aldriches. Well on their way come, it should have been adequate to pay his toward building a successful pioneer farm, taxes and care for his family. Hannah believed that good times were ahead. Unfortunately, Herman Aldrich had a diffi '•"The second county superintendent was Frank Lloyd '"Current, The Civil War Era, 302-304, Frederick Merk, Wright's father, and Herman taught under him for a few- Economic History of Wisconsin during the Civil War Decade years, '"Ringing the Bell' After 104 Years," in the Richland (Madison, 1916; 2nd ed. 1971), 230-234, discusses prob Observer, February 4, 1965, 4-5, lems of lack of reliable currency through the first half of "Miner, Richland County, 144; Current, The Civil War the Civil War, particularly with regard to counterfeit bills, Era, 164, 399, shinplasters, and the use of postage stamps as currency. 276 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS Sylvan till dark and sometimes after. Besides this he January 26, 1858 meets the Grammar class and as many others as wish to join them one evening in a week for Dear Parents, Brother and Sisters: the purpose of explaining to them more fully We received a letter from home last evening, the principles of Grammar than he has time to also some papers, and to-day I have seated my do in school. I am sure he earns his wages, at self to try and answer it, although I feel hardly any rate he works hard enough. able to sit up. Have been abed part of the day. I was very sorry to find by the reading of I have got a very bad cold and my head aches, your letter that you thought we were making indeed I can hardly tell where I don't ache. It no exertions to earn anything to help ourselves is a general time of colds here. Herman was with. I had a good cry over it but it did me real sick Saturday and Sunday. I doctored him good, I felt better after it. I am sure H. is doing up well as 1 could so he is better but not very all he can; as for me, 1 help him all I can; could smart yet. The children have both bad colds get time to do a little work besides my own if but are not sick. I suppose it is owing some I could get it, but everybody does their own thing to the weather which has been very damp work here and if they had work to hire done, and rainy for nearly a week. have no money to pay for it. You say Mother We have had no winter yet that we could call if we cannot earn money we must try and save winter, the weather in Dec. and Jan. has been it; now I think if you knew how we live and very mild and pleasant, no snow of any account. how I manage to get along, you would not for There has not been a night this winter but what one moment doubt my exertions to save. I work we have been entertained with the music of up everything that is fit and some that is not crickets singing as merrily as in summer and into clothes for the children. Have bought frequently see three or four of them running nothing for them except a pair of shoes for about the hearth. It appears by your letter that Walton and calico for one apron for Herbert. you had not received my last letter which did Took a flannel petticoat of mine and made Wal not go immediately after it was written as we ton some pants and some socks out of old had no chance of sending to the office, but I dresses that I thought was all worn out. Their presume you have got it before this and will stockings I have footed new so they are good hear, as you say, something of the shady side and warm. No, Mother, the children have not of our affairs. You wonder I had not written suffered for clothes, nor shall they while I have about this before, but you know it is not my anything which I can convert into garments for way to write about things that are unpleasant them. to me and will be so to you. I was in hopes we H. has been obliged to get his wages for one should get along and say nothing about this month to pay some of his most urgent debts part of the story and never should have men and his taxes which he must do or have his land tioned a word about our circumstances if H. sold. He was very sorry to have to break into had not. I do not wish you nor Father A's folks his school wages as these must go to meet the to put yourselves out or to deny yourselves any payment due on our land next April, and we comforts to send us money, for I have a feeling could see no way of replacing it before that that there will be a way provided for us as well time, but we shall trust in Providence as I hope as for others that have been just in our situa we do and ask His guidance and direction daily. tion. Our corn is a good deal of it spoiled, though It is two months since H. commenced his nothing so bad as many of our neighbors. Some school. He has about 40 scholars, large and of them do not get more than one bushel in small; the largest school they have ever had four of good corn. It molds after it is harvested; here. A good many scholars out of the district. never was such a time known before. Ours is Has 10 kinds of reading books, 6 kinds of in the chamber spread out, but I find a good Arithmetic; Geography, Grammar, and Spell many ears are fit for nothing but to throw out. ing books accordingly. It is some work to teach Potatoes rot very badly. There would have been such a school. He does not get home any night a good many hundred bushels in this neigh- 277 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I borhood if they had not rotted. Now there are a farm, but we hope not to see quite so hard a good many families who have none. Ours do times again, as we have our house built and a not rot much and are very good. They happen little start. We are happy and contented, and to be of a different sort from most that was if our healths are spared, shall get along sure. raised here. They are the same kind you raise. How 1 am looking every day for an answer to I wish we had 50 bushels to sell as we could my letter, it seems so long to wait; I think the get a good price in the spring. Our cow gives girls must have a lot of news by this time. But some milk yet, so I make little butter but do I must stop. Please accept these lines with the not expect to much longer. We have a log stable love of your ever affectionate. and log hen house and a log necessary—a build ing there is not in this settlement or hardly in Hannah Wis." Have fodder enough to keep our cow in Excuse the blots. good order. But 1 guess I have written as much as you will want to read, at any rate it seems so to me. I think if you can read it all you will Swanzey do well for my head aches so 1 can hardly see February 20, 1858 and the children have been joggling about, and worst of all miserable paper and more miser Mother Thompson to Hannah: able pen.... [W]e saw by your last letter that you were O Thanksgiving, Mother, you wish to most all sick. Hope you are better by this know. . . . We did not so much as know when time. . . . Uncle [Mowry] has sent you the Sen it was till it was passed. You think it strange, tinel not knowing that we were going to send but how should [we.] We have no paper and this number. He laughed and said ... he nobody in this state makes any account of it should not send you any more old papers. 1 except now and then a family from good New told him you would think the more of it coming England. However, we called one day Thanks from him. . . . Jerusha sent a N.E. Farmer with giving, had a baked chicken, some potatoes and some shirt buttons done up in it. She wants onions and a johnny cake; thought many times you to be sure and write whether you receive of you and the good things you had. How 1 them.'" should like a piece of cheese. Have seen none for more than a year, and some apple sauce; [On same page from Sister Maria]: have had no sauce of any kind since we were I hope you are all better of your colds by here. Might have got cranberries plenty but now. I see by your letter you and H are doing could not buy sugar to make them with. We all you can to get along. It seemed by the letter are in hope to make what sugar we want to use H. wrote to his mother he was discouraged . . . next spring if we can get anything to buy some but I knew if he could not earn anything this thing to boil it in. winter it would be almost impossible for you Don't let anybody see this. I will send a bit to get along. Am sorry to hurt your feelings. I of Bertie's apron. We acknowledge with grat am so anxious about you. You can't think I itude the receipt of the money you sent us, want to hurt your feelings. I'm very, very glad Father, and hope it will not be very long before H. is keeping school. Think it is the best way we can repay it and all that our friends have to do. Hope he will keep school every winter. helped us to, and now let me assure you that Guess he can earn money as well as any way. we are doing the best we can to get along. For Hannah, how near you is any railroad station we are determined to persevere although there or any public conveyance? If we could find a are many hard blows to be stood and many hard lifts to be made before we shall have much of '"Both Hannah's uncle and brother were named Mowry, This reference is to her uncle. }erusha was Hannah's sister- "A necessary is an outhouse, in-law and Mowry's wife. 278 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS way for you to get a box from us and not have We have quite a job to do over to the school it cost more than it is worth we should like to house in repairing and papering it and have send one. How near a store are you? What is got it fixed up so it looks better than it ever such calico as Bertie's apron a yard? We want did before. We expect to go over and clean it you to let us know all your troubles. Perhaps tomorrow. Mrs. Bead says she will heat the we can help you a little. Father says he wants water for it so it won't be quite as hard as it you to ascertain the route from Milwaukee to might otherwise be. We expect Hattie Parker where you are. Whether there is a railroad will take over school this summer. I don't think through Wisconsin to Mississippi River and there will be more than six or eight scholars to what would be the most direct way to send a go so she will not have a great school at any box to you. If you can find out, write and let rate. . . . us know. And we want to know how much you will fall Emily short of having money enough to pay your land. Was very sorry you had to take school [Letter continued from Mother]: money to pay taxes and debts. Father sent a Hannah, what a narrow escape you and Ber dollar bill in Emily's letter. He says tell Hannah tie had. It makes me shudder to think of it. I to take that and buy some flour and sugar and think it would be a lesson to you all. . . . The have a little treat from him. Everyone likes a old plains look nice. The grass, wheat, and rye change sometimes. I think if by another year are very green. My tomatoes are growing you are prospered you will get along better. nicely, peppers, sage, dahlia all stand by the We feel a great deal better to have you let us South window. If the weather is as warm as it know all about your affairs. Take some of the is now I shall set them out before long. money Father sends you and get something to We called to your Father A's. . . . All well. boil your sap in. If you boil in the house you Your Father had gone to Walpole to buy cattle want a kettle. . . . What is you chimney? Will it to stock his pastures. I talked with your Brother be safe to boil in the house? John about sending a box to you. He says it Take care of yourselves and children, and will cost four times as much as it is worth if train them up in the way they should go. Tell you should get it. I suppose it would be doubt them about Grandpa and Grandma in good old ful about your getting it. Is there any prospect Swanzey. We are glad to have Prayer Meeting. of getting any railroad near you? This season? Oh Hannah, you are better off than some. I think when the railroad goes through that Some have no Preaching nor Prayer Meeting. place we can send more direct. I sent some We send some thread and some strawberry pieces of calico in a newspaper. Did you get and tomato seeds. them? If you get them we will send as often as we can as wc want you should lay them up. By and by you will get enough together to make Swanzey a bed quilt if we are all spared to write to each May 7, 1858 other. . . . Please excuse bad writing and composition. Emily and Mother Thompson to Hannah: It is sort of a satisfaction to write to you. Mowry [G]lad to hear you are in good health ex has so much to do, don't find time to write cepting the bruises which you received in the much. Maria has been gone so much she could terrible accident [a falling tree]. We have not write so I write in my feeble way. thought of Herman's getting hurt.'" But we are thankful it is no worse. . . . Mother Swanzey May 9, 1858 "Hannah's accident demonstrates that she, like most pi oneer wives, assisted with clearing the land. Mother Aldrich to Herman and Hannah: 279 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I [About Hannah's accident.] That was a very have forgotten you. Could you forget your chil narrow chance for life. Though parted from us dren? ... If I could fly you would see me very loved ones, I can trust them to our Father's soon. Vain wish, but I shall come out there care, who is a God of love. Herman, how thank sometime and what a happy meeting. The ful you must have felt to them living. You money it would cost us to go I would rather thought they would crushed no doubt. It was send to you. You need it so much. . . . a miracle they were not. I worried for fear that you would get killed yourself felling those big [Mother Aldrich] trees, never thinking that Hannah and that dear little Bertie was in danger. I hope it will be a lesson that will learn you to be careful. . . . South Hadley, Mass. Now 1 want to talk with you about all your June 11, 1858 affairs and things, your birds and woods and roses and posies. How 1 wish I was there out Friend Alice to Hannah:^' in the woods to hear the birds. How I would When at home last vacation your friends told enjoy living there with you. ... I said to Father me of the narrow escape you had from the when we went to bed it seem hard that you had falling tree. It made me shudder to think of to live way off there so far from us all but I it. . . . said if I had gone West when we had two chil Methinks your Log House must be a pleasant dren I should have been happy and contented. one. You have no need to plant trees, having Now they are all scattered from me, but then them already in abundance. Don't cut them if my children are happy I am. . . . down. Save the prettiest that are near the Your Father is getting cattle to stock his pas house. Oh how I would love to take a peep into tures. Gets money [from] the banks. Gets your little clearing during some of these beau hounded on all sides. You know all about that. tiful days. Isn't it lovely there in Spring & sum No better than it used to be. Herman, if you mer & in Autumn too? were here you would not be so happy as you . . . Tell Herman I would have liked to step are there. . . . No prospects of you Father get into his log school house last winter. Think that ting out of debt as I can see. All that makes with his numerous text-books there might have me feel troubled about you is that we can't help been considerable variety, and not the same you more. You must not suffer for things if you story over and over again. Wonder if I shall don't pay for your farm. They will not let you ever be a Western teacher. lose your farm. I shall do all that 1 can. Every little helps. Your Father thinks that Father Thompson will help you and not feel it. I wish Swanzey he would. You know your Father does all he July 3, 1858 can and more than he is ABLE.'"'" ... I send you Five Dollars. Hope you can lay it out for Father Aldrich to Herman and Hannah: your selves. Don't go with [out] wheat flour. . . . Will answer as soon as we can. Our folks Hope you have milk by this time. have commenced haying. . . . You speak of sell Don't stay way out there if you want to come ing and going further back. We think if you back. I'm afraid you are homesick and won't move you had better come this way. You are own it now. Do not for one moment think I so far off' we can't help you to anything but money and that your Father had to hire. We ™Paul Aldrich, Herman's father, was seriously in debt because of his investment in a steam mill that attempted ^'This was prcjbably Alice Ware, a friend of Hannah's to overproduce. See Krynski and Little, "Hannah's Letters: from Swanzey who attended Mount Holyoke Female Sem The Story of a Wisconsin Pioneer Family, 1856-1864," inary in South Hadley. Benjamin Read, The History of Swan Part I, in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, 74:163-195 zey, New Hampshire, from 1734 to 1890 (Salem, Massachu (Spring, 1991). setts, 1892), 50,5-506. 280 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS get discouraged about your getting along these While I perused your letter the blinding tears hard times. . . . filled my eyes and rising sobs choked my throat. Herman, you will find a draft for $28.00 Yes, I feel that it is even so that our loved and which I send you to pay the remainder of the faithful Pastor has gone to his rest and to re debt on your land, I called Father soon after ceive his merited reward.^^ I was in hopes to receiving your letter to see if he was going to have seen him again but hardly dared expect do anything for you. He did not give much it. What will you do without him? T'is hard to encouragement or assistance so I have made give him up, to feel that we shall no more look an effort to do what I have done. 1 am well upon his serene countenance, no more hear aware that money does not circulate very well his voice in the sanctuary. . . . with you just now and that there is and must We have no meeting today. It is pleasant be a reaction from west and east in conse some of the time and some of the time cloudy. quence of the unparalleled emigration in the Havejust had a pretty hard rain. You speak as space of a few years from New England soil to do the Keene papers of having dry weather. the broader fields of the West. A man with a Wish we could send you half of our rain. We capital can of course do well there, but I am should then have as much as we know how to more and more convinced that it is no place get along with. I never remember of seeing so for a poor man of limited means. I will here wet a season, though there has not been quite write a note for the amount of money stated so much for two months past as before. Crops in the draft which you will sign on receipt of look as well as could be expected, considering this. [Cut out portion of the paper, which was the weather. The wheat crop in this vicinity will evidently signed by Herman and sent back to be materially injured, though some will get a his father.] This note I would be glad to have fair crop. Our wheat is not quite ripe enough met at that time which I think you can do if to cut yet. Herman thinks he shall get a mid you teach school the coming winter. That will dling crop. Corn looks well, as do our potatoes, be the best way to get a little money. We did though late. As to garden sauce, we shall not think some of getting a mowing machine this have as much as last year. Have a good many summer but circumstances did not seem very beans planted which if they do well will help favorable. us considerable. Our vines look the best of any Hannah said something about moving fur thing, if the frost holds off long enough we shall ther west, buying Government land, but it is have pumpkins, squashes and melons. Cuc not advisable to take that course I think. You umbers; we have had one meal of the first of will now have your farm paid for. I advise you any one in the neighborhood. to stick to that and do the best you can, but if We have two good hogs which we shall fat you wish to dispose of it and can sell at an this fall if nothing happens to them. I feel al advance over the original cost it will be proper most afraid the bears will catch them as they to do so, but if you move again move more east run in the woods all the time. Then we have rather than west. two little pigs which are doing nice and some 30 chickens.