MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Wisconsin Historical Society showcases the life and legacy of the state’s first governor.

Nelson Dewey served as governor from 1848 to 1852. He was also a lawyer and land speculator.

“After he served as governor, he came back and established a 2,000-acre estate here in Cassville,” Hanson said.

He named his estate Stonefield. Dewey’s gothic style home burned down in 1873.

“There was a chimney fire that had started in the house,” Hanson explained.

It’s a moment that changed the trajectory of his life.

“The panic of 1873 hit him financially quite hard. His insurance had kind of lapsed on the property, and he never got a significant insurance payout for it,” Hanson said. “It was a big financial loss for him. He always dreamed of rebuilding the estate, but he ev

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