SIMPLOT, Alexander - Revision history

Randylyon at 19:54, 29 June 2025

2025-06-29T19:54:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 29 June 2025
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	Civil War Sketches of Alexander Simplot		Civil War Sketches by Alexander Simplot
	[[Image:sketch1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]		[[Image:sketch1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]
	[[Image:sketch2.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|]][[Image:sketch3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]][[Image:sketch4.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|]]		[[Image:sketch2.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|]][[Image:sketch3.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]][[Image:sketch4.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|]]

Randylyon at 00:55, 10 April 2020

2020-04-10T00:55:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:55, 10 April 2020
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	Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (15) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (16)		Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (15) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (16)

	Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (17) The Society also owns a complete set of ''Harper's Weekly'' that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (18)		Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in a garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (17) The Society also owns a complete set of ''Harper's Weekly'' that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (18)
	[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]		[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]
	[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]		[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]

Randylyon at 03:28, 11 August 2019

2019-08-11T03:28:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:28, 11 August 2019
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	During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.		During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.

	Simplot was the only artist present to cover the Battle of Memphis, Tennessee. (9) It was there that he ~~made his most famous painting~~ showing Union gunboats blazing away at Confederate forces. The painting was once sought by the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, but was purchased by a Chicago candy manufacturer. It was later bequeathed to the Chicago Historical Society. (10) ~~Later it~~ belonged to the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] when suffering damage and deterioration it was restored in 2012 by Faye Wrubel of the Art Institute of Chicago. (11)		Simplot was the only artist present to cover the Battle of Memphis, Tennessee. (9) It was there that he painted a scene showing Union gunboats blazing away at Confederate forces. The painting was once sought by the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, but was purchased by a Chicago candy manufacturer. It was later bequeathed to the Chicago Historical Society. (10) He also painted "Steamboat Taking on Wood." It belonged to the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] when suffering damage and deterioration it was restored in 2012 by Faye Wrubel of the Art Institute of Chicago. (11)

	[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]		[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]

Randylyon at 03:25, 11 August 2019

2019-08-11T03:25:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:25, 11 August 2019
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	During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.		During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.

	Simplot was the only artist present to cover the Battle of Memphis, Tennessee. (9) It was there that he made his most famous painting showing Union gunboats blazing away at Confederate forces. The painting was once sought by the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, but was purchased by a Chicago candy manufacturer. It was later bequeathed to the Chicago Historical Society. (10)		Simplot was the only artist present to cover the Battle of Memphis, Tennessee. (9) It was there that he made his most famous painting showing Union gunboats blazing away at Confederate forces. The painting was once sought by the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, but was purchased by a Chicago candy manufacturer. It was later bequeathed to the Chicago Historical Society. (10) Later it belonged to the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] when suffering damage and deterioration it was restored in 2012 by Faye Wrubel of the Art Institute of Chicago. (11)

	[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]		[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]
	[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]		[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]
	Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (11) Among his mementos was the first Confederate flag ever seen in the community. This was displayed at the Randall store. (12) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. Although he lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation, his artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (13)		Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (12) Among his mementos was the first Confederate flag ever seen in the community. This was displayed at the Randall store. (13) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. Although he lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation, his artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (14)

	Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (14) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (15)		Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (15) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (16)

	Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (16) The Society also owns a complete set of Harper's Weekly that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (17)		Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (17) The Society also owns a complete set of ''Harper's Weekly'' that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (18)
	[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]		[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]
	[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]		[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]

			See: [[SIMPLOT, John Richard\|John Richard SIMPLOT]]


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	10. "Alexander Simplot,"		10. "Alexander Simplot,"

	11. "Pen, Powder and Sketchbook," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 29, 1964, p. 21		11. O'Neill, Tim, Brian Cooper, Brenden West, "Leading Lights of Visual Arts," Arts in the Tri-States (special publication), Telegraph Herald, May 23, 2019, p. 51

			12. "Pen, Powder and Sketchbook," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 29, 1964, p. 21

	12. "The Civil War As Reported...		13. "The Civil War As Reported...

