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Salem Pioneer Cemetery ~ Stephen Fowler Chadwick ~ part of the Marion County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
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Stephen Fowler Chadwick
LAST NAME: Chadwick FIRST NAME: Stephen MIDDLE NAME: Fowler NICKNAME: 
MAIDEN NAME:  AKA 1:  AKA 2:  AKA 3: 
TITLE: Governor GENDER: M MILITARY: Indian War
BORN: 25 Dec 1825 DIED: 18 Jan 1895 BURIED: 21 Jan 1895
ETHNICITY:   OCCUPATION:  Attorney, Secretary of State and 5th Governor of Oregon
BIRTH PLACE:  Middletown, Connecticut
DEATH PLACE: Salem, Marion Co., Oregon
NOTES: 
IOOF - Steven Chadwick, age 70, died in Salem of heart disease, ex-governor of Oregon.

PHOTOGRAPH NOTE - The picture of the house, taken by Ben Maxwell, is courtesy of Salem (Oregon) Public Library Historic Photograph Collections.  The caption which accompanies the picture is "An exterior view of the modest home of the former Governor Stephen F. Chadwick (Oregon governor 1877-1878). The picture was taken in 1946. The house was located on the N.E. corner of Capitol and Center Streets, Salem. In October 1947, it was demolished, and the site was used for Owl Drugs in Salem Capitol Shopping Center. The entire shopping center was destroyed by fire in the late 1970's or 1980 and the center was not re-built. The porch ran the full width of the house and note the arched, partially stained glass window on the second story of the house. The two chimneyes are probably for a kitchen range and the bedroom and front room stoves or fireplaces."

BIOGRAPHICAL: 
From- Turnbull, GOVERNORS OF OREGON, p. 40-41 
"Stephen Fowler Chadwick, who as Secretary of State succeeded Lafayette F. Grover as Governor when Grover was elected to the United States Senate, was another vigorous war Governor. His war, however, was the Indian outbreak of 1877-78 in eastern Oregon, hardest-fought in the history of that region. Chadwick, a Democrat like his predecessor Grover, was moved into the Governor's office Feb. 1, 1877, being Secretary of State, first in line of succession at that time. He did not resign as secretary, and he signed his proclamations and messages twice--once, on the right as Governor, and again, on the left as Secretary of State. In his doubled functions, his right hand just had to let his left hand know what it was doing. He served 19 months as chief executive. The Governor's service in the Indian wars did more for his fame than anything he was able to do at his desk in Salem. Born on Christmas Day 1825 in Connecticut, he came to Oregon in 1851 after having been admitted to the bar in New York. He arrived in Douglas County by way of San Francisco and practiced law in Scottsburg. Chadwick was well equipped for a career in politics. He was a fluent speaker, persuasive, forceful. His pleasant personality, distinguished appearance, story-telling skill, friendly attitude added up to a wide popular appeal. He was Douglas County's first County Judge and Scottsburg's first Postmaster. He served, also in Territorial days as deputy United States District Attorney and acting Prosecuting Attorney for southern Oregon. Chadwick had taken an active part in framing the state Constitution for Oregon in 1857. He was a Democratic presidential elector in 1864 and 1868, carrying Oregon's three electoral votes to Washington in '68 to be counted for Horatio Seymour, who had carried the state over Grant. The Indians were already on the rampage in Oregon when Chadwick took over the Governorship. He left his desk in 1878 and went to the war front, in northeastern Oregon, where Major General O. O. Howard was meeting stiff resistance from the Snakes and the Nez Perces. He didn't share General Howard's high opinion of Nez Perce Chief Joseph, whose treatment, he declared, with at least questionable accuracy, provided "the latest illustration of the system of giving rewards for crime." The hanging of Captain Jack in the Modoc war he regarded as highly preferable. One one occasion, at the front, Governor Chadwick was able to give General Howard information that helped him save some outlying settlements from torch and tomahawk. (The guilty group did not include Chief Joseph, never a marauder.) In his one message, in 1877, the Governor urged the sale of the state's swamp-land acreage at the earliest possible moment. He thought the law requiring its "reclamation" as a prerequisite to title should be amended, since much of the "swamp land" would lose its value entirely if drained! He followed up Governor Grover's request for a fish commission, asking that such a body be elected."

