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.
