Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2026 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet Data Repository Notice: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ============================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ============================================================================= History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan pub. D. W. Ensign & Co., Philadelphia - 1880 [p. 476-477] Among the early settlers of Prairieville township we find the name of ALBERT WARNER, who, with his mother, brother, and three sisters, came from Oswego Co., N.Y., in the month of October, 1845, and located on sections 7 and 18. ALBERT was born in Sandy Creek township, Oswego Co., Sept. 26, 1820. His father was an early settler in that town, where he had bought forty acres of land and had cleared and improved it, and the writer of this believes there never was worse land to clear. On the home-farm the boyhood days of ALBERT were passed, going two miles to school through the winter months, with the snow at times four feet deep. When he was fifteen years old his father and brother went away from home to work at the carpen- ter's trade, leaving him in charge of the farm. Two years later the death of the father left the brothers to care for the family. This was faithfully done, BURTON working out by the month, while ALBERT managed the farm. In the spring of 1845 the farm was sold, and ALBERT soon after took a trip through the States of Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, looking for a home. After hearing his report the family de- cided to settle in Barry County. BURTON came with is family by public conveyance; the rest of the family by team. The new farm consisted of one hundred and two acres, nearly all new, with only a log house, and that of the most primitive style. The roof was covered with slabs, boards, and shakes, with one door and no windows, the only light they had coming down the old-fashioned stick chimney, which served the double purpose of chimney and skylight. In this house both families, consisting of seven persons, lived a year. It was finally improved, and served as a comfortable home for many years, until in 1859 it was replaced with the large and commodious house now occupied by ALBERT and his family, and which was then the finest in the town. In the spring of 1847 the bro- thers divided their land, ALBERT taking the fifty-six acres on section 18 as his share, and which was all the land he owned for several years. MR. WARNER has never speculated, but has given his entire attention to farming, and has prospered beyond his expecta- tion. The farm of fifty-six acres has been enlarged to one of three hundred acres, with other tracts making two hundred and twenty acres more, also a farm in Kansas of three hundred and twenty acres, all the result of industry, economy, and good management. In politics MR. WARNER was in early life a Democrat, but joined the Republican party at its organization, and has since been an ardent supporter of its principles, though he has never desired or sought political advancement. In church matters he has for years been very active, and has done much to advance the cause of religion in his county, having helped build several churches, - the South Pine Lake Methodist Episcopal church especially, towards which he and his family subscribed nearly one-third of its original cost. He has been one of the trustees from the time it was organ- ized until the present time, and a class-leader since he was admitted to full membership, save a year when absent. He has also been connected for many years with the Sabbath-schools of his town, serving most of the time as superintendent, and being one of the original organizers of the Prairieville Sabbath-school Association. In October, 1879, MR. WARNER and his wife asked for letters and withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in March following joined the Wesleyans in organizing a church in Gun Plain township, Allegan Co., of which society he is a steward and class-leader. He is strongly opposed to all secret societies, and is a strong anti-Mason. On the 2d day of May, 1848, MR. WARNER was married to Miss CHLOE BENSON, who was born June 30, 1825, in ellisburg, Jef- ferson Co., N.Y., from whence her father and mother, "DUTY" and PHEBE BENSON, emigrated to Michigan in 1835, settling in Jackson County, and moving to what is now Orangeville in 1836, where they were among the first settlers. MRS. WARNER taught some of the first schools in Barry County, which occupation she pursued eight years, some of the time receiving one dol- lar per week for her services, and perfectly satisfied with that sum. As pioneers in many good works Mr. and Mrs. WARNER stand second to none, and now in the even-time of life they can look back upon many deeds well done, and a record with- out a stain or blemish. There have been born to them five children, viz: J. L., born Nov. 1, 1849; LEROY B., Aug. 14, 1852; LURA, Nov. 14, 1854 (died March 29, 1855); LESTER, Feb. 22, 1858; and FRANKIE, May 23, 1863 (died Aug. 8, 1864). ===============================================================================