Allen Wardner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allen Wardner
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| Vermont State Treasurer | |
| In office October, 1837 – October 1838 |
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| Preceded by | Augustine Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Henry Fisk Janes |
| Member of the Vermont Governor's Council | |
| In office 1834–1836 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel C. Loveland |
| Succeeded by | None (Position eliminated) |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Windsor | |
| In office 1842–1843 |
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| Preceded by | Carlos Coolidge |
| Succeeded by | Horace Everett |
| In office 1831–1834 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Leland |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Coolidge |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 13, 1786 Alstead, New Hampshire, US |
| Died | August 29, 1877 (aged 90) Windsor, Vermont, US |
| Resting place | Old South Church Cemetery, Windsor, Vermont |
| Political party | National Republican Anti-Masonic Whig Republican |
| Spouse | Minerva Bingham (Married 1814, died 1841) |
| Children | George Edward Henry Helen Charlotte Elizabeth Martha |
| Profession | Businessman Banker |
Allen Wardner (born December 13, 1786 – died August 29, 1877) was an important person in Vermont. He was a banker, a businessman, and a politician. He even served as the State Treasurer of Vermont. His daughter, Helen, married William M. Evarts, who became a famous United States Senator and Secretary of State.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Allen Wardner was born in Alstead, New Hampshire on December 13, 1786. His family moved to Windsor, Vermont in 1800. There, Allen learned how to be a store clerk and a merchant.
He might have attended the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1809. However, there are no official records of him being a student there. It's possible he studied with a tutor to prepare for the entrance exam. But he may not have taken the exam. After his studies, he returned to Vermont around 1809 or 1810. He then started his career in business.
Military Service
In 1810, Wardner joined a local military group called the Jefferson Artillery. This group was from Windsor and was preparing for the War of 1812.
Later, in 1825, the Jefferson Artillery took part in a special event. They were in a parade and reception for Marquis de Lafayette. This happened when Lafayette visited Woodstock, Vermont during his tour of the United States. Wardner served in this unit for several years. He reached the rank of Captain. Because of this, people often called him "Captain Wardner."
Business Career
Allen Wardner ran a very successful store. At first, he was a junior partner with Dr. Isaac Green. Later, he became the main partner with his brother, Shubael Wardner.
He also got involved in banking. He was on the board of directors for the Windsor Bank. He also became the President of the Ascutney Bank.
Besides his store and banking work, Wardner had other business projects. He helped build the Ascutney Mill Dam. This dam provided water power for mills and factories in Windsor. He also worked with woolen mills. And he helped build and operate the Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge. This bridge connected Windsor, Vermont, and Cornish, New Hampshire.
Start of Political Career
Wardner became a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1831 to 1834.
In 1832, he was chosen for a committee. This committee was in charge of building the second Vermont State House.
During the 1830s, he also helped oversee the Vermont State Prison in Windsor. He was also one of the state's Commissioners of the Deaf & Dumb. This meant he made sure that people with disabilities who needed state help received it.
From 1834 to 1835, Wardner was a member of the Vermont Governor's Council.
In 1835, Wardner was one of the first people to help create the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad.
State Treasurer
In the 1837 election, the current State Treasurer, Augustine Clarke, got the most votes. However, he did not get the majority of votes needed by the Vermont Constitution. Clarke was an Anti-Mason, and his party was losing popularity.
When no candidate gets a majority, the Vermont General Assembly gets to choose the winner. The legislature was split between different parties. These included the Democrats, Whigs, and Anti-Masons. They could not agree on a winner.
So, Governor Silas H. Jennison appointed Wardner. Governor Jennison was an Anti-Mason who had support from the Whigs. Wardner served as State Treasurer from October 1837 to October 1838. Henry Fisk Janes then took over the role.
Later Life
Wardner continued to be active in business and banking. He also held government jobs. He served another term in the Vermont House in 1842. He also joined the board of directors for the Vermont State Prison.
In 1848, Wardner helped create the New Hampshire Central Railroad.
After his wife passed away, he started to step back from his businesses. He handed over their management to one of his sons. He retired in the late 1840s. He joined the Whig Party after the Anti-Masonic Party ended. Then, when the Republican Party was formed in the 1850s, he joined them.
In the 1850s, Wardner was active in the American Colonization Society. This group was against slavery. They believed that African Americans should move to communities in Africa and in South America and Central America.
Death and Burial
Allen Wardner died in Windsor, Vermont, on August 29, 1877. He was buried in the Old South Church Cemetery in Windsor.
Family
In 1814, Wardner married Minerva Bingham. She passed away in 1841. They had 12 children together, but only seven lived to be adults. Their children included George, Edward, Henry, Helen, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Martha.
Their daughter, Helen Wardner, married William M. Evarts.
Several of Wardner's descendants were named after him. One was Allen Wardner Evarts (1848-1920). He was a lawyer in New York and the son of William M. Evarts and Helen Wardner.
Another descendant was Maxwell Evarts (1862–1913). He was also a son of William M. Evarts. Maxwell was a lawyer, banker, and business leader in New York City and Vermont.
