My Genealogy Hound

Rev. David B. Warren, a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, residing four miles south of Gainesville, Ark., was born in Giles County, Tenn., October 3, 1827, and is the fourth son of John B. and Rachael (Hunt) Warren, who were born near Petersburg, N. C., the former February 27, 1796, and the latter November 24, 1797. They were married about the year 1817, and about 1824 removed to Middle Tennessee, settling in Giles County. He was a farmer, and a part of his life worked at the blacksmith’s trade, but gave up both occupations several years before his death owing to the failure in his eye-sight, and the last five years of his life he was entirely blind. He was a worthy, good citizen, and in politics was an old line Whig. He took no part in the late Civil War, but was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They both lived to a ripe old age; he died February 23, 1884, within only four days of being eighty-eight, and she died in March, 1885, wanting only a few months of being also eighty-eight. To them were born nine children, all of whom lived to mature age: Henry J. (who died in 1882), Sarah J. L. (deceased), James A., Joseph A., David B., Mary F., Louisa E., Elmina M. (deceased) and William W. Rev. David B. Warren received a very meager education in the old field schools of that day, but after he attained the age of twenty-two attended better schools away from home. In 1850 he taught his first session of three months, being employed by three of his neighbors for $25 (which was only $8 per month). But this small beginning was sufficient to demonstrate his worth as a teacher, and for more than twenty years — six in Tennessee, and more than fourteen in Arkansas — his labors were crowned with great success, and many of the most useful and influential men and women in the communities where he taught in both States were his pupils in their youth, and received instruction at his hands. In 1854 he made a profession of religion, and two years later was licensed to preach, and has been a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, ever since. In 1870 and 1871 he was in charge of the Greensboro circuit as a supply. He has been instrumental in doing much good, both as a teacher and a preacher, and has performed more marriage ceremonies and preached more funeral sermons than almost any other preacher in Northeast Arkansas. In 1882 he was a lay delegate from the White River conference to the General conference of the Southern Methodist Church, which met in Nashville, Tenn., and faithfully represented his constituents in that highest and only legislative body of the church. He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Marvin, in 1867, and an elder by Bishop Kavanaugh, in 1877, and worthily honors the church in the faithful discharge of the duties of these important offices. He was married March 4, 1855, to Miss Lucy J. Ford, who was born in Giles County, Tenn., March 26, 1834, where she grew to maturity and was married. Five of the eight children born to them are still living: Alice, wife of J. W. Newberry; Ezra, married and living near the old home place; Ida, wife of G. W. Walden, also residing near the home place; Osmer, who died November 11, 1883, aged twenty-one years; Mackey, who died February 11, 1882, aged eighteen years; Clara, who died December 2, 1871, aged five years; Minnie and Albert, who still remain under the parental roof. Mr. Warren has a splendid little farm of about 100 acres in cultivation, and a neat, comfortable home, and is much beloved and highly respected for his sterling integrity as a citizen and as a Christian gentleman. He is a distinguished member of the Masonic fraternity, and has, served in several important positions in a local sphere, and is now (1889) serving his second year as grand lecturer of the State. He takes a lively interest in the work and lectures of this ancient and honorable institution, and travels extensively in the discharge of the duties of his high office. He is also an uncompromising advocate of temperance, and is opposed to the liquor traffic in all its forms, believing it to be the greatest enemy to the prosperity and happiness of the people. In November, 1872, he was elected clerk of his county, to which position he was re-elected for ten years in succession, and served his people with fidelity and marked ability, performing the intricate and complicated duties of the office with satisfaction to the people, and in 1882 he voluntarily retired to private life, followed by the good wishes and benedictions of all the people, and has well earned their universal plaudit, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’’