James Warner, son of Joseph and Mary Warner, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1835. He emigrated to America with his parents in 1843, and settled in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where he had the misfortune to lose both of his parents by death in 1846. There were six children, four boys and two girls, the eldest daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Webb cared for the little ones. She now resides in Wisconsin.
James, the subject of this sketch, started by water to California in March, 1851. He arrived in California on the 19th of April, the same year; from there he proceeded to Nevada county and followed mining, thence to Tuolumne county in 1852, and engaged in the same business.
His brother Joseph crossed the plains to the gold fields of California one year later, and went into partnership with James and has so continued ever since. The brothers remained in Tuolumne county until 1854. Shortly after they came to Stanislaus county, and engaged in stock raising; followed this business successfully until 1876, when they engaged in farming. They now own 1200 acres of fine undulating land situated on both sides of the Tuolumne river, twenty miles from Modesto.
Messrs. Warner Brothers have dealt largely in sheep, and now have 2000 head. They also have one hundred head of work stock on this farm, which is devoted chiefly to grain.
The Warner Brothers, by economy and industry, have secured good farms. A view of their home ranch will be found in this work.
John Warner lives at Knight's Ferry, and is now Justice of the Peace at that place.
William Warner is practicing law at Kansas City. They are all Republicans in politics.
James Warner was elected supervisor of Stanislaus county in 1879. The county is largely Democratic, and of him it may be said that he is the only Republican that has held that position except Mr. Peaslee.
Mr. James Warner married Miss Lola Smith in 1871. He has five children living, four sons and one daughter. Their names are Edith, Joseph R., James, John E., and Myron Warner.
[ History of Stanislaus County, California. 1881. Elliott & Moore. p.211]