^'^ You ought to see our calf. Fa ther, he beats anything there is in these parts. He is so large for his age. Sylvan I expect you think sometimes when we write August 1, 1858 that we are homesick and then again that we Dear Parents: Your last letter was duly and very gratefully received, but our hearts were made sad and sorrowful by the sad tidings it brought al ''"Mr, Rockwood, minister at Hannah's church in Swan though we had almost expected it in every let zey, died. Read, History of Swanzey, 161, ''"Modern readers may be put off by Hannah's use of pig ter. It came like a heavy blow, though we can and hog as if the two words had different meanings. At not realize it as you do. It seems when I think the time, hogs were large animals, and pigs were their off of it that it cannot be, but it is alas, too true. spring. Shoats were medium-sized hogs. 281 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I are not. We are not homesick, that is, to want to any N.H. land.''^'* ... I see the sheet is full. to go back for we should be no better off there. Must close. Yours affec. True, sometimes we have felt most discour aged. We have had such a bad season and the G. H. Aldrich [Herman] times are so hard, but I still think we are better off here than there, though it is hard getting along to buy things for our comfort. But we Sylvan have learned to do without things that you September 7, 1858 would think you must have. I think if we can get along and live a few years till we get a little My dear parents: more land cleared and contrive to get us a team I know I have written since we received a and have a favorable season, we shall get along letter from you, but having news of more than pretty well. At any rate we shall try it a while ordinary importance to communicate I longer. thought I would improve the present oppor We are very grateful for the help to pay for tunity, if you do not hear before by way of our land and shall use every effort to pay you Father A's folks. We have another boy smart as at the time. We shall use all the economy and can be found in any place east or west. He is self-denial in our power to free ourselves from two weeks old to-day. Was born the 24 of Aug. debt, so we may be independent sometime. almost on Bertie's third birthday. He weighed We are all well at present. The children you 8V2 lbs., has black hair and black eyes. I am would like to see, they have grown to be great not very smart yet, that is, not very strong. I boys and are tanned up like real little back have a good appetite and think I am getting woodsmen. Walton is learning his letters, has along as well as can be expected. ... I got along got a good many of them. He seems to have very fast the first few days till I tried to work quite a mind to learn them. Bertie has learned some and too smart, I suppose, and perhaps several too. took some cold, when I was taken with chills 1 will leave the other page for Herman to followed by a high fever. Herman went for the fill. Write as often as you can. Probably we shall doctor, who succeeded in breaking up the fe not write as often when it costs 5 cents to send ver, since which time I have been gaining a letter. Love to all from your affectionate slowly. I was pretty sick for a few days, but I daughter, hope to regain my strength before long if I am careful. My maid is going away to-morrow but Hannah H. will help me some, so I need not get sick again. We think of calling the baby Edwin Thompson. I will send a lock of his hair. [On the same page]: It is very warm to-day and is thundering con stantly. Hope it will rain on account of getting 1 feel that I can write but little what will some water. Have had a few weeks now of what interest you at this time. You WTite in your let might be called dry weather, though we have ter as though you had a poor opinion of the had several slight showers in the time. Have western country and that opinion is formed, I had the coldest August I ever saw; frost so hard judge, more from reports of returned emi in the lowland as to cut off corn. Ours is not grants than from experience. I can say from what I have seen and know of the west, that I think you are rather out of the way. It is true that a man with no property better not be here, but a man with limited means, say from one to ''••Under the land law—foremost the Graduation Act—at three hundred, is better off here than in the the time Herman is writing, only inferior land or land that east. There are a few pieces of government land had been on the market for many years could be had for in this town and any amount one hundred miles one dollar an acre. Unfortunately, the Aldriches moved west too early to take advantage of the Homestead Act of west of here that can be bought for one dollar 1862, which gave land to families for the price of filing a per acre, superior for agriculture and grazing claim and improving the land. 282 J^i # Wit A WHi(X,!i)4B223 A'mr Sparta, I860-I865. One half of a stereographic view by John M. Masterson, Bronxville, New York. touched yet; hope it will have time to get ripe many that will not do that. Failure in crops will as our wheat crop proved almost a failure as make times harder here than ever. had almost everybody's around here. Buck Most everybody here is digging Ginseng wheat looks well if the frost does not cut it off. root, the only thing that will fetch cash.^'* You Don't know how potatoes will turn out, but if will doubtless think we are in a pretty tight fix. they don't rot am in hopes to have enough to last us. Ought to have more, but such as the season has been if we can manage to lay up enough to last us through the winter we ought "''The ginseng craze was in Richland County and neigh to be very thankful, as there will be a great boring counties. See (Current, The Civil War Era, 238-239. 283 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I and so we are, but no worse than others and friends, but the longer I am away the more I 1 am not going to borrow trouble about it. want to see you all. But I was going to tell you There will be some way provided for us to get about our Thanksgiving and you must about along and we hope another year to have a more yours. It came the same day here that it did in favorable season. The Baptist Association N.H. They had never had any meetings here meets at this place on Friday, Saturday, and or made any account of Thanksgiving at all, Sunday. The people are expecting quite a set but H. talked with them about having a meet tlement. . . . ing. Most of the people were in favor of it, but We are looking for a letter from you every some could not spend the time. However, they day. Write as often as you can remember to. had a sermon at the school house. I did not go Write all about the thousand things that would as I was going to have company to supper. Had interest us. The girls can write any time. You the minister and his wife and some two or three don't know how 1 want to see you all. I cannot of the neighbors to spend the afternoon and write a long letter this time. Guess you will evening so had quite a N. England Thanksgiv think I better not write any more if 1 cannot ing. Spent the time in social chat and singing write better, but I have not got a new pen yet, and closed with prayer. so you must excuse all and accept from your Walton fell down and hurt his right elbow in ever affectionate daughter, the afternoon so it spoiled his enjoyment for the rest of the time as he could not use it at Hannah all and has not got over it yet though he can use his arm some. But it is swelled considerable yet. W. had quite a sick spell some time ago but Sylvan since I wrote home last. Had a very bad sore November 28, 1858 mouth. Never saw anyone have such a bad mouth and a swelling face which I think was Dear Sister Maria: caused by an ulcerated tooth. His teeth ache a Your letter dated Aug. 25 came in hand in great deal. We, H. and I, have had the teeth due time and ought ere this to have been an ache a great deal this fall. Our teeth are fast swered but I have been so busy I have neglected going. I expect by the time you see us again writing till now, but if I mistake not there is we shall not have any teeth left. . . . one letter due from home yet. I have been look Wednesday Eve, Dec. 1. The first day of Dec, ing and wondering for a long time what could almost another year gone to be numbered with be the reason why you did not some of you the years that were. How rapidly time flies. It write. It cannot be that you have forgotten us seems but a very short time since we hailed the or do not want to hear from us. No, I do not new year's dawn and now it is passed away, think this can be. Shall we not hear from you adding another year to our lives; making us one soon? Herman has gone to a Methodist meet year older, one year nearer eternity. Do you ing this evening, at one of the neighbors. Wal realise, dear M., how fast our lives are passing ton and Bertie are asleep in their little trundle away and do we improve our time as we ought? bed, little Edwin is in his cradle before the fire Can we look back upon the year that is about so you see I am quite by myself just now. to close and see no cause for regret? No time 1 am alone a good deal this winter as I was spent in vain? Alas I fear too many of us must last; wish you and Emily were where you could plead guilty. More than two years have gone come and stay with me some while Herman is by since we left our home and friends so dear, at school. He has kept three weeks, is to have for this, our western home, yet it seems but a four months school, has 27 scholars and more short time since we came here but a long time coming next week. Well M., another Thanks since we saw our friends, the dear ones at giving has passed away. How much I thought home. of you all. I wished I could fill my accustomed We often talk about you and wish we could place at the table. Don't think I shall ever get see you all. Guess I would like to step in and so 1 shall not care anything about seeing my see what you were all doing to-night. Wouldn't 284 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS you be surprised to see us? Walton four years you. Have been looking very anxiously for a old: just imagine how he looks; and Bertie, a letter for several weeks. H. goes to the office mere baby when you last saw him, now three every time the mail comes from the east, but years old, dressed up in pants and looking like of late get no letters. He says must be they have a little man, while here comes the little one all forgotten us.^'' But no, I tell him, for he gets which you have never seen. Guess you would papers and that assures us we are still remem like to see him. He is just the bestnatured child bered. I have been wanting to write for a good I ever saw; laughing and playing most of the many weeks but have had so much to do that time. He lies in his cradle . . . drinks his milk it seemed as if I never could get time on week like one of our calves, is getting real fat! days, and on the Sabbath when I go to two Weighed about a week ago, 15 lbs. We have got meetings with the children, it is all I can do. I the time set when we are going to N.H. if we did not go to meeting to-day as it looked very live and nothing happens to prevent, but I likely to rain this morning and Walton has not guess I won't tell you now for fear you might been very well for a week past. H. went this get tired of waiting. . . . morning to the Sabbath School which is at One thing, M., I wish you would do and all tended at 10 o'clock. Preaching at 11. . . . the rest, if you can afford so much for our It seems a long time yet to wait before we gratification that is, get all your miniatures can go [home to visit]. Takes so much you taken, which I see by the papers you can for know. I am just as prudent and economical as $0.25, in such a form as to send them in a letter I can be, but we must live as we go along. Hope without extra expense.2'' It would be so much H. will be prospered in getting a school here satisfaction to me to look at them when so far again but he thinks he shall not take it; not, at away. We are having quite a snow storm to any rate, without higher wages. night. Not the first, however. Have snow We have had a good deal of cold weather for enough to make good sleighing if we had good the season and some of the hardest storms of roads. Have had one sleigh, or rather sled ride. wind I ever experienced. The woods are filled Went to meeting after a yoke of oxen, but that with fallen timber so that it is next to impossible is the way people do here except some few to get about with teams. The hardest wind took which go on horseback. . . . down six or eight trees right before our house, I want you all to write and write often. It all at one sweep and also part of the chimney, must be that you can find something to write. laid the fence level with the ground and that Guess if I were there you would find something was not the worst. It blew some large limbs to say. I will write a few lines to Mcjther and from the tree on our cow, breaking three of close, so good night. her ribs and injuring her hip and shoulder joints, so we are afraid we should lose her. But Hannah she seems to be getting better. Hope she will soon be well for we should not know how to spare her. H. has bought a mate to his yearling so he is in hopes to have a team sometime which Sylvan he needs very much. He has got his two acres June 19, 1859 which he chopped last winter cleared off and put into corn, so now our clearing is about 8 Ever dear parents. Brother, and Sisters: acres.^" We have it all planted except where wc It is a great while since we have heard from "'This is the first mention of delayed mail service. Ap parently, a postmaster along the route to Sylvan was steal '•"•The earliest forms of "photographs" available were da ing letters to get money and stamps from them. He was guerreotypes in the 1840's and 1850's. They were ex apprehended a few months later. "A Mail Bag Stolen," in tremely popular and affordable. By 1859, ambrotypes and the Republican Observer, June 1, 1858, p, 2. tintypes were also becoming available. The miniatures Han ""This means that Herman was averaging only four acres nah referred to could be one of these three early forms a year in clearing and underscores the importance of a of photography. large, mature family to assist with this task. 285 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I are going to put in buckwheat and turnips; gaged. The Steam Mill has done it, was the about 3'A acres corn, I think some wheat, po cause. Your Father has paid a good deal of tatoes, beans, and a "right smart chance" for money. There is no way to get it back, as I see. a good garden. Glad you had something. Wish you had had We are going to have a home made celebra more. But 1 don't mean to worry about it. That tion on the 4th of July. Each one is to carry won't do any good. If we could sell the farms something for the table. Can tell you better I think we could do well enough. . . . There is about it after it is over. By the way. Mother, I no one wants our land. That is all we have for dreamed last night of being home in the old them. Herman, I hope you never will get in back kitchen, where you were frying some rye debt. Live within your means and get what you cakes by the fire place. You had the old round can and get it honestly that is the way. Try and table set, and we were just going to eat when enjoy ourselves as we go along not go hurley- I awoke and said, O it is nothing but a dream. burley through the world not stop to think what Too bad, wasn't it? you are, nor what you come from...... Edwin grows like a pig. He almost creeps. I take him to meeting every Sunday. He is the best baby that ever was; so the neighbors say. Sylvan Wonder how your baby comes on, Jerusha? Now do write and tell me all about it and don't July 30, 1859 be afraid to speak its praise. Ever dear Parents: 1 want to write a good deal more but guess I wonder if you have any of you written to this must do for now. Will write again when I us of late. I think it must be that you have, but get a letter from you which I hope will be soon. we have not been so fortunate as to receive it. Love to all who enquire. Yours ever, We have had trouble about our mails now for two or three months. No mail matter, that Hannah is, no letters of any account coming in from the east, and I expect it is the same with the letters we send from here. Doubtless some ro Swanzey gue on the road. The people are looking it up. July 1, 1859 Think they have found out about where the trouble is. If they have, things will soon be Mother Aldrich to Herman and Hannah: straightened. We received a letter from Mother . . . Looking for a letter this great while. Sent Aldrich last week which is all the letter we have one with one dollar in it, I am alone now, only had in a long time. According to her writing, two men to work the farm. Vannie in Boston, they have sent us one letter which we never John and Cyril are there trading.^'' Your Father have received. How many of yours are lost I is there most of the time. Takes cattle down cannot tell. Papers come through safe. Having every Tuesday. He is driving business to a great a chance to send a letter by way of Port An rate, has let his planting, don't hire help till drew, I thought I would try and send you a few haying, can't sell his inarms, can't pay his lines so to be sure and have it go, not knowing debts. . . . The Steam Mill is not sold yet.-^" He whether you have got my last letter or not. . . . rented it, when they will sell it I don't know. Now, Herman, . . . [there arc] not many men I suppose the first thing you think of when in our place that their property is not mort- you get a letter from us (judging by myself) is to see if we are all well, so 1 will satisfy you upon that point. To begin with: we are all very well, except Herman being afflicted with sore eyes. We are in hopes they will be no worse. ••"Vannie, John, and Cyril arc Herman's sister Luvania Walton cut one of his feet some two weeks ago and two older brothers, quite bad, but it is getting most well now. Have ""As aforementioned, Paul Aldrich invested in a very large steam mill in Swanzey, which was poorly managed. had a fine season so far; rather dry but not The venture ruined him financially. enough so to have things suffer. Have had a 286 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS fine shower this afternoon. Our crops look well almost every night. Sometimes I dream that I and bid fair for an abundant harvest. Wheat is am out there and sometimes that you are here just ready to cut, potatoes and garden sauce and that we are having such a nice time and coming on in abundance, so we will have plenty then wake up and find it all a dream. Too bad, to eat now and what matters if we have been isn't it. rather short for a living for a few months past? Hope Herman will have good success in I never saw such short times before, but we teaching this winter. . . . Jerusha says tell H. have never been to bed hungry. Many people that we have one of the smartest babies in town have been worse off than we, but I think we and if you don't believe it come and see for will have plenty for the year to come. yourself. Aunt Polly sends her love to you all I suppose you are in the midst of haying now and says she would jump over a five rail fence and making cheese. How often I think of you if she could see you by doing it.