William Earnest Rowe (May 27, 1820 – November 8, 1888) was an American farmer and miller from Arena, Wisconsin who served four one-year terms as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Background

Born in St. James parish of St Kew, Cornwall, Rowe received a common school education. He came to Wisconsin in 1836, and became a farmer and miller. He first lived in Blue Mounds at the same time as a John Rowe, was elected to that town's school board and is described as being one of the "important citizens in 1848, at the organization of the town government".[1] He moved to Iowa County in 1849 and to Idaho Territory in 1862; after living there for five years he returned to Arena, Wisconsin, in 1866. He died in 1888.[2]

Legislative service

Rowe was elected to the Assembly in 1868, succeeding Republican incumbent Jefferson Rewey, defeating Democrat Henry C. Barnard by four votes. He ran in 1869 as a Republican, and was defeated by Barnard, 862 to 776.[3][4] He was elected in 1871 as a "Free Trader", with 1,042 votes to 786 for Republican John Edwards (incumbent Barnard was not a candidate). He defeated Republican challengers in 1872 and 1873, but did not run for re-election in 1874, and was succeeded by Reform Party candidate Owen King.

In 1878 he ran again for the Assembly as a Democrat, losing to Greenback George L. Frost, who polled 1,154 votes to 862 for Republican Robert L. Joiner, and 697 for Rowe.

References

  1. ↑ Ward, John C. and Ira Isham. "Dane County Towns: Blue Mounds" in, Madison, Dane County and surrounding towns; being a history and guide to places of scenic beauty and historical note ... early intercourse of the settlers with the Indians ... with a complete list of county supervisors and officers, and legislative members Madison: William J. Park & Co., 1877; pp. 237-238, 243
  2. ↑ "William E. Rowe". The Eau Claire News. November 17, 1888. p. 2. Retrieved July 12, 2018 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  3. ↑ "Democratic State Legislature: Iowa County". The Daily Milwaukee News. February 20, 1870. p. 2. Retrieved July 13, 2018 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ↑ The legislative manual of the state of Wisconsin; comprising Jefferson's manual, rules, forms and laws, for the regulation of business; also, lists and tables for reference Ninth Annual Edition. Madison: Atwood and Rublee, State Printers, Journal Block, 1870; p. 363


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