William Dennison

1815–1882

Biography

William Dennison was an Ohio Republican politician who served as Governor of Ohio from 1859 to 1862, a critical period encompassing the outbreak of the American Civil War. As governor, he played an important role in mobilizing Ohio's resources and manpower for the Union cause, working closely with President Abraham Lincoln. After his gubernatorial tenure, he continued his political career and remained active in Republican politics during the Reconstruction era.