ALLISON, William Boyd - Revision history

Randylyon at 20:24, 6 November 2021

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	~~Family History: http~~://~~wc.rootsweb~~.ancestry.com/~~cgi~~-~~bin~~/~~igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jkhouser84&id=I58262~~		Ancestry.com--https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/104423275/person/370159370921/facts

	[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]		[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]
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	[[Category: Cemetery Marker]]		[[Category: Cemetery Marker]]
	[[Category: United States Senator]]		[[Category: United States Senator]]
			[[Category: Ancestry]]

Randylyon at 19:27, 5 February 2021

2021-02-05T19:27:57Z

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Randylyon at 00:54, 21 January 2021

2021-01-21T00:54:41Z

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	[[MAHONY, Dennis\|Dennis MAHONY]] was his opponent in 1862 during a campaign in which Allison declared Mahony to be a traitor to the republic. (12) Allison lost Democratic Dubuque in that election but won the general election to the United States House from Iowa's Third District. (13) He went on to serve four terms from 1863-1871. (14)		[[MAHONY, Dennis\|Dennis MAHONY]] was his opponent in 1862 during a campaign in which Allison declared Mahony to be a traitor to the republic. (12) Allison lost Democratic Dubuque in that election but won the general election to the United States House from Iowa's Third District. (13) He went on to serve four terms from 1863-1871. (14)

			In 1868 [[CARNEGIE, Andrew\|Andrew Carnegie]] visited Dubuque in hopes of winning the contract to build a bridge across the Mississippi River. Allison was serving as the president of bridge company and the two forged a friendship that lasted for years. (15)

	Allison quickly joined the ranks of the Radical Republicans and opposed Lincoln's plans for Reconstruction. (15) During the first two years he was a member of Congress, Allison introduced a bill for improving the navigation of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. It was through his influence that a land grant was secured for the railroad leading westward to McGregor, Iowa. While in Congress, Allison supported every Republican measure including the Civil Rights Bill and the Freedman's Bureau Bill. (16)		Allison quickly joined the ranks of the Radical Republicans and opposed Lincoln's plans for Reconstruction. (15) During the first two years he was a member of Congress, Allison introduced a bill for improving the navigation of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. It was through his influence that a land grant was secured for the railroad leading westward to McGregor, Iowa. While in Congress, Allison supported every Republican measure including the Civil Rights Bill and the Freedman's Bureau Bill. (16)
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	14. Hudson, p. 14		14. Hudson, p. 14

	15. ~~Ibid~~.		15. "How Carnegie Got Contract for Rail Bridge in Dubuque," Telegraph-Herald, March 26, 1922, p. 15

			16. Hudson, p. 14

	16. Oldt, Franklin T. '''History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 761		17. Oldt, Franklin T. '''History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 761

	17. Hudson, p. 15		18. Hudson, p. 15

	18. Hudson, p. 7		19. Hudson, p. 7

	19. "Judge George G. Wright," Gue, B. F. '''Annals of Iowa''', Vol. IV, No. 7, Des Moines, Iowa, October, 1900, p. 486		20. "Judge George G. Wright," Gue, B. F. '''Annals of Iowa''', Vol. IV, No. 7, Des Moines, Iowa, October, 1900, p. 486

	20. Ibid. p. 487		21. Ibid. p. 487

	21. "Dubuque Candidate," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 17, 1895, p. 3		22. "Dubuque Candidate," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 17, 1895, p. 3

	22. Ibid.		23. Ibid.

	23. Sign outside the Mary McLeod Bethune National Historic Site in Washington, D. C.		24. Sign outside the Mary McLeod Bethune National Historic Site in Washington, D. C.

