POWERS ADDITION
LOT : 1
ROW : 1
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SUB. R/C : ?
GRAVE # unknown btw. 1-8
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John Kirkpatrick Warren
b. December 18, 1834 Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island
d. November 18, 1894 Decatur, Macon County, Illinois
buried: November 19, 1894
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FATHER
unknown Warren
()
MOTHER
Ann Unknown
(1800-1870's)
MARRIED
Emma Powers
(1841-1923) May 31, 1866 Macon County, Illinois
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CHILDREN
with Emma
Giles R. Warren
(1868-1932)
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HISTORY OF POWERS ADDITION Most of the land on the west side of the
original Greenwood cemetery was owned by Orlando Powers. As with many pioneer families, they
chose a spot on their property to bury their loved ones. The spot the Powers family picked was
right next to Block 8, at the west boundry of Greenwood. There are stones dating back to the 1850's.
Around 1878 that section of land was annexed to Greenwood cemetery. The lot looks like one
big section, but is actually two. On the east side of the section is Block 8. On the west side is
the Powers Addition. If you stand at the south end of the section and look north you will see 4
trees in a direct line with the fence to the north. That is the original property line of Greenwood.
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DEATH OF HON. J.K. WARREN
A Leading and Honored Citizen Called Away Sunday Morning
In Saturday's issue of the Republican appeared a statement that Hon. John
K. Warren was then in a critical condition. He passed away in death at his home, 510 West Decatur
street, Sunday morning at 5 o'clock, the immediate cause being capillary bronchitis with heart
complications. Mr. Warren was 60 years of age.
About a week ago Mr. Warren went to Toledo, Ohio, en business, and while there he was more or less
exposed in a snow storm. The exposure brought on a severe cold from which he did not recover. The
death of Mr. Warren takes away a man of energy and sound judgment who has been prominently
identified with all important public enterprises in Decatur for many years, while personally he has
been largely instrumental in developing the city and building up profitable enterprises. He was an
upright and honored citizen, possessing a kind and sympathetic nature. He had many personal friends
in business and social circles who admired and loved him as a brother and for many good qualities.
Mr. Warren was a member of Beaumanoir Commandery No. 9, Knights Templar, and had been for many
years a director of the Indianapolis, Decatur & Western Railway company.
The funeral will take place from St. John's Episcopal church Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m.,
Rev. F.N. Atkin, the rector, will officiate, assisted by Rev. W.H. Prestley, of Kankakee.
Mr. Warren had been a resident of Decatur since 1855, coming here from the city of Philadelphia,
where he was born and reared. He became familiar with agricultural pursuits in the east, and
came west with the intention of engaging in the grain business in Chicago, but the climate of
that city, with the still breezes from the lakes, did not agree with him, and made his asthma,
from which he was a sufferer from childhood much worse. He sought an agreeable section, and
decided to locate in Decatur, he and his mother locating on a farm in the northeast corner of
Decatur township in 1856. He came to Decatur in 1858 to engage in the manufacture of wheat
drills as a partner of S.H. Boyakin. He retired from that enterprise in 1859, and at once began
business as an insurance and real estate agent. In 1861 the deceased formed a partnership with
the late H.B. Dufee in the real estate, insurance and title abstract business under the firm
name of Warren & Durfee. In 1863 B.K. Durfee became a member of the firm. The first system of
title abstracting that was copyrighted was the "H.B. Durfee Continuous and Self-Connective
System, with Durfee, Warren & Co.'s Improvements," which was largely introduced throughout the
west from 1864 to 1869. In May, 1867, Miss Emma Powers, daughter of Mrs. A.A. Powers, became the
wife of Mr. Warren. To the couple was given one son, Giles R. Warren.
In politics Mr. Warren was always a Republican, and in 1867 he was elected mayor of the city
over Franklin Priest, Democrat. He also served as member of the board of education for nine
years.
Mr. Warren from 1867 to 1872 was actively engaged in securing railroad lines through Decatur. He
was identified with the present I.D. & W., the old P.L.& D., and the present Peoria division of
the Vandalia system. The present Wabash line from Decatur to Chicago was secured largely through
the efforts of Mr. Warren. In 1868 he led in establishing the present gas plant in Decatur, and
became the secretary and treasurer, and the electric plant was added. He was the pioneer in the
building association in the city, making the first move in that direction with Ira T. Harris in
1873, being joined in the enterprise by B.K. Durfee. In 1881 Warren & Durfee added the
manufacturing business to their property, first making wooden trays, and then engaging in the
manufacture of automatic grain scales and weighers. The Boss Weigher and Loader proved the most
popular. The appointment of Mr. Durfee as state superintendent of insurance in 1893 resulted in
Mr. Warren taking the insurance business under the name of the Warren Insurance Agency.
