“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


JAMES BINGHAM,  attorney and counselor at law, Chippewa Falls; 
born in the town of Perry, Wyoming Co., N.Y., Feb. 3, 1828; his parents 
were farmers and members of the Congregational Church, in which faith 
their son was reared; he attended common schools until 16, then 
attended an academy about four years, and began teaching; taught eleven 
terms in schools and academies, meanwhile pursuing the study of Latin 
and French.  Gov. Bingham read law in the office of F. R. Bissell,, Le 
Roy, N.Y.; came to Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wis., in 1854; began to 
practice law in 1856, has practiced ever since.  While a resident of 
Jefferson Co., he represented the District in the State Assembly in 1863, 
1864, 1869 and 1870; was Speaker in 1870, and Chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee in 1863 and 1869.  He was Major of the 40th W.V.I. 
Regiment, and was stationed at Memphis during term of service – 100 
days; removed to Chippewa Falls in 1871, where he has since resided 
and practiced.  Was elected to Wisconsin Assembly from his (then 
Democratic) county in 1874; was nominated and elected Lieutenant 
Governor of Wisconsin by the Republicans in 1877.  On account of 
rheumatic troubles the Governor made a two-months visit to Hot 
Springs, Ark., and was completely cured during his first term.  The 
Republican State Convention of July, 1879, renominated him for 
Lieutenant Governor.  He married in 1856, Miss Justina M., daughter of 
W. C. Dwight, M.D., of Moscow, N.Y.; they have three children – 
Clifford D., Walter P. and Katherine O.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)