John Horner American activist, lawyer Date of Birth: 05.12.1802 Country: USA

1. Biography of John Horner
2. Appointment in Michigan
3. Appointment in Wisconsin
4. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of John Horner

John Scott Horner, also known as Little Jack Horner, was born in 1802 in Warrenton, Virginia. He attended a private boarding school and went on to graduate from Jefferson College with a degree in law in 1819. Horner started a successful private practice and in 1834, he married Harriet Watson, the daughter of James Watson, a senator from New York. This marriage would greatly impact Horner's future career.

Appointment in Michigan

In August 1835, Horner was appointed by the President of the United States to serve in the state of Michigan as a secretary and governor. However, this appointment came with a significant challenge. The boundary between Michigan and the newly admitted state of Ohio had not been determined since Ohio's admission in 1803. Michigan had been in control of the territory until 1835 when Ohio declared it as part of Lucas County with Toledo as its center. This led to a two-year conflict known as the Toledo War, where both states demonstrated their militancy. Horner had to navigate the anger of Ohio representatives while simultaneously trying to retain the territory for Michigan. His natural diplomatic abilities proved invaluable in managing this contentious situation.

Appointment in Wisconsin

Ultimately, the federal authorities officially assigned the disputed area to Ohio and compensated Michigan with the Upper Peninsula. Following this, John Horner received a new appointment, this time in the Wisconsin Territory. On May 6, 1836, he became the secretary of this newly established territory, which later became the state of Wisconsin. He administered the swearing-in of Governor Henry Dodge and played a role in the appointment of judges and members of the territorial Supreme Court.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1847, Horner received an appointment in Virginia. He lived with his family in Green Lake County until 1854, serving as a judge. John Horner was one of the earliest settlers of the modern city of Ripon, Wisconsin. He actively participated in the organization of Ripon College. It was in Ripon that Horner passed away at the age of eighty.