James Doolittle

James Doolittle was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Wisconsin for twelve years during the mid-19th century. A member of the Republican Party, he was an active supporter of President Abraham Lincoln's administration during the American Civil War. Doolittle's political career was marked by his involvement in significant legislative matters, particularly those concerning Native American affairs, as well as his participation in the debates surrounding war and reconstruction policies. After leaving the Senate, he transitioned to a career in law and education, while also engaging in local politics.

Early life and career

James Rood Doolittle was born on January 3, 1815, in Hampton, New York, to Reuben Doolittle and Sarah Rood. He received his early education at Middlebury Academy in Wyoming, New York, and later graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1834. Following his graduation, Doolittle pursued a career in law, studying the discipline and gaining admission to the New York bar association in 1837.

Doolittle began his legal career by establishing a law practice in Rochester, New York. In 1841, he relocated to Warsaw, New York, where he continued to build his legal reputation. His early career included a term as the district attorney for Wyoming County from 1847 to 1850. Additionally, he served as a colonel in the New York State militia, reflecting his involvement in both legal and civic matters.

In 1851, Doolittle moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where he continued his legal practice. His political career began to take shape when he was elected as the Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 1st Circuit in 1853, defeating the incumbent Wyman Spooner. During his tenure as a judge, he presided over notable cases, including the July 1855 case of The State of Wisconsin v. David F. Mayberry, which was significant for its historical implications. However, Doolittle resigned from the court in March 1856, marking the end of his judicial career and the beginning of his political aspirations.

Senate tenure

Doolittle's political alignment shifted in the 1850s, particularly following the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. Initially a member of the Democratic Party, he transitioned to the Republican Party and was elected to the United States Senate in 1857. He served in this capacity until 1869, representing Wisconsin during a tumultuous period in American history, including the Civil War.

During his Senate tenure, Doolittle was actively involved in various legislative matters and was a prominent figure in the Republican Party. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs from 1861 to 1867, a role that placed him at the forefront of discussions regarding Native American policies and issues. In 1861, he was also a delegate to the Peace Conference in Washington, D.C., which sought to address the growing tensions between the North and South.

Doolittle's Senate work included significant contributions to the investigation of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, as he and his colleague Jacob Collamer represented the minority view in the Mason Report prepared by the Senate committee. He was also known for proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at banning secession, reflecting his commitment to preserving the Union during the Civil War.

As a senator, Doolittle was a strong supporter of President Lincoln's policies and worked to represent the interests of Wisconsin on the national stage. In 1865, he undertook a visit to Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River, serving as the chairman of the Joint Special Committee on Conditions of Indian Tribes. This committee was tasked with investigating the treatment of Native tribes by U.S. civil and military authorities. Doolittle's involvement in this inquiry included participation in discussions regarding Native affairs in various regions, including Kansas, the Indian Territory, and Colorado.

The committee's findings were compiled in a report titled The Condition of the Tribes, which was issued in January 1867. However, Doolittle faced criticism later for allegedly suppressing the report's findings, which exposed fraudulent practices by suppliers of goods to Native tribes. This controversy emerged when The New York Times accused him of delaying the report's publication until it was obtained by another publication.

Throughout his Senate career, Doolittle engaged in debates concerning war and reconstruction measures, advocating for the federal government's authority while asserting that the seceding states had never fully left the Union. He opposed the Fifteenth Amendment, arguing that states should have the autonomy to determine their own suffrage laws.

Legislative focus and committees

Doolittle's legislative focus during his time in the Senate was characterized by his commitment to various issues, particularly those related to Native American affairs and the broader implications of the Civil War. As the Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, he played a crucial role in shaping policies that affected Native tribes and their treatment by the federal government. His leadership in this committee allowed him to address pressing concerns regarding the welfare of Native communities and the obligations of the U.S. government under treaty agreements.

In addition to his work on Indian affairs, Doolittle was actively involved in discussions surrounding the Civil War and its aftermath. He participated in debates regarding reconstruction policies and the reintegration of Southern states into the Union. His views on these matters were shaped by his belief in the continuity of the Union, asserting that the seceding states had never fully ceased to be part of the nation.

Doolittle's political career extended beyond his Senate tenure. After leaving the Senate in 1869, he ran for the governorship of Wisconsin in 1871 as a Democrat but was unsuccessful in his bid. Following this political setback, he retired from active politics and returned to the legal profession, establishing a law practice in Chicago, Illinois, while maintaining his residence in Racine.

In addition to his legal work, Doolittle contributed to education as the acting president of the Old University of Chicago and served as a professor in its law school. His involvement in the university reflected his commitment to legal education and the development of future legal professionals.

James Doolittle passed away on July 27, 1897, from Bright's disease in Edgewood, Rhode Island. He was interred in Mound Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy as a significant figure in Wisconsin's political history during a critical period in the United States.