	24. Sage, Leland. ''Two Gentlemen of Dubuque.''Online: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/Bai/sage.htm		25. Sage, Leland. ''Two Gentlemen of Dubuque.''Online: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/Bai/sage.htm

	25. "The Senate Four," The United States Senate. Online: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/People_SenateFour.htm		26. "The Senate Four," The United States Senate. Online: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/People_SenateFour.htm

	26. "Now We Can Salute," ''Dubuque Herald'', July 23, 1874, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18740723&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		27. "Now We Can Salute," ''Dubuque Herald'', July 23, 1874, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18740723&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	27. Bland-Allison Act. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h718.html		28. Bland-Allison Act. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h718.html

	28. "Dubuque Candidate,"		29. "Dubuque Candidate,"

	29. Hudson, p. 15		30. Hudson, p. 15

	30. "William Boyd Allison," '''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''', Online: http://uipress.lib.uiowa.edu/bdi/DetailsPage.aspx?id=11		31. "William Boyd Allison," '''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''', Online: http://uipress.lib.uiowa.edu/bdi/DetailsPage.aspx?id=11

	31. "The Republican Convention of 1888," Wipipedia. Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1888_Republican_National_Convention		32. "The Republican Convention of 1888," Wipipedia. Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1888_Republican_National_Convention

	32. "Boom for Allison," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 13, 1895, p. 4		33. "Boom for Allison," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 13, 1895, p. 4

	33. William Boyd Allison. Online: bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=a000160		34. William Boyd Allison. Online: bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=a000160

	34. Meyer, p. 46		35. Meyer, p. 46

	35. "About Allison," ''Dubuque Herald'', December 14, 1896, p. 4		36. "About Allison," ''Dubuque Herald'', December 14, 1896, p. 4

	36. Ibid.		37. Ibid.

	37. "Has Declined," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 7, 1897, p. 4		38. "Has Declined," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 7, 1897, p. 4

	38. Hudson, p. 16		39. Hudson, p. 16

	38. Meyer, p. 47		40. Meyer, p. 47

	40. William Boyd Allison Monument. Online:http://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-art/us-senator-		41. William Boyd Allison Monument. Online:http://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/public-art/us-senator-
	william-boyd-allison-monument/		william-boyd-allison-monument/

	41. "Dubuque Candidate,"		42. "Dubuque Candidate,"

	42. Linwood Legacies: A Historical Series. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/william-boyd-allison.html		43. Linwood Legacies: A Historical Series. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/william-boyd-allison.html

	43. "States in the Senate," Online: http://www.senate.gov/states/IA/intro.htm		44. "States in the Senate," Online: http://www.senate.gov/states/IA/intro.htm

	44. McKenna, Brian. "Old Hoss" Radbourne. Society for American Baseball Research. SABR Baseball Biography Project, Online: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/83bf739e		45. McKenna, Brian. "Old Hoss" Radbourne. Society for American Baseball Research. SABR Baseball Biography Project, Online: http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/83bf739e

Randylyon at 14:14, 24 March 2020

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	[[Category: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]]		[[Category: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]]
	[[Category: Cemetery Marker]]		[[Category: Cemetery Marker]]
			[[Category: United States Senator]]

Randylyon at 18:32, 31 August 2019

2019-08-31T18:32:08Z

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	A little known feature of Allison's life was his role in local baseball. Ted Sullivan, one of the game’s foremost organizers, formed and ran the Northwest League which consisted of clubs from Illinois, Davenport, Omaha, and Rockford, and Dubuque, Iowa. It was the first so-called minor league formed outside the east coast. Sullivan ran the Dubuque team which was financed by Allison and future congressman and Speaker of the House David B. Henderson. (44)		A little known feature of Allison's life was his role in local baseball. Ted Sullivan, one of the game’s foremost organizers, formed and ran the Northwest League which consisted of clubs from Illinois, Davenport, Omaha, and Rockford, and Dubuque, Iowa. It was the first so-called minor league formed outside the east coast. Sullivan ran the Dubuque team which was financed by Allison and future congressman and Speaker of the House David B. Henderson. (44)

			See: [[MASON, Roswell B.\|Roswell B. MASON]]

