Henry Conner

Henry Conner (April 1, 1837 – June 7, 1918) was an American hotelier, restaurateur, and politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing Vernon and counties during the 1891 and 1893 sessions. Earlier, he served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, and lost his right leg due to wounds. His last name was sometimes spelled Connor.

Early life Conner was born on April 1, 1837, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His father died shortly after he was born, his mother remarried and he was raised at the home of his step-father until he was about fourteen years old, receiving a liberal education.

At age 14, he went to work a team of mules on the Erie Canal, but returned home after three years and apprenticed as a paper-strainer under his step-father, who then had an extensive business in that industry.

In January 1864, he was commissioned as second lieutenant of Company C. In that capacity, he was wounded in the face and neck at the Battle of Poplar Springs Church in the Richmond–Petersburg campaign. He missed only six weeks to recuperate, and, on his return, he was promoted to first lieutenant for Company H. Conner was part of the Democratic majority which repealed the law in 1891.

Conner was not a candidate for re-election in 1894, and was subsequently hired as a messenger in the United States Senate, serving two years. He largely retired in 1898.

He died at Snell Hospital in Viroqua on June 7, 1918, after a long period of poor health.

Electoral history Wisconsin Senate (1890)