Vespasian Warner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vespasian Warner
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Warner in 1904
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 19th district |
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| In office March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1905 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph B. Crowley |
| Succeeded by | William B. McKinley |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 13th district |
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| In office March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | William McKendree Springer |
| Succeeded by | Robert R. Hitt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 23, 1842 Farmer City, Illinois |
| Died | March 31, 1925 (aged 82) Clinton, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
Vespasian Warner (born April 23, 1842 – died March 31, 1925) was an important person from Illinois. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he helped make laws for the country.
Early Life and Military Service
Vespasian Warner was born in Mount Pleasant, Illinois, in 1842. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Clinton, Illinois. He went to public schools in Clinton and later studied at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. He also studied law, which is the study of rules and laws.
When the American Civil War began, Warner joined the Union Army. He started as a private in the 12th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He was a brave soldier and quickly moved up in rank. He became a sergeant, then a second lieutenant, and later a captain. He was even given the special title of brevet major. He left the army in 1866.
After his military service, Warner went to Harvard University to study law. He graduated in 1868 and returned to his hometown of Clinton, Illinois. There, he started his own law practice with his father-in-law, Clifton H. Moore.
Political Career
Vespasian Warner was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1895. This is where people from different states go to represent their communities and help create laws for the whole country. He served five terms, from March 4, 1895, to March 3, 1905.
During his time in Congress, he was the chairman of the Committee on Revision of the Laws. This committee was in charge of reviewing and updating the laws of the country.
In 1904, Warner tried to become the Governor of Illinois, but he did not win his party's nomination. However, President Theodore Roosevelt recognized his talents. Roosevelt appointed Warner to be the United States Commissioner of Pensions. This job was similar to leading the Department of Veterans Affairs today. It helped take care of people who had served in the military. Warner held this important position from 1905 to 1909.
After his time in government, Warner returned to Clinton, Illinois. He became involved in business as a banker and also managed properties. He passed away in Clinton on March 31, 1925, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Vespasian Warner Public Library District
Vespasian Warner's father-in-law, Clifton H. Moore, loved books and had a very large collection. When Moore died in 1901, he wanted his books to be available to the public. He said he would give his collection to the city of Clinton if they built a proper library for them.
In 1906, Vespasian Warner helped make this dream come true. He donated $25,000 and a piece of land to the city to build a public library. The library was named the Vespasian Warner Public Library in his honor. It opened in 1908 and is still helping people learn and read today.