Randylyon at 20:41, 11 June 2019

2019-06-11T20:41:20Z

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	In 1895 an article about Allison described him in the following manner:		In 1895 an article about Allison described him in the following manner:

	Representing a state that has long		Representing a state that has long ceased to be on the frontier, but
	ceased to be on the frontier, but		which retains much of the noble spirit of the pioneers combined with
	which retains much of the noble spirit		the culture of the older communities, Senator Allison is neither a
	of the pioneers combined with the culture		cowboy nor a dude, but an American statesman of the broadest as well
	of the older communities, Senator Allison		as highest type. (41)
	is neither a cowboy nor a dude, but an
	American statesman of the broadest as well
	as highest type. (41)

	Said to be so cautious as a politician "that he could walk on eggs from Des Moines to Washington without breaking one of them," Allison will be remembered as strongly supporting business, industrial, and railroad interests, promoting a "hard-money" currency program, and crafting high protective tariffs. (42) In 2016 Allison's record of chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee for twenty-five years stood as the record for longest-serving chairman of a standing committee. (43)		Said to be so cautious as a politician "that he could walk on eggs from Des Moines to Washington without breaking one of them," Allison will be remembered as strongly supporting business, industrial, and railroad interests, promoting a "hard-money" currency program, and crafting high protective tariffs. (42) In 2016 Allison's record of chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee for twenty-five years stood as the record for longest-serving chairman of a standing committee. (43)

Randylyon at 20:40, 11 June 2019

2019-06-11T20:40:10Z

Randylyon at 15:36, 30 April 2018

2018-04-30T15:36:47Z

Randylyon at 03:43, 29 November 2017

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	[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]		[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]
	[[Image:DBQButtonAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|[[HARGER AND BLISH]] manufactured these buttons and claimed "300,000 Iowa men will be wearing them before the month is out." (February, 1896) ''Dubuque Daily Herald''. Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]] ALLISON, William Boyd. (Perry, Wayne County, OH, Mar. 2, 1829-Dubuque, IA, Aug. 4, 1908). Little is known of Allison's early life. He was the second son of John and Margaret (Williams) Allison who owned a farm. (1) One of his boyhood friends was Clement Studebaker, a man of later wagon and automobile fame. (2) After attending country school, Allison went to Wooster to attend Professor Parrot's Academy where his appearance led to him being called "Big-Eyed Bill." (3)		[[Image:DBQButtonAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|[[HARGER AND BLISH]] manufactured these buttons and claimed "300,000 Iowa men will be wearing them before the month is out." (February, 1896) ''Dubuque Daily Herald''. Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]] ALLISON, William Boyd. (Perry, Wayne County, OH, Mar. 2, 1829--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 4, 1908). Little is known of Allison's early life. He was the second son of John and Margaret (Williams) Allison who owned a farm. (1) One of his boyhood friends was Clement Studebaker, a man of later wagon and automobile fame. (2) After attending country school, Allison went to Wooster to attend Professor Parrot's Academy where his appearance led to him being called "Big-Eyed Bill." (3)

	This education must have been somewhat lacking because he entered a preparatory academy attached to Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Such schools were intended to raise the level of student work to 'college level.' There he met Cyrus K. Holliday, later the founder of Topeka, Kansas; organizer of the Republican Party in Kansas; and first president of the Santa Fe Railroad. (4)		This education must have been somewhat lacking because he entered a preparatory academy attached to Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Such schools were intended to raise the level of student work to 'college level.' There he met Cyrus K. Holliday, later the founder of Topeka, Kansas; organizer of the Republican Party in Kansas; and first president of the Santa Fe Railroad. (4)

