Gabriel Bouck
Encyclopedia
Gabriel Bouck was a member of the United States House of Representatives
(1877–1881) from Wisconsin
. He also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly
and as the state's attorney general
.
the son of William C. Bouck
and Catherine Lawyer and was the fourth of eight children. Bouck lived at Bouck's Island
. His siblings were James Madison; Joseph William, born on October 27, 1809; Christian, born on May 14, 1818; Charles, born on September 9, 1829; Catherine, born on July 11, 1820, married Erskine Danforth; Caroline, married Dr. Volney Danforth; and Anna, born on December 29, 1814, married Lyman Sanford.
His father, William C. Bouck
, was elected Governor of New York
in 1842 and his uncle, Joseph Bouck
, was elected to the House of Representatives from the state of New York
serving in the 22nd United States Congress
from 1831 to 1833.
Gabriel Bouck was prepared for college at the Schoharie and Albany Academies. He graduated from Union College
, Schenectady, New York
with Phi Beta Kappa honors and membership in The Kappa Alpha Society
, in the class of 1847 and studied law in the offices of Daniel S. Dickson at Binghamton, New York
. Bouck moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
in 1848 he was admitted to the bar. In 1849, he moved to Oshkosh
, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
to practice law. The 1860 Census
listed him as a resident of Oshkosh’s third ward.
during the Civil War
raising Company E, 2nd Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry in Oshkosh
in April 1861 and serving at the rank of captain. This unit was a part of the famous Iron Brigade
attached to the Army of the Potomac
.
He resigned command to accept a commission as Colonel
of the 18th Wisconsin Infantry on April 29, 1862, succeeding Colonel
James S. Alban following Alban's death at the Battle of Shiloh
. It was with some reluctance that Bouck accepted this assignment when it was offered by Governmor Alexander Randall
and was strongly encouraged to do so by fellow Wisconsin
officer Edward S. Bragg
. Bouck saw action with the 18th Wisconsin at the Battle of Corinth
(MS), Battle of Jackson (MS), Battle of Champion Hill
(MS), Battle of Vicksburg
(MS), and Battle of Missionary Ridge
(TN). He resigned from service on January 4, 1864 and returned to Oshkosh
.
Following the war he stayed active military endeavors, founding two Grand Army of the Republic
(G.A.R.) posts. He also formed the 2nd Company of the Wisconsin National Guard
on March 25, 1876, serving as its captain.
being elected as Attorney General of Wisconsin serving from 1858 to 1860; he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly
in 1860 and 1874, serving the last year as speaker. He was a delegate to the Democratic
national conventions of 1868 and 1872. Bouck was defeated in his first run for the United States Congress
in 1874, but in 1876 was elected to the United States House of Representatives
from Wisconsin's 6th congressional district
receiving 20,623 votes to his Republican
opponent, Alanson M. Kimball
's 17,847. His greatest political ambition was to be elected Governor of Wisconsin, the same office held by his father in the state of New York. He was defeated for reelection to Congress in 1880 by Republican Richard Guenther.
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
(1877–1881) from Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. He also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly
Wisconsin State Assembly
The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature. Together with the smaller Wisconsin Senate, the two constitute the legislative branch of the U.S. state of Wisconsin....
and as the state's attorney general
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
.
Early years
He was born of Dutch ancestry, in Fultonham, Schoharie County, New YorkSchoharie County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 31,582 people, 11,991 households and 8,177 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 15,915 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile...
the son of William C. Bouck
William C. Bouck
William Christian Bouck was an American politician from New York. He was the 13th Governor of New York from 1843 to 1844.-Life:...
and Catherine Lawyer and was the fourth of eight children. Bouck lived at Bouck's Island
Bouck's Island
Bouck's Island is a farm near Breakabeen, New York within the town of Fulton, Schoharie County, New York near Fultonham, New York. Bouck's Island was the home of former New York governor William C. Bouck...
