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{{short description|20th Sergeant-at-Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives.}}
'''Henry Casson''' was the Secretary of State for Wisconsin from [[1895]] until [[1899]]. In 1899, at the start of the [[56th United States Congress]], he was selected by the Republican majority to serve as [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives]]. He served from [[December 4]], [[1899]] until [[April 4]], [[1911]] when Democrats took control of the chamber at the start of the [[62nd United States Congress]].
{{for|the English cricketer|Henry Casson (cricketer)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Henry Casson
|image = Henry Casson standing on steps.jpg
|order = 20th
|office = Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives
| term_start = December 4, 1899
| term_end = April 4, 1911
| leader = [[David B. Henderson]]<br>[[Joseph Gurney Cannon]]
| predecessor = [[Benjamin F. Russell]]
| successor = [[Uriah S. Jackson]]
|order1 = 15th
|office1 = Secretary of State of Wisconsin
| governor1 = [[William H. Upham]]<br>[[Edward Scofield]]
| term_start1 = January 7, 1895
| term_end1 = January 2, 1899
| predecessor1 = [[Thomas Cunningham (Wisconsin politician)|Thomas Cunningham]]
| successor1 = [[William Froehlich]]
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|birth_date = {{birth date|1843|12|13}}
|birth_place = [[Brownsville, Pennsylvania|Brownsville]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
|death_date = {{death date and age|1912|09|25|1843|12|13}}
|death_place = [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], [[Wisconsin]], U.S.
|death_cause = [[Appendicitis]]
|restingplace = [[Forest Hill Cemetery (Madison, Wisconsin)|Forest Hill Cemetery]], {{nobreak|Madison, Wisconsin}}
|spouse =
|children = {{unbulleted list
| Henry Casson, Jr.
| (born 1877; died 1929)
}}
|allegiance = [[United States]]
|branch = [[Wisconsin National Guard]]
|rank = [[Colonel]]
}}
'''Henry Casson''' (December 13, 1843{{spaced ndash}}September 25, 1912) was an [[Americans|American]] newspaper publisher and public administrator. He was the 20th [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives]], serving from 1899 through 1911, and was the 15th [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin]] (1895&ndash;1899).<ref>{{cite web|title=Casson, Henry |url= http://history.house.gov/People/Detail/38360 |website= United States House of Representatives History Art & Archives |access-date= October 21, 2016}}</ref>

==Biography==
Born in [[Brownsville, Pennsylvania]], as a child, he moved with his family to [[Illinois]], where he received a common school education. He moved to [[Wisconsin]] in 1873, settling at [[Viroqua, Wisconsin|Viroqua]], in [[Vernon County, Wisconsin|Vernon County]]. He became the owner of the Vernon County ''Censor'' in 1875, and was printer, publisher, and editor of the paper until 1885.<ref name="bb1897bio">{{cite report|url= http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.WIBlueBk1897 |title= The Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin |editor-last= Casson |editor-first= Henry |chapter-url= https://images.library.wisc.edu/WI/EFacs/WIBlueBks/BlueBks/WIBlueBk1897/reference/wi.wibluebk1897.i0016.pdf |chapter= Biographical Sketches |page= 657 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 }}</ref>

That year, he was employed by Governor [[Jeremiah McLain Rusk]] as the Governor's private secretary. Rusk also appointed him a [[colonel]] in the [[Wisconsin National Guard]] as aide-de-camp and military secretary, and he was often referred to as "Colonel Casson" for the remainder of his life.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80178320/casson-aide-to-rusk/ |title= Executive Appointments |newspaper= [[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date= May 1, 1885 |page= 4 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref> When Governor Rusk left office, Casson continued to work as private secretary to the new governor, [[William D. Hoard]], ultimately serving from 1885 to 1891.<ref name="bb1897bio"/>

In 1891, he was summoned to [[Washington, D.C.]], to serve Governor Rusk again in his new role as [[United States Secretary of Agriculture]]. Casson worked for Rusk until his death, and was appointed Chief Clerk of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]]. After Rusk's death, Casson went to work as private secretary to freshman congressman [[Joseph W. Babcock]], until August 1894.<ref name="bb1897bio"/><ref name="sgtwsj">{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80175491/casson-sgt-at-arms/ |title= Secures Fat Office |newspaper= [[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date= December 29, 1899 |page= 3 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref>