Randylyon at 17:26, 10 May 2017

2017-05-10T17:26:03Z

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	[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]		[[Image:WilliamAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|William Allison (photo: Library of Congress)]]
	[[Image:DBQButtonAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|[[HARGER AND BLISH]] manufactured these buttons and claimed "300,000 Iowa men will be wearing them before the month is out." (February, 1896) ''Dubuque Daily Herald''. Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]] ALLISON, William Boyd. (Perry, Wayne County, OH, Mar. 2, 1829--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 4, 1908). Little is known of Allison's early life. He was the second son of John and Margaret (Williams) Allison who owned a farm. (1) One of his boyhood friends was Clement Studebaker, a man of later ~~wagon and~~ automobile fame. (2) After attending country school, Allison went to Wooster to attend Professor Parrot's Academy where his appearance led to him being called "Big-Eyed Bill." (3)		[[Image:DBQButtonAllison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|[[HARGER AND BLISH]] manufactured these buttons and claimed "300,000 Iowa men will be wearing them before the month is out." (February, 1896) ''Dubuque Daily Herald''. Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]] ALLISON, William Boyd. (Perry, Wayne County, OH, Mar. 2, 1829--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 4, 1908). Little is known of Allison's early life. He was the second son of John and Margaret (Williams) Allison who owned a farm. (1) One of his boyhood friends was Clement Studebaker, a man of later automobile fame. (2) After attending country school, Allison went to Wooster to attend Professor Parrot's Academy where his appearance led to him being called "Big-Eyed Bill." (3)

	This education must have been somewhat lacking because he entered a preparatory academy attached to Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Such schools were intended to raise the level of student work to 'college level.' There he met Cyrus K. Holliday, later the founder of Topeka, Kansas; organizer of the Republican Party in Kansas; and first president of the Santa Fe Railroad. (4)		This education must have been somewhat lacking because he entered a preparatory academy attached to Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Such schools were intended to raise the level of student work to 'college level.' There he met Cyrus K. Holliday, later the founder of Topeka, Kansas; organizer of the Republican Party in Kansas; and first president of the Santa Fe Railroad. (4)
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	[[MAHONY, Dennis\|Dennis MAHONY]] was his opponent in 1862 during a campaign in which Allison declared Mahony to be a traitor to the republic. (12) Allison lost Democratic Dubuque in that election but won the general election to the United States House from Iowa's Third District. (13) He went on to serve four terms from 1863-1871. (14)		[[MAHONY, Dennis\|Dennis MAHONY]] was his opponent in 1862 during a campaign in which Allison declared Mahony to be a traitor to the republic. (12) Allison lost Democratic Dubuque in that election but won the general election to the United States House from Iowa's Third District. (13) He went on to serve four terms from 1863-1871. (14)

	Allison quickly joined the ranks of the Radical Republicans and opposed Lincoln's plans for Reconstruction. (15) During the first two years he was a member of Congress, Allison introduced a bill for improving the navigation of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. It was through his influence that ~~the~~ land grant was secured for the railroad leading westward to McGregor, Iowa. While in Congress, Allison supported every Republican measure including the Civil Rights Bill and the Freedman's Bureau Bill. (16)		Allison quickly joined the ranks of the Radical Republicans and opposed Lincoln's plans for Reconstruction. (15) During the first two years he was a member of Congress, Allison introduced a bill for improving the navigation of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. It was through his influence that a land grant was secured for the railroad leading westward to McGregor, Iowa. While in Congress, Allison supported every Republican measure including the Civil Rights Bill and the Freedman's Bureau Bill. (16)

