[2] The Form Book was widely distributed in the early state as a manual for attorneys, sheriffs, local officials, and justices of the peace, with standardized language and instructions for contracts and legal documents.

Gale won recognition at the convention as a leading member of the judiciary committee and helped frame the Constitution of Wisconsin, which was approved and ratified in 1848.

[7] Also in 1851, Gale was appointed Brigadier General of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division of the Wisconsin Militia by Governor Nelson Dewey.

Also during this time, Gale began to advocate for the establishment of a college or academy of higher learning in the area, but was unable to sway the voters of La Crosse.

In April 1856, Gale was elected Wisconsin circuit court judge in the 6th circuit–then comprising the counties of Buffalo, Clark, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Crawford.

However, during the 1861 session of the Legislature, a law was passed to legislate him out of his seat in the sixth circuit and instead make him judge of the newly-created eleventh district.

The Legislature deemed the seat vacant and the Governor, Alexander Randall, appointed state representative Isaac E. Messmore to the judgeship on April 10, 1861.

A legal battle ensued, in which Gale was supported by the Attorney General of Wisconsin, James Henry Howe.

He began taking trips around the South and West of the country in an attempt to revitalize his health, but largely retired from public life.