15 Facts About Harrison Ludington

Harrison Ludington was an American businessman, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer.

Harrison Ludington was educated in the district schools in New York, then came west to the Wisconsin Territory with his uncle, Lewis Ludington, in 1838.

Harrison Ludington continued with this business until 1851, when he became involved in a lumber business in partnership with Daniel Wells, Jr.

Harrison Ludington established a large farm in the town of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and became a leading promoter of the Wisconsin Agricultural Society.

Politically, Harrison Ludington was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican Party when it was organized in 1856.

Harrison Ludington was elected to the Milwaukee City Council in 1861 and 1862, and was elected mayor three times, in 1871,1873, and 1874.

Harrison Ludington undid changes in the financial sector made by his predecessor.

Harrison Ludington replaced the railroad commission, made up of three members with powers of establishing rates for the railroads, by a single commissioner who lacked such authority.

Harrison Ludington declined renomination for the position of governor in 1879 due to pressure from younger members of the Republican party.

Harrison Ludington died at his home in Milwaukee on June 17,1891, after suffering a stroke a week earlier.

Harrison Ludington was interred in Milwaukee's historic Forest Home Cemetery.

Harrison Ludington was the eldest of fifteen children born to Frederick Ludington and his wife Susannah.

Harrison Ludington served as an aide to General George Washington during the Battle of White Plains and served several years in the New York Legislature.

Henry's daughter, Sybil Harrison Ludington, was famous for risking her life when she was 16 years old to warn the American militia that British troops were burning Danbury, Connecticut; these accounts, originating from the Harrison Ludington family, are questioned by modern scholars.

Harrison Ludington first married Frances White, on March 25,1838, in Louisville, Kentucky.