. His siblings were James Madison; Joseph William, born on October 27, 1809; Christian, born on May 14, 1818; Charles, born on September 9, 1829; Catherine, born on July 11, 1820, married Erskine Danforth; Caroline, married Dr. Volney Danforth; and Anna, born on December 29, 1814, married Lyman Sanford.
His father, William C. Bouck
William C. Bouck
William Christian Bouck was an American politician from New York. He was the 13th Governor of New York from 1843 to 1844.-Life:...
, was elected Governor of New York
Governor of New York
The Governor of the State of New York is the chief executive of the State of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military and naval forces. The officeholder is afforded the courtesy title of His/Her...
in 1842 and his uncle, Joseph Bouck
Joseph Bouck
Joseph Bouck was a U.S. Representative from New York, brother of William C. Bouck, and uncle of Gabriel Bouck.Born on Bouck's Island, near Fultonham, New York, Bouck attended the rural schools of his native county....
, was elected to the House of Representatives from the state of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
serving in the 22nd United States Congress
22nd United States Congress
-House of Representatives:-Leadership:- Senate :* President:** John C. Calhoun , resigned December 28, 1832, thereafter vacant.* President pro tempore:** Samuel Smith , first elected December 5, 1831** Littleton W...
from 1831 to 1833.
Gabriel Bouck was prepared for college at the Schoharie and Albany Academies. He graduated from Union College
Union College
Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as...
, Schenectady, New York
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
with Phi Beta Kappa honors and membership in The Kappa Alpha Society
Kappa Alpha Society
The Kappa Alpha Society , founded in 1825, was the progenitor of the modern fraternity system in North America. It was the first of the fraternities which would eventually become known as the Union Triad...
, in the class of 1847 and studied law in the offices of Daniel S. Dickson at Binghamton, New York
Binghamton, New York
Binghamton is a city in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. It is near the Pennsylvania border, in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers...
. Bouck moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
in 1848 he was admitted to the bar. In 1849, he moved to Oshkosh
Oshkosh
Oshkosh may refer to:Places in the United States* Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a city and the largest place with the name* Oshkosh , Wisconsin* Oshkosh Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota* Oshkosh, Nebraska...
, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Winnebago County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 163,370. Its county seat is Oshkosh. Winnebago County is included in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-Neenah, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
to practice law. The 1860 Census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
listed him as a resident of Oshkosh’s third ward.
Military service
Gabriel served in the Union ArmyUnion Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
raising Company E, 2nd Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
Volunteer Infantry in Oshkosh
Oshkosh
Oshkosh may refer to:Places in the United States* Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a city and the largest place with the name* Oshkosh , Wisconsin* Oshkosh Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota* Oshkosh, Nebraska...
in April 1861 and serving at the rank of captain. This unit was a part of the famous Iron Brigade
Iron Brigade
The Iron Brigade, also known as the Iron Brigade of the West or the Black Hat Brigade, was an infantry brigade in the Union Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. Although it fought entirely in the Eastern Theater, it was composed of regiments from Western states...
attached to the Army of the Potomac
Army of the Potomac
The Army of the Potomac was the major Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War.-History:The Army of the Potomac was created in 1861, but was then only the size of a corps . Its nucleus was called the Army of Northeastern Virginia, under Brig. Gen...
.
He resigned command to accept a commission as Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
of the 18th Wisconsin Infantry on April 29, 1862, succeeding Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
James S. Alban following Alban's death at the Battle of Shiloh
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, fought April 6–7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. A Union army under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had moved via the Tennessee River deep into Tennessee and...
. It was with some reluctance that Bouck accepted this assignment when it was offered by Governmor Alexander Randall
Alexander Randall
Alexander Williams Randall was a lawyer, judge and politician from Wisconsin. He served as the sixth Governor of Wisconsin from 1858 until 1861. He was instrumental in raising and organizing the first Wisconsin volunteer troops for the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Biography:Randall...
and was strongly encouraged to do so by fellow Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
officer Edward S. Bragg
Edward S. Bragg
Edward Stuyvesant Bragg was a Democratic politician, lawyer and Union Army general from Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1877 to 1883 and from 1885 to 1887 and subsequently served as a foreign diplomat.-Early life and career:Born in Unadilla, New York, Bragg attended...
