Among the distinguished coterie whose names grace the pages of the early history of the county, and by whose talents and ability Grant County was pushed to the front rank almost from the beginning of its settlement, none filled a larger space than Mr. Eastman. The son of Hon. Samuel Eastman and Jane Eastman, he was born at Strong, Frank County, Me., October 24, 1812. He received, as he advanced in years, a common school and academic education, after which he turned his thoughts to the legal profession, and commenced the study of law with Judge Emmons, of Hollowell, Me., afterward completing his studies with Judge Hall of New York. In 1838, he left the East for the new Territory of Wisconsin, stopping first at Green Bay, where he entered into a law partnership with Morgan L. Martin. The succeeding year, Mr. Eastman removed to Grant County, locating at Platteville, which remained his home from that time until the date of his death, February 2, 1857.
     As a lawyer, Mr. Eastman exhibited marked abilities, ranking among the foremost of that bar which was rarely equaled and never excelled in the State.
     Political questions were viewed by Mr. Eastman from a Democratic standpoint, and his marked abilities were recognized by that party, resulting in his election as a member of the Thirty-second Congress for the Second District. Upon the expiration of his term he was honored by a re-election, and faithfully did he protect the interests confided to his care by his constituents. At the close of his second term Mr. Eastman retired to private life, and, although an active participant in political matters and occupying a prominent position in the county, he accepted no further official position, but devoted the years previous to his death to his practice and attention to private interests.
     Mr. Eastman married Miss Charlotte L. Snoall, of Hollowell, Me., who remained to mourn his early death. Though cut off in his prime, and just as the county of his adoption was entering upon its fullest prosperity, he had still left his imprint upon the pages of its history, which will ever remain as long as Grant County continues as an integral portion of this great State.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.