William Conner

Who was William Conner?

William Conner was an American trader, interpreter, scout, community leader, entrepreneur, and politician. Although his first trade was a fur trader, his later business interests included farming, milling, distillation of spirits, mercantile endeavors, and land speculation.

William Conner's older brother, John is notable to Indiana history for platting the town of Connersville, Indiana. William founded Hamilton County and its county seat Noblesville. William Conner served as an interpreter for the American forces in the War of 1812, and later served as an interpreter and witness at several treaty negotiations with Native American groups which would result in Indiana having its modern-day boundaries. Conner served three non-consecutive terms as a state representative in the Indiana House of Representatives between 1829 and 1837.

Conner was a charter member of the Indiana Historical Society and a member of the Masonic Order.

Conner Prairie is a living history museum in Fishers, Indiana that bears his name and is located on his original property. It includes Conner's original brick home.