Impressive Funeral of the Late Hon. John K. Warren at St. John's Church
Remarks by Rev. W.H. Prestley - Interment in Greenwood Cemetery - Floral Tributes
The last sad rites attending the interment of Hon. John K. Warren were observed yesterday
afternoon. The impressive and beautiful funeral services were held at St. John's Episcopal
church at 2 o'clock in the presence of a very large assemblage of friends. The church was
crowded, scores standing during the service, and many being unable to enter. There was a large
and beautiful display of rich floral offerings, many of special design, the tributes of
relatives and friends. The chancel rail was draped in mourning and blooming plants were
tastefully arranged in front. A bunch of white chrysanthemums marked the Warren pew which was
unoccupied during the service. The pews at the right in front were reserved for the relatvies,
and those at the left for the Knights Templars. A selection was played by Organist Church while
the remains which were in a richly draped black casket were brought to the chancel, followed by
the widow and son, relatives, Rev. W.H. Prestley and the Knights Templar, and preceeded by the
ushers, honorary pallbearers, and the rector, Rev. F.N. Atkin.
Rector Atkin read the Episcopal funeral service and the full surplice choir sang "Nearer My God
to Thee," and "Abide With Me."
Remarks by Rev. W.H. Prestley
At the conclusion of the Episcopal service, Rev. W.H. Prestley, pastor of the First Presbyterian
church at Kankakee, and for many years pastor of the Decatur Presbyterian church with which Mr.
Warren was identified for a long time in an official capacity, arose from his place in front of
the chacel and facing the congregation paid an affecting tribute to his friend. He said in part:
"Oh this sad occasion, dear friends, were I to cosult my own feelings I would feel better were I
to sit quietly with those who weep and mourn, but a duty has been assigned me. Our lives were
very closely associated for many years,a nd I thank God that I am permitted to say to you what
impressions hislife made upon my mind and my heart." Mr. Prestley here made an affecting
reference to the story of Jonathan and David. "The words of David and Jonathan came to me when
the telegraph flashed the words to my home, 'Mr. Warren died this morning.' I felt as David did
when he said, 'I am distressed for thee my brother; thou hast been very pleasant unto me; thy
love was wonderful.' Remember the words of Christ; 'What I do thou knowest not now, but will
hereafter.'
"Why was this brother taken from his home, from business, from the active, busy walks of life,
from the church militant? A thousand other men might have been taken. Men walk the streets and
say how can we spare this brother. Men look into each other's faces and tears fill the eye as
they think of him, and realize that never again will they see his like, never again view his
tender glance, nor hear his soft voice, nor feel again the warm clasp of his hand, that tender
pressure which was the index to his sympathetic heart.
"It is not necessary to speak of his identification with the railway interests of the city, of
his great love for Decatur, and of what he has done for the manufacturing interests of the
community. Read the records of Decatur as to its prosperity. See how much he was identified with
the development of the city, and you will realize what his loss means, and no more will you have
the benefit of his wise counsels.
"As a man he was richly endowed with talents which the good God gives his children. Physically
he was not great, but his mind was clear and strong. How gentle in mind, soft in the tones of
his voice. How we were impressed with the greatness of the man - modest, never obtrusive,
reticent, yet he was a man of great force of character, strong of will and firm of purpose and
true to principle. When John K. Warren believed a thing to be right, nothing could move him, and
when he believed a thing to be wrong, nothing could induce him to do wrong, no matter how it
would affect him. He did right because it was right. He was a bundle of energy and when engaged
in any undertaking he devoted himself unsparingly to the issue, day and night, denying himself
sleep, and no one can say that anything in which he had a part, failed because of lack of energy
on his part.
"He was a man of wonderfully clear judgment. How many have gone to him for counsel and advice.
He gave his time cheerfully, and he was kind, generous and noble. The heart of the man was the
true index of his life. How great he was! He lived not for himself. He lived for us. Self was
secondary with him. Did anything come up in his life, the question he would ask was, 'How will
this affect the welfare and happiness of others?' That was his first thought. In my 15 years or
more of acquaintance with John K. Warren I never heard him utter one word of censure for any
man, woman or child. * * The heart of man feeds largely on those things which influence the
heart. Mr. Warren couldn't help but think of others. It was his nature to do so. Oftentimes my
own lips when they were about to utter a quick word were closed by his kindly touch.
"Decatur has lost a great heart. You who knew him in his home, in business affairs, and in
social circles realize what he was. The earth is poorer by his departure, and Heaven, thank God,
is richer, is richer.
"His marriage was an ideal one. In the 30 years of his wedded life John K. Warren never uttered
a word to bring one pang to the heart of his wife, not one cross look, or one angry flash of the
eye. He was ever kind, considerate and gentle. Let us think of that. It was the great heart and
grand spirit of the man which thus influenced him all through his life. He was an ideal father."
"As a boy God laid his hand upon him very early. He was afflicted and he carried his infirmity
whith him to the end. His trouble changed his chosen vocation, but he learned his prayers and
lessons of patience at his mother's knee. His religion was deep-seated; it was not emotional. It
influenced all his life, and were that mother whom he loved so well to rise up she would call
him blessed. He was filial and he was devoted wholly to the church, performing his duties
cheerfully and thoroughly, adorning the office he held. I learned upon him. It might be supposed
that the close of such a life would be peaceful. He suffered, but in the midst of it all his
eyes were watchful of every movement of those who were with him in the last hours. He was
beloved of God. In his dying hours there was a manifestation to this heart and soul that
produced a wonderful change upon his that was so marked as to be observed by his wife who almost
constantly watched his bedside. When the light faded from his face he said, 'I am at rest. I
suffer no more.'