^' and imagine 1 am there eating cheese curd and then go to bed and dream ever so much, but then I wake and find it is not so. How disap pointed it makes me feel. But if our lives and Sylvan healths are spared till next spring we are in November 6, 1859 hopes to visit you when I hope some of my dreams may be realized. If Herman has good Dear Parents: success in teaching school next winter we are It is with the greatest pleasure that I seat in hopes to get enough to go to [visit] N.H. myself to write in answer to a letter received There, Emily, I have told you. I did not mean from home a few days since. I had well nigh to, but I couldn't help it. But you needn't begin become discouraged about hearing from you to watch at the depot yet, for it will be some any more, when, on going to the [post] office time before next spring. . . . one day, they told me there was a letter for us. You may imagine my joy as I tore it open (al though but little in it) to find you were all in the enjoyment of health. I had worried a good Swanzey deal about you, fearing lest some of you might October 2, 1859 be sick and so had neglected writing, but I think how your letters must have been stopped be Emily to Hannah: fore they reached here. They think they have I don't know as this letter will ever reach discovered the rogue in the person of a certain you—we have written ever so many times this Post Master not many miles from here and have summer but I see by your letter that all our sent on to the department to have him appre writing has been in vain. You write that your hended. crops are very good this year—which is more Our mail for the present is arranged so that than we can say. Our corn and potatoes are it will come through straight directed as form very light, we had but twelve bushels of sound erly to Sylvan. So we shall hope to hear from corn which you know is a small amount for us our friends often. We esteem it a great privilege . . . vegetables are poor . . . last frosts killing to be able to communicate with our absent all the vines as soon as they were out of the friends in this humble way. I have often ground . . . frost every month ... no summer thought what should I do were I obliged to get at all. ... I don't know as 1 should relish bear some one to write for me in answer to the same meat but I guess I could eat it after a while. as there are many in this country who do. Her- Wish it was so I could be out there when the bears are there. I should enjoy it so much— guess 1 should go pretty careful not to go far from the house though. "Rationally, this could be Paul Aldrich's sister Polly, ex cept for the fact that she is referred to in a letter from Oh Hannah you don't know how I wait upon Emily Thompson, not from the Aldrich family. Hannah your coming home. It seems as though I could and Herman were distant relatives, however, and Emily not wait for the time to come. I dream of you probably knew Herman's family well. 287 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I man and myself have had a good many letters drawn my stand up before the fire to finish my to write since we have been here for those who letter. I am in a great huny to send it so I can could not do it themselves. get a good letter from home. We are all well as usual. Have enjoyed good I am very busy now fixing for cold weather. health since 1 wrote you last. I have com Have not much new cloth to make, but re menced weaning the Baby. He cries some pairing and making over. Have learned to do nights, think he will get over it soon. He does this pretty well; I expect you would laugh to not walk yet, can get up in the floor and has see some of my contrivances to make good gar for a long time. Is very backward about learn ments out of nothing. Children's shoes, caps, ing to walk. I expect if he was with Grandma etc. Well, you may laugh if you want to, but and Aunties they would learn him to walk in a you know we are trying to save all we can to short time, but I have so much to do just now visit you if we can, though we hardly know that 1 can't spend much time. which to do, go East or send you what we can We have had beautiful weather this fall, as towards paying what we are owing you. Which indeed we have had throughout the season. had we better do. Father? Are you in a hurry Crops have come in very well on the ridge land. for your pay? If you are, we must wait two or Those on the bottoms were very much injured three years more before we go. Should not try by frosts which we have had some of every quite so hard to go next spring if it was not for month for a year. H. has his fall work mostly paying fare for the children, which we should done, except building a log stable which he is have to in a year or two. H. says he ought not going to do this week. Finished husking his to go now. His farm needs improving so much. corn yesterday. Shall probably have some to sell Tell Maria and Em 1 want to hear from them, in the spring, though we don't know how much. want them both to write a long letter. Write all Have sold 20 bushels of potatoes at $ 0.25 per the news. Remember we have not had any let bushel. Have the cellar filled with vegetables ters in a long time. ... I have been washing of all kinds; the nicest squashes you ever saw. today and am very tired. Tomorrow I must cook Have sold one of our hogs, and other we have for the raising, which is to be a day after.*'' It most fat enough to kill. Have two nice pigs and is one o'clock and I must close. Hoping to hear enough to keep them through the winter. I from you soon, yours with much love. make all the butter we want and sell a little now and then. H. has bought a mate for his last Hannah year's calf so he has a pair of steers to winter. I don't think of anything more in this line to tell you about. Sylvan Herman has engaged the school in our Dis January 6, 1860 trict again this winter. He thought some of going away from home to teach, but the schol Dear Sister M. and E.: ars here were determined to have him here To you both I am indebted for letters re- again and 1 hated to have him gone from home all winter. He gets the same wages he has be fore, 20 dollars a month for four months. He ought to have had more, but wages were a good '"This was Mary Cornell Aldrich, who died in Spring deal lower than last year. They brought us news Prairie, Wisconsin, September 20, 1859, She was not en of death of Aunt Mary Aldrich, very sudden to tirely alone in Spring Prairie because her son Cyril (Her man's cousin) lived there also. A, James Aldrich prepared us, as we had not heard of her being sick.''^ It a six-volume genealogy of the Aldrich family that traces seems bad to me that she must be buried away Herman's connections to Mary Cornell Aldrich and other off so far while her husband and children sleep relatives mentioned in the letters. A, James Aldrich, George side by side in the burying ground in Swan Aldrich Genealogy; Descendents of George Aldrich of Mendon, zey. . . . Massachusetts, I and II (Decorah, Iowa, 1971), III-IV (Ce dar Rapids, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1988). Wednesday Eve: Herman gone to a "debate" '"The duties of a wife at a barn or cabin raising was to tonight. The children are all asleep and I have provide a steady supply of food. She had to prepare large 288 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE; HANNAH S LETTERS ceived since I wrote my last letter home. 1 a long time. Hope they are not sick. You inquire thought when I received your letter, Emily, that if we had any company Thanksgiving. We spent I could answer it in a few days, but being unwell the day alone, our thoughts were with our and having a good deal to do had not done so friends at home and we were wondering what when I received the last from Maria, so now I they had and who they had and if they thought will answer them both in one. of us as they gathered around the table loaded First then, I will inform you as regards our with the good things which constitute a New health, which is very good except myself, hav England Thanksgiving supper. But 1 trust we ing been quite unwell for three weeks. I took were no less thankful for the many mercies be a severe cold three weeks ago which settled stowed upon us than if we had been with you. upon my lungs and I was threatened with fever. I feel that we have much, very much to be Sent for our neighborhood doctor who broke thankful for even in this wilderness home. it up. Kept Herman out of school one day, had Little Eddie is sitting in his cradle by my side. a girl a few days. Have not been very well since. Has just waked up. He runs all round and gets Have had some trouble in my throat. Don't into mischief whenever he can. He is a wide know hardly what it is. ... I feel quite miser awake little fellow. Makes friends of everyone able today. Have done nothing only to get he sees. Is not bashful as the other boys were breakfast and wash the dishes. Thought I would at his age. . . . try and write some, though I feel but little like 1 think I must begin to think about drawing it. my letter to a close as my paper is pretty much Wish you were here to stay with me while H. scribbled over. I feel better than I did when I is away at school. The time seems so long and commenced writing. Always does me good to lonesome. write home. Tell Mother I am much obliged for You don't know anything about what it is to the few lines she wrote in the last letter. Hope be so far from all your friends. I get along with I may get another letter from you soon. I will it very well when I am well but when I feel try and do better about writing next time. Re about half sick, I get pretty nervous sometimes. member and kiss the baby for me. I want to I have good neighbors as any one could wish, see it very much. Give my love to all who in but they are so far off they cannot run in very quire concerning us and write soon as you re often. You may be assured your letters are very ceive this if you have not done so before. Tell gladly received and read and re-read and read Mowry and Jerusha to write. She must not think over again with particular interest. It is a great she cannot get time to write when she has but blessing to us absent ones to be able to com one baby, when I write so much with three.•''' municate with our dear friends at home in a Herman wishes to be remembered to you all. way, though but poorly done. I am afraid you He would write some if he were not so busy. will be hardly able to read this as I am writing Good-bye, by the fire on a piece of board with a miserable pen and paper not much better. We cannot get Your sister, good pens here. We have had a very pleasant H. A. Aldrich [Hannah] winter thus far, just snow enough to be good sledding, for we don't have sleighs here. I haven't had a sled ride this winter. The weather Trowbridge, Michigan has been pretty cold some of the time, for a April 26, 1860 few days only at a time. Herman gets along well with his school. Has My dear Emily: spelling schools once in two weeks and a paper I suppose you are anxiously waiting to hear composed of the scholars' composition once in two weeks. Then there is a Lyceum in the neighborhood every week, so with all other quantities, so she had to work the day before to prepare the food and the day of the raising to serve the volunteers. meetings the time is pretty well taken up. . . . ""The baby Hannah referred to was Mary Thompson, Have had no letters from Father A's folks in Mowry and Jerusha's infant. 289 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I from us again. It has been some little time since and were obliged to stay in M. overnight so our we received your last letter. I ought to have funds came pretty short before we got home. answered it before but owing to many circum As the folks to whom we wrote here did not stances, did not find it convenient. I thought get our letter in season to meet us at the river, too, you would have got my last letter which we were obliged to hire a team to carry us up appears you had not got when you wrote me into the woods. The day's ride was the hardest last. part of the journey. They had had heavy rains You will see by the date of this that we are and the road was badly washed most of the way. at Paul's in Mich. We came here a week ago to We started from Paul's Monday morning morrow. My health is better than it was when about 5 o'clock. Got to Kalamazoo about noon. I left home. My journey here was very hard for Started on the cars half past two; got into our me, but think it has done me good after getting town Thursday night, having staid day and somewhat rested. Herman and the children are night at Mr. Clinginsmith's. Staid in the neigh very well. Don't know when we shall start for borhood three nights at different places before N.H. You need not look for us till you see us we went home at all. I engaged a girl to come coming. I have commenced writing you, Emily, on as soon as we got home and as 1 found my I could not think which of you wrote me last, house and things, I was very glad 1 did so. Did but since I have been writing have almost come not find my things in as good shape as I might. to the conclusion that it was you, Maria, but it The family moved out in a day or two and we makes no difference as I always write to you went at it.*^ Had a thorough revolution among all. You will excuse me if 1 do not write much the things. I say we, for 1 think 1 helped some, this time as I hope to see you and talk with you more than I would have thought I could. I which will be so much better than writing. I have think my health would be improving if 1 did a bad headache this afternoon but it will prob not see so much to do that I feel obliged to ably be better to-morrow. . . . H. was quite un work too hard. Have had a good appetite ever well when we came here but is better now. since I left N.H. I have a real good girl but do Hope you are all well at home. Think 1 shall not expect 1 can keep her more than a day or be well when I get home once more. Guess I two longer. Must try and get along alone then had better not write any more now. Shall send if I can. Don't know how I shall stand, come this soon as 1 get a chance. to do alone but try it as we will have nothing With much love to you all, to pay a girl. I remain your affectionate sister, Herman has engaged a school to keep three Hannah months only in the other district from the one he has formerly taught. He has his cistern dug fHerman and Hannah .\ldrich relumed to New and is waiting for dry weather to plaster it. Are Hampshire for a visit in October, 1860.f having a good deal of rain at present. We have quite a good lot of corn. Don't know how much our share will be. The wheat is not thrashed Sylvan yet. Potatoes not as many as we wish; there was November 1, 1860 good many rotted. Our garden vegetables will not be much; quite a good lot of pumpkins and To our dear friends at home: some squashes. Doubtless you are looking every day for a The children are enjoying themselves first letter from us to know how we got home and how we are prospering. This is the second week we have been [back] here in our log cabin, though we have not got fairly settled yet. We have managed to stay, however, and begin to "The Moon family stayed on the Aldrich farm during feel somewhat at home. We stood our journey their return to New Hampshire. While they are difficult to here as well as could be expected. Came by way identify with confidence, evidence from various sources suggests that the husband was J. Moon or L, Moon and of Milwaukee, thinking to come cheaper, but that possibly the wife was Martha, the daughter of the did not as we missed making the connections minister and doctor Luke Dean, 290 •<*l**'"-«. •' .M{ \, Mm • , ^'3^'*^M^%!^:-'f WHi(X31)397 Birch trees near Arena, August, 1852. A pencil drawing by Adolph Hoeffier. rate. They talk about their visit to N.H. and you. There are so many of you to write it will what they saw there and on the way. Eddy talks not be much to write often. . . . real well. He can tell all the Miniatures. I have But I must stop. Love to all who may inquire. written a very hasty letter as it must go to the Write soon. From your ever affectionate office to-morrow or not go till Friday and I daughter and sister. want to write to Paul's folks to go in the same Hannah mail. 1 know I ought to have written before but I really have had so much on my mind that I could not seem to get at it but I feel that you Sylvan will excuse my delay for this time. December 26, 1860 Our goods which we sent before we started are not here yet. The locks to our trunks were Dear Sister M.: both broken but we made out to keep them I have been hurrying all day to get my work together by tying them till we got home. We done up so I could write a letter home this have got our old cow back; our hog is quite evening. Havejust got the children off to bed fat. Shall have him fat enough to kill in a short and seated myself to write but am almost too time. Must close my letter now. When we get tired to write much. . . . fairly settled I will write to you again, in the I have had more than common to do for a meantime 1 want to get a good long letter from week or two past and am not feeling as well as 291 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I usual. We killed our hog a short time since and We received our goods some time since. I have been fixing my sausage meat to-day, Everything in good shape. Your cheese we have which finished up my extra jobs, I believe. Am not eaten yet. Shall think of you when I eat it. in hopes to feel much better when I get fairly Our neighbors want to buy cheese of us, but rested again, though I do not expect to have we have none to sell; will give them a taste when much time to rest. My common work is pretty they come to see me. . . . hard for me though I get along better with it I must draw to a close as my head aches and than I did when I first began to do it. 1 kept 1 have written more than 1 thought I should my girl only two weeks; felt too poor to keep when I began. I want to thank you for the her longer. My health is better than it was when stamps, you may be sure they did not come 1 left N.H. but I find 1 cannot work as 1 used amiss. Think your dress real pretty. Wish you to, yet, but I feel that 1 have great reason to and E. was here with me this winter. Please be thankful that I am able to do as much as I remember us to all enquiring friends. do towards taking care of my family. H. helps From your sister, me all he can but he cannot get much time Hannah besides doing his chores. We eat breakfast by candle-light and he does not get home from school till about dark. The boys have been most Sylvan of the time, though it is pretty hard for them February 3, 1861 to go so far when it is very cold. . . . Our visit to N.H. seems more like a dream Dear Mother: to us than a reality. I do not feel exactly sat Instead of writing on a little piece of paper isfied with my visit, my health not being such separately to you, I think it is no more than as to permit my going about as much as I would fair that I write a whole letter to you in return have liked, but if we arc all spared, shall hope for your nicely filled sheet. You may be sure I to meet again sometime with my friends. If not was very much pleased to get such a letter from in this world, 1 hope it may be our happy priv Mother. It did a great deal of good to see so ilege to meet in that better world where part much of your own hand write (as our Hoosiers ings are forever unknown. say) and as to my reading it, why it was as plain The children think a great deal of your min as printing. I think you will have to wipe your iatures. They have to look at them very often. specs more than once before you will be able Eddie remembers you; he will call you all by to read this for besides being badly written my name and wants to kiss Mary.'"' The folks out ink has been frozen till there is not much color here think that is the cunningest picture they left. ever saw. Grandma Wood made a great parade We have had a very severe winter here for when she saw it. "O," says she, "you precious this country, a real old fashioned New England little darling, I want to cat you up you are so winter, with plenty of snow and cold weather. sweet.""" The snow came the latter part of Nov. and has I mean to go to Richland Center next sum kept coming ever since. 