CSN Ward, John Elliott

John Elliott Ward (1814–1902)​

John Elliott Ward was a prominent 19th-century American politician, lawyer, and diplomat from Georgia. Known for his extensive public service, Ward held various significant roles including state legislator, mayor of Savannah, and United States Minister to China. Despite his opposition to secession during the Civil War, he played a crucial role in supporting the Confederate Navy. His life reflects the complexities of Southern politics and loyalty during a turbulent era in American history.

Born: October 2, 1814
Birthplace: Sunbury, Georgia
Parents: William Ward and Ann McIntosh


Education:

• Attended Amherst College, 1831–1832

Family:

• Wife: Olivia Buckminster Sullivan (1818–1890)
• Children:
  • John Elliott Ward (1842–1850) — buried Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA
  • Hall McAllister Ward (1845–1845) — buried Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA
  • William Gordon Ward (1846–1850) — buried Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA
  • Olivia Sullivan Ward (1848–1929) — buried Evergreen Cemetery, Morristown, NJ
  • James Montfront Ward (1854–1904) — buried Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown, NJ
  • Anna Louise Ward (1854–1937) — buried Saint Mary's Episcopal Churchyard, Portsmouth, RI
  • Lachlan McIntosh Ward (1857–1893) — buried Green-Wood Cemetery, Greenwood Heights, NY

Career Before the Civil War:

• Attorney practicing law in Savannah, Georgia
• Solicitor General of the Eastern District of Georgia
• United States District Attorney for Georgia (appointed 1838)
• Member of the Georgia State House of Representatives (1839–1853)
• Speaker of the Georgia State House of Representatives (1853–1854)
• Mayor of Savannah, Georgia (1853–1854)
• President of the Democratic National Convention (1856)
• Acting Lieutenant Governor of Georgia (1857)
• United States Minister (Envoy) to China (1859–1860)

Civil War Period:

• Initially an opponent of secession and Georgia's withdrawal from the Union
• Served as an agent for the Confederate States Navy, assisting efforts to break the Union blockade
• Despite his anti-secession stance, his image appeared on a Confederate $10 note

Post-War Career:

• Practiced law in New York City from 1866 until 1902
• Returned to Liberty County, Georgia in 1902, briefly resuming legal practice

Death:

• Died November 29, 1902, in Dorchester, Georgia at the age of 88
• Cause of death is unknown
• Buried at Midway Cemetery, Midway, Georgia

 

[FrenchButternut]

I had never heard of him before.
Fascinating!