Governor Alexander Randall | Painting | Wisconsin Historical Society

Painting

Governor Alexander Randall

Governor Alexander Randall | Painting | Wisconsin Historical Society
Portrait of the governor in the executive chamber.
DESCRIPTION
Portrait of the governor in the executive chamber.
RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:2885
Creation Date: 1862
Creator Name:Cogswell, William
City:
County:
State:
Collection Name:WHS Museum Collection
Genre:Painting
Original Format Type:paintings
Original Format Number:Museum 1942.479
Original Dimensions:unknown
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
"Randall, Alexander Williams (Oct. 31, 1819-July 26, 1872), lawyer, politician, governor, U.S. postmaster general, b. Ames, Montgomery County, N.Y. He attended Cherry Valley Academy (N.Y.), and read law in his father's office. In 1840 he moved to Wisconsin, settling in Prairieville (now Waukesha), where he set up a law practice and in 1845 was named postmaster. A delegate to the first state constitutional convention (1846), Randall introduced and pushed through the convention a resolution to submit the question of Negro suffrage to state-wide referendum. In the state's first presidential election, Randall supported the Free Soil party (1848). In 1855 he served one term in the state assembly as an independent Democrat, and while in the legislature helped secure the election of Charles Durkee, Wisconsin's first Republican U.S. Senator. That fall, Randall was an unsuccessful candidate for state's attorney general on the Republican ticket, but in 1856 received an appointment from Republican Governor Coles Bashford to fill the unexpired term of 2nd circuit judge, Levi Hubbell, and served briefly in that capacity (Sept. 1856-Apr. 1857). In 1857 Randall was elected governor, was re-elected in 1859, and served two terms (Jan. 1858-Jan. 1862). Randall's first term in office was made notable by his initiation of a legislative investigation of frauds in the distribution of federal land grants in Wisconsin; his second term, by his vigorous organization of the state for participation in the Civil War. Failing to be named to the U.S. Senate or to receive a military appointment at the close of his second term, Randall accepted the post of minister to the Papal States (1862). Dissatisfied with this position, he returned to the U.S., and in 1862 was named assistant postmaster general. He served in this capacity until July, 1866, when, as a reward for his support and services, President Andrew Johnson advanced him to the postmaster generalship. Loyal to Johnson, Randall testified on his behalf at his impeachment and also contributed to his defense fund. Out of favor because of his support of Johnson and because of 'desertion' of the Republican party, Randall retired at the conclusion of Johnson's term. He settled in Elmira, N.Y., and practiced law there until his death." (State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography, 1960, p. 297.)
SUBJECTS
Portraits
Men
Governors
Civil War, 1861-1865

How to Purchase a Copy

Buy The Image

For commercial or non-profit use, please contact Image Sales.

By clicking "BUY" you agree to our Terms of Use.

10-percent discount for Society Members.

Image-purchasing questions? Please Contact Us.

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

How to View in Person

To view this image, visit the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor at the Society Headquarters building in Madison, WI. Print out this index page and present it to the librarian. Use the links below to plan your visit to the Society's Archives.

Checking Out Materials

Visual materials in the Archives do not circulate and must be viewed in the Society's Archives Research Room.

How to Cite

For the purposes of a bibliography entry or footnote, follow this model:

Wisconsin Historical Society Citation
Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research Citation
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).

Have Questions?

Contact our Archives staff by email.