1 don't know how deep mer and have ours all taken together and send it is but think it must be two and a half feet on to you. Wish you would take that old picture a level. Have had more steady cold weather this of Sister Mary's to Keene some day and get a winter than at any time since we have been copy taken and send to us in a letter.''** I want here, but we have plenty of wood to burn so it very much. we manage to keep comfortable though our house is rather cold. My health has been rather improving since '^Mowry and Jerusha's daughter Mary and Hannah and Herman's son Edwin were almost the same age, and they probably played together during the Aldriches' visit to New ""This reference is to Hannah's sister Mary who died in Hampshire. 1852. Hannah also had two vounger sisters who died in "'Grandma Wood was Margin Wood, the wife of William. 1839. 292 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS I wrote home last till about two weeks since, and then. I have been feeling rather better to when I took a severe cold which made me very day than I have of late. Have got some medicine nearly sick for a few days. I then did my washing which has helped my cold and cough greatly. which had been put off as long as 1 thought 1 H. carried off my washing this morning to be could have it, which was rather too hard and done. Am sorry to be obliged to hire it done I have not felt well since. Took some more cold but don't know but it will be best in the end. I guess. The children have all been sick with My work keeps me very busy; do not find colds too, but are some better now. H. has a time to lie down in the day time. Have to melt bad cold now. It is an uncommon time for snow for water as our cistern is not yet plas colds, most everybody complaining. There has tered. There came on a rain after it was dug been a sort of throat distemper prevailing which filled it nearly full of water. We have it among the children here. One little girl, one all covered and the water drawn out. Mean to of Herman's scholars, died with it a few weeks have it plastered before there comes a thaw if since. Her parents had just buried a little girl it gets dry enough. Our cheeses came to hand from the effects of a burn received in the fore safe and are doing us a "heap" of good. Our part of the winter, they feel very badly as these apple and dried berries too do not come amiss. two were all the girls they had. Walton and Herbert think if they could go to Herman has a pretty hard time this winter N.H. again they would pick more berries than to cut his wood and go so far to school through they did. They have to look over the miniatures the snow. Has to break his own road most of quite often. Tell Father if he knew how much the way. There are about 30 scholars. The boys good they had done us he would be glad he went the fore part of the school before the had them taken. . . . deep snow came but it was too hard for them. 1 havejust discovered that I have written this School did not commence till the first of Dec; page wrong end up. Don't know as you will be will close the first of March. The town Sup. able to cipher it out any way. Will try and do says that H. is the best teacher he has seen since better next time. 1 havejust broken off one of he came to this country. He spent one day in my front teeth. You can't imagine how bad I school then went to another with a Hoosier look. Many thanks for the silk you sent. Comes teacher. Staid one half day came back and good to me. Eddie sends a kiss to Grandma and spent the other half day with H. said it did not one to Mary. Kiss her for Aunt tire him to see him keep school and that he would learn the scholars more in one day than Hannah the other teacher would in a week, but enough of this. Recollect I have told you this in con fidence. Mother, so you needn't make it public. Swanzey How I brag but I am sure you can not blame March 5, 1861 me for feeling that H. gives good satisfac tion. . . . Emily to Hannah: We have some neighbors move into the Rugg We have been braiding for Mr. Farrar most house where we used to live 'A mile from here. of the time and I suppose it is the last we shall A young man and his wife from Vt. They seem ever braid for him as he has "seceded" and is like very clever people; they have bought land settling up his accounts and is going to leave 'A mile west of us. town . . . sold his store to Mr. Whitney who puts out horse blankets to make instead of hats. We think of taking some leaf of a peddler for Tuesday evening, 8'A o'clock whom we have braided some before.''^ Was glad I am all alone. H. has gone to spelling school, the children are all in bed and I don't know as I shall have a better time to finish my letter ""The women of Swanzey in the mid-nineteenth century though my light is poor 1 cannot see the lines. braided palm leaves into hats. The Civil War marked a But you must excuse me if I do run off now transition in this cottage industry because the women 293 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I to hear that Herman gave so good satisfaction enough to pick. Have set out currants and in his school which I suppose is most done gooseberries and rose bushes. The things we now! . . . got of Uncle Rufus are most of them alive.^° The strawberries all died. H. is clearing a new piece of ground. Shall have to have a log rolling Sylvan soon. Have not had a first rate sugar season. April 29, 1861 We made about 200 lbs of sugar. Have some stirred sugar that is very nice. We do not have Dear Sister E.: any milk or butter now, our cow is dry. Shall Your letter of March 5 was duly received and have to do without sometime, do not know how ought ere this to have been answered but you long. Was in hopes to have been able to buy a must and doubtless will excuse me as you know cow this spring but have had to pay out or how it is with me. My work to do alone and rather run in debt for so much to live on and poor health to contend with all the way. 1 have to keep our cattle and paid maids that we shall not been as well since I wrote the last letter hardly be able to get a cow. home. Have had two of the worst colds I ever H. has not got his wages yet, don't know had in my life. That was soon after I wrote. when he will. Had a little money offered the Did not do any washing for three months, had other day but would not accept it as it was a girl five weeks. She went away two weeks ago. paper money and the banks in Wisconsin are I am somewhat improved so I get along with most all down. Grandma Wood is going to make my work after a fashion, though it is pretty hard my soap for me. She offered to do it, said she for me. Herman helps me wash and washes the would rather do it than see me trying to. She floor. I have been sorry I did not urge you liked the bed quilt very well. She has been quite harder to come out here as you could have unwell with a cold for a few weeks past. The done well this summer and could have helped Moons have moved out of the neighborhood. me through the winter. There arc two schools They have got a boy born a short time after we here near us to be taught. You could have your got home. They lived at her father's through choice and 1 know how you would enjoy being the winter. We were not very well satisfied with here in the summer. I have had the offer of the way things were done and taken care of several young girls to work through the sum while we were gone. Have had some few words mer but do not think I shall have one as it is with them. . . . so hard for me to look after them and tell them Write soon if you have not before. Love to they would not do my hardest work which is all from all, your sister what 1 want done. It costs so much too. 1 shall try and get along alone if 1 can. . . . Hannah Herman and the boys have gone to meeting to-day; the Methodist meeting. There is a Bap tist meeting at the other school house. I took Sylvan a ride on the sled after our steers the other June 2, 1861 day for the first time. Went to a neighbor's and staid all day. We have had some nice weather My dear Emily: too late, though for the most part it has been ... It is Sabbath day. We are all at home. rather cold and wet. We have peas planted, Herman is quite unwell with a sick headache onions set out, lettuce sown, pie plant most big and feeling sort of lonesome while he is lying on the bed. I have seated myself at my writing desk to pen a few lines to you. You do not know how often my thoughts wander back over lakes turned more and more to peddlers who would barter goods and rivers, prairies, and woodland to my own in exchange for completed hats. Over the next decade, the industry died out entirely. D. Hamilton Hurd, ed,. History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire (Philadel phia, 1886), 392; Read, History of Swanzey, 248, •"'Uncle Rufus was one of Herman's paternal uncles. 294 KRYINSKI AND LITTLE: HANNAH S LETTERS native hills far, far away, and I often in imag It makes me feel bad to think of it. I always ination see all my friends whom I have left be had a horror of war. . . . hind for a home in the "far distant west." My paper is poor and somewhat dirty, too, Sometimes it seems hard to be so far from all but it is the last sheet and you must excuse it. our friends and to be deprived of so many of I have not told you about having a log rolling the privileges which you enjoy. a few weeks since; I had 16 men to cook for. Sunday, June 9. Thus far I had written last Have had work folks considerable since, which Sunday when Mr. Wood came in to have H. makes my work harder. Our cow has not come write a letter for him; as H. was sick I had to in yet, has been dry more than two months. I do it. Consequently my own writing has been begin to be quite impatient to have some milk laid by till now. I do not feel very much like and butter. Hard getting along without either. writing to-day but am anxious to send you a We have plenty good water in our cistern which letter so as to hear from you as often as I can. seems good, I tell you; you that have always Am not feeling as well as common. Have had water so plenty do not know how to prize worked too hard for a week or two back. Have it as we do. One of our neighbors had their tried to do my washing and washing floor alone house burned up two weeks ago and everything because H. has so much to do. Have got most they had. They were gone to a Union meeting used up. . . . and from all circumstances it is thought by I deeply sympathize with you in the feelings most people that it was set on fire by someone expressed in your last letter and would be glad whom he had offended in a speech he made at to be able to give you the instruction and coun a flag raising a few days before, but we do not sel you so much desire but 1 too feel my own know. We all have to lift hard to help them as weakness and my need of instruction. You can they were poor. The man had quite a library not realize my situation in regard to the reli and a set of surveyor's tools which will be hard gious teachings which you enjoy. I am not able for him to lose and which he will probably not to walk to either meetings we have here; con get made up to him. No more at present. Write sequently am deprived of hearing the gospel soon. Love to all who enquire. preached. I feel it to be a great loss and think of you at home, how highly you are favored in Hannah having such a good minister and in being able to attend meeting from Sabbath to Sab bath. . . . Sylvan Our school commenced last week. The chil August 21, 1861 dren have not been any yet. Have not got their clothes in readiness. Hope to do so soon. The Dear Mother: teacher is a widow lady with two little boys of We received your letter dated Aug. 1 last the ages of Walton and Herbert. Is a very good evening and were very glad to hear from you teacher I think. We have had a very backward again. I have not answered Maria's letter which spring; it has been so wet. It has been very bad I got the day I sent my last letter. Did not know about getting in crops. Herman had his corn when I wrote it how we were to pay the postage all planted and most of it up except on his new but when Herman got to the office, found a ground, that which he cleared this spring. Has letter for him with a stamp in it so I want to 3 or 4 acres of wheat and a lot of garden stuff. thank M. for it and also for the picture which I try to help him some in the garden but cannot I shall value very highly. Shall now have our do much. family all together. 1 often get the pictures all The men here have all formed themselves around when 1 am here all alone and have quite into a military company, from the oldest grand a visit with them. . . . father to the boy of 17. Considerable excite I do not feel quite as well as I do sometimes ment prevails in regard to the war, although to-day, in consequence of my having worked we do not get the news very early. Some have too hard yesterday and the day before to do enlisted and others would if they could leave. my washing which had not been done in two 295 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I weeks on account of not having water. Our Monday afternoon; I have been washing to cistern has held out remarkably well this sum day. Am very tired; ought to have gone to bed mer, considering how very dry it has been. instead of writing but shall have a chance to Have had to bring only two pailfuls from the send this to the office tomorrow so I am very spring. Had a little rain last week, so 1 made anxious to have it go so that I may hear from out to wash by being very stingy of water. Last you soon as possible. Wish you would all write night we had a fine shower in the night. Were as often as you can afford to. Do not wait for very glad of it on account of water and also on me. I will write when I can. Send us some of account of the crops; corn and potatoes were your papers too, after you have read them. We suffering severely and I do not know as we have are very short for reading matter. Do not get had enough to do much good yet. 1 am afraid the news till it is all outlawed because we are corn will be light. The wheat crop is very light too poor to take a paper. I am anxious to get in this neighborhood. Some of ours was mid the war news yet dread to hear it too. I get so dling good and some will not be worth thresh nervous sometimes thinking of it that I cannot ing. 'Vines have suffered with everything else, go to sleep and when I do it is only to be dis I am afraid. turbed by dreadful dreams of battles. The people here will see harder times next . . . We have a good many Secessionists about winter than they have ever seen. Most of the here. Have a home guard which they are a little men have been out on the Prairies to work at afraid of, though they are getting somewhat harvesting to get something to clothe their fam bolder since the battle of Bull Run.^' There are ilies. H. would have gone if 1 could have got quite a number gone to the war from this town along and taken care of the cow and things at and there is to be a great war meeting next home, but he was afraid I would get sick and Thursday to get more volunteers. Oh dear, it would be worse than all; if it were not coming when will it be over? God speed the time. cold weather should not think quite so much My cheese is just gone. You cannot imagine about it. how much good it did me. Now when 1 get real Don't know when he will get his wages. The cheese hungry all I can do is to smell of the money in the treasury is on banks that are down box. The children had quite a time last day of and many are suffering in consequence, but I school, they had a table set in the woods and think there will be some way provided as there carried victuals and had a picnic. I went three always has been. I feel to be very thankful that miles from home visiting last week. H. got a my health is no worse and that I can get along horse and side saddle and I took the first horse with my work alone, though I am aware that it back ride I ever took in my life. Got along so is often too hard for me. I have been to meeting well, think I shall try it again. ... I must go once since 1 wrote you. Started and walked half and "make some supper," as Eddie says. He or three quarters up and down hill, then seated wants me to tell Mary he has got the prettiest myself on a log by the roadside thinking kitten in town. The boys send their love to you whether to go back or not when there came all in which 1 will join, hoping to hear from along a team and 1 got a ride the rest of the you again soon, 1 remain as ever your, way. Staid to both services. Was pretty much used up when 1 got home. I have walked a mile Hannah and back twice since, but it was too much for me. The boys are gone to school. Their school closes up next Saturday. Herman has gone to "'The battle of Bull Run was fought on July 21, 1861. pick some blackberries. There would have been Of 13,000 federal troops engaged, 500 were killed, 1,000 any quantity had it not been so dry. There were were wounded, and 1,200 were missing. From the Con federate side, 11,000 were engaged, with 400 dead, 1,600 a great many raspberries. 1 dried some. Buddie wounded, and 13 missing. The battle inspired much con is round me teasing for some bread and butter fidence in the Confederacy and demonstrated to the Union which I must stop and get for him. that the Civil War might not be won quickly. fThis concludes the second of three installments of the letters of Hannah Aldrich.f 296 James J. Blaisdell, Wisconsin's Eclectic Environmentalist By Nelson Van Valen iPENING his Curti Lectures at "the growth of conservation sentiment during o the University of Wisconsin in the decades following the Civil War," impelled 1984 with "a flight of fancy," the historian Ber by "persistent fear of timber famine" and pro nard Bailyn invited his audience to imagine ducing certain "basic assumptions regarding a satellite observing our planet from the the value of woodlands" that amounted to "a early medieval period to the dawn of the in conservation ethic." "That ethic," he says, "de dustrial age. He asked, "What, from that van rived from the fear that abuse of the land tage point, would impress one as the most threatened the future of American civiliza sweeping and striking development in this mil tion."'' lennium of Western history?" "The most visible In the spring of 1893, nine months before physically . . . ," he responded, "would be de young University of Wisconsin professor Fred forestation and the extension of arable land."' erick Jackson Turner called attenticm to the In few places would Bailyn's satellite have official closing of the frontier,'' another Wis revealed deforestation as sweeping as that un consin professor delivered an address that, derway in the Upper Great Lakes region in the while not destined to become internationally latter half of the nineteenth century. Even be famous, is nonetheless well worth noting. It fore the Civil War, the seemingly boundless pi demonstrates that by the 1890's, at least one neries of Michigan were on their way to de lay environmentalist viewed with alarm the eco pletion, soon to be joined by those of nomic consequences for Wisconsin of an im Wisconsin and Minnesota. Conventional wis pending "tree famine." He viewed with equal dom has long held that a serious effort to halt or even greater alarm two additional conse deforestation did not begin in the United States quences of deforestation: its impact on the until the Progressive Era, early in the twentieth state's ecology, and on the mental and spiritual century. Until then, as another historian has health of Wisconsin's citizenry. The author was written, the United States was "too much a land of plenty to be worried over alleged or im pending scarcities. . . . Only the so-called clos ing of the frontier . . . made conservation the serious concern of some Americans."