"So we rejoice that He giveth his beloved sheep. A new sepulchre has been opened for our friend.
In your hearts also there is a new sepulchre, but let us not lay a cold stone upon it as our
memory of him, but place upon it beautiful flowers. He has gone to God who loved him, to behold
the unclouded face of his Savior and to dwell in that land and under those brighter skies where
there is no sin, no sorrow, no suffering, no death."
Eminent Commander W.J. Wayne, Prelate Geo. W. Bright and Captain General Martin Herman read the
burial service of the Knights Templar order, which was followed by the reading of this obituary
by C.L. Hovey, representing the Knights Templar:
John Knox Warren was born in Warren, Rhode Island, December 18th, 1834. He came to Macon county
in th spring of 1856. He received the symbolic degrees of Masonry in Macon Lodge No. 8, and the
Chapter and Criptic degrees in Macon Chapter No. 21. He was created a knight of the illustrious
order of the Red Cross, Sept. 28, 1882, and was dubbed a knight of the valiant and magnanimous
order of Knights Templar and Knights of Malta of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, Oct. 19,
1892. He died Nov. 19, 1894. In the various walks of life he was courteous, honorable and just,
and in the duties of knighthood was, as in his lifetime, courteous. Well can it be said that a
good and true man has fallen asleep.
Rev. Mr. Prestley offered the closing prayer, and while the choir sang "Abide With Me," the body
was removed to the waiting hearse by the active pallbearers, who were Knights Templar W.H.
Starr, L.L. Burrows, Peter Loeb, Charles Armstrong, O.B. Gorin, H.F. May, J.M. Maris and J.M.
Clokey. The honorary pallbearers were W.J. Quinlan, J.R. Race, J.E. Bering, L. Burrows, W.F.
Scruggs, Samuel Winholts, E.A. Gastman and W.B. Chambers.
The cortege was formed under the supervision of the funeral director, J.B. Bullard. It was quite
large, and moved in this order: Platoon of police, honorary pallbearers, Mayor and city
officials in carriages, Beaumanoir Commandery No. 9 Knights Templar, in full uniform, hearse,
relatives and friends. At Greenwood the Knights Templar ritual wervice was read and young ladies
placed flowers in the grave. The dismissal prayer was offered by Rev. F.N. Atkin.
Among friends present from a distance were Judge Whig Ewing, of Chicago; Insurance Commissioner
Durfee, of Springfield; R.B.F. Pierce and J.S. Lazarus, of the I.D. & W road, Indianapolis, Ind.
A Personal Tribute
A tribulte from a friend of many years is given below:
"Look Thou Character"
A true friend, a noble man and a worthy citizen was called to the higher spheres when the spirit
of John Warren left his mortal encasement last Sunday morning. There has been no death here for
many years causing such general regrewt, such a sense of personal loss as does his. Yet, while
this is true, we are pleased to turn from our grief and contemplate the endearing qualities of
him we mourn. Materialists are accustomed to speak of idealists in terms of indulfent pity of
contempt and frequently the name denotes a character so impracticable as to be of little
importance as a factor in the problem of life, but when high ideals are cherished and worked up
to by practical methods, then do we see the perfect type of Christian manhood. Mr. Warren
fashioned his life on lofty models and was none the less a business man that he "hitched his
wagon to a star."
Though so much engaged with his several occupations he yet found time for the amenities of
social life, and his kindly interest in, and gentle courtesy, to all sorts and conditions of
men, will be long remembered and prove an inspiration for others. Few men had his gift of memory
or conversational power. Endowed with an analytical intellect, he could give the gist of a book
or theory with terseness and porperspciuity. His wit was of that pleasant and sparkling order
that pleases but leaves no sting. His wide orbited mind had been cultivated by extensive reading
and gleaning from varied literature. These, however, were but the adornments of his fine
personality. Beyond them was an individuality so strong and forceful as to stamp itself deep in
the hearts of his friends and on the life of his city. Everyone who knew respected Mr. Warren as
a man of high morals, of integrity and honor; he was no "honesty is the best policy" or
expediency man, but one whose moral ethics was based on the eternal verities.
A friend who had known him for forty years said to-day: "John Warren was the truest and best of
friends, and altogether the most unselfish man I ever knew." Such a tribute can be given to very
few and so modest was Mr. Warren, that were he permitted to know his friend's estimate, he would
be surprised, fo he had dignity and reserve that repressed, rather than encouraged commendation,
and so, while he bore himself bravely in the storm and stress of life, his was not the nature to
think he had attained his highest ideals, but rather one to say with the poet:
"Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low vaulted past!
Let each new temple nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thy outgrown shell by life's unresting sea."
In the life of such a man there is a lesson beyond all precept, and his friends have most
precious memories to console them, since so fine a life was crowned by a glorious christian
death. - E.M.B.
The Decatur Weekly Republican (Decatur, Illinois) 22 NOV 1894
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