Encyclopedia Dubuque
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SMITH, Platt: Difference between revisions
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Almost immediately, Smith was involved in two cases that had tremendous importance for the future of Dubuque. In 1853 Smith persuaded the Supreme Court, in the case of [[CHOUTEAU vs MOLONY]], to settle the dispute over claims to lands once controlled by [[DUBUQUE, Julien|Julien DUBUQUE]] in favor of the later settlers. Smith's arguments also led to victory in the case of [[FANNING VS. GREGOIRE AND BOGY]], another confirmation of Iowa's legal status and the rights of its citizens against claims based on colonial or territorial law. | Almost immediately, Smith was involved in two cases that had tremendous importance for the future of Dubuque. In 1853 Smith persuaded the Supreme Court, in the case of [[CHOUTEAU vs MOLONY]], to settle the dispute over claims to lands once controlled by [[DUBUQUE, Julien|Julien DUBUQUE]] in favor of the later settlers. Smith's arguments also led to victory in the case of [[FANNING VS. GREGOIRE AND BOGY]], another confirmation of Iowa's legal status and the rights of its citizens against claims based on colonial or territorial law. | ||
The same year that Smith won these landmark cases he became financially involved in the future of railroads in Iowa. He spent one thousand dollars to aid the survey of the Illinois Central route from Galena, Illinois, to Dunleith (East Dubuque). This made it certain that Dubuque would enjoy a prime location as the railroad moved farther west. As a member of the board and an attorney, Smith drew up the articles of incorporation for the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad on April 28, 1853. Smith also helped establish the [[DUBUQUE AND SOUTH | The same year that Smith won these landmark cases he became financially involved in the future of railroads in Iowa. He spent one thousand dollars to aid the survey of the Illinois Central route from Galena, Illinois, to Dunleith (East Dubuque). This made it certain that Dubuque would enjoy a prime location as the railroad moved farther west. As a member of the board and an attorney, Smith drew up the articles of incorporation for the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad on April 28, 1853. Smith also helped establish the [[DUBUQUE AND SOUTH WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY]], linking Farley and Cedar Rapids; the [[DUBUQUE AND MCGREGOR RAILROAD]] in 1868; and later the Dubuque, Bellevue and Mississippi that connected Clinton with the Twin Cities. | ||
In 1867, convinced that the management of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad (renamed from the Dubuque and Pacific in 1860) did not intend to lay track beyond Iowa Falls, Smith sold his stock in the company. In a move that shocked many of his former business partners, he entered business with New Jersey railroad promoter John I. Blair and announced the formation of the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company. | In 1867, convinced that the management of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad (renamed from the Dubuque and Pacific in 1860) did not intend to lay track beyond Iowa Falls, Smith sold his stock in the company. In a move that shocked many of his former business partners, he entered business with New Jersey railroad promoter John I. Blair and announced the formation of the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company. | ||
Revision as of 02:36, 4 December 2009
SMITH, Platt. (Hoosick, NY, May 6, 1813-1882). Attorney. Smith migrated from New York State to Iowa Territory and entered the lumber business. Determined to be a lawyer, he studied in log cabins, mills, and on STEAMBOATS at every opportunity. After passing the bar, he opened his office in Dubuque and became associated with many of the most influential people of the day. One of the most influential men in the early history of Iowa RAILROADS, he successfully presented two legal cases that determined the future growth of the City of Dubuque.
Listed as a member of the Dubuque bar in 1847, Smith entered into a partnership with Judge Thomas S. WILSON. Throughout his life, Smith maintained a pattern of working closely with other men of influence. Together Smith and Wilson financed the construction of the Globe Building in downtown Dubuque before Smith was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1852.
Almost immediately, Smith was involved in two cases that had tremendous importance for the future of Dubuque. In 1853 Smith persuaded the Supreme Court, in the case of CHOUTEAU vs MOLONY, to settle the dispute over claims to lands once controlled by Julien DUBUQUE in favor of the later settlers. Smith's arguments also led to victory in the case of FANNING VS. GREGOIRE AND BOGY, another confirmation of Iowa's legal status and the rights of its citizens against claims based on colonial or territorial law.
The same year that Smith won these landmark cases he became financially involved in the future of railroads in Iowa. He spent one thousand dollars to aid the survey of the Illinois Central route from Galena, Illinois, to Dunleith (East Dubuque). This made it certain that Dubuque would enjoy a prime location as the railroad moved farther west. As a member of the board and an attorney, Smith drew up the articles of incorporation for the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad on April 28, 1853. Smith also helped establish the DUBUQUE AND SOUTH WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY, linking Farley and Cedar Rapids; the DUBUQUE AND MCGREGOR RAILROAD in 1868; and later the Dubuque, Bellevue and Mississippi that connected Clinton with the Twin Cities.
In 1867, convinced that the management of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad (renamed from the Dubuque and Pacific in 1860) did not intend to lay track beyond Iowa Falls, Smith sold his stock in the company. In a move that shocked many of his former business partners, he entered business with New Jersey railroad promoter John I. Blair and announced the formation of the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company.
Because of his railroad promotion, Smith was bitterly criticized in the Dubuque newspapers. Despite the personal attacks, Smith's vision and common sense were still appreciated in the community and he remained influential.
After 1870 Smith maintained his interest in his Dubuque project, but did little legal work and lived on the income from his stocks. Frequent strokes and paralysis led to his death.