MAYOR JOHN WARNER

MAYOR  JOHN WARNER

NORMAN  V.  KELLY

 

In 1927 The street Peorians called WARNER was changed to South Jefferson since that area became a new traffic artery.  So John’s name was taken off in favor of Jefferson.  Of course people complained but the local government decided to do it and that was it.  We did have Warner Homes, so I guess old John did not slip completely back to oblivion.  John Warner was a renowned Democrat here in Peoria and served with distinction as a Colonel back in the days of the Civil War. He entered the army as a colonel in August. 1862 with the 108^th. Illinois Infantry. He fought in the battles of Chickasaws, among others and was in the siege of Vicksburg.  Upon his return he was honored as a hero and quickly found himself back in business and in the thick of local politics.

 

Way back when, John worked as a clerk in a Peoria Hotel operated by his father. He was an ambitious young man and before long he opened a clothing store and a men’s clothing store and still found time to be involved in the political workings of Peoria, Illinois. By 1927 Warner had served more time as mayor OF Peoria, Illinois than any other person in our history.

 

He was first elected our mayor in 1874 when the term lasted but one year.  He returned as mayor in 1875, 1878, 1879, 1880 and 1881.  Three years went by before he decided to run again and was elected in 1884.  Reelected the very next year, he got out of politics for a brief spell but was back as mayor in 1888. He was always active in other affairs of the town along with his very busy businesses that he maintained during his life here in town.  In 1892, he picked up his gavel once again.  He would serve two more times in 1897 and 1898, making him the record holder at thirteen times.

Mayor Edward Nelson Woodruff was a close second and later on from 1903 through 1945, with a total of eleven times.  However, Woodruff had two and four year terms while Warner’s were mostly one year terms.   To add to his career achievements John Warner was appointed Postmaster of Peoria in 1883, a position he held for only one year.

 

Warner was a true Peorian, his dedication to his city was without hesitation as he raised his family and looked after the city affairs most of his adult life.  He organized the city fire department, and worked hard and diligently to bring a modern library to town.  He championed many public building projects always the leader and always encouraging his fellow citizens. He was a member of several local organizations and lodges and when he retired from politics, folks still sought him out for advice and local community boards.  John Warner was a stellar person, and a man that loved his family, his country and his city.