Dow, Neal S.

Description

Autograph ID: 2863
Condition: Very good, light edge & center toning, mount remnant on verso of left edge
Description: “(1804-1897) “Father of Prohibition”, “Napoleon of Temperance”, prohibitionist mayor of Portland, Maine. Sponsored “Maine law of 1851″ prohibiting manufacture & sale of liquor. Son of Quaker parents, successful businessman, in 1827 a founding member of the Maine Temperance Society, concerned with affect of alcohol upon Portland youth. First legislative attempt to impose prohibition in 1837 tabled, 1849 bill passed legislature but not signed by Governor Dana. In April 1851, Dow elected mayor of Portland. A bill passed the legislature, many expecting it to be vetoed. Dow met with new Governor Hubbard who signed the law, which propelled Dow to international fame. After losing reelection as mayor, as a leading prohibitionist, he traveled the US and Canada campaigning for prohibition laws. In 1855 he won reelection as mayor. After the Portland Rum Riot his image suffered badly and in 1856 the Maine Law was repealed. At the start of the Civil War, Dow was appointed colonel of 13th Maine Infantry (despite lack of military experience), his regiment participating in capture of New Orleans. Promoted to brigadier general 1862, assigned to command 2 Confederate forts captured south of New Orleans, followed by command of District of Florida. In 1863 Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, he led 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, XIX Corps. Wounded in right arm & left thigh, captured, imprisoned for 8 months in Richmond’s Libby Prison and Mobile, exchanged for CSA General “Rooney” Lee (son of Gen. R. E. Lee) 1864. His health degraded by his prison experience, resigned from Army Nov. 1864. In Portland, co-founded National Temperance Society and Publishing House 1865. As 1880 Prohibition Party presidential candidate, received 10,305 votes.

8 x 5 ALS, Portland, July 14 1887, to Mr. Gilbert regarding a transaction for a house. Dow notifies Gilbert that work is going on satisfactorily, 9 good workmen are working upon it. With 8 x 5 early steel engraving portrait of Dow by J. C. Buttre.”
Type: Letter