. Bouck saw action with the 18th Wisconsin at the Battle of Corinth
Battle of Corinth
The Battle of Corinth may refer to a Roman battle, or to one of two American Civil War Battles:* The Battle of Corinth * The Siege of Corinth, Mississippi , also known as the First Battle of Corinth, during the American Civil War* The Second Battle of Corinth...
(MS), Battle of Jackson (MS), Battle of Champion Hill
Battle of Champion Hill
The Battle of Champion Hill, or Bakers Creek, fought May 16, 1863, was the pivotal battle in the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. Union commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee pursued the retreating Confederate Lt. Gen. John C...
(MS), Battle of Vicksburg
Battle of Vicksburg
The Siege of Vicksburg was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate army of Lt. Gen. John C...
(MS), and Battle of Missionary Ridge
Battle of Missionary Ridge
The Battle of Missionary Ridge was fought November 25, 1863, as part of the Chattanooga Campaign of the American Civil War. Following the Union victory in the Battle of Lookout Mountain on November 24, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant assaulted Missionary Ridge and defeated the...
(TN). He resigned from service on January 4, 1864 and returned to Oshkosh
Oshkosh
Oshkosh may refer to:Places in the United States* Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a city and the largest place with the name* Oshkosh , Wisconsin* Oshkosh Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota* Oshkosh, Nebraska...
.
Following the war he stayed active military endeavors, founding two Grand Army of the Republic
Grand Army of the Republic
The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, US Navy, US Marines and US Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. Founded in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois, it was dissolved in 1956 when its last member died...
(G.A.R.) posts. He also formed the 2nd Company of the Wisconsin National Guard
Wisconsin National Guard
The Wisconsin Army National Guard has dual state and federal roles, and is jointly funded and maintained by both governments. Its federal mission is to provide trained units to the United States Army in time of war or national emergency...
on March 25, 1876, serving as its captain.
Political career
Bouck was an active and loyal member of the Democratic PartyDemocratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
being elected as Attorney General of Wisconsin serving from 1858 to 1860; he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly
Wisconsin State Assembly
The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature. Together with the smaller Wisconsin Senate, the two constitute the legislative branch of the U.S. state of Wisconsin....
in 1860 and 1874, serving the last year as speaker. He was a delegate to the Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
national conventions of 1868 and 1872. Bouck was defeated in his first run for the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in 1874, but in 1876 was elected to the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from Wisconsin's 6th congressional district
Wisconsin's 6th congressional district
Wisconsin's 6th congressional district is a congressional district of the United State House of Representatives in eastern Wisconsin. The district includes all or portions of the following counties: Adams, Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Manitowoc, Marquette, Sheboygan,...
receiving 20,623 votes to his Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
opponent, Alanson M. Kimball
Alanson M. Kimball
Alanson Mellen Kimball was born on March 12, 1827 in Buxton, Maine, in York County, Maine and was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Wisconsin. He moved to Wisconsin in 1852 and engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits, later serving in the Wisconsin State Senate in...
's 17,847. His greatest political ambition was to be elected Governor of Wisconsin, the same office held by his father in the state of New York. He was defeated for reelection to Congress in 1880 by Republican Richard Guenther.
Death
He resumed his law practice in Oshkosh and for many years was head of Bouck & Hilton Attorneys at Law. After four months of being confined to his room at the Athearn Hotel in Oshkosh, he died there on Sunday morning at 2:45 a.m., February 21, 1904. According to his obituary, death was the result of general debility due to old age. He was 76 years old. His funeral was held at the Masonic Temple of Oshkosh Lodge No. 27. and he is buried in Oshkosh.Sources
- Gabriel Bouck Photo & Bio - Oshkosh Public Museum
- Gabriel Bouck Obituary - New York Times
- Gabriel Bouck Obituary - The Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, WI
- Excerpt from "History of the Fox River Valley Lake Winnebago and the Green Bay Region"; Hon. William A. Titus, Editor
- Oshkosh Daily Northwestern via the Wisconsin Historical Society