Senator Benjamin Billings Richards View All Years

Senator Schrup, from a special committee, submitted the following report and moved its adoption:

BENJAMIN BILLINGS RICHARDS.

MR. PRESIDENT—Your committee appointed to draft resolutions in commemoration of the life, character and services of ex-Senator B. B. Richards of Dubuque, beg leave to submit the following report:

Benjamin Billings Richards, who was a member of this body seven years, after having served in the Lower House one term, died at Dubuque, Iowa, March 16, 1912.

He was born in the state of New York on August 30, 1823. After attending school at Bennington, Vt., he taught in district schools in his native state. At the age of eighteen he became principal of a seminary and professor in mathematics. In 1848 he was admitted to the bar at Milwaukee, but he never practiced that profession in this state, to which he came in 1854. In 1863 he was elected member of the House of Representatives from Dubuque County. He was positive in the expression of his views, although always courteous and tolerant of others’ opinions.

Two years later he entered the Senate, remaining a member of this body for four years. He was again returned to this office in 1872. At different sessions he was on the Committees of Ways and Means, Railroads and Claims against the United States, the last named the most important committee, in view of the large sums of money the state had advanced toward the prosecution of the war. The steps then taken brought to the State Treasury vast sums.

While always a member of the minority party his imposing personality commanded the highest respect and influence with his political opponents. He was twice selected by his party as its candidate for Congress, the first time when the late William B. Allison was first successful, the nominees conducted a joint debate.

He was greatly interested in the cause of popular education and served as a member of the Dubuque Board of Education with marked ability and success for several years. He was the first president of the Dubuque National Bank and was the founder of several banks in the northern part of the state. A prominent layman in the Episcopal Church, he was a member of the diocesan convention in 1853 that chose Rev. Dr. Henry W. Lee the first bishop of Iowa. His was indeed a worthy and eventful life, made serene through the happiness he imparted to others. Those who remember him as a member of any organization recall with pleasure the dignified courtesy that characterized his manner. His polished and eloquent oratory made him known as “The Silver Tongued Champion of Iowa Democracy.” His public career, as well as his private life and his attractive personality left a lasting impression on the community in which he lived so long and in which he was so highly esteemed.

The end to this long life came when to the burden of years fell the afflicting dispensation that carried away his beloved wife, who preceded her husband to the great beyond by only six weeks. In 1867 he was married to Miss Evelyn Whitaker, daughter of Collins Whitaker. Three children survive: Mr. Clarence W. Richards and Mrs. Clyde Ellsworth of Dubuque and Mrs. Clark L. Poole of Chicago.

Resolved, That this record be spread on the Journal of this body, and that an engrossed copy hereof be transmitted to his bereaved family with the assurance of the high appreciation of the Senate, of one of the sturdy pioneers of Iowa legislation and one so worthy of honor, who was one of its members, even though in the long ago.

N. J. SCHRUP,

ROBERT QUIGLEY,

G. E. HILSINGER,

Committee.

The resolutions were adopted unanimously by a rising vote.