MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 146
submitted by Neal Carter, Sept. 28, 2007

PASSED TO THE SILENT MAJORITY
Death at Washington of ex-Governor Lowe of Iowa

WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 24. – Ex-Gov. Lowe, of Iowa, died Saturday evening. RALPH P. LOWE was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, about 1805, and after receiving a good college education and spending the earlier years of his manhood in Ohio, he settled at Muscatine, Iowa, in 1839, where he engaged in the practice of law, at the same time devoting his energies to the cultivation of a large farm he had bought. He soon attained an eminent standing in his profession. In 1849 he removed to Keokuk, and in 1853 was elected judge of the First judicial district of Iowa, composed of the counties of Lee, Des Moines, Henry and Louisa. In 1857, while serving his second term as judge of this district, he was nominated by the Republican party for the governorship and elected by a large majority. He served as governor of the state of Iowa until 1860, having been elected, before the close of his gubernatorial term, to the supreme bench of the state for the term of six years, succeeding to the chief justiceship in due time. Being at the time of the expiration of his term largely interested in mining matters in Nevada, he declined a renomination to the supreme court in 1866. He subsequently resumed the practice of law and came to Washington about 1875, being employed by his state to settle certain claims against the government. Until quite recently, when his health began to fail, ex-Gov. Lowe has always been an active, energetic gentleman, and warmly devoted to his profession. Among those who knew him best he was admired for his manly qualities, his sincere friendship and devotion to his adherents, and frank, open character.

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