Charles Larrabee

Charles Larrabee was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district during the 36th Congress from 1859 to 1861. A member of the Democratic Party, Larrabee played a significant role in Wisconsin's early legal and political landscape. His career was marked by his involvement in the state's judicial system and his military service during the American Civil War. After his congressional tenure, he continued to practice law and became a notable figure in California, where he met an untimely death in a train accident.

Early life and career

Charles Larrabee was born on November 9, 1820, in Rome, New York. He was the son of Charles Larrabee, who hailed from Connecticut. In his early years, Larrabee's family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he pursued his education at Springfield Academy and later at Granville College from 1834 to 1836. His studies at Granville focused on English, mathematics, and ancient languages, laying a foundation for his future legal career.

Before fully committing to the legal profession, Larrabee worked as an engineer, contributing to the surveying of the Little Miami Railroad. He began his formal legal education by reading law under the guidance of Congressman Samson Mason and W.A. Rogers in Springfield, Ohio. Larrabee was admitted to the bar in September 1841 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, where he also attempted to enter politics by running for a seat in the Mississippi Legislature, though he was unsuccessful.

In 1844, Larrabee moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he became involved in local politics and journalism. He edited the Democratic Advocate and was elected as the city attorney. On May 13, 1846, he married Minerva Norton in Chicago. The couple had two children: a son named Charles and a daughter named Minerva, who later married George H. Burton.

In March 1847, Larrabee and his wife relocated to the Wisconsin Territory, settling in Dodge County. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in the community by opening the first business in the settlement, selling goods transported from Chicago via Lake Michigan and overland to Dodge County. Larrabee played a crucial role in founding the town of Horicon, which he named. His political career began to take shape when he was elected as one of three representatives for Dodge County to the 2nd Wisconsin Constitutional Convention, where he advocated for a homestead exemption to protect residents from losing their homes due to debt.

Following the adoption of Wisconsin's new constitution in 1848, Larrabee was elected as Circuit Judge for the 3rd district. His position as Circuit Judge also made him an ex officio member of the state's first Supreme Court, where he became the youngest individual to serve in that capacity. He held the judgeship for ten years before transitioning to a political career that culminated in his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1858.

House tenure

Larrabee's congressional career began when he was elected to represent Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district in the 36th Congress, which convened in 1859. At that time, his district was the most populous in the country, with approximately 350,000 residents. During his time in Congress, Larrabee was a vocal supporter of maintaining the Union and defended the loyalty of German American immigrants in Wisconsin. His political alignment with the Democratic Party was evident as he supported the platform of Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic candidate for President in the 1860 election.

Despite his efforts, Larrabee faced challenges during the election cycle of 1860, which saw a significant realignment of political power. Following the defeat of Douglas by Abraham Lincoln, Larrabee lost his congressional seat, along with many other Democrats, in the elections that year. His single term in the House of Representatives concluded on March 3, 1861.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the House, Larrabee's legislative focus was largely shaped by the political climate of the time, particularly the growing tensions surrounding the Civil War. He was an advocate for preserving the Union and took a strong stance in support of the loyalty of German American citizens, reflecting the demographic composition of his district. His efforts in Congress were characterized by a commitment to the principles of the Democratic Party, which included a focus on states' rights and opposition to the growing influence of the Republican Party.

Larrabee's involvement in the legislative process was underscored by his active participation in debates and discussions pertinent to the issues of the day. His background as a lawyer and judge provided him with a unique perspective on legal matters, which he applied to his work in Congress. Although specific committee assignments during his term are not detailed, it is likely that his legal expertise informed his contributions to legislative discussions.

After leaving Congress, Larrabee's commitment to the Union led him to enlist in the military following the outbreak of the Civil War. He initially joined the Horicon Guard militia and quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately commanding the 24th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. His military service further solidified his legacy as a dedicated public servant, both in the legal and military arenas.

In summary, Charles Larrabee's life was marked by significant contributions to Wisconsin's legal and political landscape during a formative period in American history. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, although brief, reflected his commitment to the Union and the principles of his party. Following his congressional career, he continued to serve his country through military service and later practiced law in California, where he met an untimely end in a train accident in 1883.