	13. "Alex. Simplot's Interesting Life," ''Telegraph-Herald'', October 25, 1914, p. 15		14. "Alex. Simplot's Interesting Life," ''Telegraph-Herald'', October 25, 1914, p. 15

	14. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald,'' November 5, 1879. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		15. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald,'' November 5, 1879. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	15. "Oil Painting," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', September 30, 1866, p. 4		16. "Oil Painting," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', September 30, 1866, p. 4

	16. "Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 5, 1964, p. 23		17. "Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 5, 1964, p. 23

	17. Hunter, p. 157		18. Hunter, p. 157

Randylyon at 18:40, 30 January 2018

2018-01-30T18:40:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 30 January 2018
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	In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)		In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)

	Some of these camps were eligibly located, always, of course		Some of these camps were eligibly located,
	on the inner side of two levees, whilst others, I have in my		always, of course on the inner side of two
	mind's eye, a regiment in the sweltering month of July, located		levees, whilst others, I have in my mind's
	at the back of Cairo, in a woody swamp, in the midst of logs		eye, a regiment in the sweltering month of
	~~and underbrush~~ which swarmed with mosquitos (sic) and gnats,		July, located at the back of Cairo, in a
	and whose supply of water was brought from the river, warm		woody swamp, in the midst of logs and under-
	flat and dirty--emptied into a hogshead of sand a charcoal,		brush which swarmed with mosquitos (sic) and
	~~from which~~ it percolated at the bottom, not in a clear, ~~cool~~		gnats, and whose supply of water was brought
	pellucid stream, but in a clear and somewhat clearer condition.		from the river, warm flat and dirty--emptied
			into a hogshead of sand a charcoal, from which
			it percolated at the bottom, not in a clear,
			cool pellucid stream, but in a clear and somewhat
			clearer condition.

	During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.		During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.

Randylyon at 18:38, 30 January 2018

2018-01-30T18:38:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 30 January 2018
Line 10:		Line 10:
	In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)		In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)

	Some of these camps were eligibly located, always, of course		Some of these camps were eligibly located, always, of course
	on the inner side of two levees, whilst others, I have in my		on the inner side of two levees, whilst others, I have in my
	mind's eye, a regiment in the sweltering month of July, located		mind's eye, a regiment in the sweltering month of July, located
	at the back of Cairo, in a woody swamp, in the midst of logs		at the back of Cairo, in a woody swamp, in the midst of logs
	and underbrush which swarmed with mosquitos (sic) and gnats,		and underbrush which swarmed with mosquitos (sic) and gnats,
	and whose supply of water was brought from the river, warm		and whose supply of water was brought from the river, warm
	flat and dirty--emptied into a hogshead of sand a charcoal,		flat and dirty--emptied into a hogshead of sand a charcoal,
	from which it percolated at the bottom, not in a clear, cool		from which it percolated at the bottom, not in a clear, cool
	pellucid stream, but in a clear and somewhat clearer condition.		pellucid stream, but in a clear and somewhat clearer condition.

	During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.		During his tenure with ''Harpers Weekly'', which had 115,000 subscribers, Simplot documented the efforts of General Fremont, Commodore Foote, and General U.S. Grant. During his two years with the magazine, he produced fifty drawings and earned $1,250. (7) At any given time the number of special artists covering the war numbered no more than twelve and during the four years of the war totaled only about thirty. ''Harpers'' still ranks him 13th among the 28 special artists to whom 10 or more published drawings can be credited. (8) He headquartered at Cairo, Illinois, and covered the battles along the Mississippi.

Randylyon at 18:37, 30 January 2018

2018-01-30T18:37:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 30 January 2018
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	Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591		Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591

			[[Image:asimplotx.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
	[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 21, 1914). Simplot's parents came from France in 1836 and settled in Dubuque. Alexander was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)		[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 21, 1914). Simplot's parents came from France in 1836 and settled in Dubuque. Alexander was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)

Randylyon at 18:33, 30 January 2018

2018-01-30T18:33:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:33, 30 January 2018
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	Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591		Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591

	[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, 21, 1914). Simplot's parents came from France in 1836 and settled in Dubuque. Alexander was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)		[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 21, 1914). Simplot's parents came from France in 1836 and settled in Dubuque. Alexander was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)

	Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (3) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. In 1853 Simplot briefly attended [[ALEXANDER COLLEGE]] in Dubuque before he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. He graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1858, although he delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists."		Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (3) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. In 1853 Simplot briefly attended [[ALEXANDER COLLEGE]] in Dubuque before he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. He graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1858, although he delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists."