^ But in ' Arthur A. F.kirch, Jr., Man and Nature in America (Lin a recent essay, Donald J. Pisani has argued for coln, 1973), 81-82, as quoted in Donald J. Pisani, "F'orests and Conservation, 1865-1890," in the Journal of American History, 72:341 (September, 1985). "Pisani, "Forests and Conservation, 1865-1890," 340- 359, ^Frederick Jackson Turner, "The Significance of the 'Bernard Bailyn, The Peopling of British North America: Frontier in American History," in The Frontier in American An Introduction (New York, 1988), 3-4, History (New York, 1921), 1-38, 297 Copyright © 199! hy The State Historical Society of Wisconsin All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. •'^ n-- WHi(X.'!)46424 James J. Blaisell. Photo by Gorham, Beloit. a progressive, even a radical, environmentalist maining state-owned forest lands as state- by the standards of his day. His writings reveal owned, scientifically managed forest reserves.'' the far-sightedness as well as the limitations of The man chosen to give the keynote address late-nineteenth-century environmental on this crucial occasion is identified in the text thought. of the standard history of lumbering in Wis In April, 1893, the Wisconsin Horticultural consin simply as "a speaker." A search through Society assembled in Madison for a critical the dozen lines of the appropriate footnote re- meeting—critical because at this meeting was formed the Wisconsin State Forestry Associa tion, which promptly launched a successful "Robert F. Fries, F.mpire in Pine: The Story of Lumbering campaign for the retention of Wisconsin's re in Wisconsin, 1830-1900 (Madison, 1951), 248, 298 VAN VALEN: J.J. BLAISDELL veals the speaker to have been James J. Blaisdell ing," a theologically orthodox conservative of Beloit.*^ whose "sympathetic heart constantly At the time of the Horticultural Society triumphed over his mind." His role in the "An meeting, Blaisdell had been for thirty-odd years dover Controversy" is a case in point. Con a member of the faculty of Beloit College. An vinced that certain Andover Theological Sem outline of his career is quickly given. Born in inary faculty members were espousing views New Hampshire in 1827, he attended Kimball contrary to the orthodox creed, Blaisdell and Union Academy and was graduated from Dart two other men brought suit for their dismissal. mouth College in 1846. A year of secondary But, believing lawsuits to be unchristian, Blais school teaching in Canada was followed by two dell soon withdrew. And despite his primary years of legal studies in his father's office—his role in bringing the suit, he retained the re father being a prominent member of the New spect, even the affection, of the Andover pro Hampshire bar—after which Blaisdell entered fessors. Andover Theological Seminary, graduating This mind-heart division appears again in three years later in 1852. Ordained into the Blaisdell's relations with the liberal minister Ly Presbyterian ministry, he served a parish in man Abbott. Blaisdell considered Abbott's lib Cincinnati until in 1859 when he went to Be eral theological views to be so "fraught with loit, where he was one of the five founding peril" that he would not allow Abbott's peri "Old Guard." After several years of teaching odical. The Outlook, in his house. The two men rhetoric and English literature, he transferred frequently engaged in earnest debate. Yet they to the chair of mental and moral philosophy. remained close personal friends. Except for a stint as chaplain to the Fortieth Blaisdell's embracing of extremely conserv Wisconsin Volunteers, one company of which ative theological views coincided with the epi was composed largely of Beloit students, and sodes of deep depression which beset him a once-in-a-lifetime extended tour of Europe, throughout his life. A manic-depressive in an Blaisdell left Beloit and Wisconsin only for an age before lithium, for months at a time he was occasional holiday in the mountains of his na unable to give even the slightest attention to tive New Hampshire. He was active in Beloit either college or family duties. In the spring of civic affairs and in various charitable and ed 1896, overcome while attending the fiftieth re ucational reforms: the Wisconsin Home Mis union of his Dartmouth class, Blaisdell became sionary Society, the Wisconsin Children's ill and hurried home to enter a sanitarium in Home Society, the Committee on Reformato Kenosha. There he took his own life. In his ries and Penitentiaries of the State Conference son's words, "He left a note saying that he had of Charities and Corrections among others.' passed under the judgment of a just God and Blaisdell's public life, while highly respectable, had been condemned. . . ." was unexceptional. His personal life was more Blaisdell's funeral was the occasion for such complex. an outpouring of esteem and affection that a His son James later depicted his father as a half-century later his son would write that no person divided "in ... character and think- private person in his memory had received such an ovation. At first glance, such a response is puzzling. The rigid Calvinist who brought suit to dismiss close personal friends from Andover "Ibid., 248n. Theological Seminary and the chronic invalid 'Edward D, Eaton, Historical Sketches of Beloit College who burdened his colleagues and family does (New York, 1928), 61-62, 65, 204-205; t:dward D, Eaton, not emerge initially as a sympathetic figure. "Memorial Addresses—James J, Blaisdell," in the Trans actions of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, But Blaisdell's harsh Calvinist theology was 11 (1896-1897), 517-518; R. K. Richardson, "Making and offset by "his genial and friendly nature." He Makers of Beloit College: James Joshua Blaisdell," in Beloit was, apparently, a delightful companion. His Daily News, The Book of Beloit (Beloit, 1936), 42-43. James son describes him as "tender, sympathetic, and J, Blaisdell should not be confused with his better-known son, James A, Blaisdell, who was also at one time a Beloit understanding," as "warm" and "brotherly." professor and later president of Pomona College and prin Blaisdell's Beloit College career supports his cipal architect of the Associated Colleges of Claremont, son's judgment. True, Blaisdell was not an out- 299 WHi(X3)46418 Beloit, about 1900-1910. Standing classroom teacher. He neither dis N his address of 1893 to the Wis pensed a great deal of information to his stu I consin Horticultural Society, dents nor inspired them to diligent study. Nor Blaisdell charged that in exploiting Wisconsin's was he a great scholar, even by the indifferent natural resources, Europeans had employed standards of his day. To his death, he remained "the methods of barbarism." They had come untouched by Darwinism or even the Higher upon "a land friendly in the productiveness of Criticism. When his colleagues were obliged to its soil, a land of mountains and beautiful plains comment on Blaisdell's scholarship, they and rivers and forests and sweet lakes and brave blandly spoke of its "breadth." His contem inland seas." But, far from cherishing "their poraries viewed him as a philosopher, in the goodly inheritance" as a trust, the first resi sense of one who specialized in generalizations dents had treated the natural world as an en for the value they have in the conduct of daily emy to be conquered. life. As a college committee person, observed The soil the Europeans could not conquer; one of his contemporaries charitably, "He was it had to be "wooed into their alliance." The not particularly constructive." mountains, inland seas, and rivers were also Blaisdell survived at Beloit—indeed thrived— beyond their power to vanquish. "But the for as what we call today a student adviser. In that ests, the silent, princely, august, awful forests, role—the judgment is unanimous—he was ex [were] unable to resist them. . . ." They had traordinarily effective. He sought to know each marched against the Wisconsin wilderness as student intimately and to mold him into both the armies of Tamerlane and Genghis Khan had thinker and actor. He associated easily with stu marched against Europe and southeast Asia. dents; was successful in pointing them towards Blaisdell painted a graphic picture of the con appropriate vocations; and was uniquely tal quered forests: "dried branches inviting con ented in reclaiming those on whom the college flagration . . . young trees . . . cut unnecessarily was ready to give up. In this sphere, James J. Blaisdell made his mark.** 71-72; Eaton, "James J. Blaisdell," 519; Richardson, "Making and Makers," 43; Henry T, Whitney, "Estimate "James Arnold Blaisdell, Tiie Story of a Life: An Autobiog of Professor Blaisdell as a Teacher," in the Beloit College raphy (Claremont, California, 1984), 19-21, 24-25, 39, Round Table, October 21, 1896, 300 VAN VALEN: J.J. BLAISDELL . . . valuable timber cut and left unremoved . . . structive logging practices and cutting beyond little care in low cutting. . . almost no attention the demands of settlement. Wisconsin had re to replanting . . . standing timber left dam ceived from the federal government almost 6 aged."^ million acres of land—for schools, a university, In fact Blaisdell had a clear understanding an agricultural college, and swampland drain of the settlers' response to the Wisconsin wil age. One-third of this land was in the pine- derness, and even some sympathy with it. Like bearing region, half of it "covered with fair the first English settlers on the coast of Blais pine timber." The remaining two-thirds was in dell's native New England, Wisconsin's first Eu the hardwood region, one-sixth of it covered ropean settlers could only have viewed the for with hardwood timber. The value of the timber est "as a barrier to the progress of population on each—irrespective of the value of the land ... to be overcome and eradicated." From the after clearing—had been at least $10 million. first, Wisconsin's pioneer farmers must have Because of "indescribable waste" and fraud "sought only to destroy the forests, and have ulent entry, Wisconsin had in fact realized not them out of the way"; they could have "given $20 million but perhaps as little as $2 million. no thought to sparing them." Blaisdell was un In a single year, over 400,000 acres of Wis surprised, therefore, that Wisconsin pioneers consin pine forest had been destroyed by fire; had followed a centuries-old pattern. He additional vast acreages of pine and hardwood agreed that "to make way for . . . thriving forest had been lost to "unreasonable railroad farms, villages and cities," it had been neces grants, fraudulent entrance, thefts, premature sary to sacrifice a considerable acreage of Wis sales, fraudulent sales." State-owned forest consin forests.'" lands—and their owners—had fallen victim not But Wisconsin forests, federal and state, only to fire and waste but also to theft and hardwood and pine (especially the latter), had fraud.'^ been removed far beyond the need to provide dwelling space and livelihood for a growing population, and for this removal it was not the farmers who were to blame; it was the timber "^O the argument that the public companies. When Wisconsin achieved state T had gained from private exploi hood in 1848, there had been approximately tations of public resources, Blaisdell rejoined 5 million acres of pine forest on federal land that gains from such exploitation had not within its boundaries. At the prevailing rate of "gone by equitable distribution to relieve the cutting, before the end of the century there needs of the people and establish a general would be no standing pine left on federal lands comfort . . . but into the hands of a few, to in Wisconsin. Not only had the timber com minister especially to their luxury." If the reck panies logged the federal land far beyond the less private exploitation of Wisconsin's forest needs of settlement, but they had done so in resources had contributed in some small way an exceedingly wasteful manner. Approxi to the general welfare, it had contributed par mately one-third of Wisconsin's federal pine ticularly to "inequitable profits and surplus forests had been victim to destructive logging personal wealth . . . the injudicious favoring of practices and to fires directly traceable to the the few at the expense of the common inter timber companies. Wisconsin's federal forests, est." The destruction of Wisconsin's forest re and its people, had been victims of "enormous sources was not only wasteful; it was also pro waste."" fligate.'' Still, the former bothered Blaisdell State forests, too, had fallen victim to de more. Though angered by the waste of Wisconsin's federal and state forests, Blaisdell was outraged "J. J. Blaisdell, Forest and Tree Culture in Wisconsin (Mad ison, 1893), 16-17, 40-41, "'Ibid., 3, 4, 7. '•'Ibid., 11-14. "Ibid., 5-8. 'Tbid., 7-8. 301 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I by "a far more important consideration": by hundred thousand remained. Of these, one- "what might have been," a standing pinery as quarter to one-half were still yielding timber; large as the one destroyed. The almost com one-half were capable of being made to do so. pleted destruction of Wisconsin's millions of Wisconsin must create "a permanent timber acres of pine forest had been "quite unnec area." The establishment of such an area was essary." Had modern forestry practices been one of the chief goals of the Forestry Associ followed, the pineries could have been fully ation that the Horticultural Society members exploited and yet still be standing—"a present had assembled to organize.'** and perpetual reservoir of national wealth," "rendering a handsome and ever-increasing annual income."''' Blaisdell was a pioneer lay advocate of sustained-yield forestry, of "tree NTICIPATING that some people farming"—what he called "forest tillage." A'woul d oppose sustained-yield In Europe such methods were already widely forestry simply because it was unfamiliar to practiced, yielding rich returns. There was a them, Blaisdell insisted that the idea was "noth bill before Congress that would create a federal ing new." Indeed, in the very opening sentence agency to apply these methods to America's of his Horticultural Society address, he de federal forest lands. Indeed, one of the pur clared that ancient Athens, valuing its forests poses of the Madison meeting was to encourage equally with the silver mines of Laurium, had passage of this bill.''' But beyond lobbying and carefully husbanded those forests, and "when propagandizing for such corrective legislation, the mines . . . were exhausted, ... so much did there was little that Wisconsin conservationists her resources depend on the careful husbandry could do to reform logging practices on federal of trees, that it was the first effort of her great lands in their state. Hence, Blaisdell concen adversary, Sparta, ... to destroy them." (Un trated his attention on state-owned forest accountably, Blaisdell failed to quote one of lands. his heroes, Plato, on the disastrous conse Central to his thinking was "the proper way quences that followed the abandonment of this of viewing the timber domain of the common husbandry.) More recent examples of forest wealth." Wisconsin's forest area should be seen conservation were to be found in medieval En "not as ... a region which has a single harvest gland, though Blaisdell conceded that British upon it" but as "a domain . . . for successive forests had been preserved not to promote the harvests. . . . The forest domain of Wisconsin," general welfare but for the hunting pleasure said Blaisdell, "was given to Wisconsin as a field of the aristocracy. The true beginnings of mod for the perpetual tillage of timber. . . . It is the ern timber culture were to be found in France limber farm of the commonwealth." "'' in the Great Ordinance of Louis XIV, whose Although much of the original hardwood famous minister, Jean Baptiste Colbert, had forest had necessarily been removed to make pronounced, "France will perish by the loss of way for farms, there was no such justification her forests." In the wake of France's example, for cropping the pineries. Soil and climate almost all of Western Europe—Norway, Swe made the pine-growing region unsuited to ag den, the Germanics, Scotland, and Italy—had riculture. The future of the region was "pre adopted modern forestry practices. In every determined." It was "destined ... by nature" instance, nationally-owned and -managed for to be "a garden . . . for the tillage of trees."^"^ Of ests were yielding handsome revenues. Al the original five to six million acres of state- though the United States lagged behind other owned forest lands, scarcely more than six Western countries in adopting these practices, several progressive eastern states—Pennsylva nia, for example—were beginning to do so." '*Ibid., 9-10, '^Ibid., 10-11. '"Ibid., 15-17. '"Ibid., 18-19, ''Ibid., 15-16, "/ftirf., 19-21, 27-28. 302 WHi(X3)46425 A northern Wisconsin Norway Pine forest after togging, about 1910-1912. The area was .sub sequently replanted. Photo by the Wisconsin Conservation Department. Not only was "forest tillage" nothing new; it consin forests. For the application of scientific was well-established and successful. forestry to be financially workable, they said, Many of those who opposed scientific for timber lands must be large and contiguous. estry under government auspices did so on Wisconsin's state-owned forest lands, they al principle. They believed that such a venture leged, were often small and widely scattered; was contrary to the prevailing doctrine of lais hence the proposed reforms were impractical sez-faire. The introduction of scientific forestry or inapplicable. Untrue, Blaisdell replied. into Wisconsin, perhaps intrinsically worth Many of the state's timber lands were not scat while, must be left to private initiative. Blais tered but contiguous. And to the extent that dell, while hardly a doctrinaire socialist, was Wisconsin's woodlands were indeed small and very much the prototypic pragmatic progres scattered, experience in both Europe and sive reformer, a believer in what Samuel Hays America had proved that even very small has called "the gospel of efficiency." Experi patches of timber, analogous to Wisconsin's ence in both Europe and America had shown "eighties"—eighty-acre parcels remaining from that forest management could not be safely en federal grants in support of education—could, trusted to private enterprise, while the general in fact, be profitably tree-farmed.''' decline of laissez-faire made state ownership Nor should Wisconsin rest content with and management of timber lands "an insignif merely refurbishing its existing state-owned icant and not veiy embarrassing affair.'"