BIOGRAPHCIAL
From - HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR IN OREGON, pg. 262-263.
STEPHEN F. CHADWICK 
Stephen F. Chadwick, fifth Governor of the State of Oregon, was born in Connecticut, December 25, 1825. He studied law and was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1850, and immediately afterward starting for the State of Oregon. He came by way of California, arriving in the Unpqua Valley in 1851 when he immedeiately entered upon the practice of his profession as an attorney. He was elected first County Judge of what is now Douglas County and was the first postmaster at Scottsburg on the Umpqua River. He was Deputy U.W. Prosecuting Attorney for Southern Oregon and was elected a member of the Constituional Convention for the formation of the State Constitution of Oregon. He was successively elected Presidential elector in 1864 and 1868, and at the election of 1870 was honored with the office of Secretary of State. He was re-elected in 1874. By the resignation of Governor Grover in February, 1877, he succeeded to the office of Governor, performing the duties of Chief Executive and also of Secretary of State until September 11, 1877. After the close of his public career, he retired to quiet and literary pursuits at his home in Salem, Oregon. He was a distinguished Free Mason, having attained the thirty-third degree in the Scottish Rite of that order. He died suddenly in Salem in January, 1895. 
DEATH CERTIFICATE: 
OBITUARY: 
EX-GOV. CHADWICK DEAD.
Heart Failure Attacked Him at the Dinner Table 
Just at the close of dinner, yesterday evening, at his home, Ex-Governor Stephen F. Chadwick was attacked by heart failure; and, without a sound, sitting in his chair, he passed through the gate of death. At the table were Mrs. Chadwick and two daughters, Mrs. William Gray and Miss Mary Chadwick, together with Mrs. Owens-Adair M.D., of Astoria, who arrived in the city yesterday, and was a guest and old-time friend of the family. Miss Mary Chadwick’s attention was attracted by the silence of her father who had a moment before, been gaily chatting and laughing with Mrs. Adair. She saw that he had fallen back in his chair, with darkened face and labored breathing, and a cry of distress and warning broke from her. Mrs. Adair was prompt in attempting to relieve her stricken host, exhausting all emergent professional resources, but her skill and endeavors were powerless to resuscitate him. Other medical aids, in the persons of Doctors W. H. Byrd, J. N. Smith, and W. B. Morse, were summoned in all haste, but their knowledge and labors were futile, for the collapse of the heart had been too thorough, and they were compelled to reluctantly announce the Ex-Governor as beyond revival. The attacked was consequent on fatty degeneration of the heart. 
The sons of the deceased, Stephen J., a prominent lawyer and mayor of Colfax, Washington, and P. F. the younger, likewise a resident of that city, and also Henry Chadwick of New York, a brother, were at once notified, the former two will arrive in Salem today. The obsequies will be conducted by the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge as Ex-Governor Chadwick was a prominent and honored member, beginning tomorrow with the Coldnight Lodge of Sorrow at the M. E. Church. 
Ainsworth chapter of the Rose Croix Degree, was in session in Portland, last evening when the sad new of their brother’s death was communicated by Past Grand Master Meyer, and the following message was wired to the widow: "There is sorrow and lamentation among the brethren tonight. A good, wise and true man has gone, one earnest in the performance of duty, eager to help his fellow man, of pure and spotless reputation, honored and beloved by all his brethren." A committee was appointed to arrange for the funeral and the chapter adjourned as a mark of respect. 
Stephen Fowler Chadwick was born in Middletown, Conn., on Christmas Day 1825. He was admitted to the bar in New York in 1847, and came to this coast in 1857, in company with Ex-Gov. Moody. He began the practice of law in Scottsburg, Oregon and was the first Postmaster there. Removing to Roseburg he became the first county judge of Douglas; was prosecuting and deputy U.S. district attorney and represented the county in the first constitutional convention of the state. In 1864 and 1868 he was a presidential elector, and in the latter year carried the record to the electoral college in Washington. In 1870 he was elected secretary of state and was reelected in 1874. On the election of Gov. L. F. Grover to the U.S. senate in 1876, Judge Chadwick succeeded to the governorship, in which capacity he served the remaining two years of the term. It was during his administration that the Indians of Eastern Oregon rose; and for a while serious results were threatened; but Governor Chadwick himself went to the scene and speedily stamped out the insurrection, so completely subjugating the reds that they gave up for trial the ringleaders, nine of whom were hanged. Since vacating the gubernatorial chair, he has practiced his profession in this city. He married in 1855 Miss Jane A., daughter of Judge Richard Smith, formerly of Virginia. Of the issue of the marriage his elder daughter Ella P., is wife of Hon. William T. Gray of Salem, and his elder son, Stephen J. is married to Emma, daughter of Dr. O. P. S. Plummer of Portland. 
Ex-Governor Chadwick was very prominent in Masonic circles having attained the 33rd degree, in Scottish Rite, and had filled the position of grand master of the Ancient and Accepted of the state. He had served in every Grand Lodge office and was, at the time of his death the representative of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana and Missouri in the Grand Lodge of Oregon. 
He was, in public and in private, a gentleman most highly esteemed for his integrity, courtesy, learning and broad philanthropy; and his unexpected death will bring sorrow to large circles of political associates and social friends. 
Chapman Scrapbook, p. 106-107 

