Willard Warner Jr.:
Birthplace: Granville, Licking County, Ohio
Willard Warner Jr. was a distinguished American soldier, politician, and businessman whose life spanned pivotal moments in 19th-century U.S. history. From his early career in commerce to his service as a Union officer during the Civil War, and later as a U.S. Senator and industrialist in the post-war South, Warner left a lasting mark through his leadership in both public service and industry.
Early Life and Family
Willard Warner Jr. was born to Willard Warner Sr. (1797–1847) and Elvia E. Warner (1802–1831), both buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newark, Ohio. He married Eliza Woods (1832–1864), who is also interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery. They had two children: Willard Warner III and Mrs. James K. King. Details of his religious affiliation are not recorded.
Education and Early Career
- 1845: Graduated from Marietta College
- Before the Civil War, Warner worked as a mercantile businessman in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later managed the Newark Machine Works in Newark, Ohio.
Civil War Service (1861–1865)
- 1861–1863: Major of the 76th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 1862: Participated in the Battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, and the Siege of Corinth, Mississippi
- 1863: Served in the Vicksburg Campaign; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 76th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 1863–1864: Colonel of the 76th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 1864: Served as Inspector General on the staff of Major General William T. Sherman during the Atlanta Campaign
- 1864–1865: Colonel of the 180th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 1865: Received brevet promotions to Brigadier General and Major General of Union Army Volunteers
- July 1865: Mustered out of the Union Army
- 1865–1867: Served as Ohio State Senator
- Relocated to Prattville, Alabama, where he became a cotton planter
- 1868: Member of the Alabama House of Representatives
- Delegate to the Republican National Convention (Alabama) in 1868
- 1868–1871: U.S. Senator from Alabama
- 1870: Unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the U.S. Senate
- 1871–1872: Collector of Customs for the port of Mobile, Alabama
- 1872: Declined appointments as Governor of New Mexico Territory and U.S. Diplomat to Argentina
- 1873–1890: General Manager of the Tecumseh Iron Company
- Delegate to Republican National Conventions from Alabama in 1876, 1880, and 1888
- ]Industrial Leadership in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 1890–1906: President of Chattanooga Coffin and Casket Company
- 1890–1906: Director of Chattanooga Wagon Company
- 1890–1906: Director of Chattanooga Savings Bank
- 1897–1898: Member of the Tennessee State House of Representatives
- 1899–1906: Director and Founder of Richmond Spinning Mills
Death:
- Date: November 23, 1906
- Place: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Cause: Sudden death, found at his desk at the Chattanooga Coffin and Casket Company
- Age: 80 years
- Burial: Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newark, Ohio
Obituary: Willard Warner Jr. (1826–1906)
Willard Warner Jr., distinguished Civil War officer, former United States Senator, and prominent industrialist, passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 1906, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 80. Mr. Warner was discovered deceased at his place of business, the Chattanooga Coffin and Casket Company, where he served as president.
Born on September 4, 1826, in Granville, Licking County, Ohio, Mr. Warner was a graduate of Marietta College, class of 1845. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits and served as manager of the Newark Machine Works in Ohio.
During the Civil War, Mr. Warner served with distinction in the Union Army, beginning as Major of the 76th Ohio Infantry Regiment. He took part in pivotal engagements including the Battles of Fort Donelson and Corinth, and the Vicksburg Campaign. He was later promoted to Colonel and served as Inspector General on the staff of Major General William T. Sherman. In recognition of his exemplary service, he received brevet appointments to Brigadier General and Major General of Volunteers before mustering out in July 1865.
Following the war, Mr. Warner embarked on a notable political career. He served as Ohio State Senator from 1865 to 1867, subsequently relocating to Alabama where he engaged in cotton planting. He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1868 and that same year was elected as United States Senator from Alabama, serving until 1871. He also held the position of Collector of Customs for the Port of Mobile.
In later years, Mr. Warner devoted himself to industrial enterprises in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As president of the Chattanooga Coffin and Casket Company, director of the Chattanooga Wagon Company and Chattanooga Savings Bank, and founder of Richmond Spinning Mills, he played a vital role in advancing the region's industrial development.
Mr. Warner is survived by his children and is to be interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newark, Ohio. His distinguished career as a soldier, statesman, and industrialist stands as a testament to his dedication and service to both his country and community.
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