That fall, Casson was the Republican nominee for [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin]], and defeated incumbent Democratic Secretary of State [[Thomas Cunningham (Wisconsin politician)|Thomas J. Cunningham]]. He was subsequently reelected in 1896, serving from 1895 through 1899.<ref name="bb1897bio"/><ref>{{cite report|url= http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/WI.WIBlueBk1929 |title= The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1929 |publisher= State of Wisconsin |year= 1929 |editor-last1= Anderson |editor-first1= William J. |editor-last2= Anderson |editor-first2= William A. |chapter-url= https://images.library.wisc.edu/WI/EFacs/WIBlueBks/BlueBks/WIBlueBk1929/reference/wi.wibluebk1929.i0013.pdf |chapter= State Government |page=144 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 }}</ref> He did not seek a third term in 1898.

With a Republican returning to the White House in 1899, Casson sought a new federal appointment from President [[William McKinley]].<ref name="sgtwsj"/> First, pursuing appointment as [[Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing|Chief]] of the [[Bureau of Engraving and Printing]], and then [[Director of the United States Census Bureau|Director]] for the [[1900 United States census]]. Receiving neither office, he was temporarily installed as federal [[United States Postal Service|post office inspector]] for [[Rural delivery service|rural delivery]].<ref name="sgtwsj"/>

During the first fall recess of the [[56th United States Congress|56th Congress]], Casson's legion of friends and political allies, including the entire Wisconsin congressional delegation, lobbied for his selection as [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80176595/casson-for-sgt-at-arms/ |title= Congressional Speculations |newspaper=[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] |date= November 25, 1899 |page= 2 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref> In December of that year, their efforts were rewarded when the majority Republican caucus elected Casson to that office. He would continue to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms under the Republican majority for the next eleven years until Democrats regained the majority in 1911. He officially stood down from the role on April 4, 1911.<ref name="obitgb">{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80171751/casson-dead/ |title= Colonel Henry Casson is Dead at Madison |newspaper= [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] |date= September 28, 1912 |page= 1 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Casson's father was also named Henry Casson, and in his younger years he was referred to as Henry Casson, Jr. Later, however, he was referred to as Henry Casson, Sr., after his own son was born and also named Henry Casson. His son became a prominent lawyer in Madison, and held several local offices, but died of pneumonia at age 52.<ref name="jrobit">{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80172212/casson-jr-obit/ |title= Long Illness Proves Fatal to Attorney |newspaper= [[Wisconsin State Journal]] |date= November 22, 1929 |page= 1 |accessdate= June 24, 2021 }}</ref> Casson was said to have been a very close friend of Governor [[Jeremiah McLain Rusk]], who he served for several years.

Casson died on September 25, 1912, at St. Mary's Hospital in [[Madison, Wisconsin]], after surgery for [[Appendicitis]] and [[Peptic ulcer disease|stomach ulcer]].<ref name="obitgb"/> At the time of his death, his wife and son were still alive.<ref name="obitgb"/> He was interred at Madison's historic [[Forest Hill Cemetery (Madison, Wisconsin)|Forest Hill Cemetery]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Find a Grave|15921593| Henry Casson Sr. }}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before = Robert Wallace Jackson }}
{{s-ttl|title = {{nowrap|[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[Secretary of State of Wisconsin]]}}|years=1894, 1896 }}
{{s-aft|after = [[William Froehlich]] }}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Thomas Cunningham (Wisconsin politician)|Thomas Cunningham]] }}
{{s-ttl|title = {{nowrap|[[Secretary of State of Wisconsin]]}}|years=1895{{spaced ndash}}1899}}
{{s-aft|after = [[William Froehlich]] }}
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before = Benjamin F. Russell}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives]]|years=1899–1911}}
{{s-aft|after = Uriah Stokes Jackson}}
{{s-end}}
{{WISecretariesOfState}}
{{US House Sergeants at Arms}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Casson, Henry}}
[[Category:1843 births]]
[[Category:1912 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Brownsville, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Secretaries of State of Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Sergeants at Arms of the United States House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Republicans]]

