Butler County, Alabama - Chapter 18, 1885

This old citizen of Butler was born in Clark County, Georgia, May lo, 1802. His father died in 1807, leaving a large family without any means of support, and his children were distributed among the neighbors. Thomas Hill took Warren, and adopted him. When Thomas Hill came to Alabama Territory in 18 16, he brought the adopted child with him. Warren spent the earlier days of his life driving cattle for this good old man, and worked faithfully for him until his death in 1821, and remained with his widow until she died in 1822. He was then about grown, and was thrown upon his own responsibilities, having no relatives in this distant land. He was quite small for his age, weighing only 98 pounds, but was very strong and tough. He bore the reputation of being the only man in the county that could throw down Betsy Donaldson, who was quite a noted character for strength at that time. He was employed by Dave Elder as overseer, and remained with him five or six years. He married December 19, 1829. His wife, Mrs. Mary Danvis, was the second daughter of Thomas Hays, who was so opposed to the marriage, that Warren had to steal his bride from the paternal roof at night. This marriage proved quite fruitful, and nine children were raised, all of them having since married and have families. The names of Warren's children are: Albert, Mary, James, Arvilla, Franklin, David, Calvin, John and Pinkney. Three of these, Albert, Mary and Franklin, died in 1883 ; all of the otHers are still living. Warren's wife, known as Aunt Polly, also died in 1883. Having no money to start with, this old veteran had some difficulty in providing for his large family, and had to undergo many hardships, of which the men of to-day know nothing. For several years he tried farming on the rich land in the fork of Wolf and Cedar Creeks, but sickness in his family caused him to move out to a more healthful locaHty, and in 1835 he settled the place where he now lives, and his family enjoyed perfect health. He carried on a tannery here in connection with his farm, and made a very good living for his family.

education. By some means, he learned to read, write and rriake his figures, and thus equipped, he went forth into the world, and made a comfortable living. In the times of the militia musters, he was elected captain of a company in the county, and held that position with credit for many years. He joined the Primitive Baptists in 1840, and has been a very consistent member ever since, but was never an enthusiastic member. As he came to this county in 18 16, he is well acquainted with everything as it was then, and relates with pleasure the things of most interest to those in search of historical events. He went with Captain John H. Watts and Thomas Hill on their many explorations through the county, and was with them when they named many of the creeks in the county. He was in Fort Bibb in 18 18. He was personally acquainted with William P. Gardner, Daniel Shaw, Thomas Hinson, Captains William Butler and James Saffold, and saw them the morning when they started on their way to Fort Dale. Uncle Warren is now over 82 years old, and has lived to see a new country undergo the many changes necessary to bring it from the savage life to the highest stages of civilization and enlightenment. He has seen a country in all its virgin richness, yielding plants of every description in abundance, and has seen this prolific soil almost exhausted and worn out by long use. He has seen families grow, become prosperous and die ; seen towns build up and crumble under the wheels of time, and yet he