Biographical Sketch of Maj. James Warnick, Johnson County, Missouri Post Oak Township >From "The History of Johnson County, Missouri," Kansas City Historical Co. 1881 Maj. JAMES WARNICK. The worthy subject of this sketch was born Aug. 2, 1799. He married Siny P. Payton, daughter of John Payton, in Wilson county, Tenn., Nov. 13, 1823. For about two years after marriage they resided in Rutherford county, then removed to Henry county, where they remained about three years, and then returned to Wilson county, where they resided five years. In the spring of 1833, Mr. Warnick, with his family, started on the 16th day of April, for the state of Missouri, and arrived near Lexington in May. In the fall of the same year, he made a permanent settlement near the head waters of Post Oak Creek, about two miles southwest of the present village of Cornelia. Soon after settling here, the Osage Indians committed frequent depredations in the vicinity, and the militia were called out to drive the savages back upon their reservation. There were only three companies in Johnson county, and the captains were, James Warnick, John Ramsey and Capt. McCarty. The Indians were captured and removed beyond the settlements, after which the militia were disbanded. Going to mill in those early days was a difficult task, necessitating a journey to Grand River, twenty miles, or to Lexington, forty miles away, and then perhaps being compelled to wait from one to three days for his turn. During his prime of physical manhood Mr. Warnick not only made an imposing soldierly appearance, but possessed the qualities of a good officer; accordingly at one of the general musters held under the old militia law, he was elected Major of the regiment, and this was the origin of his present title. Maj. Warnick was called at one time into north Missouri, to aid in driving the troublesome Mormons from the state. The names of his eight children are: Robert N., Nancy Elizabeth, John P., William S., Margaret F., Matilda Jane, James H. and Siny E. Every member of this large and highly respected family is still living, the four sons living in the immediate neighborhood of their father, in the north part of Post Oak township. His wife departed this life Dec. 28, 1876, at the ripe age of 71 years. She was in many respects a remarkable woman, having shared with her husband all the privations and toils of a pioneer life, reared a large and useful family, was the sunshine and joy of the household, a kind mother, loving wife, and an exemplary Christian. Maj. W. has been a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for upwards of sixty years, and what is remarkable, his children and their children as soon as they have advanced to maturity, have united with the same Christian denomination. The direct lineal descendants of this worthy pair have reached the number of one hundred, and what is a source of greatest satisfaction in his declining years, is that they have become among the most respected and worthy citizens of the township and county. Maj. Warnick is now living with his son James H., and although his bodily vigor is somewhat impaired by many years of active labor and usefulness, his mental faculties are still strong, and he enjoys the society of friends and fluently converses upon the scenes of early days in Post Oak and Johnson county. Under his observation, and to a great extent under his care and influence, has grown up the Christian community, the social and political standing of his own township, and the county at large. May the worthy example which this sturdy Christian pioneer character of more than four score years has left, be the attainment of all who shall follow him. Probably no man has been more thoroughly identified with, or more generally known in the early affairs of Post Oak township, than Maj. Warnick, and no family of greater influence than the Warnick family. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Bill Pennington ====================================================================