Vivus Wright Dorwin

Vivus W. Dorwin
Woodcarving by A. Zeese & Co.
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Pepin district
In office
January 7, 1889 – January 5, 1891
Preceded by John Newcomb
Succeeded by William Edmunds Plummer
In office
January 5, 1885 – January 3, 1887
Preceded by William H. Huntington
Succeeded by John Newcomb
In office
January 1, 1877 – January 6, 1879
Preceded by Menzus R. Bump (Dunn–Pepin)
Succeeded by James Barry
Personal details
Born January 15, 1832
Champion, New York, U.S.
Died September 27, 1904 (aged 72)
Pepin County, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place Forest Hill Cemetery, Durand, Wisconsin
Political party Republican
Spouse Helen Mariette Van Hoesen (died 1911)
Children
  • Harriet M. (Brown)
  • (b. 1859; died 1925)
  • Marcellus Dorwin
  • (b. 1861; died 1925)
  • John Dorwin
  • (b. 1863; died 1955)
  • Ella Cora (Jones)
  • (b. 1873; died 1958)
  • Mary E. Dorwin
  • (b. 1875; died 1906)
  • William V. Dorwin
  • Helen I. (Odell)
  • Lillian (Averill)
  • Edward S. Dorwin
  • Laura Dorwin
  • Boscoe L. Dorwin
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service 1862–1863
Rank Captain, USV
Unit 25th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/wars American Civil War

Vivus Wright Dorwin (January 15, 1832 – September 27, 1904) was an American farmer, businessman, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served four terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Pepin County.

Biography

Dorwin was born on January 15, 1832, in Champion, New York. He later lived in Jackson, Adams County, Wisconsin, for a time before settling in Durand, Wisconsin, in 1856. In Durand, Dorwin owned a gristmill, wool carding mill, dairy farm and two cheese factories. During the American Civil War, he was a captain with the 25th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. Events he took part in include the Siege of Vicksburg.

Dorwin and his wife, Helen, would have eleven children. Among them was Marcellus Dorwin, who also became a member of the Assembly. The elder Dorwin died on September 27, 1904.

Political career

Dorwin was elected to the Assembly in 1876, 1877, 1884 and 1888. Other positions he held include Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors of Durand. He was a Republican.