Introduction
The 1853 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, held on November 8, marked a significant political event in the history of the state. This election saw Democratic candidate William A. Barstow emerge victorious with approximately 55% of the total votes cast. Barstow’s win represented his first term as Governor of Wisconsin and came at a time of considerable political flux in the United States. The election also featured candidates from the Free Soil Party and the Whig Party, although it would notably be the last instance of a Whig candidate appearing on the ballot for a gubernatorial race in Wisconsin. The outcomes of this election had lasting implications for several counties, with some not voting for a Democrat again until decades later.
Nominations
As with any election, the nomination process was critical in determining the candidates who would appear on the ballot. For the Democratic Party, William A. Barstow’s journey to nomination was somewhat unexpected. Originally, he did not plan to run and was backing A. Hyatt Smith for the gubernatorial candidacy. However, during the Democratic Party Convention held in Janesville in September 1853, Barstow’s popularity propelled him into contention. On the first ballot, he received five votes, which initiated a series of events that eventually led to his nomination.
Democratic Party Candidates
The convention witnessed deadlock as A. Hyatt Smith struggled against Jairus C. Fairchild across seven ballots. Ultimately, Smith withdrew and endorsed Barstow, paving the way for Barstow to secure the nomination on the thirteenth ballot. Barstow had previously served as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State and played a key role in establishing Waukesha County from parts of Milwaukee County before statehood.
Other notable figures vying for recognition within the Democratic ranks included Jairus C. Fairchild, who was Madison’s first State Treasurer, and A. Hyatt Smith himself, who had served as both Mayor of Janesville and U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin. Tragically, shortly after Barstow was chosen as the nominee, Timothy Burns—the incumbent Lieutenant Governor—passed away.
Whig Party Candidate
The Whig Party presented Henry S. Baird as their candidate for governor. A resident of Green Bay and regarded as one of the first practicing lawyers in Wisconsin Territory, Baird had an extensive political background. He served as Attorney General under Territorial Governor Henry Dodge and participated in Wisconsin’s first Constitutional Convention.
Independent Candidate
Edward D. Holton entered the race as an independent candidate representing the Free Soil Party, which was characterized by its strong abolitionist stance. Holton was based in Milwaukee and had ambitions to develop a railroad connecting Milwaukee to the Mississippi River. His platform also included support for temperance legislation in Wisconsin. The ticket he headed became known as the “People’s Ticket,” promoting opposition to Barstow’s Democratic platform.
Election Results
The results of the 1853 gubernatorial election highlighted a shift in political alignment across various counties in Wisconsin. Barstow’s victory not only secured him the governorship but also indicated changing voter preferences in several regions.
Results by County
A notable aspect of this election was that several counties flipped their allegiance from one party to another:
- Dane County: Flipped from Whig to Democratic
- Fond du Lac County: Flipped from Whig to Democratic
- Milwaukee County: Flipped from Whig to Democratic
- Racine County: Flipped from Whig to Democratic
Conversely, Brown County flipped from Democratic to Whig while several counties—including Iowa, Jefferson, and Marquette—switched from Democratic to Independent status. Additionally, counties like Grant and Kenosha transitioned from Whig to Independent.
Long-term Impact
The 1853 gubernatorial election bore significant consequences for Wisconsin’s political landscape moving forward. Notably, it marked a turning point where Adams County and Bad Ax (now Vernon) County did not vote for a Democrat again until 1932—a gap of nearly eight decades. Likewise, Columbia County would not see another Democratic vote until 1924, while Green County, Portage County, and Sauk County remained Republican strongholds until they finally voted Democrat again in 1890.
Conclusion
The 1853 Wisconsin gubernatorial election serves as a pivotal moment in understanding shifts in political allegiances during that era in American history. William A. Barstow’s victory not only underscored his popularity but also reflected broader trends affecting various counties throughout Wisconsin. As political parties evolved and new movements emerged—such as those represented by independents like Edward D. Holton—the foundations were laid for future electoral dynamics within the state and beyond. This election is particularly noteworthy not just for its immediate outcomes but for its long-lasting impact on voter behavior and party representation within Wisconsin’s political framework.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).