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Served from 1845 through 1856
Chief Justice: 1852, 1853, 1854
Warner Wing was born in September of 1805. A native of Ohio and a graduate of the Northampton Law School of Massachusetts, Wing moved into the Territory of Michigan in 1817. He settled in the city of Monroe, where he worked as an attorney in private practice.
As an active and prominent politician, Wing was non-partisan. In 1845, he was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court and also presided over the First and Second Circuit Courts. He served in these positions for 12 years, retiring in 1856.
Wing was a man of remarkably fine physique, pleasing address, sanguine and impulsive temperament, and overflowed with genial wit and humor, and an almost feminine sensibility.
His most noted trial was perhaps the one known as the Railroad Conspiracy Case – one of the longest and most tedious ever held in the State – and he presided in such a manner as to attract the attention of jurists throughout the country.
Although an able and popular judge, Wing retired to accept the position of counsel for a railroad company, a position he held until his death in March of 1876. (Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Reports: Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of Michigan). Chicago: Callaghan and Co., 1879 – 1948, Vol. 4-320.)