Warnock, William J
From Lane Co Oregon
WILLIAM J. WARNOCK
Who is one of the successful business men of Eugene, Oregon, has been a resident of this city since 1899. He has large holdings in real estate and his time is devoted entirely to looking after his invested interests. He was born at Lacona, Warren county, Iowa, September 3, 1857, a son of Lewis C. and Elizabeth (Oxenreider) Warnock. The father, a native of Ohio, was reared in Indiana, and here he had left the parental roof the family removed to Iowa, being among the pioneers of that state. The father went to Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1881, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, making that place his home throughout the remainder of his life, his death occurring July 31, 1896, when he was sixty-four years of age. The mother was a daughter of Henry Oxenreider, who removed at an early day from Morrow county, Ohio, and settled in Iowa where the young couple were married November 27, 1856.
William J. Warnock was educated in the district schools and on the home place he assisted his father until 1883, when he began farming on his own account, an occupation which he continued until 1899, when he removed to Eugene, Oregon. His first business experience in this city was that of conducting a dray line, a connection which he remained fourteen months. On February 1, 1901, he opened a feed store and stable, remaining in that business until 1907, when he was succeeded by his sons. He was president of the Osborn Hotel Company upon its organization and was chairman of the building committee. He was also instrumental in the erection of the new building for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, one of the finest blocks in Eugene. In 1912 he built a store and office structure on Pearl street between Eighth and Ninth streets, eighty-one by one hundred and ten feet in dimensions, and having two stories, on the first floor, with suites of rooms occupying the second floor.
Mr. Warnock was married on February 25, 1882, to Miss Cora M. Locke, a daughter of Hiram Locke, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and they have eight children, Lewis Lester, Albert E., Mamie Elsie, Ida M., Sadie M., Elma Hazel, Charles Arthur and Ethel Violet. In his political views Mr. Warnock is a republican, giving substantial support to that party. While living in Kansas he was school board trustee for sixteen years and assessor for nine years; was also township commissioner for several terms and since becoming a resident of Eugene has been a member of the city council, being elected April 11, 1911. He is also chairman of the street committee. Fraternally he is a member of Spencer Butte Lodge, No. 9, I. 0. 0. F. He is also a member of Eugene Lodge, No. 55, of the Rebekahs, and of Eugene Camp, No. 5837, Modern Woodmen of America. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he is deeply interested, being now a member of its official board. The rapid growth and splendid development which have characterized the city of Eugene in recent years have been made possible by the hearty cooperation of an energetic set of business men and prominent among these is William J. Warnock, who has always been optimistic regarding the future of his home city. He has been untiring in his efforts to assist in its advancement and upbuilding and in so doing has been one of the able factors in the success Eugene has already attained. Popular among his business associates, honest in all of his dealings and genial in his personality, he has become ' extremely well and favorably known throughout the city and community where he is recognized as a valued and representative citizen.
[Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 2. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 697.]
