Recapping, Thomas Coalter Warner (1800-1870) was the son of Col. Thomas Cargill Warner (1772-1833) and his wife Tabitha Cargill Warner (1776-1854). The lineage was detailed in Dr. E. Russ Williams, Jr.'s valuable book "Kinsmen All Descendants of Wettenhall Warner and Related Families," my sole source for this series of columns. A devout Methodist, Thomas Coalter Warner was married first to Jane Smith (1805-1846) and, after her death, he wed (in 1850) Martha Ann Seal who was born in 1811.
The eighth child of Thomas Coalter Warner was Eli Coalter Warner who, born in 1840, became a farmer at Warnerton. Before that, he served in Co. B, Edwards Guards, with the 16th Louisiana Infantry, during the Civil War. Serving with the Tennessee Army, he became a prisoner of war while fighting in Kentucky. After being paroled and returning home to Washington Parish, he was granted permission, from his captain, to stay on the farm where his elderly father needed his help as his brothers were fighting in the Confederacy. Eli married Cynthia Pigott (1847-1888), the daughter of Thomas and Nancy Pigott, on Christmas Day in 1866, and together, they had nine children. She remained a Baptist and was recognized by Dr. Williams as "a good wife and faithful mother." Following Cynthia's death, Eli married Mary Melissa Pope in 1889. There was no issue from the marriage. He married Lucy E. Warren in 1907. Eli is buried in the Warner Cemetery.
Dudley S. Warner (1842-1920) was the ninth child of Thomas Coalter Warner. His wife was Isabella (Belle) Belote, and the couple is buried in Texas where they lived at Antelope Gap. Though they had no children, they raised two children of Dolly Belote who was Belle's sister. And like his brothers, Dudley who was a farmer served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, enlisting at age 27. In a letter to his cousin Mrs. George Smith (the missive was owned by Mrs. Boyd Edwards of Jackson, Mississippi), he discussed his service with Hardy Richardson's Co. and John Slocum's Co., both out of Franklinton. After his wife Belle succumbed, Dudley resided with his brothers, going from one of their homes to the next as was typical in that day. And he was a prolific writer, writing newsy letters to family.
The tenth child of Thomas Coalter Warner and wife Jane Smith was Wilbur Pipkin "Pip" Warner (1844-1887). On June 20, 1862, in Washington Parish, Pip married Samantha Adelia "Deed" Magee. Similar to his brother Dudley, Pip was a farmer. He also served in the Confederate Army, enlisting at age 21. Pip and Deed had a passel of children - seven enumerated by Dr. E. Russ Williams, Jr., in his book "Kinsmen All Descendants of Wettenhall Warner and Related Families." Pip was very proud of his offspring as reflected in his own letter writing which emulated his brother Dudley's. Pip emphasized his children's excellence in their studies, including arithmetic, geography, history, and grammar.
His brother Dudley S. Warner relayed the news of Pip's passing in a letter, found on page 89 of Dr. E. Russ William's book, as follows:
"(Heading on Letter)
D. S Warner,
grower of early
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
For Northern Markets
FRUIT TREES OF MY OWN PROPAGATION FOR SALE
-Also Breeder of and Dealer in -
-* Fine Poultry, *-
LODI, MARION CO., ------------- TEXAS
7 - 13 87
Dear Sister Lena
I received your letter yesterday and hasten to reply. We are all well. Poor Pip left us last Wednesday the 7 - I said Poor Pip. Not so, he was a Child of God an Heir of Heaven and he is gone to that heavenly inheritance that home he has so often spoke of going to. He was perfectly rational to the last. Even after we thought that he would never look or speak again he whispered I AM GOING HOME, then he breathed his last. His voice was hushed His Beautiful Black Sparkling Eyes were closed. My hand was on his side when his Heart Beat its last and his Soul went to God who gave it. There to live with Pa ma Brothers & Sisters and three Dear Children. He left a message for me to send to you Eli & Dan it was for you to all meet him in Heaven. His family got here yesterday Pip wanted me to take care of his Family which I will certainly do His oldest & youngest are girls and the other two are boys there never was better children the youngest is about 12 years old the oldest 17 years old all good Christians and will doubtless be saved.
Fannie the oldest is a Beautiful girl and so lovely and affectionate though they are all that way. Leta Hettie & Shelton were with us. All are well. How is Mr. & Mrs. Graves! so often think of them. How good they always were to us I want to meet them in Heaven, and not only them but many others that lived in that country.
Aunt Milly's folks Lizie I lean & Stacy are on the old place tell them that I love them for their goodness and hope to meet them above Mrs. Christian Bickham her father Lemuel Lewis and all his family I loved him like a father and his children like Brothers and sisters I shall feel disappointed if I don't meet them in Heaven Jack Fortenberry Mary M , (remainder of letter missing.)"