	In his second term, Allison became a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He gained a reputation for his knowledge of tariffs and railroads and as a supporter of moderate tariffs that benefited agriculture. While not known as a great orator or thinker, he was considered a party loyalist who was also sensitive to party leaders, party factions and the electorate in Iowa. (17) For example, he assisted Charles Aldrich obtain specimens of birds, Native American artifacts, and an important collection of southwestern American Indian pottery from the Smithsonian Institution and the Bureau of Ethnology for the Iowa museum collections in the 1890s. He also helped obtain collections of guns from the Rock Island Arsenal. (18)		In his second term, Allison became a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He gained a reputation for his knowledge of tariffs and railroads and as a supporter of moderate tariffs that benefited agriculture. While not known as a great orator or thinker, he was considered a party loyalist who was also sensitive to party leaders, party factions and the electorate in Iowa. (17) For example, he assisted Charles Aldrich obtain specimens of birds, Native American artifacts, and an important collection of southwestern American Indian pottery from the Smithsonian Institution and the Bureau of Ethnology for the Iowa museum collections in the 1890s. He also helped obtain collections of guns from the Rock Island Arsenal. (18)
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	[[Image:allisonhenderson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Famous photo of Allison with [[HENDERSON, David B.\|David B. HENDERSON]]. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:allisonhenderson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Famous photo of Allison with [[HENDERSON, David B.\|David B. HENDERSON]]. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	Known as the "Gibraltar of Iowa Democracy" and "Mr. Republican" for nearly two decades, Allison, the senior Republican member on the Committee on Appropriations, was the single most powerful Congressional voice on all decisions involving finances. He gained less obvious power from his membership in "The Senate Four" (with Nelson Aldrich of Rhode Island, John C. Spooner of Wisconsin, and Orville H. Platt of Connecticut), all members of the powerful Committee on Finance. (16) Senator Albert Beveridge described the four as a “marvelous combination” of Aldrich as manager, Allison as conciliator, Spooner as debater, and Platt as builder. (25) Allison was also a member of the Committee on Committees, chairman of the Republican caucus, and chairman of the steering committee.		Known as the "Gibraltar of Iowa Democracy" and "Mr. Republican" for nearly two decades, Allison, the senior Republican member on the Committee on Appropriations, was the single most powerful Congressional voice on all decisions involving finances. He gained less obvious power from his membership in "The Senate Four" (with Nelson Aldrich of Rhode Island, John C. Spooner of Wisconsin, and Orville H. Platt of Connecticut), who were all members of the powerful Committee on Finance. (16) Senator Albert Beveridge described the four as a “marvelous combination” of Aldrich as manager, Allison as conciliator, Spooner as debater, and Platt as builder. (25) Allison was also a member of the Committee on Committees, chairman of the Republican caucus, and chairman of the steering committee.

	In 1874 Allison worked with local supporters to convince the War Department to give the city of Dubuque a 25-pound parrot gun with carriage. The ''Dubuque Herald'' editorial staff commented that now the city could properly salute patriotic events. (26)		In 1874 Allison worked with local supporters to convince the War Department to give the city of Dubuque a 25-pound parrot gun with carriage. The ''Dubuque Herald'' editorial staff commented that now the city could properly salute patriotic events. (26)
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	Held in high esteem by others in governmental service, Allison was offered cabinet positions by presidents Garfield, Harrison and McKinley. (33) In 1892 he was appointed chairman of the International Monetary Conference at Brussels, Belgium. (34)		Held in high esteem by others in governmental service, Allison was offered cabinet positions by presidents Garfield, Harrison and McKinley. (33) In 1892 he was appointed chairman of the International Monetary Conference at Brussels, Belgium. (34)

	In 1896 ''Des Moines Leader'' stated that the "opinion of Iowa people is fast settling on the belief that Senator Allison will be the next Secretary of State." (35) The paper went on to state that "those who know Senator Allison best are most convinced that he is planning to accept the place." (36)		In 1896 an issue of the ''Des Moines Leader'' stated that the "opinion of Iowa people is fast settling on the belief that Senator Allison will be the next Secretary of State." (35) The paper went on to state that "those who know Senator Allison best are most convinced that he is planning to accept the place." (36)

	Allison declined the position, when it was offered, believing he could do more for the country as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. (37) President McKinley again asked Allison to join his cabinet in 1900 upon the death of Vice President Garret Hobart. Allison again declined for the same reason. McKinley then chose Theodore Roosevelt who assumed the presidency after McKinley was assassinated on September 9, 1901.		Allison declined the position, when it was offered, believing he could do more for the country as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. (37) President McKinley again asked Allison to join his cabinet in 1900 upon the death of Vice President Garret Hobart. Allison again declined for the same reason. McKinley then chose Theodore Roosevelt who assumed the presidency after McKinley was assassinated on September 9, 1901.