-^" forest lands; rather it should seek to add to But pragmatists, too, questioned the wisdom them. Under private ownership were large of state ownership and management of Wis tracts of cutover of little value to their owners. "Ibid., 21-22, ••"Ibid., 22-23. 303 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I These tracts the state might reasonably expect forest lands from entry. And even as Blaisdell to acquire by gift or purchase at small cost for spoke, Gifford Pinchot was demonstrating sus replanting; much of the land would yield a con tained-yield forestry on George W. Vanderbilt's siderable harvest of trees without replanting 5,000-acre North Carolina estate. Indeed, ac simply by renewed growth. In either event, the cording to the historian Samuel P. Hays, "Dur result would be added state revenues. Specific ing the 1890's the organized forestry move procedures Blaisdell confidently left to a still- ment in the United States shifted its emphasis to-be-created forestry bureau, drawing exper from saving trees from destruction to pro tise from the university's agricultural college.^^ moting sustained-yield forest management.'"-^^ Unquestionably, utilitarian considerations Blaisdell's call for "forest tillage" was not a were important to Blaisdell; he devoted two- voice in the wilderness. thirds of his Horticultural Society address to But Blaisdell continued, offering additional them. He did not neglect forests as a source reasons for forest conservation, and therein of revenue, for trees were a valuable crop. He lies his principal interest to history. In contin talked at length of the wealth to be derived uing, Blaisdell revealed himself to be more than from sustained-yield forestry. Wisconsin's pub a prototypic progressive attracted to the "gos lic forests were "public resources," "an ele pel of efficiency." His conservation philosophy ment of the state's wealth," which, properly also embraced the new science of ecology. managed, would yield "a perpetual revenue." Blaisdell was more than an unwitting disciple Clearly Blaisdell fits into that group of post- of Gifford Pinchot; he was also a knowing dis Civil War precursors of the utilitarian conser ciple of George Perkins Marsh, author of that vation movement who feared an impending seminal ecological work, Man and Nature: Phys timber famine and were resolved to forestall it ical Geography as Modified by Human Action, "the by government-sponsored sustained-yield for fountain-head of the conservation movement" estry. in the United States.^'' Although Blaisdell never met the "versatile Vermonter," through his writings, George Perkins Marsh served Blais dell as intellectual mentor, enabling him to move beyond simple utilitarianism. AD James J. Blaisdell concluded There were, Blaisdell the Marsh disciple de H his address on this utilitarian clared, "still weightier reasons for preserving note—"forests as a measure of public econ the public forests"; there was "another class of omy"—probably few of his listeners would have interests . . . far more vital than any connected objected. He would, however, be of scant in with the fiscal revenue." True to Blaisdell's Pu terest to history, for, as Blaisdell himself in ritan heritage, in his scheme of things there sisted, by 1893 advocacy of sustained-yield for was "a providence of men as well as a provi estry was "nothing new." True, American dence of God," and "the grandest of human forests continued to fall wholesale to the lum berman's ax and the remaining forest lands of the public domain continued to pass into pri vate hands. But the winds of change were blow '•"'Stewart Udall, Ihe Quiet Crisis (New York, 1967), es ing. The post-Civil War decades witnessed the pecially pp, 66-80 where he speaks of "the myth of su perabundance"; Douglas H, Strong, The Conservationists formation of the American Forestry Associa (Menio Park, California, 1971), 69-70; Samuel P. Hays, tion and the establishment of the Division of Conservation and the Gospel of Efficiency: The Progressive Con Forestry within the Department of Agriculture. servation Movement, 1890-1920 (New York, 1972), 28, A little-noticed rider to the land act of 1891 '"Ibid.; George Perkins Marsh, Man and Nature; Or, Phys authorized the president to withdraw public ical Geography as Modified by Human Action (New York, 1864), David Lowenthal's George Perkins Marsh: Versatile Vermonter (New York, 1958) is the standard biography. It was the late Lewis Mumford who characterized Man and Nature as "the fountain-head of the conservation move ment." Mumford, The Brown Decades: A Study of the Arts in •'-'Ibid., 24-25. America, 1865-1895 (New York, 1931), 78. 304 WHi(X3)4(i423 Virgin pine at Trout Lake in Vilas County. achievements . . . [was] the production of a ripe organic and indispensable function. . . ." And commonwealth." And while in the creation of while nature would tolerate a certain amount this commonwealth forests were important as of disturbance, if humankind were to fail to a source of revenue, they were even more im practice wise stewardship, were to displace portant for a second reason, one widely influ "any of the great agencies through which run ential in Europe but scarcely discussed in the the cosmic currents of force," peril and dis United States: their contribution to what Blais aster would surely follow.-^'' dell called the "physical and mental life of a Blaisdell was not content simply to give a people."^"' general warning that if humankind continued "The best of all definitions which geography to play its role of unthinking "disturber of na gives of the earth," Blaisdell declared, "is that ture's harmonies" (to use the words that Marsh it is the home of man." Man was "the creature had initially proposed for the title of Man and for whom especially all is intended." God hav ing granted man "his hospitable and beloved home," it behooved him to practice wise stew ardship. "A certain balance" existed among the ''"Ibid., 31-32, Like most of his contemporaries, Blaisdell elements of man's home. Each element— believed that removal of forests reduced rainfall. Granting mountain, plain, ocean, river, forest, and that a few scientists questioned this belief, most, he noted, open—had been assigned a place, each had "its supported it. Excessive logging and the resulting dimin ished rainfall had transformed areas of Prussia into sand hills and sand dunes. If the cutting of timber in the sandy pine woods of northern Wisconsin were not followed by reforestation, the region "would become an area of driving sands, filling, . . the beautiful lakes. . . and choking at their ^Blaisdell, Forest and Tree Culture, 29—30. sources the rivers, , , ," Ibid., 33, 305 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, igqi Nature) retribution would certainly follow. He of "man's ruthless invasion of nature," Wis was concerned specifically with the impact of consin's soil would "avenge itself, like a de the cutting of Wisconsin forests on state water structive army on a march of devastation. ..." ways. Wisconsin's half-dozen major rivers rose Too late would Wisconsin's citizens understand in forests in the northern part of the state. The that "the perishing of the forests touched the rivers were doubly dependent on these forests, heart of nature and that the avenger is at the which both sheltered from the sun the springs core of their civic welfare."^'' that fed the rivers and retained moisture which To preserve and replenish Wisconsin for kept the rivers flowing throughout the year. In ests—"to put ourselves ... in alliance with na consequence of the cropping of the northern ture"—Blaisdell insisted, was "important... as woodlands, Blaisdell warned, northern springs a means to realizing from them the largest rev were drying up and rivers were shallower. enue." More important, to do so was vital to "That beautiful correlation and sisterhood of the health of the state's total physical environ things" ("the forests keep the springs, which ment, on which rested the health of the state's keep the rivers, which keep the seas. . ."), "the entire economy. Blaisdell quoted approvingly beautiful and beneficial cycle," was being bro a Harvard geologist who argued that there re ken. The consequences promised to be disas mained in the United States much second-class trous. Fortunately, a way to avert the impend forest land that might be tilled profitably if one ing disaster had already been discovered. In considered only the pecuniary advantage of the 1878, some state watershed lands, most notably individual farmer; yet if one considered the in Oneida County, had been withdrawn from "physical"—meaning the ecological—^e\\-he\ng entry.^'' of the entire population, such land should re Wisconsin's forests not only protected the main untilled. Considerations for the general springs that fed the rivers; they also preserved welfare dictated that the remaining forests be the rivers' seasonal equilibrium. As a result of preserved. "No man," the geologist insisted, destructive logging, the rivers' flow had be "has the right to destroy them when their de come more irregular, "giving the alternating struction means a calamity to his fellows or his inundations of spring and the shallow supply successor. "'*" of summer and autumn." While there had been Thus far—in discussing the impact of forests talk of building reservoirs, both to control the on Wisconsin's "physical" life—Blaisdell had spring freshets and to supply water during the shown himself to be both a utilitarian conser summer months of diminished flow, forests vationist—a wise and efficient user, a believer were "the best of reservoirs." Reforestation in "the gospel of efficiency"—and also an early- had already restored uniform stream flow to day lay ecologist—a disciple of George Perkins denuded regions of the French Alps.^** Marsh no less than of Gifford Pinchot. Like "Destroy the woodlands of Wisconsin . . .," Pinchot and Marsh, Blaisdell had stressed the Blaisdell warned, "and you have broken the material values, both utilitarian and ecological, salutary balance of elemental forces." Retri to be found in "man's home." bution was certain. If Wisconsin's citizens did not act quickly to halt the destruction of their remaining forests, nature would "avenge itself . . . for man's ruthless invasion of the order of UT in the concluding passages of nature." Though "the processes of nature" B'hi s Horticultural Society address were slow, "the victory [was] always with he turned to the impact of forests on the "men them." Wisconsin soil needed to be anchored, tal" life of Wisconsin's citizens. Here Blaisdell clasped by the roots of trees, lest it be washed away by the very waters it supplied. A victim •'Hbid., 32, 37-38, 41. •'"Ibid., 38-40, Nathanial S. Shaler, Aspects of the Earth: •'-Ibid., 33-36. A Popular Account of Some Familiar Geological Phenomena •'Hbid., 36-37. (New York), 1889), 298-299, as cited in ibid., 39-40, 306 VAN VALEN: J.J. BLAISDELL took up a theme having nothing directly to do dell's Horticultural Society address, even John with either utility or ecology, yet one that he Muir, whatever his private views may have had "only reluctantly restrained [himself] from been, in public continued to say that not pres making the main topic" of his address, for he ervation but wise use was the goal of forest regarded it as "almost more important than the conservation.'''' one I have dwelt upon." That theme, which dominated his other environmental writings, was what he called "the higher ministry of the forest," that to "the intelligence and spirit of LTHOUGH Blaisdell elected not the people."'^' In addressing this concern, A't o develop his preservationist Blaisdell revealed himself to be a pioneer pres views in his address to the Horticultural Soci ervationist, a person who valued forests for ety, they emerge in detail in his other conser their material contributions to humankind— vation statements. Blaisdell was convinced but who valued them also, perhaps principally, "that the man who lives among the scenes of for their non-material contributions. The de nature has some special advantages for the cul forestation of Wisconsin's watershed would not tivation of intelligence." "I never ride among only "[destroy] a public treasury . . . [and] con the beautiful farms that are in the neighbor demn Wisconsin to untold [ecological] disas hood of Beloit," he told a state agricultural ter," but would also deprive its citizens "of the convention, "without feeling that the farmers suggestions and influences which the venerable there and elsewhere have some peculiar ad woods furnish the weary and susceptible vantage." "The great leaders on the world's mind." Without the forests, the people of Wis affairs" had come in large disproportion from consin could "never reach the inner meaning farms, and numerous "monarchs of thought" and spirit of nature, and experience from her and "spent their later years in the practice of the rest and inspiration she is qualified to ren- agriculture, as furnishing influences favorable der."S2 to the thoughtfulness they love."''"' Blaisdell hoped that modern forestry prac But Blaisdell was less interested in nature as tices would become so generally accepted restorer of physical or mental health or culti throughout the state that no Wisconsin resi vator of intelligence than he was in nature as dent would come of age without having ex teacher. More than once he quoted St. Ber perienced "God's first temples" at first hand. nard: "1 have learned more from the maples He envisioned "a great forest region"—like and the beeches of Clairvaux than I have New York's Adirondacks and the White Moun learned from all books and men." What Ber tains of his native state—that would be "a com nard had learned from the maples and beeches mon resource to all Wisconsin," "a presence of Clairvaux the pines and hardwoods of Wis of which ... all [were aware]." Wisconsin's cit consin stood ready to teach its citizens: moral izens were increasingly "tired and busy." The and spiritual truths. Blaisdell asked rhetorically state owed it to them, and to the out-of-state "if the best schoolroom is not out of doors." traveler, "to keep her forest glades sacred to weary He would not employ for the Beloit College feet and overstrained hearts." During the sum summer session anyone "who had not been mer, citizen and wayfarer would "rest and re cuperate." Throughout the year, they would "feel from afar the baptism of the remembered stillness." "God's first temples" were dedicated "Blaisdell, Forest and Tree Culture, 41. to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of "Ibid., 41-42. "'Ibid., 42-44. His people. Wisconsin's citizens must preserve '"Roderick Nash, Wilderness and the American Mind (New the forests for themselves and their posterity Haven, 1967), 134-135, as "a great benediction."-'''' '" Blaisdell, "The Education of the Citizen Farmer," in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society (1887), 12- By thus going beyond utilitarianism and ecol 13. Blaisdell was realist enough to note in passing that the ogy, James J. Blaisdell earned rank as a pioneer farmer's endless hard work and fatigue also had the ca preservationist. For several years after Blais pacity "to bring him down to the state of the animal." 307 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I deep in the school of the woods, the spring of tion of the forests, depriving men and women water," even though the applicant was expert of a vital source of guidance, would result in in botany, geology, and biology. Blaisdell's mis moral and spiritual degeneration.'"' trust of science, his Beloit colleague historian R. K. Richardson suggested, stemmed in part from its being "too analytical and scientific," but chiefly from "its neglect of the ideal entities SIDE from a few surviving believ that were the very substance of the world." A^er s in "the myth of superabund One did not approach the natural world with ance," today Blaisdell would find his views un nature guides. The English romantic poets and der attack from two groups—one that would their American counterparts were worthier see him too little concerned with people, and teachers. They—Tennyson, Scott, Wordsworth, another that would see him totally preoccupied Bryant—would teach the summer sojourners in with people. The charge most frequently flung nature to seek God's purposes there.'"' at present-day environmentalists is that they do While Blaisdell loved the beautiful in nature, not work "in defense of people," that envi most fundamentally nature was "the lower ronmentalists of all schools—utilitarian, eco edge of the manifestation of the all-beautiful logical, or preservationist—consciously or un God." Nature was a church and a school that consciously seek to avoid, even to evade, the taught moral and religious lessons. Beloit Col so-called "real issues" of the day: war, poverty, lege president Edward Dwight Eaton observed racism, sexism, or whatever.'" Blaisdell's words of Blaisdell, "With him all nature was intensely and actions effectively rebut this charge. The spiritual. Behind the physical manifestations shone the spiritual." And Professor Richard son remarked similarly that nature appealed to Blaisdell "mainly as he regarded its phenomena '»Blai.sdell, Visions of a Citizen (Boston, 1897), 172-175; Richardson, "Making and Makers," 43. 'as images and symbols of divine ideas,'" "He '"Eaton, "Memorial Addresses," 518; Richardson, "Mak . . . was always finding in nature . . . striking ing and Makers," 43. symbols of such ideas as justice, courage, tem '"Blaisdell, Visions of a Citizen, 165-166, 183-184. perance and holiness."'" Wild flowers—butter• •'''Ibid., 167-168, cups and shooting stans—were revelations of ^"James Fenimore Cooper, The Pioneers (New York, God's love. Niagara Falls was a "wonderful par 1962); William Faulkner, Go Down, Moses (New York, 197,3), 163-365, especially pp. 335-365. able of human life!"'"* Blaisdell urged young '''Richardjohn Newhaus' In Defense of People: tocology and people to go alone with the English poets "into the Seduction of Radicalism (New York, 1971) remains the the woods and grove—upon a hill is likelier, for classic book-length presentation of this point of view, but there the mind is more easily uplifted upon the media provide almost daily new examples. On the oc casion of Earth Day, 1990, for example, John Cardinal wings." There, in solitude, sooner or later, they O'Connor of New York cautioned, "The earth exists for would find God and "have the vision that Mo the human person and not vice versa." Cardinal O'Connor ses had, the burning bush which was not con expressed particular concern for "the homeless, the hun sumed."''^ gry, those suffering from AIDS and 'unborn babies,'" The New York Times noted that the Cardinal "seemed to be In his public advocacy of preservation, Blais echoing misgivings , , , expressed by some conservative dell chose to emphasize the positive; one can Cjhristian theologians . . . that the popular environmental only speculate on his private thoughts. It seems argument relegates man to a subsidiary rather than the reasonable to conjecture, however, that the re central role on earth, , , , spelled out in the Bible." (New York 'Times, April 23, 1990,) Business executives, union tribution that Blaisdell saw following the de heads, and civil rights leaders express similar misgivings in struction of Wisconsin's forests was not pri secular terms. See, for example. Bayard Rustin's letter to marily economic and ecological, but rather the editor in the New York Times, August 11, 1975. In the that, like James Fennimore Cooper before him Southwest, "the White environmental movement" was re and William Faulkner after, he viewed that de cently accused of "racism" and of being "more concerned with the spotted owls and salamanders than [with] Native struction as bringing principally moral and Americans and Indo-Hispanos, . , ." (Estevan Arellano as spiritual disaster. As Natty Bumppo had fore quoted in the Albuquerque Journal, August 25, 1990.) seen and Ike McCasslin would witness, destruc ^'•'Blaisdell, Visions of a Citizen, 190. 