History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/4/Philip Viele
PHILIP VIELE was born in Pittstown, New York, on the 10th of September, 1709. He graduated at Union College and studied law. An eloquent public speaker he became famous as the “boy orator” in the Jackson campaign. In 1837 he emigrated to the “Black Hawk Purchase,” making the long journey by stage coach and river steamer. He located at Fort Madison which became his permanent home. In 1840 he left the Democratic party and took the stump for General Harrison for President. He was chosen probate judge in 1846, serving six years and in 1852 was nominated by the Whigs for Representative in Congress and made a vigorous campaign but was defeated by Bernhart Henn, Democrat. He was a delegate in 1856 to the convention which organized the Republican party of Iowa and presided over its deliberations. In his opening address he suggested the policy which was adopted by the new party. In 1859 he was chosen a member of the State Board of Education and served two years.