Wisconsin's first governor. Although he was born in Lebanon, Connecticut this young lawyer was known as a New Yorker when he moved west in 1836 settling in the small town of Cassville in an area which was soon to become the Wisconsin Territory. The ambitious attorney joined forces with other New York land speculators to market and promote Cassville as the perfect site for the territorial capital of Wisconsin. Although this venture did not succeed the contacts Dewey made led to him being selected for several political posts including the register of deeds, justice of the peace and winning a seat in the territorial legislature. He also parlayed his contacts into economic success amassing a fortune in the mining and land business. In 1848, at the age of thirty-five, he was elected the first governor of the new state of Wisconsin. The Democrat won reelection to a second term in 1850. He declined a run for third term and returned to Cassville where he once again attempted to fulfill his dream of turning the small village into a large city. The pursuit of this goal led to financial ruin and the break up of his family. Sadly, he died impoverished, from complications caused by a stroke in the village he strived to promote.
Wisconsin's first governor. Although he was born in Lebanon, Connecticut this young lawyer was known as a New Yorker when he moved west in 1836 settling in the small town of Cassville in an area which was soon to become the Wisconsin Territory. The ambitious attorney joined forces with other New York land speculators to market and promote Cassville as the perfect site for the territorial capital of Wisconsin. Although this venture did not succeed the contacts Dewey made led to him being selected for several political posts including the register of deeds, justice of the peace and winning a seat in the territorial legislature. He also parlayed his contacts into economic success amassing a fortune in the mining and land business. In 1848, at the age of thirty-five, he was elected the first governor of the new state of Wisconsin. The Democrat won reelection to a second term in 1850. He declined a run for third term and returned to Cassville where he once again attempted to fulfill his dream of turning the small village into a large city. The pursuit of this goal led to financial ruin and the break up of his family. Sadly, he died impoverished, from complications caused by a stroke in the village he strived to promote.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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