308 VAN VALEN: J.J. BLAISDELL best example lies in his treatment of moun Blaisdell was half a mind to descend and come tains. back up properly, on foot, "to make it sure to Although as a long-time resident of his myself that every vestige of the old heroic pe adopted state Blaisdell necessarily devoted riod is not wholly departed of me."''*' much of his thinking to prairies and woods, The mountains were "a canvas on which the lakes and rivers, he never forgot the mountains Divine Artist paints . . . ," wrote the enrap of his native New Hampshire. To a Beloit wom tured Blaisdell. "The charm and awe of it sur an's chance remark that she preferred the prai passes words; we sit awed and confess that the ries to the mountains he responded, "Yes, for only artist is the God that made the moun a place to do one's life work in, the prairies of tains."'"' But only secondarily were mountains southern Wisconsin or northern Illinois; but art galleries for visual delight. Like the forests, for the privilege of vision and impression and they were primarily schools where humankind instruction and inspiration, the mountains." ''^ learned moral and spiritual truths. In the In a pair of essays, Blaisdell sought to choose mountains, a voice brought a message to man. between a location in front of the mountains Unsurprisingly, given Blaisdell's Puritan heri and one on top. He was unable to do so. Each tage, the message was not one of idle contem was "half of one blessed whole." The view from plation of the beauty or majesty of God's cre on top, he wrote, "exhilarates, . . . the mind is ation, nor one of personal salvation; it was one elevated, as on wings, and enlarged to some of service to people:*"' thing of the expansiveness of the scene spread out before it. The effect is something like that Thy earthly home is not here. My ministry of a Homeric rhythm or of martial music." The is for the sons of men. Go hence and let view from in front was "subdued into the level thy ministry also be to them. All we are of awe." But in either case, the mountains were rewards. The Son of Man came not to be "not to oppress and tyrannize but rather to ministered unto, but to minister. Thou teach and inspire." Far from fearing the awful wast made not for mountains or seas—they majesty of the mountains, one should "give are but my parable to thee—but for thy [oneself] up into their tenderness . . . nestle in fellow-men. their embrace." Mountains strengthen us and yet make us more gentle.'*' While Blaisdell possessed an extraordinary Blaisdell's earnestness was not entirely unre ability to empower his students "to be individ lieved by humor. In one essay he describes him ual thinkers and actors in a living world," he self sitting atop a New England mountain, ab also worked more directly "in defense of peo sorbing the "strong, deep, quiet beauty" of the ple." Eaton declared Blaisdell to be both scene—but he confesses that he has made the "thinker and teacher" and "practical man of ascent by rail! And, in a passage that even Ed affairs devoted to the welfare of his state," and ward Abbey could scarcely have matched in its Professor Richardson observed that Blaisdell scorn for what that late wilderness guru termed had "two masters," Jesus and Plato, both of "industrial tourism," he continued. whom, he asserted, "combined in their teach ing the duty of contemplation with the duty of Of all the forms of belittlement, which action."''^ man has laboriously let himself down to, none is such an abysmal reach of these In meeting the latter responsibility, Blaisdell degenerate days as ascending a mountain involved himself in state organizations that ad- by the stupid force of steam. Think of Wil liam Tell submitting to be boosted up the Righi by locomotive! Picture to yourself that youth . . . riding up the Alps on a "Ibid., 188-196. steam engine, shouting from the top of the "ftid,, 194-195, tender, 'Excelsior!'. . . The disciplinary tu *"Ibid., 18.5-187. *"Ibid., 187, ition of the mountains . . . does not come "Ibid.; Eaton, "Memorial Addresses," 519-520; Rich by being carried up them. ardson, "Making and Makers," 43. 309 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I991 dressed "real issues," and his involvement went mentalists of all schools are equally guilty of far beyond lending his name to letterheads or "speciesism," of "human chauvinism." Utili making nominal financial contributions. Par tarians, ecologists, or preservationists, they ap ticularly noteworthy was his commitment to proach nature "from the standpoint of human prison reform and the rehabilitation of of interest." Self-interest, albeit enlightened, mo fenders, juvenile and adult.''*' In another sig tivates traditional environmentalists. They have nificant way, too, Blaisdell was actor as well as long held that nature must be preserved and thinker. He somehow managed to save from cherished—but only, as the deep ecologists ac his meager professorial stipend—for most of cuse them, for the benefits, material or non- his tenure not more than $1,200 annually—a material, it provides to humans. They are at sum sufficient to purchase and give to the city best but "shallow ecologists," differing from of Beloit the rural lands embracing the highest the nineteenth-century exploiters only in their point in the region, which became that city's belief that "people have a right to a healthy Big Hill Park.''^ ecosystem, not that the ecosystem itself pos But in Blaisdell's view, weighty though other sesses rights."^'"^ issues might be, "none [was] more important For the dominant paradigm of anthropo . , . than the ordering of the forests." He gave centrism, deep ecologists substitute the radical his energies mainly to forest conservation not one of biocenlrism. In their view, the ecosystem to escape "the real issues" but because he be itself possesses intrinsic, presumably equal, lieved it to be the most important of those is rights that humans must honor. The natural sues. Above all—for the economic, ecological, world must not be sacrificed to human pur physical, mental, and spiritual health of hu poses. Ethics must expand from an almost ex mankind—"he lifted up his voice for conser clusive preoccupation with humans to include vation."^" all elements of the non-human world, irre spective of their value to humans. Deep ecol ogists pose (and answer affirmatively) such questions as. Should trees have standing! and Do rocks have rights'? Further, finding no basis for ^HE very views and actions that the belief that humans have a mandate to be T' should win for Blaisdell the ap in charge of planet Earth, they reject the view, proval of the "in defense of people" critics of popular with many traditional environmental the late-twentieth-century environmental ists, that "humans are the stewards of the movement would render him anathema to the Earth, responsible for taking good care of it radical left wing of that movement, the advo for the benefit of all life," and non-life. In cates of "deep ecology.""" A bumper-sticker of one group of deep ecologists urges, "Subvert the dominant paradigm." The dominant par adigm is anthropocentrism, the view that the nat •"•Eaton, "Memorial Addresses," 520-521, ural world is the property of humans and exists •"Blaisdell, Visions of a Citizen, 185n; Blaisdell, The Story to meet their demands: "Humans are the mea of a Life, 25. sure of all value." All traditional environmen '"Blaisdell, Forest and Tree Culture, 46; Eaton, "Memorial Addresses," 520, talists—utilitarians, ecologists, and preserva •"The term "deep ecology" was coined in the mid-sev tionists alike—share this view. Hence what enties by the Norwegian philosopher Arne Ness. An intro appear to be epic struggles between champions duction to its tenets is Bill Devall and George Sessions, of fundamentally different principles—the fic Deep Ecology: Living As If Nature Mattered (Salt Lake City, tional contest between utilitarian Marmaduke 1985); for a selection of writings, see Michael Tobias, ed.. Deep Ecology (San Diego, 1984), But see also Roderick Temple and preservationist Natty Bumppo Nash's "Do Rocks Have Rights?" in Center Magazine, 10:2- over the Lake Otswego wilderness, or the ac 12 (November-December, 1975), and Christopher D. tual one between Gifford Pinchot and John Stone, Should Trees Have Standing'? Toward Legal Rights for Muir over Hetch Hetchy Valley, for examples- Natural Objects (New York, 1972). Nash's The Rights of Na ture: A History of Environmental Ethics (Madison, 1989) pro are (to the deep ecologist) but squabbles be vides a historian's perspective, tween factions over turf. Traditional environ •"^Nash, The Rights of Nature, 3-12. 310 VAN VALEN: J.J. BLAISDELL short, deep ecologists champion the "ultimate lapse of the conservation movement in the democracy."^' Progressive Era.^'* (The event that best marks the beginning of that schism was John Muir's break with Gifford Pinchot over sheep-grazing in the Cascade forest reserve, which occurred "•ODAY'S deep ecologists would in 1897, a year after James J. Blaisdell's death.) T dismiss James J. Blaisdell as a It is to Blaisdell's credit that although he was shallow ecologist. And in fact he never ques not an original thinker, he was a bold assimi- tioned that Earth was "the home of man." For lator, and one quick to embrace the most ad est conservation, he asserted, must be prac vanced environmental ideas of his time. He was ticed for the economic, ecological, physical, able, as it were, to envision the entire elephant, mental, and spiritual well-being of Wisconsin's without fear (perhaps without even awareness) human population. Forest conservation would of any ideological conflict or inconsistency. He avert the threatening "timber famine" by as was not really a synthesizer. He simply enfolded suring the Wisconsin economy a continuing the best elements of various environmental supply of that vital raw material; would prevent doctrines without fusing them into a coherent ecological disaster by protecting the state's whole. He combined something of Pinchot's waters and soils; and, most important of all, utilitarianism with elements of Muir's semi- would prevent the physical and mental degen mystical preservationism, leavening them with eration of Wisconsin's citizens by ministering his own Puritan ethic and a dash of romantic to their "intelligence and spirit." He believed idealism. His dual vision of "the timber farm that Nature possessed the power to minister to of the commonwealth" and of "forest glades Man—that forests and mountains provided sacred to weary feet and overstrained hearts" "recreation" in the most profound sense of perfectly describes his eclecticism. Yet despite that word: re-creation. But his vision did not his relative obscurity as teacher and mentor at extend beyond the human dimension. The Beloit College, and the burden of mental illness proposition that "trees have rights" would which he bore throughout his adult life, James have struck him as bizarre. In the closing dec J. Blaisdell made a significant contribution to ades of the nineteenth century, as the great forest conservation in Wisconsin. For that he forests of the Midwest were disappearing, con merits remembrance, and a place in the ranks servationists were still groping for a definition of Wisconsin's environmental thinkers. of terms, a common agenda, a list of aims and objectives. Like the blind men in the fable, typ ically they would grasp one part of the con servation elephant and declare it to be the whole animal. Their inability to agree upon ter •••'Ibid. minology and ground rules resulted in a "con '"''Timothy O'Riordan, "The Third American Conserva servation schism" and contributed to the col tion Movement: New Implications for Public Policy," in American Studies, 5:155-171 (August, 1971). 311 Hydraulics, Inc. Materials date ca. 194.5-1985. Presented by Dale Heikkinen, Prentice. Accessions Green Bay: Belgian-American genealogy collec Services for microfilming, xeroxing, and photostat tion, ca. 1861-ca. 1920, gathered by John ing all but certain items in its manuscript collections are provided by the Society. Henry Mertens, consisting of photocopied al phabetical files pertaining to Belgian Ameri cans who fought in the Civil War, primarily individuals from Brown, Door, and Kewaunee Area Research Center Collections counties. Included are documents from the U.S. Bureau of Pensions, death certificates, All the Centers: "The Impact of Her Spirit Oral and affidavits with information on the pen History Project," conducted by the Wisconsin sioners and their families. Presented by John Extension Homemakers Council, consisting of H. Mertens, Kewaunee. transcripts of tape-recorded interviews with An album of portrait photographs and bio members, 1988-1989, focusing on the lives of graphical sketches of the members of the Sons these Wisconsin homemakers and on the influ of Sweden, Marinette, produced in 1904; in ence of the WEHC in their lives. A full set of cluded are details such as names of parents and transcripts is at the State Historical Society in wives, birthplace and date, date of immigra Madison and a duplicate has been divided ac tion, occupations in Sweden and America, ed cording to the counties of residence of the in ucation, military service, etc. In Swedish, with terviewees and is housed at the appropriate English translations prepared by Eva Agren; area research centers. Supplementary mate presented by the North Central Iowa Geneal rials may also be available at the centers. Pre ogical Society, Mason City, Iowa. sented by the Wisconsin Extension Homemak ers Council via Georgia Hoberg, River Falls. La Crosse: Records, 1908-1946, of the Green field Creamery Company, a butter manufactory Eau Claire: Diaries, 1882-1920, and poetry, in Tunnel City, Monroe County, including ar 1896-1932, of Efpe Elsie Converse (1868—) ticles of incorporation, bylaws, minutes, a from the Town of Brunswick, Eau Claire ledger of receipts and disbursements, annual County, who later lived in the city of Eau reports, statistics, a record of stock issued and Claire; concerning her activities and those of transferred, and income tax returns; presented her family and friends. (In 1939, Miss Converse by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts, Sparta. married Thomas H. Rooke in Eau Claire.) Pre Round-robin letters, 1943-1945, compiled sented by Ethel A. Gordon, Eau Claire. by C. Ranous Stewart, La Crosse, from letters Papers, 1821?-1923, about the Wisconsin sent him by friends serving in the armed forces frontier collected by Father Charles Francis during World War II. Stewart added local Xavier Goldsmith (1845-1890), an early settler news, the letters were mimeographed by of Chippewa Falls; including fragmentary cor Charles D. Gelatt at the Northern Engraving respondence of the Cadotte and Ermatinger Company, and then they were circulated families (1821P-1862) and of Indian agent J. L. among the contributors who were stationed Mahan (1880); family and business correspon both state-side and abroad; presented by Mar dence (1841-1872) of Indian agents George garet S. Dalzell, Pompano Beach, Florida. and William Warren, as well as legal documents concerning the Chippewa Indians; a June 8, 1864 letter from a soldier in Hanover County, Milwaukee: Photocopy of an unpublished re Virginia; 1923 bylaws of incorporated congre port, 1980, by Raymond H. Merritt (1936—) and gations in the Diocese of La Crosse; and other Carol L. Snook, entitled "Milwaukee's Meno- items; presented by Notre Dame Parish via A. monee Valley: an inventory of historic engi W. Sannberger, Chippewa Falls. neering and industrial sites," the result of a Information on Leo Heikkinen, inventor of survey to locate, identify, and record infor the Prentice hydraulic loader which became a mation on over 250 private and public pre- standard loading tool in the logging industry; 1940 structures in the Menomonee River Val included are clippings, trade magazine articles, ley, Milwaukee; included are brief narrative his a photograph of Heikkinen, product literature tories of numerous Milwaukee industries, about the loader, and a brief history of Prentice maps, photographs, a bibliography, and an in- 312 ACCESSIONS dex; presented by the Division of Historic Pres planning, municipal government, health, edu ervation, State Historical Society of Wisconsin. cation, library, social work, recreation, and re Ledger, 1849-1856, of Christian Ott, a Mil ligion; transferred from the SHSW Library. waukee purveyor of religious books and goods, Legislative papers, 1974-1982, of Eugene describing the quantity and types of materials Dorff (1930—), a Democratic Assemblyman purchased by churches, parochial schools, a from Kenosha; comprising correspondence seminary, and priests in the area; presented by with constituents, press releases, and subject Heritage Hill, Green Bay. and bill files, including correspondence of the Excise and Fees Committee, and 1977 corre Northland: Records, 1939-1967, oi the Penokee spondence on recodification of alcoholic bev Veneer Company, a hardwood veneer and ply erage laws; presented by Eugene Dorff, Ke wood company in northwestern Wisconsin nosha. founded by Marion C. Mclver; including cor respondence, sales and production records, Platteville: The history of Methodism in south personnel and financial records, files of sub west Wisconsin and of the South Wayne sidiary companies, and information on Mc- Church, compiled by Edna Grouse Johnson, Iver's activities in several manufacturers' as 1954; presented by Mrs. Johnson, South sociations, as a director of Northland College, Wayne. and as an active member of the Republican Party; presented by Marion C. Mclver, Cable, River Falls: "The Simon K. Twetten Family," and Richard J. Prittie, Ashland. a personal reminiscence hy Jennie Twetten Ham mer (1880—) and a histor>% 1852-1949, of her Oshkosh: Death records, 1845-1914, of Imman- Norwegian American family (the Twettens and uel Lutheran Church, Lebanon, arranged chron Rudes), settlers in Polk County, ca. 1865; in ologically and including name of deceased, cluding anecdotes, descriptions of family date of death, age, names of close relatives and events and general conditions, genealogical in their relationship, and occasional additional formation, and details about Hammer's train details. Photocopy of a typed transcript; loaned ing and experiences as a teacher; presented by for copying by Roberta Fosdal, Jefferson. Walter S. Brager, Madison. Photocopies of letters, 1849-1853, written Additions to the personal papers of 5. Paul hy Jotham Lincoln (1815—), a native of Norstrom (1918-1977). Also contains corre Hingham, Massachusetts, to his friend Quincey spondence to his wife. Hazel (sympathy letters) Bicknell describing his new life settling near upon his death. Neenah, including details about the land, the Records, 1884-1979, oi' St. Paul's Evangel economy, politics, and comparisons with life in ical Lutheran Church, Prescott, including a pho New England. Some of the letters are accom tocopy of the book, "Statuten und Prottokoll panied by transcripts; presented by the Buch," 1884-1921; a 75th anniversary book, Hingham Historical Society, Hingham, Mas 1949; a statement of belief book for the Wis sachusetts. consin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, 1967; a Baptismal records, 1849-1905, of St. Paul's 100th anniversary pictorial directory, 1974; Lutheran Church, Lebanon, giving name, birth and the constitution and by-laws, 1979; pre date, date of baptism, and names of parents