Latest revision as of 14:09, 2 April 2022

Henry Casson
20th Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives
In office
December 4, 1899 – April 4, 1911
LeaderDavid B. Henderson
Joseph Gurney Cannon
Preceded byBenjamin F. Russell
Succeeded byUriah S. Jackson
15th Secretary of State of Wisconsin
In office
January 7, 1895 – January 2, 1899
GovernorWilliam H. Upham
Edward Scofield
Preceded byThomas Cunningham
Succeeded byWilliam Froehlich
Personal details
Born(1843-12-13)December 13, 1843
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedSeptember 25, 1912(1912-09-25) (aged 68)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Cause of deathAppendicitis
Resting placeForest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
Children
  • Henry Casson, Jr.
  • (born 1877; died 1929)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceWisconsin National Guard
RankColonel

Henry Casson (December 13, 1843 – September 25, 1912) was an American newspaper publisher and public administrator. He was the 20th Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1899 through 1911, and was the 15th Secretary of State of Wisconsin (1895–1899).[1]

Biography[edit]

Born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, as a child, he moved with his family to Illinois, where he received a common school education. He moved to Wisconsin in 1873, settling at Viroqua, in Vernon County. He became the owner of the Vernon County Censor in 1875, and was printer, publisher, and editor of the paper until 1885.[2]

That year, he was employed by Governor Jeremiah McLain Rusk as the Governor's private secretary. Rusk also appointed him a colonel in the Wisconsin National Guard as aide-de-camp and military secretary, and he was often referred to as "Colonel Casson" for the remainder of his life.[3] When Governor Rusk left office, Casson continued to work as private secretary to the new governor, William D. Hoard, ultimately serving from 1885 to 1891.[2]

In 1891, he was summoned to Washington, D.C., to serve Governor Rusk again in his new role as United States Secretary of Agriculture. Casson worked for Rusk until his death, and was appointed Chief Clerk of the United States Department of Agriculture. After Rusk's death, Casson went to work as private secretary to freshman congressman Joseph W. Babcock, until August 1894.[2][4]

That fall, Casson was the Republican nominee for Secretary of State of Wisconsin, and defeated incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Thomas J. Cunningham. He was subsequently reelected in 1896, serving from 1895 through 1899.[2][5] He did not seek a third term in 1898.

With a Republican returning to the White House in 1899, Casson sought a new federal appointment from President William McKinley.[4] First, pursuing appointment as Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and then Director for the 1900 United States census. Receiving neither office, he was temporarily installed as federal post office inspector for rural delivery.[4]

During the first fall recess of the 56th Congress, Casson's legion of friends and political allies, including the entire Wisconsin congressional delegation, lobbied for his selection as Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives.[6] In December of that year, their efforts were rewarded when the majority Republican caucus elected Casson to that office. He would continue to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms under the Republican majority for the next eleven years until Democrats regained the majority in 1911. He officially stood down from the role on April 4, 1911.[7]

Personal life[edit]

Casson's father was also named Henry Casson, and in his younger years he was referred to as Henry Casson, Jr. Later, however, he was referred to as Henry Casson, Sr., after his own son was born and also named Henry Casson. His son became a prominent lawyer in Madison, and held several local offices, but died of pneumonia at age 52.[8] Casson was said to have been a very close friend of Governor Jeremiah McLain Rusk, who he served for several years.

Casson died on September 25, 1912, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, after surgery for Appendicitis and stomach ulcer.[7] At the time of his death, his wife and son were still alive.[7] He was interred at Madison's historic Forest Hill Cemetery.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Casson, Henry". United States House of Representatives History Art & Archives. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d Casson, Henry (ed.). "Biographical Sketches" (PDF). The Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin (Report). p. 657. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  3. ^ "Executive Appointments". Wisconsin State Journal. May 1, 1885. p. 4. Retrieved June 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Secures Fat Office". Wisconsin State Journal. December 29, 1899. p. 3. Retrieved June 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Anderson, William J.; Anderson, William A., eds. (1929). "State Government" (PDF). The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1929 (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 144. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  6. ^ "Congressional Speculations". Green Bay Press-Gazette. November 25, 1899. p. 2. Retrieved June 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c "Colonel Henry Casson is Dead at Madison". Green Bay Press-Gazette. September 28, 1912. p. 1. Retrieved June 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Long Illness Proves Fatal to Attorney". Wisconsin State Journal. November 22, 1929. p. 1. Retrieved June 24, 2021.

External links[edit]

Party political offices
Preceded by
Robert Wallace Jackson
Republican nominee for Secretary of State of Wisconsin
1894, 1896
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Secretary of State of Wisconsin
1895 – 1899
Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Benjamin F. Russell
Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives
1899–1911
Succeeded by
Uriah Stokes Jackson