	[[Image:Allison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Allison's tomb in Linwood Cemetery. Photo courtesy:dubuquepostcards.com]]		[[Image:Allison.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Allison's tomb in Linwood Cemetery. Photo courtesy:dubuquepostcards.com]]
	[[Image:allisonmarker.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Allison's grave marker in Linwood Cemetery.]]By 1907 the eighty-year-old senator was suffering from cancer and left the campaigning for renomination to his friend and colleague, Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver. Allison won the campaign in June but died at his Dubuque home in August. (38) President Theodore Roosevelt sent Vice-President Fairbanks to the funeral. (39)		[[Image:allisonmarker.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Allison's grave marker in Linwood Cemetery.]]By 1907 the eighty-year-old senator was suffering from cancer and left the campaigning for renomination to his friend and colleague, Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver. Allison won the campaign in June, but died at his Dubuque home in August. (38) President Theodore Roosevelt sent Vice-President Fairbanks as his representative to the funeral. (39)

	In 1917, friends of Senator William B. Allison, citizens and school children of Iowa, and the state legislature raised funds for a memorial to Allison in Des Moines. The monument was designed by Evelyn B. Longman of New York. A central plaque picturing Allison is flanked by symbols of "Knowledge" on the left and "Peace" on the right. The former is followed by "Legislature" and "Financial Prosperity," the latter by "Humanity" and "Agricultural Prosperity." The topmost figure is "The Republic." (40)		In 1917, friends of Senator William B. Allison, citizens and school children of Iowa, and the state legislature raised funds for a memorial to Allison in Des Moines. The monument was designed by Evelyn B. Longman of New York. A central plaque picturing Allison is flanked by symbols of "Knowledge" on the left and "Peace" on the right. The former is followed by "Legislature" and "Financial Prosperity," the latter by "Humanity" and "Agricultural Prosperity." The topmost figure is "The Republic." (40)

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	In his second term, Allison became a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He gained a reputation for his knowledge of tariffs and railroads and as a supporter of moderate tariffs that benefited agriculture. While not known as a great orator or thinker, he was considered a party loyalist who was also sensitive to party leaders, party factions and the electorate in Iowa. (17) For example, he assisted Charles Aldrich obtain specimens of birds, Native American artifacts, and an important collection of southwestern American Indian pottery from the Smithsonian Institution and the Bureau of Ethnology for the Iowa museum collections in the 1890s. He also helped obtain collections of guns from the Rock Island Arsenal. (18)		In his second term, Allison became a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He gained a reputation for his knowledge of tariffs and railroads and as a supporter of moderate tariffs that benefited agriculture. While not known as a great orator or thinker, he was considered a party loyalist who was also sensitive to party leaders, party factions and the electorate in Iowa. (17) For example, he assisted Charles Aldrich obtain specimens of birds, Native American artifacts, and an important collection of southwestern American Indian pottery from the Smithsonian Institution and the Bureau of Ethnology for the Iowa museum collections in the 1890s. He also helped obtain collections of guns from the Rock Island Arsenal. (18)

	In 1870 Allison with a high reputation for his four terms as a United States Representative chose to campaign to become a United States Senator. Coming from northern Iowa, he had support from Republicans who had found the Senate positions always going to residents of southern half of Iowa. He also had the political backing of retiring Iowa Senator Grimes. He did not, unfortunately, have the backing of Senator James Harlan's supporters who ~~backed~~ James B. Howell as the party nominee. (19) The nomination, however, was won by Judge George W. Wright, a former president of the American Bar Association and well-known judge of the United States circuit court of appeals. (20)		In 1870 Allison with a high reputation for his four terms as a United States Representative chose to campaign to become a United States Senator. Coming from northern Iowa, he had support from Republicans who had found the Senate positions always going to residents of southern half of Iowa. He also had the political backing of retiring Iowa Senator Grimes. He did not, unfortunately, have the backing of Senator James Harlan's supporters who supported James B. Howell as the party nominee. (19) The nomination, however, was won by Judge George W. Wright, a former president of the American Bar Association and well-known judge of the United States circuit court of appeals. (20)

