THE 
AMERICAN GEOLOGIST 
Vol. XIII. JANUARY, 1894. No. 1. 
INCREASE ALLEN LAPHAM. 
By N. H. Winchell, Minneapolis. 
It was a remarkable historical event which took place in 
Wisconsin about two years ago. The State Agricultural So- 
ciety, holding its annual fair at Milwaukee, authorized the 
offer of a special premium* to the lady naming the most dis- 
tinguished citizen(deceased) of the state of Wisconsin, present- 
ing at the same time a sketch of his life. Nineteen papers 
were examined by the judges appointed by the society, of which 
five named the subject of this sketch ; and after duly weighing 
the merits of each, and its reasons for choosing this or the 
other of the distinguished citizens of the state, the judges 
" decided that the author of No. 3 [in favor of Dr. I. A. Lap- 
ham], Mrs. Amelia W. Bate, of Milwaukee, is entitled to the 
premium." The committee further say: 
Permit us at the same time to add that we feel more than ordinary 
gratification in the general effect of this contest from the fact that, as 
present appearances indicate, it is more than likely to result in a proper 
recognition of the valuable life-services rendered Wisconsin by one of 
her most distinguished citizens. 
It is probably the first instance in human history of the 
popular choice of a deceased scientist as a recipient of honor, 
above statesmen, financiers, lawyers, and educators. It was ;i 
deliberate, organized and well-executed canvass, f and the 
*Through A W. Rich and Company, of Milwaukee. 
|The plan and sketches are published in a pamphlet entitled: Bio- 
graphical sketches of Increase Allen Lapham and other distinguished 
citizens of Wisconsin. Milwaukee, 1891, with portraits. 
