DOTY, James Duane, governor of Wisconsin, born in Salem, Washington co.. New York, in 1799; died in Salt Lake City, Utah, 13 June 1865. After studying law he removed to Detroit, Michigan, in 1818, and became secretary of the territorial council and clerk of the court. In 1820 he was one of the party that, under General Lewis Cass, explored the upper lakes in canoes, traveling 4,000 miles, and making treaties with the Indian tribes of that region. In 1823'32 he was U. S. judge for northern Michigan, holding his first court at Prairie du Chien, then a military outpost. He was one of a commission appointed by congress in 1830 to lay out a military road from Green Bay through Chicago to Prairie du Chien, and in 1834 was a member of the Michigan legislature. Here he introduced a bill that led to the division of Michigan and the creation of Wisconsin and Iowa territories.

He was one of the founders of the present City of Madison, Wis., secured its adoption as the capital, and in 1837'41 was delegate to congress from the new territory, having been elected as a Democrat. In 1841'4 he was governor of the territory; but his administration was marked by bitter contentions and a collision with the legislature, and after the appointment of his successor he was placed by the war department on a commission to treat with the Indians of the northwest. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1846, and, on the admission of Wisconsin to the Union, served two more terms in congress, from 1849 till 1853, being chosen the second time as a free soiler. He was made superintendent of Indian affairs in 1861, and in 1864 was appointed by President Lincoln governor of Utah territory, of which he had previously been treasurer. Governor Dory was a man of great ability, commanding presence, and winning address. Though he had many political enemies, he was personally a favorite with all.