Randylyon at 18:33, 30 January 2018

2018-01-30T18:33:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:33, 30 January 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591		Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591

	[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, 21, 1914). Simplot was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)		[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, 21, 1914). Simplot's parents came from France in 1836 and settled in Dubuque. Alexander was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)

	Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (3) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. In 1853 Simplot briefly attended [[ALEXANDER COLLEGE]] in Dubuque before he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. He graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1858, although he delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists."		Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (3) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. In 1853 Simplot briefly attended [[ALEXANDER COLLEGE]] in Dubuque before he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. He graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1858, although he delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists."
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	[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]		[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]
	[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]		[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]
	Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (11) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. Although he lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation, his artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (12)		Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (11) Among his mementos was the first Confederate flag ever seen in the community. This was displayed at the Randall store. (12) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. Although he lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation, his artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (13)

	Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (13) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (14)		Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (14) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (15)

	Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (15) The Society also owns a complete set of Harper's Weekly that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (16)		Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (16) The Society also owns a complete set of Harper's Weekly that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (17)
	[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]		[[Image:asimplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Gravestone in Linwood Cemetery]]
	[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]		[[Image:simplotfriends.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Carl Guthers, Simplot, Bilbrough, and R. S. Merrill ca.1878. Photo courtesy: Merrillyn Shaw]]
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	12. "The Civil War As Reported...		12. "The Civil War As Reported...

	13. "~~Caught on the Fly~~," ''~~Dubuque~~ Herald,'' ~~November 5~~, ~~1879. Online: https://news.google~~.~~com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		13. "Alex. Simplot's Interesting Life," ''Telegraph-Herald'', October 25, 1914, p. 15

	14. "~~Oil Painting~~," ''Dubuque ~~Daily~~ Herald'', ~~September 30, 1866, p~~. 4		14. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald,'' November 5, 1879. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	15. "~~Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque~~," ''~~Telegraph~~ Herald'', ~~April 5~~, ~~1964~~, p. 23		15. "Oil Painting," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', September 30, 1866, p. 4

	16. Hunter, p. 157		16. "Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 5, 1964, p. 23

			17. Hunter, p. 157

Randylyon at 05:09, 25 November 2017

2017-11-25T05:09:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:09, 25 November 2017
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	Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591		Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=breamefford&id=I16591

	[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, 21, 1914). Simplot was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father ~~was~~ engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque~~. He~~ was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1)		[[Image:alexandersimplot.gif\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Alexander Simplot and his wife Virginia Knapp]]SIMPLOT, Alexander. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 5, 1837--Dubuque, IA, 21, 1914). Simplot was born in a log cabin on Main street, between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]]. His parents, Henry and Susan Simplot, were among the earliest settlers of Dubuque County. His father, engaged in the general mercantile business and was one of the first Board of Aldermen elected in Dubuque, was one of the wealthiest men in Dubuque at the time of his death in 1847. (1) Alexander later recalled being the only boy in Dubuque with a drum shipped from St. Louis. (2)

	Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (2) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. Simplot entered Union College at Schenectady, New York~~, graduating~~ from the Law Department in the class of 1858~~. He~~ delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists"~~, however, his parents discouraged his desire to pursue an artistic career.~~		Young Alex attended school conducted at the Dubuque Cathedral Parish. He then attended Rock River Seminary (equivalent to high school) at Mt. Morris, Illinois where classmates included John A. Rawlings and later Illinois Governor Cullom. (3) Simplot had special privileges among the Union forces when Rawlins became General Ulysses S. Grant's chief aide. In 1853 Simplot briefly attended [[ALEXANDER COLLEGE]] in Dubuque before he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. He graduated from the Law Department in the class of 1858, although he delivered a commencement address at his graduation entitled "Plea for Artists."

	Alexander returned to Dubuque and taught school. ~~He then took over his father's mercantile business until his interest in art led him to leave the business and open a patent shop and engraving business. (3)~~ His drawing of volunteers boarding the steamer Alhambra at the harbor of Dubuque in April 1861, was the first sketch of the war published by ~~the magazine~~. (4) Liking his work, the editors hired him to go to Cairo, Illinois and serve as a [[CIVIL WAR]] artist/correspondent. He was part of a group of writers and artists known as "The Bohemian Brigade," America's first war correspondents. (5)		Alexander returned to Dubuque and taught school. His drawing of volunteers boarding the steamer Alhambra at the harbor of Dubuque in April 1861, was the first sketch of the war published by '''Harper's Weekly'''. (4) Liking his work, the editors hired him to go to Cairo, Illinois and serve as a [[CIVIL WAR]] artist/correspondent. He was part of a group of writers and artists known as "The Bohemian Brigade," America's first war correspondents. (5)

