Levi G. Warren

Wabash Valley profiles : a series of tributes to hometown heroes who have made a difference

Description:	One typed page including portrait; biography of Levi Gale Warren, Terre Haute businessman. ABASH VALLEY WP R O F I L E SA series of tributes to hometown heroes who have made a difference.Levi G. War renOne of three brothers who made a profound impact on the community, Levi Gale Warren was the product of an abundant family legacy. He was born Jan. 31, 1816, at Adams Centre, Jefferson County, N.Y., the son of Bernard M. and Abigal (Gale) Warren. The Warrens moved to Vigo County in 1820, situating first at Markle Mill and then in Fayette Township. However, when Bernard Warren died in 1820, Abigal relocated with the two youngest boys -- Levi and William -- to Shelbyville, Ind. Chauncey Warren, Levis 21-year-old half brother, chose to stay, securing a job as clerk at Chauncey Roses general store at Roseville in Parke County. Rose & Warren moved to Terre Haute in 1823 and Chauncey Warren acquired Roses interest in 1832. Two years later, he convinced Levi and William to join him in the Terre Haute dry goods business. When Chauncey was forced to retire in 1841 due to a chronic eye disease, Levi and William acquired his business interest. For several years, the Warren brothers also engaged in pork packing with Alexander McGregor. Described as firm, squarebuilt and handsome, Levi was a bachelor until his late thirties but maintained a fashionable residence on North Fourth Street south of Cherry. Earning universal respect in business dealings, he was active in community affairs and among the organizers of Terre Hautes first Hook and Ladder Company. On April 15, 1840, the organizational meeting for St. Stephens Church was held at his home. When Levi married Martha Ellen Clark, a native of Virginia, on Sept. 28, 1854, the couple acquired a large farm south of town, soon to be known as Warren Park. Three daughters -- Sallie, Jessie and Mary Alice -- were born of the marriage, but Martha died April 15, 1863, at age 35. A director of the State Bank of Indiana, Warren was elected president of the banks Terre Haute branch (a predecessor of Terre Haute First National Bank) in 1853. In March 1865 he was elected president of the First National Bank of Terre Haute upon the death of Demas Deming Sr. However, he was suddenly stricken ill and died on June 29, 1865, at age 49, after serving only three months. His death was called a public calamity. He and his wife are interred in the elegant Warren mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery. After Levis death, Chauncey and Frances (Modesitt) Warren raised Levi and Marthas children. Daughter Sallie and her husband, William Putnam Ijams, transformed Warren Park into one of the finest horse farms in the Midwest. It was the home of Axtell and Axworthy, two immortal members of the Hall of Fame of the Trotter. Warren Park is now the site of Honey Creek Mall.TERRE HAUTE(812) 238-6000NATIONAL BANKAlways Close to HomeRide the Terre Haute buses FREE the FIRST FRIDAY of every month, compliments of Terre Haute First National Bank.FR ride bus EEFRIDAY
Origin:	2002-02-24
Created By:	McCormick, Mike
Publisher:	Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/645
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Warren, Levi Gale, 1816-1865 Business people Bankers Business & Industry People

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