Allen Wardner
Allen Wardner | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Alstead, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Died | August 29, 1877 (aged 90) Windsor, Vermont, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, banker, politician |
| Years active | Early 1800s–1870s |
| Known for | Vermont State Treasurer; banking and commerce in Vermont; involvement in Vermont politics |
Allen Wardner (born December 13, 1786 – died August 29, 1877) was a prominent Vermont figure known for his roles in banking, commerce, and politics, including his tenure as State Treasurer. He was also connected by marriage to William M. Evarts, who served as U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Senator.
Early life
Born in Alstead, New Hampshire, on December 13, 1786, Wardner's family relocated to Windsor, Vermont in 1800. There, he gained experience working as a store clerk and merchant apprentice. Although it is believed he prepared for the United States Military Academy entrance exam around 1809, no enrollment records have been found. By approximately 1809 or 1810, he returned to Vermont to embark on his commercial pursuits.
Military service
In anticipation of the War of 1812, Wardner enlisted in the Jefferson Artillery of Windsor in 1810, a militia unit associated with the Democratic-Republican Party. This unit notably took part in the 1825 celebration honoring Marquis de Lafayette during his American visit. Wardner served for several years and rose to the rank of Captain, a title by which he was thereafter commonly identified.
Business career
Wardner initially operated a retail store as a junior partner with Dr. Isaac Green before becoming senior partner alongside his brother Shubael Wardner. His business interests extended into banking where he held positions on the Windsor Bank board and presided over the Ascutney Bank.
His entrepreneurial ventures also included investments in infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Ascutney Mill Dam to supply power for local manufacturing facilities. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing woolen mills and was involved in building and managing the Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge linking Windsor with Cornish, New Hampshire.
Start of political career
Aligning with the Anti-Masonic movement, Wardner represented Windsor in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1831 through 1834. In 1832, he participated on the committee responsible for overseeing the construction of Vermont’s second State House.
Throughout the 1830s, Wardner contributed to state administration by helping manage operations at Vermont State Prison and serving as Commissioner of the Deaf & Dumb to advocate for state assistance to people with disabilities. He was also a member of Vermont’s Governor’s Council between 1834 and 1835.
In 1835, Wardner became one of the founding incorporators of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad, reflecting his engagement in regional transportation development.
State Treasurer
The 1837 election for State Treasurer saw incumbent Augustine Clarke receive a plurality but not the constitutional majority required. Clarke represented the Anti-Masonic Party during a period of its waning influence. When no candidate secured a majority vote, selection responsibility fell to the Vermont General Assembly.
Due to legislative divisions among Democrats, Whigs, and Anti-Masons that prevented consensus on a treasurer, Governor Silas H. Jennison—an Anti-Mason supported by Whigs—appointed Wardner to fill the position. Wardner served from October 1837 until October 1838 before being succeeded by Henry Fisk Janes.
Later life
Wardner maintained his commercial and banking enterprises while continuing public service roles including another term in the Vermont House in 1842 and membership on Vermont State Prison’s board of directors.
In 1848, he was among those who incorporated the New Hampshire Central Railroad.
Following his wife’s passing in the late 1840s, Wardner gradually retired from active business management by delegating responsibilities to one of his sons. Politically, he transitioned from the defunct Anti-Masonic Party to the Whigs and later affiliated with the Republican Party during the 1850s.
During that decade, Wardner actively participated in the American Colonization Society, an organization opposing slavery and advocating for resettlement of African Americans in colonies across Africa as well as Central and South America.
Death and burial
Wardner passed away in Windsor on August 29, 1877, and his remains were laid to rest at the Old South Church Cemetery in Windsor.
Family
In 1814, Wardner wed Minerva Bingham, who predeceased him in 1841. Together, they had twelve children, seven of whom survived into adulthood: George, Edward, Henry, Helen, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Martha.
Helen Wardner became the wife of William M. Evarts. Their lineage included Allen Wardner Evarts (1848–1920), a New York lawyer named in honor of Wardner, as well as Maxwell Evarts (1862–1913), who practiced law in New York City and Vermont and was also active as a banker and business leader.