	In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)		In an article entitled "Story of the War" for the ''Dubuque Times'', Simplot wrote of his experience at the camp in Cairo: (6)
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	[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]		[[Image:simplot.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|Collection of Dubuque pictures published by Simplot in 1891.]]
	[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]		[[Image:simplotdrawing.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Sketch of machinery made by Alexander Simplot.]]
	Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (11) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. ~~He taught school for a few years and~~ lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation~~. His~~ artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (12)		Due to ill health Simplot left the war in 1863 and returned to Dubuque. (11) Secretary of the [[OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION]] and the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] Association, he has been credited with designing the Julien Dubuque Monument. Although he lost most of his inheritance in grain speculation, his artist abilities continued to bring him work. On November 4, 1879, for example, the ''Frank Leslie Illustrated Newspaper'' hired him to sketch scenes in Galena during a reception for U. S. Grant. (12)

	Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (13) ~~His speech~~ often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (14)		Local residents who wrote about him remember Simplot as an "aristocrat" who vowed he would never work with his hands and neither would his daughters. In 1866, however, he worked as a dry goods merchant. (13) In speaking, he often included quotations from the '''Bible''', '''Poor Richard's Almanac''', and the "classics." (14)

	Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (15) The Society also owns a complete set of Harper's Weekly that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (16)		Many original pencil sketches came to the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1958 after being discovered in garage belonging to one of his grandsons in Madison. Journalist John Patrick Hunter told how they were uncovered, and provided a short biography of Simplot, in his article, "Alexander Simplot, Forgotten Bohemian" ('''Wisconsin Magazine of History''': Volume 41, number 4, summer, 1958: 256-261). (15) The Society also owns a complete set of Harper's Weekly that contains the published engravings made from Simplot's sketches. In 1961 the National Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D. C. held an exhibit of eyewitness drawings from the Civil War in which ten of Simplot's drawings were included. (16)
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	1. "Alexander Simplot," Linwood Legacies. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/alexander-simplot.html		1. "Alexander Simplot," Linwood Legacies. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/alexander-simplot.html

	2~~. Hunter, John~~. "~~Alexander Simplot: Forgotten Bohemian~~," ~~Wisconsin Magazine of History: Volume 41, number 4~~, ~~Summer~~, ~~1958~~, p. ~~258. Online: http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/wmh/id/26084~~		2. "The Civil War as Reported by Dubuquers at the Battlefields," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 8, 1964, p. 11

	3. ~~Ibid~~., p. 258		3. Hunter, John. "Alexander Simplot: Forgotten Bohemian," Wisconsin Magazine of History: Volume 41, number 4, Summer, 1958, p. 258. Online: http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/wmh/id/26084

	4. ~~"Alexander Simplot~~,"		4. Ibid., p. 258

	5. ~~Hunter~~, ~~p. 256.~~		5. "Alexander Simplot,"

	6. Hunter, p. ~~259~~		6. Hunter, p. 256.

	7. ~~"The Civil War Sketches of Alexander Simplot~~,~~" Wisconsin Historical Society, Online: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content~~.~~aspx?dsNav=N:4294963828-4294963805&dsRecordDetailS=R:CS3878~~		7. Hunter, p. 259

	8. "The Civil War ~~As Reported by Dubuquers at the Battlefields~~," ~~''Telegraph Herald''~~, ~~March 8, 1964, p~~. 21		8. "The Civil War Sketches of Alexander Simplot," Wisconsin Historical Society, Online: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=N:4294963828-4294963805&dsRecordDetailS=R:CS3878

	9. "~~Alexander Simplot~~,"		9. "The Civil War As Reported by Dubuquers at the Battlefields," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 8, 1964, p. 21

	10. "~~Pen, Powder and Sketchbook~~," ~~''Telegraph Herald'', March 29, 1964, p. 21~~		10. "Alexander Simplot,"

	11. "~~The Civil War As Reported..~~.		11. "Pen, Powder and Sketchbook," ''Telegraph Herald'', March 29, 1964, p. 21

	12. "~~Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald,'' November 5, 1879~~. ~~Online: https://news~~.~~google~~.~~com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		12. "The Civil War As Reported...

	13. "~~Oil Painting~~," ''Dubuque ~~Daily~~ Herald'', ~~September 30, 1866, p~~. 4		13. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald,'' November 5, 1879. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18791105&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	14. "~~Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque~~," ''~~Telegraph~~ Herald'', ~~April 5~~, ~~1964~~, p. 23		14. "Oil Painting," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', September 30, 1866, p. 4

	15. ~~Hunter~~, p. ~~157~~		15. "Simplot Comes Home to Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 5, 1964, p. 23

	16. ~~"The Civil War As Reported~~.~~.."~~		16. Hunter, p. 157