	[[Image:DBQButtonAllisonHenderson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]]		[[Image:DBQButtonAllisonHenderson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Image courtesy: Kendall C. Day Family Collection]]
	Allison returned briefly to his legal practice in Dubuque. In 1872, however, he chose to campaign for the Republican caucus nomination to the United States Senate. His opponent was James Harlan, a man of great political power. Harlan had been elected to the Senate in 1855 as a Whig, helped organize the Republican Party, was re-elected as a senator as a Republican and had resigned to serve in President Lincoln's cabinet as secretary of the interior. This and the marriage of his daughter to Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of the martyred president, gave Harlan national stature. (21) Allison's election in the Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature was won by one vote. (22)		Allison returned briefly to his legal practice in Dubuque. In 1872, however, he chose to campaign for the Republican caucus nomination to the United States Senate. His opponent was James Harlan, a man of great political power. Harlan had been elected to the Senate in 1855 as a Whig, helped organize the Republican Party, was re-elected as a senator as a Republican and had resigned to serve in President Lincoln's cabinet as secretary of the interior. This and the marriage of his daughter to Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of the martyred president, gave Harlan national stature. (21) Allison's election in the Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature was won by one vote. (22)

	Allison went on to serve as a U. S. senator from Iowa for six terms (1873-1908) and as the Senate majority leader in 1897 and 1904 until his death. Allison's political alliances and his position in the United States Senate led him to be the center of the "Des Moines Regency." This small group including James Clarkson of the ''Iowa State Register'', Charles E. Perkins and Joseph W. Blythe of the Burlington Railroad had tremendous influence in the state on county, district, and state conventions after 1873. (23)		Allison went on to serve as a U. S. senator from Iowa for six terms (1873-1908) and as the Senate majority leader in 1897 and 1904 until his death. Allison's political alliances and his position in the United States Senate led him to be the center of the "Des Moines Regency." This small group including James Clarkson of the ''Iowa State Register'' and Charles E. Perkins and Joseph W. Blythe of the Burlington Railroad had tremendous influence in the state on county, district, and state conventions after 1873. (23)

	[[Image:logan.JPG\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Logan Circle is part of a walking trail in the nation's capital.]]Allison played a small role in preserving the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. The war years had left the city in terrible condition and political leaders seriously considered moving business to another city. Prominent business people raced to repair and renovate the city. With the improvement in [[STREETS]] and installation of new water lines, gas lines, and more street lights, new residential areas developed. Mansions were constructed where Vermont and Rhode Island avenues converged and a large park was named "Iowa Circle" by Senator Allison. The site was renamed Logan Circle in 1930 in memory of John Logan, a founder of Memorial Day. (24)		[[Image:logan.JPG\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Logan Circle is part of a walking trail in the nation's capital.]]Allison played a small role in preserving the nation's capital in Washington, D.C. The war years had left the city in terrible condition and political leaders seriously considered moving business to another city. Prominent business people raced to repair and renovate the city. With the improvement in [[STREETS]] and installation of new water lines, gas lines, and more street lights, new residential areas developed. Mansions were constructed where Vermont and Rhode Island avenues converged and a large park was named "Iowa Circle" by Senator Allison. The site was renamed Logan Circle in 1930 in memory of John Logan, a founder of Memorial Day. (24)
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	In 1875 Allison was one of the commissioners appointed to negotiate with the [[SIOUX]] for the sale of the Black Hills. The unsuccessful venture failed to stop white trespassing on sacred Native American land and led to the massacre of General Custer at Little Big Horn.		In 1875 Allison was one of the commissioners appointed to negotiate with the [[SIOUX]] for the sale of the Black Hills. The unsuccessful venture failed to stop white trespassing on sacred Native American land and led to the massacre of General Custer at Little Big Horn.

