US Congressman. His family moved to Canton, New York in 1825, where he became a lawyer in 1846. He relocated to Wisconsin in 1848, practiced law, and served as a State Senator from 1854 to 1856. In 1862 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and was reelected five times, serving from 1863 to 1875. Taking his seat during the Civil War, he was known at first as a pro-war Democrat; but he opposed the draft and the Emancipation Proclamation while advocating a moderate Reconstruction policy. He also voted against impeaching President Johnson. Eldredge was one of several House members defeated in the 1874 election because they voted for Congressional pay raises (the "Salary Grab" bill). After leaving Congress he returned to Fond du Lac to practice law.
US Congressman. His family moved to Canton, New York in 1825, where he became a lawyer in 1846. He relocated to Wisconsin in 1848, practiced law, and served as a State Senator from 1854 to 1856. In 1862 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and was reelected five times, serving from 1863 to 1875. Taking his seat during the Civil War, he was known at first as a pro-war Democrat; but he opposed the draft and the Emancipation Proclamation while advocating a moderate Reconstruction policy. He also voted against impeaching President Johnson. Eldredge was one of several House members defeated in the 1874 election because they voted for Congressional pay raises (the "Salary Grab" bill). After leaving Congress he returned to Fond du Lac to practice law.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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