William H. Wisener
William H. Wisener | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives | |
| In office 1853–1855 | |
| Preceded by | Jordan Stokes |
| Succeeded by | Neill S. Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 22, 1812 Bedford County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | December 24, 1882 (aged 70) Shelbyville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Resting place | Willow Mount Cemetery, Shelbyville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Whig Know Nothing Opposition Republican |
| Profession | Attorney |
William H. Wisener (April 22, 1812 – December 24, 1882) was an American politician, active primarily at the state level in Tennessee during the mid-19th century. He served four terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives (1847–1849, 1851–1855, and 1859–1861), including one term as Speaker (1853–1855). A Southern Unionist, he led the opposition to secession in the House on the eve of the Civil War. After the war, he served in the Tennessee Senate, where he introduced the 13th Amendment for ratification in April 1865.
Wisener was the Republican nominee for governor in 1870, but was defeated by the Democratic candidate, John C. Brown.