	Allison found in the Senate nearly his only pleasure in life. Yet after 43 years in Congress only one piece of legislation bears his name. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 was intended to buy a certain amount of silver and put it into circulation as silver dollars. (27) Allison believed gold and silver, with free and unrestricted coinage of both, would circulate together upon a common ratio with each exchangeable for the other. (28) Two other highly important pieces of legislation to which he made ~~vital~~ contributions were the Senate Report advocating a commission form of government for the District of Columbia, containing the idea for the now-familiar commission type of municipal government, and the Railroad Rate Act of 1906. (29)		Allison found in the Senate nearly his only pleasure in life. Yet after 43 years in Congress only one piece of legislation bears his name. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 was intended to buy a certain amount of silver and put it into circulation as silver dollars. (27) Allison believed gold and silver, with free and unrestricted coinage of both, would circulate together upon a common ratio with each exchangeable for the other. (28) Two other highly important pieces of legislation to which he made important contributions were the Senate Report advocating a commission form of government for the District of Columbia, containing the idea for the now-familiar commission type of municipal government, and the Railroad Rate Act of 1906. (29)

	[[Image:allisonp.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Kelly Roth]]Allison was twice (1888, 1896) a contender for the Republican presidential nomination. (30) In 1888 the Republican convention in Chicago had a slate of eighteen candidates for its nomination and it took eight ballots to decide. Allison peaked on the sixth ballot with 99 votes, but then tapered off with 73-76 and 0; the winner was Benjamin Harrison who went on to win the election. (31)		[[Image:allisonp.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Kelly Roth]]Allison was twice (1888, 1896) a contender for the Republican presidential nomination. (30) In 1888 the Republican convention in Chicago had a slate of eighteen candidates for its nomination and it took eight ballots to decide. Allison peaked on the sixth ballot with 99 votes, but then tapered off with 73-76 and 0; the winner was Benjamin Harrison who went on to win the election. (31)
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	Held in high esteem by others in governmental service, Allison was offered cabinet positions by presidents Garfield, Harrison and McKinley. (33) In 1892 he was appointed chairman of the International Monetary Conference at Brussels, Belgium. (34)		Held in high esteem by others in governmental service, Allison was offered cabinet positions by presidents Garfield, Harrison and McKinley. (33) In 1892 he was appointed chairman of the International Monetary Conference at Brussels, Belgium. (34)

	In 1896 ''Des Moines Leader'' stated ~~at the time~~ that the "opinion of Iowa people is fast settling on the belief that Senator Allison will be the next Secretary of State." (35) The paper went on to state that "those who know Senator Allison best are most convinced that he is planning to accept the place." (36)		In 1896 ''Des Moines Leader'' stated that the "opinion of Iowa people is fast settling on the belief that Senator Allison will be the next Secretary of State." (35) The paper went on to state that "those who know Senator Allison best are most convinced that he is planning to accept the place." (36)

	Allison declined the position, when it was offered, believing he could do more for the country as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. (37) President McKinley again asked Allison to join his cabinet in 1900 upon the death of Vice President Garret Hobart. Allison again declined for the same reason. McKinley then chose Theodore Roosevelt who assumed the presidency after McKinley was assassinated on September 9, 1901.		Allison declined the position, when it was offered, believing he could do more for the country as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. (37) President McKinley again asked Allison to join his cabinet in 1900 upon the death of Vice President Garret Hobart. Allison again declined for the same reason. McKinley then chose Theodore Roosevelt who assumed the presidency after McKinley was assassinated on September 9, 1901.
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	18. Hudson, p. 7		18. Hudson, p. 7

	19. "Judge George G. Wright," Gue, B. F. Annals of Iowa, Vol. IV, No. 7, Des Moines, Iowa, October, 1900, p. 486		19. "Judge George G. Wright," Gue, B. F. '''Annals of Iowa''', Vol. IV, No. 7, Des Moines, Iowa, October, 1900, p. 486

	20. Ibid. p. 487		20. Ibid. p. 487