Agency Histories

James Duane Doty is better known for his contributions to the state of Wisconsin, though his work in Utah was certainly significant as well. Doty had no real loyalty to any party and just went with whichever group was popular at the time, so his political career shows him jumping parties constantly. His personal views were conservative and anti-slavery. Doty was born in Salem, NY on November 5, 1799. He attended Lowville Academy and became an apprentice to Charles Larned, Michigan's Attorney General, in 1818. After a few months under Larned's patronage, Doty was admitted to the bar on November 20, 1818. He practiced law until September 29, 1819 when he became the Clerk of Court for the Michigan Territory. The next year, Doty joined the Lewis Cass Expedition as the Secretary to Governor Cass. The trip's goal was to better explore parts of what is now Wisconsin. When he got back, he went back to the law for a while then was made the Federal Judge for the newly created district of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan 1823-1832. While holding this position, Doty married Sarah Collins on April 14, 1823. He then became the Postmaster of Prairie du Chien 1823-1824. 1834-1835 he was on the Michigan Territorial Council. He began land speculating in 1835. He bought up and developed the area which is now Madison, WI. When the Wisconsin territory was created, Doty campaigned to have Madison declared its capital. He won his campaign in November 1836. In 1838, Doty became a Wisconsin Territory Congressional delegate. He was made Governor of Wisconsin territory 1841-1844. When Wisconsin became a state, Doty served in the US House of Representatives for his state 1849-1853. When he left Washington DC, he went back to a cabin he had built on Doty Island. In 1861, Doty was thrust back into office by his appointment to Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Utah Territory. When Governor Harding was asked to leave, Doty was selected to fill the position 1863-Jun 13, 1865. He spent his time in office promoting construction of schools and negotiating with the local Native tribes. Doty died in office and was sincerely mourned by the locals.