William W. Braden

William Wallace "W.W." Braden (December 3, 1837 – March 11, 1897) was an American politician and farmer who served as the fourth state auditor of Minnesota from 1882 to 1891 as a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1867 to 1869, representing the 14th electoral district in the 9th and 10th sessions of the Minnesota Legislature. Braden was also an unsuccessful candidate for governor of Minnesota in 1890.

Early life Braden was born in Iberia, Ohio, on December 3, 1837. He came to Minnesota in 1854. The 6th Minnesota fought in the Dakota War of 1862 at the Battle of Birch Coulee and the Battle of Wood Lake. The regiment later participated in Sibley's 1863 Campaign during the immediate aftermath of the Dakota War, taking part in the Battle of Big Mound, the Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake, and the Battle of Stony Lake before being rerouted to fight in the western theater of the American Civil War. holding this office from 1873 to 1881.

Braden served two terms as the fourth state auditor of Minnesota, holding office from January 10, 1882, to January 1891.

Braden was preceded as state auditor by Republican Orlan P. Whitcomb and succeeded by Democrat Adolph Biermann.

Following his tenure as state auditor, Braden was appointed land commissioner for the Great Northern road.

Braden was an unsuccessful candidate for governor of Minnesota in 1890, being defeated by incumbent William Rush Merriam in the Republican primary election.

Outside of politics, Braden was a farmer.

Personal life and death Braden resided in Lenora during his tenure in the Minnesota Legislature, though was a resident of Preston at the time of the 1881 state auditor election.

Braden died in California on March 11, 1897.

Electoral history 1881

1886