Orange

ROWELL, John W.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 343-344

John W. ROWELL, of Randolph [Orange County, Vermont], was born 09 June 1835 
in Lebanon [Grafton County], New Hampshire. [The names of his parents are not 
given.] The early education of Judge [John W.] ROWELL was received in the 
commons schools and at the West Randolph Academy. There he was thoroughly 
prepared for admission to college a year in advance. Circumstances, however, 
conspired to prevent his graduation. Choosing the profession of law, he entered in 
1856 upon its study in the office of Jefferson P. KIDDER, ex-Lieutenant 
Governor of Vermont, afterwards one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Dakota, 
and a delegate to Congress from that territory. [Dakota Territory was organized 
in 1861, and included what became the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Montana, and Wyoming. Montana Territory was created in 1864 and included what 
became the states of Montana and Wyoming. In 1887 Dakota Territory was 
divided into two territories, North Dakota and South Dakota; these became states in 
1889.] From 1857 to the winter of 1858 he [John W. ROWELL] studied in the 
office of Judge Edmund WESTON, and also attended a course of lectures in the law 
school established by Judge HAYDEN and other gentlemen at Poland [Mahoning 
County], Ohio.

At the June term of 1858 he [John W. ROWELL] was admitted to the bar of 
Orange County [Vermont]. Mr. ROWELL at once associated himself in partnership with 
Judge John B. HUTCHINSON. This connection continued until the latter part of 
1859, when Judge [John B.] HUTCHINSON accepted the position of cashier of the 
Northfield Bank, which he held until 1861. Hen then returned to Randolph and 
again entered into partnership with his old business associate [John W. 
ROWELL]. This new relation lasted until 1866, when it was dissolved by reason of 
the ill health of Judge HUTCHINSON. Mr. [John W.] ROWELL removed to Chicago 
[Cook County, Illinois] in February 1870, and entered into business connection 
with John HUTCHINSON, formerly U. S. Consul at Nice. In September 1871 he [John 
W. ROWELL] returned to Randolph [Orange County, Vermont], resumed legal 
practice in his old home, and has since made it his permanent residence.

During the legislative sessions of 1861 and 1862 Mr. [John W.] ROWELL 
represented Randolph in the General Assembly, was [the second youngest member] of the 
House, served both sessions upon the judiciary committee, and also served on 
other committees; in 1862 and 1863 was Orange County state's attorney; in 1874 
was elected state senator from Orange County, and served as chairman of the 
committee on the insane asylum and also on the committee on the judiciary; and 
for eight years from 1872 was reporter of the Supreme Court decisions. He had 
by his learning in the law and great skill in active practice become one of 
the leaders of the Vermont bar; on 11 January 1882 Governor FARNHAM appointed 
him sixth assistant judge of the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy on the bench 
after promotions resulting from the death of Chief Judge PIERPOINT. Judge 
ROWELL now holds the position of second assistant judge. He was formerly a 
director of the Northfield Bank, and has been a director and vice president of the 
Randolph National Bank since its organization. On 01 August 1858 he [John W. 
ROWELL] was married to Mary L., daughter of Rev. Leonard and Hannah (GILMAN) 
WHEELER, of Randolph [Orange County, Vermont].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly