Ward, Marcus L. (Marcus Lawrence), 1812-1884

Governor of and U.S. representative from New Jersey and philanthropist.

Marcus L. Ward was elected governor in 1865 and served from January 16, 1866 to January 18, 1869. He became a director of the National State Bank in 1846 and continued throughout his life to be active in the business life of his native Newark. He joined the Republican Party in 1856 and four years later served as a delegate to the national convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. During the Civil War founded the Ward U.S. Military Hospital in Newark, a forerunner of the Soldier's Home, and was chairman of the Public Aid Committee of Newark. Ward's active interest in the welfare of Civil War veterans and their families continued during the years of Reconstruction. He was also chairman to the Republic National Committee in 1866 and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1873-1875.