Biography - John R. Warren

JOHN R. WARREN. A prominent position among the agriculturists of Shelby County is held by this gentleman, who resides on section 28, Tower Hill Township. He is now passing his declining years quietly in the enjoyment of the comforts accumulated through long years of toil. A native of Ohio, he was born in Pickaway County, February 17, 1820. His parents, Silas and Sarah (Riley) Warren, were natives of Delaware, the former born April 9, 1787, and the latter January 31, 1791. Both came to Ohio in youth, and after their marriage, which was solemnized in Pickaway County, they located in that place and made it their home until 1857.

In the above-mentioned year the parents of our subject came to Illinois, settling in Shelby County and purchasing a farm on section 29, Tower Hill Township. The family was soon called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted husband and father, who died November 17, 1857. The widowed mother survived until January 29, 1867. This worthy couple held an enviable place in the regard of their neighbors, and although they left to their children little of this world's goods they bequeathed to them what is far better — the priceless heritage of a good name. They had a family of six children, of whom five now survive.

Upon the home farm in Pickaway County, Ohio, our subject passed his youth and at an early age became familiar with agricultural pursuits. His educational advantages were limited to the district schools, but by subsequent reading he has become well informed upon all topics of general interest. Upon arriving at years of maturity he engaged in farming on his own account and has made this his life work. A very important event in his life was his marriage in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 21, 1843, when Miss Minerva A. Anderson became his wife. Her parents, Thomas and Delilah (Scothorn) Anderson, were natives respectively of Indiana and Virginia. The father died in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 21, 1836, and the mother afterward came west to Shelby County, Ill., where she died at the residence of our subject October 22, 1860.

Mrs. Warren, who was the second among six children, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 9, 1822, and was reared to maturity under the parental roof. After their marriage our subject and his wife located in Pickaway County, Ohio, where they continued to live until the fall of 1849. At that time they came to this State and made their home in Tower Hill Township, Shelby County. There the wife died April 7, 1880. She was a religious woman, and had been connected with the church for many years, and was a member of the United Brethren Church at the time of her death.

On February 23, 1882, our subject was again married, choosing as his wife Mrs. Elizabeth J. Dunn, the widow of Samuel Dunn, who died in Fairfield County, Ohio. Mrs. Warren, who is a sister of the first wife of our subject, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 21, 1825, and by her first marriage became the mother of six children, viz: Israel, Thomas, Effie A., Samuel, William and Homer. The ceremony which transformed her into Mrs. Warren was solemnized in Christian County, Ill., and the union has proved of mutual happiness. The various members of the family are honored in society and are noted for hospitality and kindness of heart.

The farm upon which Mr. Warren located after coming to Shelby County was entered from the Government and comprises eighty acres of fine land. Mr. Warren has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has converted his original purchase into one of the best farms in the county. He has retired from the more active duties associated with farm life, and in the midst of his happy family circle, finds rest from the cares of earlier years. A member of the Democratic party, he has always taken an active part in political affairs and has served the people in several local offices. For fifteen years he was Justice of the Peace and he has filled the office of Supervisor of Tower Hill Township for several terms. He takes great interest in educational affairs and has served the community acceptably in school offices. Religiously, he belongs to the United Brethren Church of which he has been a consistent member since 1844.

Extracted 12 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 394-397.

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