Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1869-03-23
The New Cabinet Appointees.
The following sketches of the last
Cabinet appointments are published

Cabinet appointments are published
HAMILTON FISH, SECRETARY OF STATE
Mr.. Fish is native of New Yorl
city, his family long having held
position of wealth and prominence
He was born in 1909, and in his you'll
was surrou nded by all the advanta
ges which wealth can command
He was educated at Columbia Col,
lege, and having graduated, com
menced the study of law, and in 1885,
was admitted to practice in the
Supreme Court Of the State. Though
eminenuly fitted by education and
natural abilities for the successful
prosecution of the legal profession,
he was restrained from accepting
large practice by the cares which a
large inheritance devolved upon him
Called upon to superintend a large
torture for the benefit of himself and
others, he was withdrawn so much
from his chosen career that he was
at length forced to relinquish it slto>
gether. He early manifested deep
solicitude in political affairs, although
not proclaimed partisan. In 1884
be was nominated for the Assembly
by the Wing party, but with the
party suffered defeat Nominations
of different kinds were subsequently,
rendered by his party, but be per-
sistently declined them. 1912 he was
elected to Congress from the Sixth
district, bis personal popularity con-
tributing materially to the success of
the ticket. As member of Con-
gress Mr. Fish was not distinguished
III debate, but his integrity, and bis
promptness and presidency in urg-
ing the adoption of measures for the
benefit of his constituents, won for
him universal commentator. While
in Washington he was particularly
noted for his hospitality, and his
private parlors were at all times open
and thronged with the foremost
statesmen of the land. In 1847 be
was elected Lieutenant Governor of
the State, and at the close of his term
of office was chosen Governor. His
administration was singularly free
from partisan quarrels, and maintain.
ed with frmness and dignity. His
messages indicated the possession by
the author of high literary abilities,
and were commended by all parties
During bis administration the slavery
question was being agitated in Con-
gress and throughout the country
Mr.. Fish was early committed in fa>
vor of the Wilmot Proviso, and did
not fail to urge bis views upon the
people of the State. He was subse-
quently elected to the United States
Senate, where he served from 1851
to 1857 with marked ability. At the
expiration of the term for which he
was elected, Mr. Fish retired to
private life, and has mingled com,
parati, ely little in political affairs
since that time.
During the war, MIR. Fish, as a
prominent private citizen was con-
spicuous for the support he gave
the government, and was at all times
to be found first among our wealthy
and prominent citizens in devising
means to secure the speedy suppress
sion of the rebellion, he gave largely
OF his means to secure this end, and
responded literally to the calls made
upon all patriotic citizens to provide
for our sick and wounded soldiers. -
In 1862 he was notified by telegraph
that President Lincoln had appoint
ed him and Bishop Ames Commits
sioners to go within the Confederate
lines and look after the comfort of
our prisoners, and to establish basis
of exchange. He replied forthwith
by telegraph, accepting the responsi
bic position, and at the earliest mo-
ment entered upon it's duties. AL
though the Commissioners were re-
fused admission inside the rebel lines,
they nevertheless arranged cartel
of exchange, which was observed for
some time, and which secured the
release OF hundreds of brave men
from rebel dungeons.
During the past few years Mr.. Fish
has been a warm friend and ardent
admirer Of General Grant, and aided
to the extent of his ability in secur-
ing his election. The cares Of large
estate have prevented Mr.. Fish tax
ing an active part in national politics,
but be is known to entertain very
decided opinion on all points of pub
lie interest, and that his opinions are
generally in accord with those OF
President Grant.
GEORGE $. BOUTWELL,, SECRETARY OF
THE TREASURY.
Governor Boutwell, is native OF
Massachusetts. He was born III
Brookline, Norfolk county, January
18th, 1918. His early years were
passed on farm, and it was expect
ed by his parents that he would
eventually become farmer. Cir
cumstances conspired, however, &c
prevent this, and young Boutwell,
became merchants clerk in Groton
He served thorough apprenticeship
to commercial pursuits, and for some
time was engaged in business fol-
himself During twenty years.he was
moderately successful, at the end o
which time he gave up his business
and commenced the study Of the law
and when admitted to practice at The
Bar found himself the junior practi'
toner among much younger men,
Taking a deep interest in pofitica
matters, he was elected to the State
Legislature in 1912, where he servet
continuously for seven years. II
1851 he was elected Governor of th'
State, and in 1853 was member o
the Massachusetts, Constitutions
Convention. For eleven years h,
held the responsible position of Sec
rotary of the State Board of Educa
1 ton, and for nearly the same length
of time was one of the Overseers o
Harvard College. He was membe
of the Peace Conference of 1861. L
July, 1862, he was appointed Com
missioner of Internal Revenue, an
was charged with the organization Q
that department. In 1868 be wa