The Thirty-Second Wisconsin Legislature convened from to in regular session.
Senators representing odd-numbered districts were newly elected for this session and were serving the first year of a two-year term. Assembly members were elected to a one-year term. Assembly members and odd-numbered senators were elected in the general election of November 5, 1878. Senators representing even-numbered districts were serving the second year of their two-year term, having been elected in the general election held on November 6, 1877.
Major events
January 22, 1879: Matthew H. Carpenter elected United States Senator by the Wisconsin Legislature in Joint Session. November 4, 1879: William E. Smith re-elected as Governor of Wisconsin.
Major legislation
February 28, 1879: An Act to secure to children the benefits of an elementary education, 1879 Act 121. Created a legal requirement for parents and legal guardians to send their children to school for at least one semester per year between the ages of 7 and 15.
Party summary
Senate summary
Assembly summary
Sessions
1st Regular session: January 8, 1879March 5, 1879
Leaders
Senate leadership
President of the Senate: James M. Bingham (R) President pro tempore: William T. Price (R)
Assembly leadership
Speaker of the Assembly: David M. Kelly (R)
Members
Members of the Senate
Members of the Senate for the Thirty-Second Wisconsin Legislature:
Members of the Assembly
Members of the Assembly for the Thirty-Second Wisconsin Legislature:
Employees
Senate employees
Chief Clerk: Charles E. Bross
Assistant Clerk: W. S. Reynolds
Bookkeeper: T. S. Ansley
Engrossing Clerk: John P. Mitchell
Enrolling Clerk: A. J. Smith
Transcribing Clerk: Fred. Richards
Proofreader: Thomas A. Dyson
Clerk for the Judiciary Committee: H. M. Pierce
Clerk for the Committee on Claims: L. F. Nickey
Clerk for the Committee on Enrolled Bills: Walter L. Houser
Sergeant-at-Arms: Chalmers Ingersoll
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms: William A. Adamson
Postmaster: O. N. Russell
Assistant Postmaster: A. C. Martin
Gallery Attendant: O. A. Kluetz
Doc. Room Attendant: William Graham
Doorkeepers: E. T. Songstad M. Simon A. Knudson John Halls Porter: John Redman Night Watch: Eugene A. Steer Chief Clerk's Messenger: J. G. Hyland President's Messenger: John Barrows Messengers: Jos. Campbell Jas. H. Welch Harry M. Hathaway Thos. Farness Geo. Roe Jos. J. Gunkel Lono Loper Janitor: Ole Stevenson
Assembly employees
Chief Clerk: John E. Eldred
1st Assistant Clerk: William M. Fogo
2nd Assistant Clerk: S. L. Perrine
Bookkeeper: O. A. Southmayd
Engrossing Clerk: T. J. Vaughn
Enrolling Clerk: Franklin S. Lawrence
Transcribing Clerk: F. W. Rogers
Proof Reader: H. O. Fifield
Sergeant-at-Arms: Miletus Knight
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms: William Seamonson
Postmaster: J. J. Gibbs
Assistant Postmaster: William Stanton
Doorkeepers: J. J. Burnard C. E. Webster George B. McMillen Fred Oelhafer Gallery Attendants: R. Worts J. L. Johnson Porter: C. Schneider Night Watch: N. V. Chandler Wash Room Attendant: J. W. Kildow Speaker's Messenger: E. H. Potter Clerk's Messenger: Arthur Truax Messengers: William Post John F. Sanderson Richard Kempter S. G. Bottum Harvey Barlow Candy Nicodemus William Renkema Eddie Kavenaugh Julius Leison B. F. Oakley Bertie Carter Freddie Wittl Jake Gill