M.W. Henry Orange Warner 1894-1895

Henry Orange Warner

Second only to Brother Lockwood in his efforts for the Masonic Home was Henry O. Warner. Born in New Milford August, 18, 1834, his education was obtained in the schools of his native town, at the Nine Partners in New York and at the High School in New Britain.

At the age of 16 years he was called upon to assist in the management of his father's farm and during his 17th and 18th years he took charge of a school during the winters, attending to the farm work during the summer months. At the death of his father he became owner of one of the farms his father had owned and immediately took up the culture of tobacco. This venture proved quite successful and subsequently he built a large tobacco warehouse on Railroad Street in New Milford. Here he engaged in the buying and packing of tobacco and at the same time maintained another warehouse in Hartford. Mr. Warner was instrumental in seeing that New Milford had an adequate water supply and for a number of years served as Superintendent of the New Milford Water Company. Mr. Warner also was extensively engaged in live stock raising, breeding full-blooded Holstein cattle and blooded horses. He owned some of the finest trotting horses produced in the County of Litchfield.

Raised in St. Peter's Lodge, No. 21, April 18, 1865, he guided its destinies as Master for the years 1871 through 1874 and 1887 and 1888. Becoming a Royal Arch Mason in 1870 as a member of Ousatonic Chapter, No. 33, he served as High Priest in 1898 and 1899.

Starting as Grand Senior Steward in 1890 he progressed rapidly until he reached the Grand East in 1894 and 1895. The latter was the year 'of the starting of our Home. .As a constant attendant at the meetings of the Board of Managers in his capacity as Vice President, it was eminently fitting that he should succeed to the Presidency at the death of Brother Luke A. Lockwood.

His death occurred May 8, 1909. The commital was in charge of the Grand Lodge, M. W. Weston G. Granniss officiating.

His warm and personal friend, Brother Granniss, says of him:
"as Grand Master at its dedication (the Home), his efforts were untiring and much of its present success may be traced to his efforts. Kind of heart, gentle in manner, studious for the welfare of all enterprises in which he was engaged, his long life was studded with the results which make for the betterment of mankind in general and of the Order which was his pride in particular."

His picture appears in the Proceedings of 1895 and 1910.