sented by the Rev. Richard R. Durow. and sponsors; and burial records, 1881-1910, Additions to the minutes and other club pa giving name, names of parents (in the case of pers, 1978-1984, of the Vets Club on the cam children), birth and death dates, and burial pus of UW-River Falls. date. Photocopy of original record, kept in German; transferred from the SHSW Library. Stevens Point: Records, 1872-1982, of the Con nor Lumber and Land Company in northeastern Parkside: Records from a 1930 survey of Racine Wisconsin and northern Michigan, of related conducted by the Racine Legion post on behalf companies and subsidiaries, and of the Connor of the American Legion, Wisconsin Dept., Com family. Documented are business operations, mittee on Community Service for the purpose of use of the Forest Crop Act of 1927, a depres supplying citizens with information on their sion-era 77-B bankruptcy, an AFL/CIO orga community's institutions; consisting of a bound nizing struggle and a 1938 strike, civic and po volume of survey forms and attached reports litical affairs in Forest County and the Town with sections on historical background, city of Laona, tourism promotion, and family mat- 313 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I ters; presented by Connor Forest Industries via people baptized, towns and facilities (e.g., Mrs. Gordon R. Connor and Mary Connor church, street, tent) preached in, and two re Pierce, Wausau. ligious tracts written by him; presented by the A collection of vignettes written by Sherman Pepin County Historical Society, Durand. E. Gunderson (1906—) about his experiences Photocopied recollections, 1990, by Harold growing up on a Central Wisconsin farm near Kringle from Barron of his 1943-1944 training Waupaca, including information on his family and service as a gunnery officer with the 346th and his reflections on the elements of farm life Bomb Squadron in Italy during World War II; that shaped his character; presented by Sher loaned for copying by Mr. Kringle, Barron. man E, Gunderson, Zephyrhills, Florida. Papers, 1975-1980, oi Edward F. McGlain Whitewater: Tombstone inscriptions from Cal (1935—), the Democratic representative of the vary Cemetery, Whitewater, giving names, birth 85th Assembly District from Wausau; including and death dates, lot numbers, and other inci correspondence with constituents, other leg dental information; loaned for copying by Rob islators, and governmental agencies, and sub erta Fosdal, Jefferson. ject files on topics such as unemployment com Papers, 1970-1984 (mainly 1980-1984), of pensation reform. Social Security, and the food Gary K. Johnson, a Democratic State Assembly stamp program; presented by Mr. McClain, man and Assembly Majority Leader from Be Wausau. loit; including constituent correspondence, press releases, subject and bill files, speeches and testimony, and records from his work on Stout: Recordbook, 1903-1913, of the Arkan- the Joint Finance Committee (1977-1981) and saw Cooperative Association, a rural consumer the Legislative Council (1974-1984); pre cooperative in Pepin County; including lists of sented by Mr. Johnson, Beloit. the board of directors and members, minutes Tombstone inscriptions from Munro Ceme and financial reports, a stock register, stock tery, Jefferson County, giving names, birth and transfer records, and records of dividends; pre death dates, and other incidental information; sented by the Pepin County Historical Society, loaned for copying by Roberta Fosdal, Jeffer Durand. son. Financial recordbook, 1955-1975, oi Robert Records, 1771-1976, of Oak Grove Cemetery, J. Dalle, a farmer in the Town of Tainter, Dunn Whitewater, including names, birth and death County, recording farm income and expenses dates, burial dates, and the source of the in and personal expenses. (Earlier pages contain formation; loaned for copying by Roberta Fos entries for an unidentified business, 1937- dal, Jefferson. 1938.) Presented by Rita Schumacher, Colfax. Tombstone inscriptions from Skoponong Personal journal, 1900-1952, of/. T. Dorch CVwetery, Jefferson County, giving names, birth ester, a Durand farmer and part-time preacher, and death dates, lot numbers, and other inci containing records of income and expenses dental information; loaned for copying by Rob and of his religious activities including a list of erta Fosdal, Jefferson. 314 Years. (Madison?, Wisconsin, 1988. Pp. 112. Wisconsin History Illus. No price listed. Available from Michael J. Bovre, 2617 Badger Lane, Madison, Wis Checklist consin 53713.) The Church of St. Agnes, Butler, Wisconsin, 1915- Recently published and currently available Wiscon- 1990. (Buder, Wisconsin, 1990. Pp. 40. Illus. siana added to the Society's Library are listed below. No price listed. Available from St. Agnes The compilers, Gerald R. Eggleston, Acquisitions Parish, 12801 West Fairmount, Butler, Wis Librarian, and Susan Dorst, Assistant Acquistions Librarian, are interested in obtaining information consin 53007.) Cover title is Diamond Jubilee, about (or copies of) items that are not widely ad 1915-1990, St. Agnes Parish, Butler, Wiscon vertised, such as publications of local historical so sin. cieties, family histories and genealogies, privately printed works, and histories of churches, institu Emery, Donna, and Arend, Mark W. Beaver tions, or organizations. Authors and publishers Dam Argus, Name Index, 1920-1929. (Beaver wishing to reach a wider audience and also to per Dam, Wisconsin, 1991. 1 vol. No price listed. form a valuable bibliographic service are urged to Available from Beaver Dam Community Li inform the compilers of their publications, includ brary, 311 North Spring Street, Beaver Dam, ing the following information: author, title, location and name of publisher, date of publication, price, Wisconsin 53916-2174.) pagination and address of supplier. Write Susan Dorst, Acquisitions Section. Encyclopedia of Wisconsin. (New York, New York, cl990. Pp. vi, 518. Illus, $89.00 plus $6.00 postage and handling. Available from Somerset Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 160, St. 7990 Centennial Directory of St. Mary Magdalene Clair Shores, Michigan 48080.) Catholic Faith Community. (Waupaca, 'Wiscon sin, 1990. Pp. 35, 36, 23. Illus. No price Engel, Dave. Shanagolden, an Industrial Ro listed. Available from St. Mary Magdalene mance, Ashland County History. (Rudolph, Catholic Church, 223 South Division Street, Wisconsin, cl990. Pp. 128. Illus. $12.00 Waupaca, Wisconsin 54981.) Cover title is plus $1.50 postage and handling. Available St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Faith Community, from Dave Engcl, River City Memoirs, 5597 Waupaca, Wisconsin, 1990. Third Avenue, Rudolph, Wisconsin 54475.) A portion of the book includes the personal Anderson, Frank Russell. Journey of Joy: an Ab reminiscences of Judge Herbert A. Bunde's breviated. Biography, First Congregational boyhood in Shanagolden, a sawmill town in Church, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. (Oconomo northwestern Wisconsin. woc, Wisconsin, 1991. 7 leaves. No price listed. Available from author, 1165-2 Lowell Farmer, Bernie. Edgerton, Wisconsin Reporter, Drive, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066.) Marriage Index, 1876-1900. (Janesville?, Wisconsin, 1990. Pp. 15, 15, 1. $6.00 plus Beaver Dam Sesquicentennial History Book, 1991. $1.00 postage and handling. Available from (Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, 1991. Pp. iii, 189. Rock County Genealogical Society, Inc., Illus. $10.00 plus $2.84 postage and han P.O. Box 711, Janesville, Wisconsin 53547- dling. Available from Dodge County Histor 0711.) ical Society and Museum, 105 Park Avenue, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 53916.) Forward in Faith, 125 Years. (Glendale, Wiscon sin, 1991. Pp. 24. Illus. No price listed. Avail Beck, Bill. Transforming the Heartland: the His able from Loren H. Osman, Flistorian/Ar tory of Wisconsin Power & Light Company. chivist, St. John's Lutheran Church, 7877 (Madison, Wisconsin, cl990. Pp. 231. Illus. North Port Washington Road, Glendale, No price listed. Available from Wisconsin Wisconsin 53217.) Power & Light Company, 222 West Wash ington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703.) Fromstein, Ruth. Milwaukee, the Best of All Worlds: a Contemporary Portrait. (Chatsworth, Bovre, Michael J., and Jerdee, Marie. Erdahl— CaHfornia, 1990. Pp. 384. Illus. $34.95. a Pioneer Family, 1306-1988: the First 682 Available from Windsor Publications, 9121 315 WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY SUMMER, I99I Oakdale Avenue, P.O. Box 2500, Chat Kjendlie, Donna Long. Luther Valley Confir sworth, California 91313.) mation Extractions, 1850's-1934. (Janesville?, Wisconsin, 1991. Pp. 175. $17.00. Available Gilbertson, Edna Stamstad. The Stamstad Saga. from Family Clan Publications, 2000 East (Ariington?, Virginia, 1988. Pp. 140, 58, vi. Delavan Drive, Janesville, Wisconsin 53546.) Illus. $12.75. Available from author, 3612 Peary Street, Arlington, Virginia 22207.) The Lafayette County Bicentennial Book, 1776- 1976. (Darlington, Wisconsin, 1991. Pp. Gisselman, Gary. Wausau Daily Herald Index, 228. Illus. $22.00 plus $3.00 postage and 1989. (Wausau, Wisconsin, cl990. 196 handling. Available from Lafayette County leaves. No price listed. Available from Mar Historical Society, 525 Main Street, Darling athon County Public Library, 400 First ton, Wisconsin 53530.) Reprint of the 1976 Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54401.) edition. Goc, Michael, Many a Fine Harvest, Sauk Nattkemper, Josephine. Index of Men &" Women County, 1840-1990. (Friendship, Wisconsin, Who Were Born in Cornwall and Emigrated to New Past Press, Inc., 1990. Pp. 192. Illus. Iowa County, Wisconsin Between 1836 ^"1866. $25.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling. (Santa Rosa, California, 1990. 1 vol. No Available from Sauk County Historical So price listed. Available from author, 5555 ciety, 531 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box 651, Montgomery Drive, Apt. G-104, Santa Rosa, Baraboo, Wiscon,sin 53931-0651.) California 95409-8844.) Hetzel, Bev. Naturalizations, Washington Co., Nichols, Barbara J. Charles H. Nichols of Dane Wisconsin. (West Bend, Wisconsin, 1991? 1 & LaCrosse Co., Wisconsin and His Brother vol. No price listed. Available from author, George M. Nichols of Dane Co., Wisconsin. (La- 2150 Skyline Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin cey, Washington, 1991? 1 vol. Illus. No price 53095.) listed. Available from Barbara J. Nichols, 265 Woodland Dive SE, Lacey, Washington Index to the 1859 Plat Map of Dodge County, Wis 98503.) consin. (Beaver Dam, 'Wisconsin, 1991. 1 vol. No price listed. Available from Beaver Dam Piano, Jack C. Fishhooks, Apples, and Outhouses: Community Library, 311 North Spring Memories of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. (Ka Street, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 53916- lamazoo, Michigan, cl991. Pp. 374. $15.00. 2174.) Available from Personality Press, 705 Weaver Circle, Kalamazoo, Michigan Jewell, Jim. Cornish in America: Linden, Wiscon 49007.) Piano's early life in Merrill and sin. (Linden, Wisconsin, 1990. Pp. 128. Illus. World War II experiences. $9.50. Available from Cornish Miner Press, Box 216, Linden, Wisconsin 53553.) Quinney, Richard. Journey to a Far Place: Au tobiographical Reflections. (Philadelphia, Juneau County Genealogy Society Cemeteries, Book Pennsylvania, cl991. Pp. 169. Illus. $29.95. 5. (Necedah, Wisconsin, 1990. Pp. 494-694, Available from Temple University Press, AA-OO. Illus. $15.00 plus $2.00 postage and handling. Available from Juneau County Broad and Oxford Streets, University Ser Genealogy Society, Star Route West, Box vices Building, Room 305, Philadelphia, 307, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646.) Cemeter Pennsylvania 19122.) Quinney was born and ies included are in Lindina Township and the raised in Walworth County. city of Mauston. TenHaken, Mel. Bail-Out!: P.O.W., 1944- Kelly, June. Clarence Addison Shaler, a Very 1945. (Manhattan, Kansas, cl990. Pp. 144. Large Wizard of Oz. (Waupun?, Wisconsin, Illus. $11.95. Available from Sunflower Uni 1991? Pp. 45. Illus. No price listed. Available versity Press, 1531 Yuma, Box 1009, Man from author, 327 South Watertown, Wau hattan, Kansas 66502-4428.) TenHaken, an pun, Wisconsin 53963.) Shaler was a Wau Oostburg native, recalls his World War 11 pun businessman and sculptor. experiences. 316 WISCONSIN HISTORY CHECKLIST Town of Brockway, 1890-1990, Centennial Cel Wheeler, A. C. The Chronicles of Milwaukee: ebration. (Brockwayp, Wisconsin, 1990, Pp. Being a Narrative History of the Town from its 108. Illus. No price listed. Available from Earliest Period to the Present. (Bowie, Mary Vicky L. Campbell, Town Clerk, Town of land, 1990. Pp. viii, 310. No price Hsted. Brockway, P.O. Box 484, Black River Falls, Available from Heritage Books, 1540E Wisconsin 54615.) Pointer Ridge Place, Suite 104, Bowie, Mary land 20716-1859.) Reprint of the 1860 edi tion with a new name index. Uthe, Dorothy. From Soup to Mostly Nuts: Stories from the Jones Family. (Eagle River?, Wiscon ZumBrunnen, Mary Hanna. History of the Town sin, cl990. Pp. 109. Illus. $20.00 plus $1.91 ship of Primrose. (Deforest, Wisconsin, 1990. postage and handling. Available from au Pp. vii, 229. Illus. $28.00 plus $1.60 postage thor, 6350 Camp 12 Road, Eagle River, Wis & handling. Available from Hambrum Pub consin 54521.) Uthe's memoirs about her lishers, 520 Linde Street, Deforest, Wiscon family and resort life in Eagle River from sin 53532.) Primrose Township is in the 1918 to the late 1930s. southwest corner of Dane County. 317 Contributors NELSON VAN VALEN was raised in northern New Jersey and southern California. He re ceived his B.A. from Swarthmore College and, following wartime service in Washington with CATHERINE B. CLEARY, a native of Wiscon signal intelligence, his Ph.D. from the Clare sin, is a graduate of the University of Chicago mont Graduate School. After teaching for six (A.B. 1937) and the University of Wisconsin years in Asia, Europe, and Africa with the Uni Law School (LL.B. 1943). She spent most of versity of California and the University of her career with First Wisconsin Trust Com Maryland, Van Valen joined the history de pany, Milwaukee, retiring in 1978 as Chair partment of Beloit College. An enthusiastic man and Chief Executive Officer. From 1978 hiker, backpacker, and canoe camper, he soon to 1981 she served as an adjunct professor in developed a course in environmental history. the School of Business Administration at the His articles on union busting, municipal own University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In re ership, and conservation have appeared in cent years she has audited courses in the his A^^vv York History, Pacific Historical Review, tory department of UW-M, and she wishes to Southern California Quarterly, and Western acknowledge with gratitude the help and en Historical Quarterly. Now emeritus. Van couragement of the faculty of that department Valen and his spouse, Julie, a fellow historian, in her research on the first women lawyers in live in New Mexico. Wisconsin. KIMBERLY LITTLE is the historian of the Ulys ELIZABETH KRYNSKI is a resident of Durham, ses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. North Carolina. Her biography appeared in Louis, Missouri. Her biography also appeared the Spring, 1991, issue. in the previous issue. 318 Corporate Sponsors AAL MADISON-KIPP COMPANY Appleton Madison AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE GROUP MADISON NEWSPAPERS, INC. Madison Madison APPLETON MILLS FOUNDATION MAINTENANCE SERVICE CORPORATION Appleton Milwaukee ROBERT W, BAIRD & Co, FOUNDATION, INC. MARQUETTE ELECTRONICS FOUNDATION Milwaukee Milwaukee BANTA CORPORATION MARSHALL ERDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC. Menasha Madison J. I, CASE COMPANY MAYNARD STEEL Racine Milwaukee CONSOLIDATED PAPERS FOUNDATION, INC. MENASHA CORPORATION FOUNDATION Wisconsin Rapids Neenah J. P. CULLEN AND SONS, INC MILLER BREWING COMPANY Janesville Milwaukee CUNA MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Racine Madison NELSON INDUSTRIES, INC. DEMCO, INC. Stoughton Madison NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY CARL AND ELISABETH EBERBACH FOUNDATION, INC. Milwaukee Milwaukee OSCAR MAYER FOOD CORPORATION FIRST WISCONSIN FOUNDATION, INC. 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Racine Milwaukee WALGREENS JUPITER TRANSPORTATION COMPANY Deerfield, Illinois Kenosha WEBCRAFTERS-FRAUTSCHI FOUNDATION INCORPORATED THE KOHLER COMPANY Madison Kohler THE WEST BEND COMPANY LINCOLN STATE BANK West Bend Milwaukee WESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC Racine Madison THE WINDWAY FOUNDATION, INC Sheboygan 319 WISCONSIN BELL WISCONSIN PHYSICIANS SERVICE Milwaukee Madison WISCONSIN ENERGY CORPORATION FOUNDATION, INC WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY Milwaukee Madison WISCONSIN NATURAL GAS COMPANY WISCONSIN TALES & TRAILS, INC. Racine Madison Patrcns BOB AND ANNE BOLZ JOHN P. KAMINSKI Madison Madison GERALDINE DRISCOLL RtJTH DE YOUNG KOHLER Winneconne Kohler MRS. PETER D, HUMLEKER, JR, GERALD AND MARION VISTE Fond du l,ac Wausau ROBERT H, IRRMANN JOHN AND BARBARA WINN Madison Madison THOMAS MOUAT JEFFRIS II Janesville Curators Emeritus JOHN C. GEILFUSS HOWARD W. MEAD Milwaukee Madison JANET HARTZELL ROBERT B, L, MURPHY Grantsburg Madison NATHAN S, HEFFERNAN LOUIS C. SMITH Madison Cassville ROBERT H, IRRMANN PHYLLIS SMYTHE Madison Milwaukee HELEN JONES MILO K, SWANTON F'ort Atkinson Madison Fellows VERNON CARSTENSEN ROBERT C, NESBIT Washington Washington RICHARD N. CURRENT ALICE E, SMITH Massachusetts California MERLE CURTI PAUL VANDERBILT Madison Madison 320 THE BOARD OF CURATORS THOMAS H. BARLAND MRS. PETER D. HUMLEKER, JR. Eau Claire Fond du Lac JANE BERNHARDT THOMAS MOUAT JEFFRIS II Cassville Janesville PATRICIA BOGE ERROL K. KINDSCHY La Crosse West Salem ELBERT S. BOHLIN RUTH DE YOUNG KOHLER Mineral Point Kohler DAVID E. CIJ^RENBACH BEN LOGAN Madison Gays Mills GLENN R. COATES VIRGINIA MACNEIL Racine Bayside JOYCE CZAJKOWSKI GEORGE H. MILLER Wauzeka Ripon HARRY F. FRANKE JAMES A. OGILVIE Milwaukee Washburn PAUL C, GARTZKE FREDERICK I. OLSON Madison Wauwatosa LYNNE GOLDSTEIN JERRY PHILLIPS Milwaukee Bayfield GREGG GUTHRIE FRED A. RISSER Lac du Flambeau Madison VIVIAN GUZNICZAK PEGGY A. ROSENZWEIG Franklin Wauwatosa EDNA GWIN BRIAN D. RUDE Hudson Coon Valley BETTE HAVES ROGER STAUTER De Pere Madison FANNIE HICKLIN GERALD D. VISTE Madison Wausau RICHARD H, HOLSCHER LYNNE WEBSTER Milwaukee Oshkosh ALBERT G. BEAVER, Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs, ROBERT S. ZIGMAN, President of the Wisconsin History Foun University of Wisconsin dation NANCY ALLEN, President, Friends of the State Historical Society DAVID JANKOSKI, President of the Wisconsin Council for Local of Wiscorusin History Board of the Frie'nds of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin NANCY ALLEN, West Bend MAGGIE GAGE, Williams Bay President Secretary WALTER VOGL, Two Rivers PATRICIA FRITSCHELL, Madison First Vice-President Treasurer LA VONNE SENN, Madison THEODORE E. CRABB, Madison Second Vice-President Past President THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY SHALL promote a wider appreciation of the American heritage with particular emphasis on the collection, advancement and dissemination of knowledge of the history of Wisconsin and of the West. —Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 44 WHi043)31953 A twenty-year-old forest plantation. Photo hy Dorothy Cassoday, Wisconsin Conservation Department. ^KXE HISTo^ fsbs WD C/3 <^. Iti4(i ^ OF WIS*--