THE LAST SAD RITES OVER THE REMAINS OF EX-GOVERNOR CHADWICK 
Funeral Ceremonies Under the Auspices of the Grand Lodge of Masons 
Imposing Spectacle 
The funeral of ex-governor Chadwick yesterday was one of the most remarkable held in Salem in many years. There were several circumstances mitigating against a large attendance: It was a business day; the strangers who had thronged the city for several days previously had departed for home the day before; the weather was miserable, being cold and damp; yet notwithstanding these facts, there was an immense gathering of men and women anxious to testify by their presence the esteem in which the dead statesman was held and the sorrow felt as his demise. A little after 2 o'clock p. m., a stream of stalwart forms carrying emblems of their fraternal relations poured from the entrance to Masonic hall on commercial street and formed in marching order by twos, headed eastward on State street until nearly 150 members of the Masonic order were in line. They marched to the M. E. church and took their seats, the remainder of that large audience chamber being soon crowded with men and women, neighbors, friends and acquaintances of him whose final departure from earth was about to take place. Messrs. E. C. Giltner, H. J. singleton, James H. Davis and H. S. Jordan, four young Masons, acted as ushers and handled the large assemblage without the slightest hitch or friction, although hundreds could not gain admittance. At 2:30 the funeral cortege arrived from the residence. The casket was borne up the aisle and deposited in fron of the rostrum by Dr. J. C. Griffith, Capt. Milton Meyers, D. J. Fry, Lee Steiner, John Bayne and A. H. Steiner, active pall-bearers, preceded by ex-Gov. Z. F. Moody, State Treasurer Phil Metschan, Judge J. C. Fullerton of Roseburg, Major Frank E. Hodgkin, F. C.Perrine, Jacob Mayer and John R. foster of Portland, honorary pall-bearers. On the rostrum stood a beautiful floral execution being the morro of the 33rd degree Scottish Rite Masonry, consisting of a red triangle bearing the figures 33 surrounded by wreaths of white, purple and green, altogether forming what is called the double eagle. Besides this there were pillow of roses, lilies, and numerous varieties of flowers, also the square, compass and letter G, crescents, circles, stars and other designs appropriate and suggestive. Thje floral offerings were numerous, grand and costly; especially at this season. Closely following the coffin, the bereaved widow was almost carried by the strong arms of two men, followed by the immediate relatives of the deceased in deep mourning. Immediately after these, Governor Lord, ex-Governor Pennoyer, chief Justice Bean, Justice Moore and wolverton and United States Senator Dolph entered and took seats in front. Rev. Laurence Sinclair, rector of the Episcopal church, conducted the funeral services after the beautiful and impressive ritual of that church, during which the choir sang "Asleep in Jesus" and other appropriate selections. At the close, the funeral procession formed in front of the church, the mourners, the pall-bearers and numerous friends in carriages,, the members of the Masonic grand lodge in three large electric street cars and hundreds of Freemasons and others on foot. At the entrance to Rural cemetery, south of the city, the members of the fraternity again formed in line behind the mourners' carriages and, notwithstanding the large number who were compelled to drop out as the procession was leaving the main part of the city, there were still ninety-eight in the march to the grave. The ceremonies on the part of the grand lodge were in charge of P. S. Malcolm of Portland, grand master, and associated with him were, Phil Metschan, deputy grand master; Senator W. H. Hobson, of Stayton, grand senior warden; George P. Litchfield, of Salem, acting grand treasurer; T. L. Wallace, grand junior warden; F. V. Drake, of Portland, acting grand secretary; J. M. Hodson, or Portland, grand senior deacon; G. E. Detmering, of Portland, grand junior deacon; J. M. Poorman, of Woodburn and S. M. Yoran, or Eugene, grand stewards; Lot Pearce, of Salem, acting grand sword bearer; M. W. Hunt, of Salem, acting grand standard bearer; J. O'Donald, of Salem, acting bible bearer; J. H. Roork, of Salem, acting chaplain; Gustaf Wilson, grand tyler. At the grave, which is located well toward the southwest corner of the cemetery in a sightly spot, the Masonic burial service was conducted by Hon. George H. Durham, of Portland, and exactly as the town clock told off the hour of four the mortal remains of Stephen Fowler Chadwick were consigned to a grave lined with evergreens and his casket was strewn with the choicest pickings from the flower gardens and the shrubbery to further attest that at every step no mark of deepest love and reverence would be neglected. The obsequies throughout were inspiring in their grandeur and earnestness and the friends and brothers who were present from Portland, Oregon City, Eugene, Roseburg, Albany, Independence, Woodburn, and other neighboring cities can feel that the love and respect which prompted their coming found ready response among the home neighbors who one and all revere the memory of the kind, charitable, benevolent Governor Chadwick. 
Daily Oregon Statesman, 19 Jan 1895, 4:1 
INSCRIPTION: 
S. F. Chadwick 
1825 - 1895
SOURCES: 
LR 
LD 
IOOF Register of Burials 
DAR pg 72 
Saucy Survey & Photographs
HBB p. 262-263 Turnbull, p. 40-41 (photo) 
Chapman Scrapbook, p. 106-107 
DOS 19 Jan 1895 4:1
CONTACTS: 
LOT: 843 SPACE: 1 NW LONGITUDE:  LATITUDE: 
IMAGES:
     
 
 

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