My Genealogy Hound

L. H. WARNER. The father of this prominent and successful agriculturist, Habbell Warner, was a product of the Empire State, born in Herkimer County, Warren Township, and there followed the trade of harness-maker until thirty-two years of age, when he started out as an agriculturist. His father, Oliver Warner, was a native of Connecticut, and died in that State in 1813. Habbell Warner married Miss Catherine Hughes, who was also a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., and their nuptials were celebrated in that county in 1825. Her father, John Hughes, was born in New York State, and was of Scotch descent.

In the year 1832 Mr. and Mrs. Warner moved to Cayuga County, New York State, but in the spring of 1837 they emigrated to Michigan and settled at Paw Paw. In September of the same year they moved to this county and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, but which was then a part of the farm of Josephus Gard. Mr. Warner also entered one hundred and twenty acres of land, and resided on this until 1859, when he removed to Dowagiac and lived a retired life. His estimable companion died there in 1877, and in 1880 Mr. Warner made his home with our subject, and passed quietly away in 1887, when eighty-seven years of age. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was an active worker. Of the seven children born to the above worthy couple, only two besides our subject are now living, James H. and Angeline Snider. Mr. Warner took a prominent part in township affairs, was Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, etc., and was much esteemed for his many estimable qualities. In politics, he was a Democrat.

The natal day of our subject was February 6, 1828, and his native State was New York. He was born in Herkimer County, and was but nine years of age when he came with his parents to Michigan. His educational advantages were limited, as he attended the subscription schools for a short time only, most of his time being taken up in assisting to clear the farm. Indians were numerous, and the thick timber hid many a lurking animal. Thus he grew to sturdy manhood, and in 1852 he was married to Miss Orley Ann Shaw, a daughter of Richard Shaw and sister to Mrs. I. N. Gard. (See sketch.) Mrs. Warner was born on Young’s Prairie, this county, February 10, 1833. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Warner lived on a farm on Little Prairie until 1859, when they moved to the old homestead, on which they have resided up to the present. They are now the owners of one hundred and twenty acres of land, sixty-five acres under the plow, and have made many improvements in the place. Recently Mr. Warner sold eighty acres.

Five of the seven children born to this union are now living: Charles E., Emily, M. Edna, Catherine and Sophia. The eldest died in infancy. Ella is also deceased. Mr. Warner is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Volinia, and was Secretary of the same for some time. He is a member of the Farmers’ Club and is also a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, being an officer in the latter organization — “Foreman of Riders.” His son Charles is a well-known educator of the county; Emily is teaching at Grand Rapids, and Catherine has also taught. Edna is now cashier and book-keeper in a store at Cassopolis, this county. Mr. Warner has been a member of the School Board for years and is interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. He is a Democrat in politics, has held the office of Township Treasurer for six years, was also School Inspector, and was frequently a delegate to county conventions. He is at present erecting a fine residence in Cassopolis, and there he expects to move in the near future.